Nootka Sound is northwest of Victoria on the west side of Vancouver Island. It is approximately 45 miles (70 km) north of Tofino. From Gold River to Tahsis you can travel to points in Nootka Sound and neighbouring Kyuquot Sound to the north on the MV Uchuck III, a converted minsweeper that carries passengers, freight and kayakers into the sound.

The Gold River Highway 28 runs the width of central Vancouver Island, linking Campbell River on the east coast with Gold River and Nootka Sound on the rugged and windswept Pacific coast.

By air:

There are several options to get to Nootka Sound by air: fly to Campbell River and then rent a car and drive the scenic route or fly directly to Tahsis or Muchalet Inslet.

• From Seattle: Sound Flight flies direct to Tahsis from Renton on Lake Washington. You can also fly with Kenmore Air.

• From Vancouver and Alberta: Air Nootka flies from Vancouver and Campbell River to Muchalet Inlet.  Or you could fly from Vancouver to Campbell River by Westjet Airlines  and then fly Air Nootka from Campbell River to Muchalet Inlet. You can also contact:
  • Vancouver Island Air (Charter Only) 1-877-331-2433
  • Pacific Coastal1-800-663-2872 - serves the Campbell River airport from Vancouver International
  • Air Canada - serves Vancouver International Airport
  • Central Mountain Air 1-888-865-8585 - serves the Campbell River airport from other cities in British Columbia and Alberta
  • Tofino Airlines - 1-866-486-3247
  • HeliJet Airways - Vancouver to Campbell River 1-800-665-4354
  • Pacific Coastal Air - Vancouver to Campbell River 1-800-663-2872

By car:

• From Vancouver: take a  ferry to Nanaimo and drive north on Hwy 19 to Campbell River. Follow the directions from Campbell River.

• From Victoria: drive north on Hwy 19 to Campbell River. Follow the directions from Campbell River.

• From Campbell River : From the north end of Campbell River, turn West and take Hwy. 28 to Gold River. Once in Gold River you will see a Travel Info Centre, and the large Boot sculpture. At this point, follow the road and watch for the signs directing you to Tahsis. A left turn will take you into Gold River for a rest stop and gas. About 3 kilometers past the Gold River Travel Info Centre, the "Tree to Sea Drive" to Tahsis begins. The road is 63.5 km (approximately 40 miles) and driving time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Ground Transportation Links

• National Car Rental 1-800-227-7368
• Budget Car Rental 1-800-668-9833