Getting Here
Pacific Safaris is located on the north side of secluded Nootka Island. We are centrally located to the wilderness & fishing grounds of Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound.
Scenic transportation to and from Safari Lodge is available between the port communities of Campbell River and Comox/Courtenay, or Tahsis, Zeballos and Gold River on Vancouver Island. Air transportation from Vancouver, Victoria, Campbell River, Comox/Courtenay or Tofino, B.C. and Seattle, WA is also available.
Pacific Safaris Lodge by Car
Making your way to Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound is an inspiring trip in itself. The landscape and wildlife sightings found across Vancouver Island are simply breathtaking. For those who are driving themselves or bringing their own boats (BYOBoaters), we suggest getting to "The Rock" via BC Ferries on the Tsawwassen-Duke Point Route. It is also suggested that for travel in July or August that you make a ferry reservation to confirm your plans.
BYO Boaters will need to know the total length of their tow vehicle with boat & trailer and if it's over the height of 7 ft. before making their reservation. The same credit card used to process the reservation will be requested at the terminal check in. Reservations can be made by phoning 1-888-724-5223 in BC, and (604) 444-2890 outside BC. For website reservations click here.
Average travel time for driving to Tahsis from:
- Campbell River is 2.5-3 hours
- Comox/Courtenay is 3.5-4 hours
- Nanaimo is 5-5.5 hours
- Vancouver is 7-8 hours from ferry departure
- Seattle is 10-11 hours
Please allow for fuel/snacks breaks. Watch for wildlife en route!
Ground Transportation Links
- National Car Rental | 1-800-227-7368
- Budget Car Rental (Global) | 1-800-404-8033
- Budget Car Rental (Canada) | 1-800-668-9833
Pacific Safaris Lodge by Boat
Some larger BYOBoaters are launching their boats in Gold River. The boat ride from Gold River to Safari Lodge is about the same travel time as by vehicle. Co-ordinates for The Safari Lodge are Lat. 49° 50' 756 N and Long. 126° 43' 344 W. Charts include #3676 Esperanza Inlet, #3675 Nootka Sound & #3682 Kyuquot. Pacific Safaris lies within the Department of Fisheries Area 25. This area and Pacific Safaris Lodge stands by on Ch.6 VHF. Travel from Duke Point to Campbell River is faster on the Inland Island Hwy.19. If you have ample time the Oceanside Route Hwy. 19A is very scenic but of a much slower pace, especially towing a boat. On the north side of Campbell River, follow the signs to Gold River & Tahsis on Hwy. 28. Some boaters may want to launch in Gold River and have the truck & trailer driven the 64 km / 50 miles of good unpaved road to Tahsis. Read above for average travel times (not towing a boat).
Sea Transportation Links
- BC Ferries | 1-888-223-3779
- Washington State Ferries | (206) 464-6400
Pacific Safaris Lodge by Air
Plane is the quickest and easiest way to get here. Sound Flight flies direct to Tahsis from Renton on Lake Washington. Kenmore Air flies direct to Campbell River from Seattle and Vancouver.
A pre-arranged vehicle rental is the most economical route from Comox/Courtenay or Campbell River airports... and proves a wonderful beginning to your wilderness adventure with us. Please Contact us for help with travel arrangments if required.
From USA (Seattle)
- Kenmore Air - Seattle to Campbell River | 1-800-543-9595
- Sound Flight - Seattle to Tahsis | 1-866-921-3474
From Canada
- Pacific Coastal Air - Vancouver to Campbell River | 1-800-663-2872
- Central Mountain Air- Vancouver to Campbell River | 1-888-865-8585
- WestJet - Edmonton & Calgary to Comox | 1-888-937-8538
From Canada - Charter Seaplanes
- Harbour Air Seaplanes - Charters | 1-800-663- 4267
- Vancouver Island Air - Carters | 1-877-331-2433
- Tofino Airlines - Charters | 1-866-486-3247
- Air Nootka - Charters | (250) 283-2255
