Tahsis
Tahsis is a small unspoiled oceanside community on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Though
Tahsis resides on a protected inlet, it is a close jumping off place to the rugged west coast and it's
fabulous opportunities for outdoor adventure and world class fishing for Snapper, Salmon, Coho, Ling
Cod or Halibut.
Steeped in British Columbia history, Tahsis is 19 sea miles from Friendly Cove and Bligh Island, where In
1778 Captain James Cook landed and made first contact with the local aboriginals, the Mowachaht
people. Nootka Island's Friendly Cove was the location of their ancestral village and summertime
residence; Tahsis (meaning 'Gateway') was the wintering grounds for the tribe.
Tahsis has something for everyone who loves the west coast rainforest, from a leisurely historical
walking tour of the town to extreme kayaking and surfing on the west coast of Nootka Island and Kyuquot
Sound. The area abounds with hiking trails, diving and surfing sites, caves, wildlife, and scenic vistas.
The Nootka Sound in particular is very popular with scuba divers, surfers, canoers and kayakers as the
area has a range of protected inlet waterways and rugged open coastline. The Nootka Trail is being
discovered by International Hikers as a challenging 4 to 6 day hike comparable to the West Coast Trail.
There is a large network of caverns in Tahsis and Thanksgiving Cave is the longest in British Columbia
at 5.47 kilometers (3.4 miles). The Upana caves, formed by an underground river, are 150 meters long.
Hike or enjoy beachcombing along West Bay Park, walk through remote forests filled with wildlife
including Roosevelt elk, songbirds, deer, eagles, geese, and bear or hop aboard the Uchuck III, for a
cruise of historic Nootka Sound.
The Uchuck 111 is a passenger and freight vessel that provides service in Nootka and Kyuoquot
Sounds. The Uchuck 111 gives passengers the opportunity to see the daily activities of a working coastal
vessel. During the summer, scenic day cruises through Nootka Sound, with a stop at historic Friendly
Cove are offered. Throughout the year passengers can take day trips or a two-day trip to the community
of Kyuquot. Transportation and launches for canoeists and kayakers along this route can be arranged.
Tahsis is also the finishing line for the annual Tahsis Great Walk. In June,
up to 1,000 people walk - and some run - the 63-kilometer (40 mile) gravel road between Gold River and
Tahsis. Billed as North America's toughest walk, the fundraising event attracts people from around the
world vying for the coveted 'Burning Boot' certificate, signifying completion of the grueling walk.
From Port Hardy, take Hwy. 19 south to Campbell River. Turn right at the intersection with Hwy. 28.
Once in Gold River, connect onto the gravel road.
From Nanaimo follow Hwy. 19 to Campbell River. At Campbell River, turn West and take Hwy. 28 to Gold
River. The road to Tahsis is 63.5 km (approximately 40 miles) and driving time is approximately 1 hour
and 20 minutes.
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