Sophia Range
Pierce Range
The Genevieve Range is a low small mountain range with an area of 101 sq km (38.9 sq miles). It is located on the west side of Nootka Island on the western side of Nootka Sound. The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers and enthusiasts.
The Genevieve Range has gorgeous hills covered with packed forests. The range's area is a remote paradise for mountaineers seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range offers breathtaking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of beautiful wildlife.
Part of the adventure is the trip to Nootka Island. Nootka Island is located 50 km (31 miles) away from the Gold River village. You can even travel in float-plane from Air Nootka float-plane dock in Gold River's heart or by water taxi to reach the northwest of Nootka Island at Louie Bay Lagoon.
An excellent 36 km (22.3 miles) trail is available near the Genevieve Range, which runs from north to the south along the west coast of Nootka Island, having beautiful wildlife, beaches, cliffs, awe-inspiring views of the ocean, forest, and surrounding mountains. From the trail, access to the Genevieve Range is possible. Hiking the Nootka Island Trail would be an excellent experience for visitors to enjoy the pleasant ambiance and the beauty of nature.
Primitive campsites are provided throughout the trail on sandy beaches. On the first beach, you can camp at Skuna Bay and Beano Creek, from which access to the Genevieve Range is possible. Camping at Bajo Beach, where Calvin Creek Falls cascades onto the sand, highlights tidal swimming creeks. Along the trail, viewing grey whales and otters at Maquinna Point would be nice. From oceanside cliffs at Maquinna Point, enjoy the stunning view of the endless Pacific and Vancouver Island west coast. Spend your time watching whales and otters passing by.
The Genevieve Range is located west of Vancouver Island and the western side of Nootka Island. The range is the mountaineers' paradise and is accessible by float-plane or water taxi from Gold River, a former logging village.
At Louie Bay northwest of the island, the Nootka Island gorgeous trail starts and ends at Friendly Cove on the southeast side of the Nootka Island, from which access to the range is available.
Ewart Lake and Crawfish Lake are located on Nootka Island to the east of the Genevieve Range, both accessible from the trail. Primitive wilderness campsites are provided on First Beach at Skuna Bay, Calvin Falls, and Beano Creek, nestled among the forest. Accesses to the Genevieve Range, Ewart Lake, and Crawfish Lake are available from there.
At Bajo Beach, where Calvin Falls are located, the campsite is a highlight with beautiful tidal swimming creeks.
Hiking the trail approximately 30 km (18.6 miles), the oceanside bluffs at Maquinna Point offers a 270-degree pleasant view of rocky coastline and endless Pacific and Vancouver Island west coast.
The Genevieve Range nearby islands are Lord Island, about 7 km (4.3 miles), and Sara Islet, almost 4 km (2.4 miles), to the north of the range, and Fitz Island, 5 km (3.1 miles) to the north.
Santa-Boca Provincial Park (Santa Gertrudis – Boca del Infierno Provincial Park), located in the southeast of Nootka Island, offers several activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, along with a variety of wildlife.
Random camping in the wilderness is allowed in this park. Those seeking a truly rugged experience will find the Santa – Boca Provincial Park a paradise. Also, visitors would like to check out Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park within Bligh Island, 25 km (15.5 miles) to the southeast of the Genevieve Range, or spend some time at Nuchatlitz Provincial Park approximately 9 km (5.5 miles) to the northwest and enjoy the beautiful scenery with several activities offered by the parks.
Access to Nootka Island is from the village of Gold River by Air Nootka, MV Uchuck III, or Shorebird Expeditions Water Taxi.
From Nanaimo:
Getting to Gold River from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. It is a 242 km (150.3 miles) route that takes almost 2 hours and 44 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N after a 3.3 km (2 miles) drive, turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Continue for 151 km (93.8 miles) and drive to Gold River Hwy/Muchalat Dr/BC-28 W in Gold River for 87.5 km (54.3 miles).
From Victoria:
Getting to Gold River from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is a 352 km (218.7 miles) route that takes about 4 hours and 7 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River for 264 km (164 miles). Drive to Gold River Hwy/Muchalat Dr/BC-28 W in Gold River for 87.5 km (54.3 miles).
Mountaineers and visitors can access the Genevieve Range by "Nootka Trail," running along the west coast of Nootka Island. Nootka Trail is a 36 km (22.3 miles) point-to-point difficult trail. It takes an elevation of 505 m (1656.8 ft) and is only recommended for very experienced hikers. The trail is best used from May through September and is primarily used for nature trips, camping, backpacking, and hiking.
Nootka Island is home to the traditional territory of Nuu-chah-nulth and the Mowachaht-Muchalat people. These first nations have been living on the island and Nootka sound for 4000 years and enjoying the area's bountiful natural resources. The legends and culture of these first nations are rooted in the sound and mountains.
In 1778, Captain Cook landed at Bligh Island and anchored in a small Cove; he called Resolution Cove for repairs after storms. After a while, he made contact with the first natives in a village at Yuqout. In the following years, the area became significant for fur trading.
Visiting the Genevieve Range with the area's breathtaking view would be a fascinating adventure. The Genevieve Range mountain offers an excellent climbing experience through the forest, having a beautiful ambiance with perfect natural beauty.
Hiking through the trees, along the coast, and within Santa – Boca Provincial Park is fascinating with spectacular views and wildlife. Visitors would be entertained by several activities at the beautiful nearby Santa – Boca Provincial Park (Santa Gertrudis – Boca del Infierno Provincial Park) on Nootka Island's southeast side. Among them are hunting, scuba diving, and wildlife viewing.
Opportunities for perfect paddling in Nootka Sound waters exist, which is a popular destination for paddlers. Marine mammals, waterfowl, and other beautiful wildlife are abundant while paddlers make their way through Nootka Sound. In Nootka Sound, paddlers can set in at boat launches.
Fishing is another enjoyable sport on Nootka Island. Nootka Sound is a popular fishing destination on the west coast of Vancouver Island, with numerous camps offering fishing of various kinds.
.webp)
