Uchuck III to FRIENDLY COVE Nootka Sound 🚢 Visiting GOLD RIVER on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

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Come join us on Vancouver Island, British Columbia as we continue our road trip to Sam's hometown of Gold River to board the Uchuck III for a scenic boat ride to Friendly Cove, Nootka Sound. One of our main goals for this trip was to revisit my hometown of Gold River, BC with my Dad. For Audrey and her Father it was a chance for them to see where I grew up and an opportunity for all of us to enjoy a day exploring Yuquot. We departed Gold River at 10 am and began the two-and-a-half hour voyage to Yuquot via Nootka Sound. The landscapes were breathtaking the whole way, with sprawling coastal forests featuring Douglas Fir, Sitka spruce, Arbutus, Western hemlock, and Western red and yellow cedar.

We pulled into Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove, just as we were finishing up lunch. Yuquot was the summer home of Chief Maquinna and during its fur trade heyday (in the 1780s and 1790s), it had a community of up to 1500 people. This is the site where the first contact between Europeans and First Nations took place in British Columbia.

Our first tip when you get off the Uchuck, would be to check out the views of Friendly Cove from the beach. This black-pebble beach which is directly to the right of the pier offers beautiful views of Friendly Cove, plus there are lots of tree trunks where you can sit down and enjoy the beauty of the place.

After a little stroll along the beach, we followed the hiking trail over to Yuquot Church. The church that stands here today was originally dedicated to Pope Pius X, and it was built in 1956 to replace the previous church that burned down. The structure was eventually decommissioned as a church in the 1990’s and today it acts as a cultural centre and museum housing replicas of sacred carvings.

After visiting the church, we walked over to the other beach where we encountered a totem with outstretched palms staring out to sea. Yuquot means “where the wind blows in all directions”, so it would make sense to have a lighthouse there! And just like that, our visit to Friendly Cove came to an end and we boarded the Uchuck 3 once more.

A special thanks to TROVER our partner for this road trip!

Exploring Gold River & Friendly Cove: Uchuck III Boat Tour, Nootka Sound History & Hometown Memories 🚢🌲 | Vancouver Island Road Trip

🏡 Hometown Homecoming: Back to Gold River

Today’s episode is extra special as we revisit Gold River, our hometown on Vancouver Island, for the first time in 12 years! Having left at 17, it’s my first real return as an adult, and the excitement is palpable—not only to reconnect with the town but also to show Audrey around for the very first time.

🚢 Boarding the MV Uchuck III: West Coast Adventure Begins

Our big adventure for the day is a full-day excursion aboard the historic MV Uchuck III with Get West Adventures.

MV Uchuck III: Built in 1942, this rugged boat now serves as both a passenger and cargo ship, carrying up to 100 passengers and 70 tons of freight to remote communities.

We set off at 10 a.m. for a 2.5-hour cruise through the stunning Nootka Sound, taking in epic coastal views—dense Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, arbutus, western hemlock, and red/yellow cedar forests line the shores.

The weather is brisk and overcast, adding to the West Coast atmosphere. We warm up below deck with chili for a second breakfast and meet a friendly dog on board, making the journey even more memorable.

🏖️ Arrival at Friendly Cove (Yuquot): Breathtaking Coastal Beauty

We land at Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove, by lunchtime. Here, the adventure continues with about three hours to explore:

Beach Stroll: We begin at the black pebble beach near the pier—an underappreciated gem with logs for relaxing and unbeatable views of Nootka Sound.

Wildlife Spotting: We spot a seal, leaping fish, and lots of birds, though whales remain elusive.

⛪ Discovering Yuquot’s History: Church, Totem & Trails

We wander inland to visit the old church—built in 1956 and now a museum/cultural center housing sacred carvings.

Historical Significance: Yuquot was the summer home of Chief Maquinna and a bustling community during the fur trade heyday. It’s the site of the first contact between Europeans and First Nations in BC.

Totem Pole & Lighthouse: Along the beach, we admire a totem with outstretched arms before heading to the historic lighthouse. Though closed to visitors, the hike there rewards us with panoramic coastline views—Yuquot fittingly means "where the wind blows in all directions."

🛳️ Return Voyage & Reflections

After a peaceful, awe-inspiring afternoon, we board the Uchuck III for the trip home. By dinner, we’re tired but happy, ready to unwind with four-cheese gnocchi, veggies, meat, and a generous bottle of wine.

Uchuck III to Friendly Cove Nootka Sound + Visiting Gold River on Vancouver Island, British Columbia:

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