Major city · Canada
YuquotFriendly Cove
Go for one night, two at most: a boat-in village with a lighthouse walk, a cultural centre and the Nootka Trail trailhead. No road, no cell signal.
Yuquot, also called Friendly Cove, sits on Nootka Island off Central Vancouver Island and is reachable only by boat or floatplane from Gold River. It was the summer home of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations for thousands of years and the point of first European contact in British Columbia. There is no road, no cell coverage and very little to buy, so the trip is about the walk, the water and the history. One night covers the village; add a night or more only if you are hiking the Nootka Trail.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (storms, few or no sailings)
- Airport
- YGR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Yuquot911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yuquot, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyThe village is small and calm; the real risks are the water, the weather and the lack of phone signal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYGR Gold River (roadhead, no scheduled flights) (Floatplane charters run from Gold River; the nearest scheduled airport is Campbell River (YBL)…
- Getting aroundOn foot only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Water taxi, Gold River–YuquotC$270 (≈ US$200) per boat
- Budget bedCedar cabin, a night, per roomC$75 (≈ US$55)
- Mid-range bedCedar cabin, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedCedar cabin, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$60 (≈ US$45) · Mid C$120 (≈ US$90) · High C$220 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YGR Gold River (roadhead, no scheduled flights) (Floatplane charters run from Gold River; the nearest scheduled airport is Campbell River (YBL), about 1 h 15 min by road from Gold River.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Nov (21 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Yuquot: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
20 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
17 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
19 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
18 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
21 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
21 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot only. The village, dock, church and lighthouse are within a short walk of each other; the cabins are about 1 km from the dock and the Nootka Trail starts at the north end. Bring your own kayak if you want to reach Resolution Cove, 8 km east across Nootka Sound.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Resolution Cove (Ship Cove), Bligh Island
cautionDoor to door: Half a day by kayak each way in calm water
Kayak or private boat, about 8 km (5 mi) east across Nootka SoundKayak or private boat, about 5 mi (8 km) east across Nootka Sound
Cook's 1778 anchorage; two plaques on Plaque Rock. Only with a kayak, a guide and a settled forecast.
Nootka Trail
overnightDoor to door: 4–8 days
Start at Yuquot and hike north, or get dropped at Louie Lagoon and hike south to Yuquot
35 km (22 mi) of beach, waterfall and old-growth forest. A C$50 fee covers camping and village facilities and is paid at the office in the church.22 mi (35 km) of beach, waterfall and old-growth forest. A C$50 fee covers camping and village facilities and is paid at the office in the church.
Gold River
goDoor to door: 2–2.5 h by boat
MV Uchuck III or water taxi back to the Gold River wharf
The nearest road access and the only way out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Cabins
Six cedar cabins about 1 km (0.6 mi) northeast of the dock, one on the ocean and five on a lake; wood stove, propane stove, composting toilet, cold camp shower. Bring bedding and towels.Six cedar cabins about 0.6 mi (1 km) northeast of the dock, one on the ocean and five on a lake; wood stove, propane stove, composting toilet, cold camp shower. Bring bedding and towels.
Beach and village campsites
Rustic tent sites along the beach or near the village; the cheapest bed and the closest to the dock.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$60–120 (≈ US$45–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120–200 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Cedar cabin1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$120 | C$240 |
| MV Uchuck III, Gold River to Yuquot, one way2 × C$102 · Adult fare; senior C$97, youth C$57 | C$204 |
| Water taxi, Gold River to Yuquot, per boat1 × C$270 | C$270 |
| Floatplane charter, Gold River to Yuquot, per plane1 × C$368 · 3-seat Cessna; about C$500 in the 6-seat Beaver | C$368 |
| Nootka Trail fee, per person2 × C$50 · Covers camping and village facilities; paid at the church office | C$100 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$133 |
| Trip total≈ C$733 per person per day, bed included | C$1,465≈ US$1,100 |
C$150 mid-June to mid-September, C$75 at other times
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; boat or floatplane fare excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Campsite, per person per night | C$20 (≈ US$15) |
| Cedar cabin, per night | C$150 (≈ US$110) mid-June–mid-Sept, C$75 (≈ US$55) otherwise |
| MV Uchuck III, one way | C$102 (≈ US$75) adult, C$97 (≈ US$75) senior, C$57 (≈ US$45) youth |
| Water taxi, Gold River–Yuquot | C$270 (≈ US$200) per boat |
| Floatplane charter, Gold River–Yuquot | C$368 (≈ US$300) Cessna / about C$500 (≈ US$400) Beaver per plane |
| Nootka Trail fee | C$50 (≈ US$40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No cell coverage in Yuquot or the surrounding area: arrange your pickup before you leave Gold River.
- The MV Uchuck III runs only twice a week in summer (Wednesday and Saturday, late June to early September), so a missed sailing can strand you.
- Nootka Trail creek crossings and rough footing; some beaches cannot be crossed at high tide, so carry tide tables.
- Weather changes fast on the sound; the boat crossing is exposed.
- Bring cash: card payment is unreliable and there is no ATM.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
YuquotFriendly Cove
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To the Yuquot dock, pleaseTo the Yuquot dock, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No consulates on the island; the US consulate general is in Vancouver, and most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Vancouver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Gold River → Yuquot, MV Uchuck III: C$102 (≈ US$75) adult, 2–2.5 h, Wed and Sat in summer
- Gold River → Yuquot, water taxi: C$270 (≈ US$200) per boat, year round
- Gold River → Yuquot, floatplane: C$368 (≈ US$300) Cessna / about C$500 (≈ US$400) Beaver per plane
No cell coverage. Carry cash, tide tables and a printed copy of your pickup time.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yuquot. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (storms, few or no sailings) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Field-check the 2026 Uchuck III sailing days and fares, plus the water-taxi and floatplane fallbacks.
- Place pages for the lighthouse, the church cultural centre, the Maquinna totem and both gravel beaches with walking times from the dock.
- Tide-table and creek-crossing fixtures for the Nootka Trail so the hike page can go green.
- A no-signal arrival card: last messages, meet point at the dock, and the Gold River pickup time.
Sources
- officialYuquot (official site)
- officialGet West — Friendly Cove cruise (MV Uchuck III)
- officialAir Nootka
- officialParks Canada — Nootka Lighthouse
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yuquot, revision 5239487 (CC BY-SA 4.0)