WIN A FREE TRIP FOR TWO TO FRIENDLY COVE!
We are always interested in passenger perspectives of our cruises. Please share your experience with us, submit your story with photos for an opportunity to be published in the Nootka Sounder or on our website blog (Tall Tales). If we use your story and pictures, you will receive a free trip for two to Friendly Cove! Learn more...
Uchuck Déjà Vu
Our voyage on the Uchuck in July 2023 brought back decades-old memories for our group of 11 friends. We had come to the west coast as part of an annual kayaking trip that doubles as a reunion of former tree planters, contractors, and camp cooks. Our home bases are now scattered across British Columbia but every year we choose areas around Vancouver Island for a week of paddling, exploring, storytelling and considerable food consumption.
Kayaking the Brooks Peninsula
In late June 2016 Alan Dunham boarded the Uchuck III in Gold River for a ride to Kyuquot, then paddled back to Gold River after a detour to the Brooks Peninsula.
Hiking Nootka Island - Bears, Wolves and Whales
Our Nootka Island story begins about a year ago, in 2018, when we first heard about the Nootka Island Trail.
Swiss Model Boat Builder takes an interest in the MV Uchuck III
Swiss Model Boat Builder takes an interest in the MV Uchuck III.
Summertime Cruising in Nootka Sound
My wife and I enjoy visiting the Gold River area annually for some golf, hiking, camping and of course, cruising aboard the MV Uchuck III.
My Life on Vancouver Island
My life on Vancouver Island has been framed by Nootka Island & Friendly Cove. When I was a young girl my family traveled to Nootka on our boat, as we lived in the married quarters in a logging camp in Kendrick Arm. I was visiting Friendly Cove during the 70s, climbing up the enormous chain ladder from our 21 foot boat, strolling through the sweet aroma of wild roses (still my favourite smell in the world), and playing with the endless bounty of beautiful polished stones on the beach. When I had the chance to do the Nootka trail 15 years ago, I jumped on it. It was my first multi-day hike and one of the best ever and I was able to spend my birthday at Friendly Cove with friends.
Education and Inspiration Aboard the MV Uchuck III
I’ve told many people about our trip on the Uchuck. They all can’t believe they’ve never heard about it before and such an opportunity exists! It’s one of those amazing adventures that inspire learning and imagination in a special way. We made the mistake of marking the day of our Uchuck trip on the calendar a month in advance. Our seven year old had been counting down the days and you know how long a month is when you’re seven! A month of counting down, and we were sure not disappointed! The trip exceeded our expectations in so many ways. It gave us a rare glimpse into a part of BC’s coast, lifestyle and history that few people experience. I felt like I’d seen BC for the first time.
Hiking The Nootka Island Trail
A 74 Year old proves he can still do it...This trail had long been on my must-do list, so I’d studied the maps and route descriptions. Having done longer and more difficult treks, it seemed relatively straightforward. However, I’d only recently recovered from a bout of ‘walking pneumonia’ along with a ruptured spinal disk, both acquired in Nepal the previous year. And though I’d prepared for this trip, I was still uncertain about how I would perform carrying a 50 lbs+ pack in tough coastal wilderness for a whole week.
Kyuquot Stay & Play Cruise
I am normally sitting at my desk at Get West Adventure Tours taking reservations and organizing tours. I love booking the trips and talking with you on the phone but there is nothing like going on a trip to really get acquainted.
Kayaking the Nuchatlitz Island Group
Our adventure began the night before... Our intrepid crew of six kayakers showed up at Gold River the evening before we were to embark on a nine day sea kayaking journey to the Nuchatlitz Group on the outer coast of west Vancouver Island.
Three Days in Gold River… Really?
When you think of a Vancouver Island Getaway destination, most likely Gold River does not come to mind. Originally built as a service community for a pulp mill, her primary industries are now logging and fish farming since the mill closed down in 1998. It has also become a hub for marine and seaplane access to remote communities, west coast lodges, fishing camps, marine parks and some of the best salmon and halibut fishing on the west coast. Take a closer look and you will see there is ample opportunity for wilderness adventure in this village in the mountains.
A Day Aboard the MV Uchuck III
Tales from Guests who’ve cruised aboard the MV Uchuck III
2024 Get West Photo Project
Guests aboard the MV Uchuck III take amazing photos on their voyages. Please consider sending us your best shots! The #1 photo of 2024 earns the photographer a FREE Nootka Sound Day Cruise for 2! The Top 4 photos of 2024 will earn a FREE Get West Souvenir t-shirt. Categories include Scenery, Wildlife, MV Uchuck III, People. Please submit your photos to:
reservations@getwest.ca.
View the 2023 Photo Contest Winners
NOTE: Any photos submitted may be used in Get West promotional material.
2024 Tall Tales
WIN A FREE TRIP FOR TWO TO FRIENDLY COVE! We are always interested in passenger perspectives of our cruises. Please share your experience with us, submit your story with photos for an opportunity to be published in the Nootka Sounder or on our website blog (Tall Tales). If we use your story and pictures, you will receive a free trip for two to Friendly Cove! Please submit your photos and story to: reservations@getwest.ca.
Read our passengers Tall Tales
