Getting to Nootka Sound

There two ways to get to the lodge in Nootka Sound.  You can drive in to Cougar Creek Campsite where we pick you up for a short 5 minute boat trip to the lodge.  Or you can also hire one of the many local float plane operators to fly you right up to the lodges docks and front door. 

Drive In

Follow signs from your starting point to the city of Campbell River. Once in Campbell River follow the signs to Gold River which will put you onto Hwy #28. This is a scenic 89 km (55 mile) one hour drive. (all paved) You will pass Campbell Lake, Snakehead lake, Gooseneck Lake, Upper Campbell Lake and Buttle Lake. You will also travel through Strathcona Provincial Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife. I've seen elk, deer, black bear and even cougars along the road on my travels in and out of the area over the years. You should know there is no cell phone service shortly after leaving Campbell River on Hwy #28.

Once you arrive at the intersection at the town of Gold River carry on straight through. This will take you on towards Tahsis and road signs will confirm this. From this point on while still on public roads you may encounter large logging and transport trucks which also use this road seven days a week. Plan ahead and give them plenty of room as they pass. In a few minutes you will cross over a bridge and then turn left. (road signs say to Tahsis) You will take the next right, again still heading towards Tahsis. You now stay on this road for approximately 23 km. (30 to 45 minutes) Watch for a sign that says "Nesook Dump". There are a few smaller signs there as well including Cougar Creek and Chinootka Lodge. ( If you get to the Conuma Fish Hatchery you have gone too far and have missed the turn off to Nesook) Turn left here and follow the road to the Nesook log dump (20 minutes) drive slowly through the log dump area. The road will lead you left through their maintenance yard and then on another 10 to 15 minutes to the Cougar Creek Campsite. The campsite is marked with a sign and you will be able to see the vehicles, beach and the dock.

Check in with the campground attendant to make arrangements for parking. You can back your vehicle down onto the boat ramp and right beside the dock. We can toss your gear onto the dock right from the back of your vehicle. My boat is tied up just a few feet down the docks in the loading zone. Once we have your gear on board and your car is parked it is a short 5 minute boat ride over to the lodge.

• Victoria to Campbell River - 3 hours
• Nanaimo to Campbell River - 1 1/2 hours
• Campbell River to Gold River - 1 hour
• Gold River to Cougar Creek Campsite - 1 hour

B.C. Ferries (Vancouver to Victoria & Vancouver to Nanaimo)

Don't miss your boat	Gulf Islands and Active Pass

The most convenient and most popular with hourly (7am till 9pm) sailings during the summer months and every 2 hours off season is B.C. Ferries. B.C. Ferries operates the largest vessels that can carry up to 470 vehicles and 2,100 passengers. Ferries boast a buffet style restaurant, cafeteria, coffee bar, vending, gift shop, staterooms, video arcades and work stations. Routes to the Island depart from either Tsawwassen (Vancouver) near the US border (20 minutes from Blaine Washington and just off Interstate #5) and arrive at Swartz Bay or Departure Bay. (Victoria & Nanaimo)  Ferries also depart from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) bound for Nanaimo.  All routes are approximately 1 ½ hours hours sailing time. The Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay is the most scenic route as you transit through the Gulf Islands and Active Pass. (pictured on this page) Check out the B.C. Ferry website for complete details!
For a small fee you can call ahead and make a reservation (preferred sailing) and guarantee your spot on a sailing. You will be required to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to loading.

BlackBall Ferry (Port Angeles to Victoria) A car and passenger ferry connecting Port Angeles Washington with downtown Victoria. A year round service with 2 daily sailings during the off season and 4 sailings daily during the summer. (May 16-Sept.30) Crossing time is about 95 minutes. You should plan on arriving at the terminal well in advance of sailing times to ensure getting aboard the sailing of your choice.

Washington State Ferries (Anacortes to Sidney) A car and passenger ferry service connecting Vancouver Island from Anacortes Washington. This ferry departs Anacortes Washington and stops on several of the San Juan Islands before reaching Sidney on Vancouver Island. Crossing time is just over 2 hours and sailings are once per day during the off season and twice daily during the summer. This ferry carries 160 vehicles and can carry 2500 passengers. On-board facilities include an upper deck galley, restrooms and an elevator. You should plan on arriving at the terminal well in advance of sailing times to ensure getting aboard the sailing of your choice.

Flying Here

Another popular way to get to the lodge is to hire a float plane and get dropped off and picked up right at the docks.   There are many local  float plane companies offering private charter flights from most Vancouver Island and lower mainland locations.   You can connect to your float plane right at the seaplane terminal at the Vancouver International Airport or drive to Campbell River and take the short hop over to Nootka Sound from there.   Most carriers if using the reliable De Havilland Beavers can easily handle 4 guests and their gear on each plane.   

Nootka Sound Fishing Charters
836 Rockheights Ave., Victoria  BC CANADA   V9A 6J4
Phone: (250) 380-7018    E-mail: SSCL@shaw.ca