Gold River
Head West for Adventures at Sea and in the Deep
The village of Gold River is located between the Gold and Heber Rivers that flow into Nootka Sound. Originally founded in 1965 to support the logging industry, this relatively new community has seen its share of changes.
Today, Gold River is better known as a natural recreational paradise with boundless opportunities for ocean adventures, hiking, caving, mountain biking, and historical exploration around and on Nootka Island.
Historic Sights and Impressive Beauty
Explore Far and Wide
The deep-sea dock located at the terminus of the Gold River is a great place to begin a Nootka Sound adventure. It’s the home port to the MV Uchuck III, seaplane services, water taxi services, and the launching point for kayak and sports fishing enthusiasts. Gold River is a recognized gateway to some of the most varied and plentiful fishing grounds on the west coast of Canada.
One of the main attractions down at the dock is the historic MV Uchuck III, a converted US minesweeper that offers regularly scheduled excursions to remote communities throughout Nootka Sound and along the seemingly impossibly rugged West Coast.
A Place Steeped in Rich History
Meet the People, Hear the Stories
A popular destination for visitors to this area is the Village of Yuquot (Friendly Cove), on nearby Nootka Island. Now a National Historic Site, it is where English explorer Captain James Cook first landed on the Pacific Coast in 1778 and traded with the Mowachaht people.
Later, the Spanish arrived and built a fort near the village. Many artifacts from these times have been collected and displayed by local First Nations. The old church has an interpretive centre, and an extensive trail system nearby helps visitors understand the historical significance of Yuquot.
A Natural Paradise
By Land, the Air, and Sea
Gold River continues to impress anglers with consistently large and lengthy runs of Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Chum Salmon. Boaters and kayakers can enjoy the sheltered waters of Nootka Sound or venture off-shore for truly wild, west coast fishing or marine wildlife adventures.
You will also find boundless opportunities for wildlife on land. Whales, black bears, eagles and elk thrive in this pristine wilderness, and the area’s warm summers inspire camping, kayaking and hiking in the bordering Strathcona and Gold Muchalat Provincial Parks.
The Cave Capital of Canada
It’s Time to Go Deep
Each year, hundreds of new visitors discover why north-central Vancouver Island is considered “The Cave Capital of Canada.” 17 kilometres from Gold River, the Upana Caves are easily accessible and offer novices a safe, self-guided introduction to the sport of spelunking. They are celebrated as the deepest caves north of Mexico.
Whether you are seeking a day-trip or a longer excursion, there is plenty to do in and around Gold River.
