Major city · Canada
Gold River
Go for 1–2 nights as a base for the MV Uchuck III to Yuquot and Nootka Sound fishing; skip if you want cafés, nightlife or public transit.
Gold River is a small village at the western end of Highway 28, about 1.5 hours by road from Campbell River, and the closest settlement to Yuquot (Friendly Cove) in Nootka Sound. It grew as a logging and pulp town from 1967, lost its mill in 1998, and now runs on tourism, sport fishing and as a trailhead for the Nootka Island trek and the Elk Lake trail. There is no public transit, so a car is the practical way in and around. Most travellers use it for one or two nights, then move on to Campbell River, Strathcona Provincial Park or the west coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (rain, short days, some services closed)
- Airports
- YBL · YVR · YCD
- 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 Gold River911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Gold River RCMP (non-emergency)250-283-2227
- Health advice (HealthLink BC, 24 h)811
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 Gold River, 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
- SafetyA small, quiet village and generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 250-283-2227 Gold River RCMP (non-emergency) · 811 Health advice (HealthLink BC, 24 h)
- 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.
- AirportcheckYBL Campbell River Airport (Nearest scheduled airport, about 1.5 h by road on Highway 28; check current service.).
- Getting aroundBy car only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$6–12 (≈ US$5–9)
- Sit-down mealDinner, pub or restaurant mainC$22–38 (≈ US$16–30)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can at the liquor storeC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedRV site with hookups, a night, per roomC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
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
- YBL Campbell River Airport (Nearest scheduled airport, about 1.5 h by road on Highway 28; check current service.) · YVR Vancouver International (Fly in, then ferry to Nanaimo and drive north; a full travel day.) · YCD Nanaimo Airport (Alternative arrival; about 3 h by road via Campbell 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
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°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 (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°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
Gold River: 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)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°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)
20 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
By car only. There is no public transit, and Highway 28 between Gold River and Campbell River has no cellular coverage. Fuel up in Campbell River or Gold River before long drives; distances are short in town but the port area is 13 km out.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 5–6 h return
MV Uchuck III from Gold River, 2–2.5 h each way, June–September; or a chartered water taxi
Book ahead; the boat is the trip, not just the transfer.
Strathcona Provincial Park
goDoor to door: 1–2 h
Drive Highway 28 east, then park access roads
Trails and alpine scenery; check park conditions and snow line.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h
Drive Highway 28 east, about 90 km (56 mi)Drive Highway 28 east, about 56 mi (90 km)
Nearest full-service town: fuel, groceries, hospital.
Door to door: 4–5 h
Drive Highway 28 east, then Highway 4 across the island
Too far for a day return; sleep on the west coast.
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.
Town centre (Nimpkish Dr / Muchalat Dr)
Motels, lodge, deli and liquor store within a few minutes' walk; the practical base for one night.
Gold River port area (Muchalat Inlet)
13 km (8.1 mi) southwest of the town centre; staging point for the Uchuck III and fishing charters, no services.8.1 mi (13 km) southwest of the town centre; staging point for the Uchuck III and fishing charters, no services.
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$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| MV Uchuck III return to Yuquot2 × C$150 · check | C$300 |
| Water taxi charter, Gold River to Yuquot1 × C$600 · check | C$600 |
| Fuel, Campbell River return (about 180 km)1 × C$40 · check | C$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$147 |
| Trip total≈ C$809 per person per day, bed included | C$1,617≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights and ferry fares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$6–12 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Lunch, café or deli | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Dinner, pub or restaurant main | C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can at the liquor store | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Motel double room, summerRates rise in fishing season; book ahead. | C$110–220 (≈ US$80–160) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No cellular coverage outside the town centre, and none on Highway 28 to Campbell River.
- Fuel and grocery options are limited; stock up before arriving.
- The Uchuck III runs June–September only; outside that window, arrange a water taxi.
- Winter storms can close or slow Highway 28; check road conditions before driving.
- Wildlife on and beside roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Gold River RCMP (non-emergency)
- 250-283-2227
- Health advice (HealthLink BC, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Gold RiverGold River
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Gold River RCMP (non-emergency)250-283-2227
- HealthLink BC (24 h)811
Embassy
No consulates in Gold River. US consulate general in Vancouver; other countries: consulates in Vancouver or Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MV Uchuck III, Gold River → Yuquot: about C$150 (≈ US$110) return, 2–2.5 h each way, June–September (check)
- Water taxi, Gold River → Yuquot: charter, about C$600 (≈ US$450) per boat (check)
- Drive, Campbell River → Gold River: about 90 km (56 mi), 1.5–2 h on Highway 28about 56 mi (90 km), 1.5–2 h on Highway 28
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- I have no cell signal — I have no cell signal
English is the working language here; no phrasebook needed.
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 Gold River. 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 (rain, short days, some services closed) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YBL and YVR: last ferry and Highway 28 drive times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre (Nimpkish Dr and Muchalat Dr) and the port area.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Uchuck III dock, tourist infocentre, trailheads) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm and no-signal arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.