Tips for the North Island (Gold River to Cape Scott-ish)

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Jake and the T.Rex's picture

Jacob Gish
Qualicum Beach
Tips for the North Island (Gold River to Cape Scott-ish)

Hey gang, admittedly I'm an occasional lurker on the forums. I'm planning on taking my daughters and the T.Rex to some of the more remote parts of the Island over the next few weeks - essentially wondering through the areas and inlets in-between Gold River and Cape Scott. My experience up there is limited and am curious to see if people have any recommendations for unique trail runs, things to see, fishing, hiking under 5km, or great camping. If anyone else is also planning a trip up there, perhaps putting together a convoy through some areas could be in order.

In the spirit of sharing knowledge - if anyone is planning an overland trip up along the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, the girls, the T.Rex, and I did that trip over five weeks last year. I would be more then happy to pass on any tips or recommendations for those considering doing the trip...which I would recommend. Doing he journey while camping with young children is possible and very rewarding.

Thanks guys

Jake

jas's picture
jas

Jas
Shawnigan

Hi Jake
That is a trip I would like to attempt as well.Just last night I was looking at google earth to see what is in the area and how to get there.
I found a few decent camping spots and few smaller communities/villages to stop at on the way, few attractions etc..Few websites came up as well with decent information.

I'm mainly looking for a driving experience rather than camping etc..
There's some wonderful roads there with minimal traffic. Having said that I wouldn't mind going there for camping and exploring reasons as well.

I'm thinking of going there one weekend and taking my car and visiting a few places then later once I have some more information and found a few good spots I'd take my jeep wife and the kid and drive the roads less travelled and enjoy camping and outdoors for few days.

Let me know when you're attempting to do this.

Jake and the T.Rex's picture

Jacob Gish
Qualicum Beach

Hey,

My first window of time is between the 13th and the 24th of July. With another possible window in August. I have no firm locations during this first window set yet - the intention being to explore the area - but we will start first in the area and rec sites around Gold River.

dryyouth's picture

Jesse Shields
Port McNeill

If youre on your way up here at all, shoot me a PM. Ive been just about everywhere and found some great spots for a variety of skill levels and terrain.

Cheers

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Peter
Victoria

Ok I know this is a year old but i know of some places.

Grant bay - 5 minute easy hike in. It's a beautiful Sandy Bay and the tide can go a fair way out, there's also some older Forest service roads in the area to play around on.

Raft cove: 10 minute hike in, a little harder and Mudder then grant bay. However it's a good beach for surfing on. When I was there this year there as a very fresh dead Sea Lion on the beach. From which me and my girlfriend salvaged a tooth from. However tons of predatory tracks in the area. (Most likely due to sea lion)

San Joseph bay: again another nice sandy beach, very easy 15 minute walk to it. Same parking lot as cape Scott. There's some caves on the far right side of the beach as well as sea stacks. At low tide you can get around the point on the right and get to the next beach over.

Ronning's garden: natural type garden from where. The Danish settlers were there, claim to faim is one of the world's tallest monkey trees. (Used to be 2 and they were a mailing pair, however one does a few years back)
10 minute walk off the road to cape Scott. You follow the old cordoey road.

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Charlie Steven
Oyster Point

I’ll 2nd that “Dempster”, lots of educational opportunities for the kiddies and lots of fires this summer!

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