a kayak - Wavelength Paddling Magazine

Rugged Pt. 9
The BC Marine Trail
Map continues north on page 21
Jurrasic Pt.
Tatchu Pt. 9
Yellow Bluff
There’s a magical sense of history in Nootka
Sound, highlighted by the quaint little church at
Yuquot. Step into the foyer and you’ll see stained
glass windows donated by the Spanish government
to commemorate Spain’s role here that included the
only Spanish military fort in Canada. Step inside the
church and you’ll see some fantastic totems.
You can visit here by paddle, of course, through
relatively protected waters. Advanced kayakers will
relish the outer shores of Nootka Island, the largest
island off the Vancouver Island coast. For those who
wish to see this spectacular coast but prefer land,
there is the Nootka Trail, one of the lesser known
major coastal hikes, which runs the shore from Louie
Bay to Yuquot, with a few tough headlands between
beaches thrown in for good measure.
Similar to most other regions, Nootka Sound
offers numerous access points to a diverse range of
attractions, which vary from the storm-thrashed reefs
of Nuchatlitz Provincial Park to the more protected
waters of the Spanish Pilot Group.
One of the great features of this area is the
greater range of options available, from cottage
accommodation in Nuchatlitz or water taxis from
Zeballos or Tahsis to regular scheduled freight and
boat passenger runs from Gold River to Yuquot and
beyond. Getting here need not be a hardship, though
paddling brings the greatest rewards.
Kayaking past Rosa Island in Nuchatlitz
Provincial Park, with Catala Island,
Tatchu Point and the rugged outer
coast in the distance. Inset: a totem
in the quaint Yuquot church.
u Trail guide preview: Nootka Sound and island
Access points: The main recreational hub for central
Nootka Sound is Cougar Creek, a recreational campground
and boat launch that is seasonally very busy. Fees apply.
Gold River is too distant along Muchalat Inlet for quick trips,
but is the base for the freight and passenger service Uchuck
III for transport into the sound and beyond. Access to the
north is possible from either Tahsis or Zeballos. Both are
popular and convenient gateways to Nuchatlitz or Catala
Island, with water taxis available at both communities. A
popular launch point for self-directed trips is the bridge
between Little Espinosa and Espinosa Inlets.
Short trips: From Cougar Creek a journey up Hisnit or
Tlupana inlets is a great introduction to the mountain
scenery of the area, particularly the cliffs of Perpendicular
Bluff in Tlupana. The area has several resorts that cater
mainly to fishing groups but will likely accommodate
kayakers. This enables base trips in the vicinity of the
Spanish Pilot Group. Inflow and outflow winds can actually
aid day trips – ride the outflows in the morning and the
inflows in the afternoon, if conditions are favorable. Of
course, beware variations and best to plan to travel early
before the day’s winds rise.
Moderate trips: The Spanish Pilot Group and Bligh Island
offer an option away from the open ocean swell, with limited
24 COAST&KAYAK MAGAZINE SPRING 2011