The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on the northern Nootka Island between Esperanza Inlet and Nuchatlitz Inlet. The Sophia Range, with an area of 150 km² (58 mi²), is located west of Tahsis Inlet, forming a peninsula. The Sophia Range was named by George H. Richards, after the fourth daughter of Captain Edward E. Langford, whose daughters were Victoria's belles.
Visiting the Sophia Range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The Sophia Range and the nearby Nuchatlitz Provincial Park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. At the nearby Nuchatlitz Provincial Park, opportunities for intertidal marines exist in many pools that can be found throughout the area. Pitch a random camp within the range and enjoy meandering the picturesque location. Have fun kayaking and enjoying the natural beauty through the peaceful area of Nuchatlitz Provincial Park and the islands nearby.
The Sophia Range is located on the north side of Nootka Island, west of Tahsis Inlet, between Nuchatlitz Inlet and Esperanza Inlet. The range has an area of 150 km2 (58 sq mi), forming a peninsula, and is made up of hills. Mountaineers would have a perfect time hiking through the treed hills around lakes and tarns packed with beautiful wildlife and birds.
The Nuchatlitz Provincial Park, placed at the northwestern tip of Nootka Island, west of the Sophia Range, is a paradise worthy of visiting, ornamented by beautiful wildlife and birds as sea otters, Marbled Murrelet. The Nuchatlitz Provincial Park is made up of reefs and islets where many intertidal pools offer opportunities to study lovely marine creatures.
The remote islands offer exposed coasts, quiet beaches, and several beautiful coves. Choose a spot that fits pitching a camp, whether within the range's area or Nuchatlitz Provincial Park, or have perfect time kayaking and meandering through the peaceful islands.
There are several opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts at the range and nearby areas, including wildlife viewing, fishing, paddling, and camping.
The park protects a variety of flora and fauna within a vast range of marine and intertidal environments. Migrating Gray Whales add the significance of shorelines that are valuable for herring spawning.
Ewart Lake and Crawfish Lake are located within 15 km (9.3 miles) south of the Sophia Range on Nootka Island, where you can camp on and stroll through the pleasant ambiance. Tahsis and Zeballos are the nearby villages about 20 km (12.4 miles) away.
Access to the Nootka Island, where the Sophia Range is located, is via Gold River village, Tahsis, and Zeballos. Whether by Air Nootka, MV Uchuck III, or Shorebird Expeditions Water Taxi, you can get there.
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. 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).
There is no designated hiking trail to reach the Sophia Range.
Nootka Island is home to the traditional territory of the people of Mowachaht-Muchalat and Nuu-chah-nulth.
The Sophia Range was named by Captain George H. Richards, after Captain Edward E. Langford's fourth daughter, whose daughters were belles of Victoria in the 1850s.
Visitors would experience a perfect journey by visiting the Sophia Range. Hike the picturesque area through the pleasant atmosphere of forested hills. Pitch a camp where it fits within the range and start your mountaineering more energetic. Enthusiasts have several outdoor opportunities to be entertained at Nuchatlitz Provincial Park. Among them are camping throughout the park, perfect paddling and meandering the peaceful environment of islands, freshwater fishing, or wildlife viewing. Also, chances for hunting in some portions of the park and cold water scuba diving and swimming exist at the Nuchatlitz Provincial Park.