Vancouver Island’s largest fishing resort operator, Nootka Marine Adventures establishes a head office in Courtenay.
Nootka Marine Adventures operates three resorts, two in Nootka Sound, and one in remote Esperanza Inlet. Each resort offering an extensive range of facilities from (including government-certified fish processing), marine services, accommodations, and fishing packages. Nootka Marine Adventures satisfies the varied needs of every angler looking to experience the spectacular Nootka Sound region.
Moutcha Bay Resort, only two-and-a-half-hour drive from Courtenay, is the only land-based offering operated by Nootka Marine Adventures. Set in a nature inspired landscaped property, with luxurious yurts, chalets and a main lodge offering spacious suites, Moutcha Bay Resort has something for everyone. While most rooms offer full kitchens, many guests prefer to enjoy the west coast inspired cuisine in the resort’s licensed restaurant. Visitors with recreational vehicles or tents can stay at any one of their 39 fully serviced sites
Anglers with their own boats will find ample moorage and a large, full-service 70 slip marina. For anglers without boats, the resort provides guided fishing charters with experienced professional guides with extensive knowledge of Nootka Sound, it’s rich history, and prolific wildlife. Additionally, the resort offers a premium selection of rental boats ranging from six to eight metres in length, along with all tackle and gear for anglers who wish to fish unguided.
Accessible by floatplane or by boat from Moutcha Bay Resort, Nootka Sound Resort, Nootka Marine Adventures’ original, floating wilderness resort, lies in Galiano Bay at the heart of the sound. Recognized as one of the top floating resorts in Canada, the all-inclusive lodge offers comfort and luxury for both intimate gatherings, and large groups (up to 54 guests).
There is excellent salmon fishing right off the resort’s doorstep, and throughout the sound. Hotspots like Camel Rock and “The Wall” are minutes away.
Only a few hundred metres from ruggedly beautiful Esperanza Inlet, Newton Cove Resort is a five-star floating lodge anchored in sheltered privacy. The luxuriously appointed resort can accommodate up to 44 guests in 22 double-occupancy rooms with ensuites.
Anglers have access to some of the west coast of Vancouver Island’s most consistent and productive inshore and offshore waters for salmon and bottom fish. During the months of August and early September, thrill-seekers can experience the explosive runs and dogged battles of albacore tuna.
For newcomers to the area, staying at any of Nootka Marine Adventures’ three resorts, while utilizing their professional guides and comfortable boats for tours, is a wonderful way to explore the sound. As you pass by the region’s historic sites, you’re likely to see whales, sea lions, sea otters, seals, black bears, and countless seabirds.
First Nations settled here a millennium ago, and many place names honour Nuu-chah-nulth culture and history. Names like Esperanza, Escalante, and Villaverde reflect Spain’s colonial interests in the late 18th century. Bligh Island was named after William Bligh (yes, that Bligh, who later commanded HMS Bounty) when he was the navigator aboard Captain James Cook’s ship, HMS Resolution. You can pay a visit to the National Historic Site at Yuquot (Friendly Cove) on Nootka Island, where members of the Muchalaht-Mowachaht First Nations conduct tours of long houses and a restored Catholic church that serves as a cultural centre and museum. A stroll to the lighthouse gives breathtaking views over the craggy, surf-battered shoreline.
While most guests drive to Moutcha Bay Resort, floatplane charters from Campbell River, Comox, Gold River, or Vancouver to any of the three resorts are readily available. For those that drive, take scenic Highway 28 West from Campbell River to Gold River, and continue onward toward Tahsis. Moutcha Bay Resort is situated 43 kilometers north of Gold River, and six kilometres past the Conuma River Hatchery.
For more information, visit nootkamarineadventures.com, email info@nootkamarineadventures.com or call 1-877-337-5464.