Nitinat Lake – Vancouver Island

Name: Nitinat Lake - Vancouver Island
Rating: 4

August 23, 2019September 6, 2022 Carl Blanchet 0 Comments Camping Allowed, Canoeing and Kayaking, Day Trips, Dog Friendly, Drinking Water, Family Friendly, Kiteboarding, Lakes, Paddle Boarding, Parking Available, Swimming, Toilets Available, Vancouver Island

Nitinat Lake is a beautiful tidal saltwater fjord, 23 kilometres in length and 1.2 kilometres wide, located on Vancouver Island. Nitinat Lake joins the Pacific Ocean via Nitinat Narrows, a narrow tidal passage three kilometers long and 2.5 meters deep at low tide. The Nitinat area is quickly becoming a major centre for tourism, with the Nitinat Lake being named as one of the world’s ten best windsurfing and kiteboarding / kitesurfing locations. It’s close proximity to Pacific Rim National Park, the West Coast Trail, and the Carmanah Valley are all additional enticements to adventurers.

This adventure land is a popular recreational destination for swimmers, kitesurfers, paddlers, windsurfers, boaters and anglers. Experienced wilderness paddlers and wind/kite surfers can explore Nitinat Lake and the smaller lakes in the Nitinat Triangle. There is a lot to explore in the area, including canyons, caves, rivers, and the impressive rain forests.

Services at Nitinat Lake include a small motel, small restaurant, campground, gas station and a small food store operated by the Ditidaht First Nations.

Nitinat Lake Access

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Information

Location Etiquette

Do not leave any trash behind. Please clean up after yourselves. Park Appropriately. No camping on the beach.

Kiteboarding

The thermal winds of Nitinat Lake is world-renowned for kiteboarding / kitesurfing and windsurfing! There are two school set up on the beach during the summer months offering one-on-one kiteboarding lessons for $125 /hr.

Paddle Boarding

The lake makes for fantastic paddle boarding in the morning or even when the wind is not blowing.

Swimming

The lake is a great refreshing spot to swim in the morning or even, although it does get crowded with kite surfers, wind surfers, seadoos and boats throughout the day.

Camping

Camping is available at the Nitinat Lake Campground in designated campsites only. Cost is $20 /night per vehicle or per tent (a campground official comes by to collect nightly). Basic amenities include running water, outhouses and pay wifi. No RV hook-ups. No reservations - first come first serve.

Fishing Allowed

Fine fishing in both Nitinat Lake, Nitinat River, and in the many surrounding lakes, rivers and creeks, make this a very attractive area for anglers. Anyone fishing or angling must hold a valid fishing licence.

Family Friendly

Nitinat Lake is fun for the whole family. The beach is great to relax and the area offers numerous activities. Keep children away from the kite launch and land area for safety.

Dog Friendly

Dogs are allowed and beloved in the area but must remain under control at all times.

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Picnic Area

Picnic tables are located on every campsite.

Drinking Water

There is a water valve located at the entrance of the campground.

Parking Available

Parking is available on the far end of the campground loop. There is a long section and a day parking area can be found on the left side.

Toilets Available

Pit Toilets are located throughout the campground. Bringing your own toilet paper is recommended.

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