Yes, you can drive directly to Nootka Sound! From Campbell River on Vancouver Island, drive west on Highway 28, which meanders along lake and mountain-sides for about 91 kilometers (57 miles). This is considered to be one of the most spectacular drives on Vancouver Island.
Upon arrival in Gold River, keep heading straight on Head Bay Rd, following the signs to the Village of Tahsis. This final stretch of road is gravel with a couple of steep grades (15% and 18%), and depending on when it was graded and the weather conditions, the state of the road can vary. Please ensure you are prepared accordingly and ensure you have working brakes and headlights. When in doubt take it slow, pull over for larger vehicles, and keep your headlights on at all times! You will see the sign for Moutcha Bay Resort on the left side of the road, approximately 6 kilometers after the Conuma Fish Hatchery.
If you are towing a boat on Head Bay Rd, make sure your brakes are functioning to safely navigate the steep grades. If you are bringing a heavy boat of 24 feet or more, you may wish to launch at the Gold River boat launch and arrive at your resort by water.
If you are towing a foreign-registered vessel into Canada it must be in compliance with the safety equipment requirements for its country of registration only. If the vessel will be in Canada for more than 45 consecutive days you will need to comply with the Canadian equipment and competency regulations. The Transport Canada website provides information for visitors with vessels here.
