If you’re looking for a camping trip that goes beyond tents and trails, set your sights on Yuquot National Historic Site. Also known as Friendly Cove, this remote destination on Nootka Island is where natural beauty and centuries of history converge. This Nootka Sound camping experience invites you to explore rugged shorelines, celebrate the culture of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation people, and soak in the peaceful coastal atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the true spirit of Vancouver Island.
Here’s what you need to know about camping in Yuquot.
What is the history of Friendly Cove?
Yuquot, known to outsiders as Friendly Cove, has welcomed travellers from across the world for centuries. Yuquot, meaning “Where the wind blows from all directions,” is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people and the centre of governance on Nootka Island. Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1778 marked a new era of exploration and exchange, but Yuquot’s deep connection to the land and sea runs far deeper. Today, it remains a sacred place, embodying the strength, hospitality, and enduring spirit of the community.
Discover more of Yuquot’s history.
How do I get to Yuquot?
There are a few ways to reach Yuquot, each offering its own sense of adventure. By sea, catch a boat charter or water taxis departing from Gold River or Tahsis. By air, floatplane service is available from Gold River through Air Nootka, which offers both scheduled and charter flights.
Yuquot Camping Fees and Rentals
There are several fees in place to support the maintenance and stewardship of the Yuquot Heritage Site, including charges for camping, hiking, admission, and moorage.
- Yuquot Heritage Site Admission: $15–$20 per person
- Yuquot Camping Rentals: $15–$25 per night
- Nootka Trail Weekly Hiking Pass: $25–$75 (required for all trail users)
- Overnight Moorage: $25
- Parking: Available at the marina in Gold River. Fees vary depending on fenced or unfenced options.
Experience the Magic of Nootka Sound Camping
Camping at Yuquot is a unique chance to connect and immerse yourself with the land, its stories, and the people who have called it home for generations. Surrounded by the raw beauty of the West Coast and the deep cultural roots of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, this will be an experience that stays with you forever.
