NITINAT LAKE (Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada) FAQ (Long)
Lee T. Lau
by Lee T. Lau (ud...@freenet.victoria.bc.ca or l...@acs.ucalgary.ca)
I haven't really been asked much about Nitinat but I'd like to spread the word
so here goes.
1. WHERE IS IT?
It is on the West Coast of Vancouver Island accessible through a net of
logging roads; approx. 2 hours from Victoria, 5 hours from Vancouver and
Seattle (including ferry time). The logging roads show lots of
winter wear in April-May but usually get regraded in June and are less
hard on your vehicle June, July and August.
If you're coming from the south come up through the Olympic Peninsular in the
state of Washington. Black Ball Ferries (I don't have the number) runs a
crowded ferry service from Port Angeles to Victoria. The Olympics are
gorgeous and a 3-4 hour drive north from Hood River. From Victoria, take the
#1 highway north and then take the turnoff at Duncan to the highway running
west to the town of Lake Cowichan. From that highway, take the turnoff to
Youbou. After that, you'll be on the logging roads and it'd be a good idea to
get a map.
If you're coming from Vancouver, you can tke either the ferry to Nanaimo or to
Victoria. If you're starting from Victoria, see above. If you take the ferry
across to Nanaimo, go south on the #1 until you take the turnoff at Duncan to
the highway running west to the town of Lake Cowichan. From then on, see
above.
(I'll have highway numbers and the phone number for the logging road map in
May.)
2. WHEN IS IT WINDY?
Nitinat Lake has the most consistent winds in mid-summer. Nitinat winds are
thermally driven and can range from 6.0 to 4.0. The lake itself is
approximately 1 kilometre wide at its widest and 400 metres wide at its
narrowest and surrounded by higher terrain. The south-western part of the
lake is open to the sea and is usually cool. The north-easterly part of the
lake is usually warmer. This thermal differential becomes more pronounced as
the day wears on and winds generally pick up at approx 10 am to 11 am in mid-
summer. Most people sail at the narrowest part of the lake where the
"Venturi" effect of the wind is more pronounced. Winds are most consistent in
June to late September because the temperature differences between the lower
and upper lake are most pronounced then.
This effect means that the wind is usually not gusty but can range from strong
at the "Venturi" point to moderate at other points. Winds usually die down
around 6.00 to 8.00 pm, during which times, beginners or beginning
intermediates can have a go.
3. WHERE CAN I RENT GEAR?
You can rent gear from Ocean Wind at (604) 658-8171. Ask for Jack, Rick
or Al and tell them that Lee recommended the place to you. You should be
able to negotiate a package price.
You may be able to rent gear from the windsurfing shop at Nitinat Lake. I
can't say that I know the name. Glenn McNabb runs the shop but I don't have a
number for him. I'll update this information. Glenn stocks a fair inventory
of spare parts.
4. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO BESIDES WINDSURFING?
There are lots of mountain-biking trails through some of B.C.'s famous forests
(and clearcuts). Bring spare parts if you're going to ride hard.
There is also some great hiking in Carmanah Provincial Park; a temperate rain
forest and the only one old-growth rain forest in the region other than the
Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park.
Nitinat is reknowned for salmon and other fishing. Ask Glenn McNabb for
directions to some of the spots.
5. WHERE CAN I STAY?
Facilities are primitive but camping is free. No bathrooms, pit toilets,
no running water. The native reservation has a gas stattion and a
restaurant. The closest town is 1 hour's drive.
6. WHY SHOULD I GO TO NITINAT AND NOT TO THE GORGE, THE BAY AREA, etc.
Nitinat usually has slalom sailing and doesn't have nuclear winds with the
frequency the Gorge has.
However, it;
- is almost unspoiled wilderness; you'll be miles from the nearest condo;
- is not as crowded; you won't have to sound your horn when you want to
jibe;
- is real quiet; no trains at night, no barges pulling through (some might
see this as a disadvantage);
- is uncluttered with gill nets;
- has water that is clean and warm;
- has no nuclear plants upstream;
- has no recorded instances of stolen gear
(I'll admit I love the Gorge and that I'm pushing the line on some of these
reasons).
7. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Nitinat is a salt-water lake.
Watch out for the jellyfish. The occasional orca and dolphin have also been
known to sneak in.
Bring wet-weather gear if you're going hiking in Carmanah.
Not many familiy amenities.
Closest liquor store is 1 hour away; so stock up if you really have to.
Pack your garbage out.
That's all I can think of. Comments, questions?
-----------------
Lee T. Lau (l...@acs.ucalgary.ca) (ud...@freenet.victoria.bc.ca)
Canadian Institute of Resources Law Faculty of Law,
(403) 220-3200 Univ. of Victoria
(604) 721-8195