205 Nootka Sound Kayaking and Boating Map

Updated for 2024.

About Nootka Sound: Of the five main sounds on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Nootka stands out for its history – the centre of the Pacific fur trade, the home of the fabled Mowachaht Chief Maquinna, the site of a Spanish and English dispute that almost erupted into war, the location of the only Spanish fort built in North America, and where both Captain James Cook anchored to repair a storm-damaged boat, and where several years later Captain George Vancouver based his explorations. This history can’t help but infuse any visit here with a sense of place unlike any other.

In later years, fishing and logging have become the mainstays of Nootka Sound, and is reflected in the way the sound has been developed – log dumps, log camps, fishing lodges and recreational fishing boat traffic are never far away. Fortunately, Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park protects an entire archipelago. It can serve as a holiday destination for those who want a simple West Coast experience, while others will find it a great base for visiting the many and varied features of the area. Recommended is Yuquot (central to most of the history mentioned here), south Nootka Island and ventures south (and out of this mapsheet to the area covered in mapsheet #206) to locations such as Escalante Point. All are sublime locations.

About this mapsheet: This map is perfect for those heading into Nootka Sound to Bligh Island, the Spanish Pilot Group and Friendly Cove. Use it in conjunction with #204 Nookta Island if you are heading around Nootka Island, or #203 Nuchatlitz if you are heading to the channels on the north end of Nootka Island. Or save with the Nootka Mapsheet bundle.

This map includes many of the best wilderness coastal areas in British Columbia, as well as many of the most historic including the village of Yuquot. Boaters will want to use it as well for orientation including anchorages throughout the area as well as for understanding the entire region's shoreline, rock by rock. The reverse side includes travel information, facts, history and safety considerations perfect for anyone visiting the area. Consider it the essential travel companion for anyone visiting Nootka Sound or for anyone just dreaming of visiting this remarkable location.

New! All 200-series mapsheets now include UTM grid lines. Learn to understand and make the most of them.

Don't forget the guide book: The perfect companion to the mapsheet is the BC Coast Explorer Vol. 1, which goes into much greater details about the features, attractions travel logistics and history. 

About the Deck Topper Kayaking and Boating map series: In 2019, Wild Coast Publishing began embarking on an ambitious program to provide an unbroken series of mapsheets covering the entire BC coastline. The series begins with mapsheet #201 Brooks Peninsula and extends in order down the outer Vancouver Island and up the southern BC coast then finally north through the Inside Passage. You can view the currently available list of mapsheets here. The maps are designed for paddlers and boaters, right down to the size -- a handy 24x18", slightly smaller than a traditional street map and so easy to manage when on the water. Use it as a "deck topper" for easy visualization as you travel on the water, use it around the campfire or your anchorage at night to plan your next day's route, and at home for research when your journey is still in the dream stage.  

Get the Expedition pack: If you are transiting the coast or interested in more of the West Coast Vancouver Island titles, the West Vancouver Island Expedition Pack is your value option. Get all mapsheets #201 to #211 from Side Bay and Brooks Peninsula to Bamfield and Barkley Sound in one set. This saves significantly over the individual purchase price of the 11 mapsheets.

Shipping information: Please read the information in the link before ordering, as doing so will help determine if you will receive your order in time for your trip. See shipping alerts and shipping policy details here.