Off the Beaten Path

Our fleet of floatplanes make it easy to get to some of the most remote hiking locations. We offer many different hikes including overnight hikes and day hikes. Custom hikes are also available. See more below for specific hike information.

We sell the John Baldwin, waterproof/tearproof maps of the Nootka Island, Hesquiat, and Tatchu trails for $25.00, all taxes and fees included Available for purchase in office or we can also drop one in the mail for you.

Full Hikes:

Nootka Island Trail

Hesquiat Trail

Tatchu Trail

Half Hikes:

Hot Springs Cove

Friendly Cove

Distance and Duration: 35km with options 4-6 days.

Air Nootka is recognized as the official carrier for transporting hikers to the Nootka Island Trail, offering a convenient and reliable service that provides easy access to the trailhead than any other transportation option. The flight will leave from the base in Gold River, fly down the Muchalat Inlet to Nootka Sound, and then out to the west coast of Nootka Island.

The pilot will fly you over the length of the Nootka Island Trail, so you can see the marvels that ​await you on your hike. You'll be dropped off at Louie Lagoon, also known as Starfish Lagoon, which is the start of the trail. The trapped waters of Louie Lagoon yield an excellent protected landing area, only accessible by floatplane. A 45 minute hike along a flagged path through the rainforest brings hikers to the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean at Third Beach. Many people like to plan to spend at least a day at the spectacular Calvin Falls, while others plan some time at the end of the hike to visit Friendly Cove (Yuquot). 

It is possible to do the trail in reverse however pick-up at Louie Lagoon sometimes needs to be done in more than one trip due to the short “runway”. In this case extra charges will be incurred.

Air Nootka sells the waterproof - tearproof John Baldwin maps for $25.00 all taxes and fees included.

Distance and Duration: 50km with options 4-6 days. 

The Hesquiat trail is becoming very popular with hikers wanting to experience the beautiful West Coast wilderness. Air Nootka will drop you off on the beach at Escalante for the start of your trip. The hike ends at the historic Cougar Annie's Gardens where you will get a guided tour with Peter Buckland. Pick up is at Hesquiat Lake.

The following is an except from Philip Stone's chapter on the Hesquiat Peninsula from his book Coastal Hikes - A Guide to West Coast Hiking Trails in British Columbia and Washington State.

Air Nootka sells the waterproof - tearproof Philip Stone maps for $25.00 all taxes and fees included.

"What sets the Hesquiat Peninsula hike aside from most treks is that almost the entire 50km hike is along the shore. There are only a handful of short sections of forest concentrated at both ends and the fact that there are very few significant cliffs or other obstacles. The geology of the shoreline is remarkable throughout with expansive tidal shale rock shelves, wild sculptured conglomerate and sandstone formations, endless boulder fields and stunning sandy and pebble beaches that run for miles. Much of the land on the Hesquiat Peninsula is now Provincial park from Escalante Point all the way around to Hot Springs Cove which is part of Maquinna Marine Park. This region is the ancestral home of the Hesquiat First Nation who are part of the west coast Nuu-chah-nulth people. The Hesquiat have an indelible relationship with the land and sea of their territory. Points of interest along the route include the beaches at Escalante, Estevan Point lighthouse, Hesquiat village, beaches around Anton's Spit and Cougar Annies's Garden in Boat Basin. The Hesquiat trail is one of the least trodden paths along the coast of Vancouver Island, but destined to become one of the most popular.”

RATES & FEES

Private Charters

- Depart Gold River to Escalante Point -
* For safety reasons, we ONLY land at Escalante Point in the Beaver.
Beaver (1-6 passengers): $819.00 CAD

- Return from Hesquiat Lake to Gold River -
Cessna (1-3 passengers): $598.50 CAD
Beaver (4-6 passengers): $819.00 CAD

*all taxes and fees included

Cougar Annie's Garden Fee
To arrange your tour of Cougar Annie's Garden, or to check on availability and terms of renting cabins of Boat Basin Foundation, please enquire through boatbasinfoundation@gmail.com. Information regarding the Cougar Annie's Garden and the Temperate Rainforest Field Study Centre is provided on www.boatbasin.org.

Distance and Duration: 32km with options 4-6 days. ​

The Tatchu Trail is a newer coastal hike which begins with Air Nootka dropping you off at either Port Eliza or Rugged Point. From there it is a 4-5 day hike through the spectacular beauty of the remote coastal wilderness. This hike is becoming popular with those who have hiked other west coast hikes and it is on par with the degree of difficulty found on the Nootka Island Trail and the Hesquiat Trail. ​

Philip Stone map available for $25.00 all taxes and fees included.

Hot Springs Cove is a truly special place. Air Nootka will drop you off at the Maquinna Marine Park Wharf where you begin with a magical 30-45 minute walk along well maintained boardwalk through old growth forest to the hot springs themselves. Once there you can spend the day soaking in the natural rock pools which vary from very hot at the top where the water comes out in a small waterfall to comfortably warm nearer to the ocean. There are shelters, a changing area, and outdoor toilets for your convenience. Water sandals are highly recommended as the rocks in and around the pools are quite slippery.

There is an Ahousaht First Nation Stewardship fee of $20 per person. This fee is to be paid online at www.mhhahousaht.ca

Give an experience as a gift!
This flight is a great gift idea. Call for Gift Certificate options.

Fly & Float to Friendly Cove

Join Air Nootka and Get West Adventure Cruises for a day at Friendly Cove! Beginning June and running through summer. 

One of the highlights of taking Air Nootka to Friendly Cove, is that you get there before the ship shows up with the crowds allowing you to explore the beaches, where the infamous Captain Cook landed, the lighthouse, & the Mowachat Muchalaht First Nations Church without a ton of people around.. You will then board the MV Uchuck III mid afternoon for the return cruise to Gold River. 

Hike More, Worry Less

Let Air Nootka plan your next epic hiking adventure.