Wilderness Surfing on Nootka Island - Discover A Secluded Paradise
Hard-core, super-experienced surfer? Nootka Island is where you'll want to head to! This is where you'll find pure wilderness surfing adventures. This location is a remote wilderness island (about halfway up) off the west coast of northern Vancouver Island. Getting there requires a short "jaunt" off Vancouver Island, but this little trip will NOT disappoint you. The wild west coast of Nootka Island is absolutely gorgeous and remote. With about 40 kilometres of empty breaks, this hidden wilderness gem is a surfer's dream come true! Water temperatures are said to be identical to the waters of northern California. Nootka’s outer reefs are known for their consistent wave action. Surfers encounter some pretty big barrelling waves and giant swells. And it's here that you'll find empty and open surfing. You can actually have days out here surfing without seeing another human, wondering if you've been stranded on a deserted island. No crowds here - anytime. This is truly a remote wilderness surfing experience. Best Times and Places To Surf
Everyone advises the best time to surf Nootka Island is spring and fall. Stay away from Nootka in the winter (extremely rough/dangerous weather). The summer isn't great as it just doesn't see the wave action.For the best surf spots, head out to Calvin Bay or Bajo Point to find the big waves. They're on the west side of the Island. How To Get To Nootka IslandGetting to Nootka Island is half the adventure itself! Access to Nootka is only by seaplane or by boat.Although you can take a seaplane (Air Nootka), we think the best way to go - and cheaper - is by boat. The BIG advantage, is that the boat drop off point on Nootka puts you right at the trailhead where you have to hike in to reach the surfing. HERE'S WHERE TO FIND THE BOAT... On Vancouver Island, take Highway 19 (the main Inland Highway)and head north to Campbell River. Stay on the highway and just follow the signs that turn you west to Gold River (it'll be highway 28). The distance is 91 km (57 miles), or about a one-hour drive. Once you arrive in the quiet Village of Gold River, the boat you'll want is the M.V. Uchuck (operated by Nootka Sound Service Ltd.) It's docked just a short drive south of the Village. Look for the signs that point you to Government Wharf. Plenty of parking just before the dock. The M.V. Uchuck is a 136-foot passenger and freight vessel that's a converted World War II mine-sweeper! It does passenger (and cargo) runs on regular schedules year-round from Gold River to Nootka Island. To find out more about their service, Click Here to visit the Nootka Sound Service web site . NOTE: Best to phone ahead, to make sure of their schedule, and to make a reservation - so they'll save a spot for you. Call for information and reservations at: (250) 283-2325 or try(250) 283-2515.
WHEN YOU GET THERE... The drop off point (and pickup) for the M.V. Uchuck is the southwest tip of Nootka Island, at Yuquot (Friendly Cove). However, from this drop off point, you're looking at a hugely long hike to get to the surf location - about 8 hours! So you should be a fairly good hiker too. Make sure you're prepared for it by wearing good hiking boots and proper clothes. The end of the trail opens up pretty much at Bajo Point - where you want to be. Surf shacks are available at the end of the hike.
Where To StaySurf in the wild Pacific and sleep under the stars! How about saying goodnight in a treehouse? Here's how to have the ultimate surf adventure like no other...
Tatchu Surf Adventures is one place we highly recommend you stay at for your wilderness surfing vacation. They've got some pretty good surfing adventure packages, guided surf camps, all-women surf camps and other special adventure tours. We love the wild accommodations - treehouses (yes, actually up in the trees!) to stay in - and you'll have sweeping views of the Pacific. Surf packages include organic meals made on-site. Definitely check them out.
Remember: We're recommending Nootka Island for only those very experienced surfers. If you're one of those, then Nootka awaits you! Keep safe and have a great surfing adventure!
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