Cruise Vancouver Island's Historic West Coast!

Cruise aboard the MV Uchuck III and marvel at the stunning scenery as you cruise along the remote northwest coast of Vancouver Island, BC. This 136-foot wooden hulled maritime vessel provides passenger and freight service through historic Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet, and Kyuquot Sound.

Authentic West Coast Cruising

Stops are made along the routes to offload freight at remote fish farms, logging camps, resorts and maritime villages that rely on the MV Uchuck III as a lifeline. Many of these remote destinations have no road access. Stops are also made at remote destinations to offload intrepid kayakers. Passengers enjoy watching the day-to-day activities, from maneuvering the vessel to remote docks and offloading freight from the cargo hold to watching intrepid kayakers paddle off after wet launching.

A Wilderness of Wildlife

The west coast of Vancouver Island is home to an abundance Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Black Bear, Sea Otters, Seals and Sea Lions, Pacific Dolphin and Bald Eagles so be sure to bring your binoculars and your camera!

Nootka Sound Day Cruise

Tuesdays, Year Round Witness the day to day activities of a working coastal vessel as she picks up and drops off supplies at fish farms, logging camps and remote resorts in Nootka Sound. Knowledgeable, friendly staff will enhance your trip with their insights. As well, informative announcements along the routes are made at significant locations.

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Friendly Cove Day Cruise

Wednesdays and Saturdays, Seasonal Cruise Nootka Sound to Friendly Cove (Yuquot), historic birthplace of British Columbia. This is the ancestral home to the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nations people where trade with European Traders first began. Visit the lighthouse and historic Catholic Church / Cultural Centre, hike the beaches and trails and learn about the significant native culture of the area.

Kyuquot Overnight Adventure Cruise

2 Days (Thursday-Friday) March to October This cruise gives passengers an opportunity to see a vast expanse of Vancouver Island's Wild West Coast and a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the spectacular coastal scenery and marine wildlife along the way. Cruise through Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet and Kyuquot Sound with an overnight stay in the remote village of Kyuquot.

Kyuquot Stay & Play Adventure Cruise

3 Days (Thursday-Saturday) 2 Exclusive Summer Sailings This cruise gives passengers an opportunity to see a vast expanse of Vancouver Island's Wild West Coast and a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the spectacular coastal scenery and marine wildlife along the way. Cruise through Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet and Kyuquot Sound with a 2 night stay in the remote village of Kyuquot. Sea Otter Tour available.

Esperanza Two Night Adventure Cruise

3 Days (Thursday-Saturday) 2 Exclusive Summer Sailings This cruise covers the same route as the Kyuquot Adventure Cruise but with a second night's stop in Tahsis or Zeballos. It also includes a stopover in historic Friendly Cove, considered the birthplace of British Columbia. Availability is limited so book early for this popular trips in June and September. Trip includes accommodations, breakfasts and dinners.

Remote Location Wet Launching for Kayak Expeditions

Departing from Gold River, BC on regularly scheduled runs, we offer transportation services and wet launching for fully-equipped kayakers to select remote locations in Nootka Sound and Kyuquot Sound along our route. This allows for more time to paddle the truly extraordinary and inaccessible regions of Nootka Sound and Kyuquot Sound.

Nootka Island Trail Hiking Transportation

The best way to access the remote Nootka Island Trail is by flying in with Air Nootka to the North end of Nootka Island and hiking south along the coastal trail to Friendly Cove (Yuquot). Cruise back in comfort to Gold River aboard the MV Uchuck III and feast on fresh made fare!

The Get West Passenger Photo Project

Each year passengers submit cruise photos for submission in our Annual Photo Contest. The images you see throughout our website are chosen from these passenger submissions. This adds to the authenticity of the MV Uchuck III cruise experience. The images are also used throughout the Nootka Sounder, our onboard newsmagazine. Passengers also submit stories and photos which make it into the Nootka Sounder as well.

We'd like to thank the photographers who's photos grace the pages of the 2019 Get West website:
Dorinda Balchin • Evan Cervelli • Shawn Cahill • Garett Cuzner • Van Gils • Neil Havers • Tom Moore • Paddy O'reilly • Jurgen Pokrandt • Bronwyn Preece • Julie Schimunek • Dianne Skirda • Neil Wong • Karen West • Dianne M. Wilson • James Wood • Jeanette Wyness

Tall Tales... Passenger Reflections

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!