Hiking & Provincial Parks
Via boat we will take you to a variety of hiking destinations. Explore the many beautiful sandy beaches and the wind swept terrain of our coastal shoreline. Venture inland through enchanted old growth forests where the ground lay covered by moss, ferns and lichen. Follow a rushing river or climb a mountain to capture a view of the surrounding area indented with inlets and islands first explored over 200 years ago. Whatever your level, there's a trail for you.
The Nootka Trail (38km):
Established in 1962 this leisurely 5 - 6 day hike is undeveloped with pristine historical nature sites. You can watch sea otters at play near Maquinna Point and view Gray Whales off Bajo Point on your travel between Louie Bay and Yuquot, (Friendly Cove). Let us deliver and pick you up at either end of the trail at pre-arranged times. Rated as a good fitness level hike as it is a remote beach walk without fees or reservations. VHF loan is included with Transportation to the trail.
The Zeballos Trail (5km):
A new hike from the beautiful little town of Zeballos to the Zeballos River. We transport you to the Zeballos wharf where you enjoy an impressive hike to the river. This hike involves some gradual steep inclines over hilltops. We pick you up at the alder layden mouth of the Little Zeballos River.
Tahsis Lookout Trail:
What a wonderful view from the mountain behind Tahsis. Look straight out towards the Pacific Ocean down Tahsis Inlet. During the summer there are meadows of wildflowers for a breathtaking display across our local canvas. A variable hike which can be partially covered by vehicle for those who are less aggressive.
Provincial Parks:
Our lodge is conveniently located in close proximity to five Provincial Parks. Multiple parks can be visited in one day while it is worth the time to explore others alone for the entire tour. If going on land in any of these parks, please use the 'no trace' approach.
Bligh Island Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
This tour offers a great day on the water. Enjoy a scenic cruise down Tahsis Inlet to historic Bligh Island Provincial Park, used extensively by the Mowachaht First Nation people and still remains a part of their traditional territory. Resolution Cove on Bligh Island is named after Captain James Cook's ship, which brought him to Bligh Island in 1778. Soon after this area became a major center for international fur trading. Watch for bear, wolf and cougar along the shore as you encounter whale, otter, seal and sea lion in their natural habitat at the mouth of Nootka Sound.
Catala Island Marine Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
Visit this mystic island which eluded coverage during the last ice age. Travel in comfort down Esperanza Inlet to the outer west coast and enjoy a beach lunch at this provincial marine park. Discover the island's flora and fauna as well as the marine ecosystems. Your guide may take a moment on route to set prawn or crab traps for the evening appetizers or take you into Mary Basin and Nuchatlahts Provincial Park.
Nuchatlahts Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
Located on the Northwesternmost tip of Nootka Island, this park is a protected area of sea otter habitat.Your experienced guide will charter through rocky waters of inter tidal and marine environments to view these once highly priced mammals for their fur. Established in 1996, this park protects a great diversity of west coast flora and fauna as well as the rebirth of the sea otter. A special safari is to kayak amoungst the kelp beds, sandy shores of small island and the entertaining sea otters. Watch Momma teach the young ones and delight in their play!
Rugged Point Marine Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
For the more adventurous safari guest, this park is accessed through the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located on the south side of Kyuquot Channel, this park tour is not for the faint of heart. However, the spectacular scenery is well worth the effort. The trip will take a full day from the lodge, down Esperanza Inlet, past Catala Island, north to Rugged Point and back again. A terrific safari for those who like to beachcomb and enjoy the sea air. Feel the invigorating west coast in action!
Santa-Boca Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
Short for Santa Gertrudis-Boca Del Infierno Provincial Park, this park is just north of Yuquot (Friendly Cove) and has very close proximity to its eastern neighbor, Bligh Island Provincial Park. Santa-Boca boasts old growth west coast forests with well protected anchorages in Nootka Sound. There are First Nations archaeological sites as well as evidence of European exploration and settlements.
