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 world class fishing and outdoor adventure.

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 wild 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.

The local fishing has an international reputation and in the summertime American, Albertan and European fishermen converge on the town to catch the local salmon, halibut snapper, and cod. With the closure of the local Mill, local housing prices have dropped and homes are being snapped up as fishing and recreation vacation retreats.

Tahsis is also steeped in British Columbia history... Tahsis is only 19 sea miles from Friendly Cove and Bligh Island, where In 1778 Captain James Cook landed and made first contact between Europeans and 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.

Hike or enjoy beachcombing along West Bay Park, walk through remote forests filled with wildlife including Roosevelt elk, songbirds, deer, eagles, geese, and bear. Explore the local caves 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, including Gold River and Tahsis. 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 to Tahsis 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 Lion's Club Great Walk. In June, up to 1,000 people walk - and some run - the 63-kilometer (42 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. The Walk Chairman can be contacted at (250)934-6667, through the Tahsis Chamber of Commerce, or visit their official website at www.greatwalk.com.

BY ROAD: From Port Hardy, take Hwy. 19 (the Island Highway) south to Campbell River. Turn right at the intersection with Hwy. 28 (the Gold River Hwy.) Once in Gold River, connect onto the gravel road. The trip from Port Hardy takes about seven or eight hours. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River, where you will connect with Hwy. 28 (the Gold River Hwy.). BY AIR: Scheduled airline connections are out of Vancouver to Campbell River or Port Hardy.

Floatplane service is also available from Air Nootka .

Internet Vacations BC Ltd - For advertising in this section contact info5@bctravel.com
Copyright © 1994 - 2007. Internet Vacations B.C. Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Visits:  29327