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SOUTHERN ROUTE
(DUNCAN
[ YOUBOU
[ NITINAHT)
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Duncan to Lake Cowichan
(26.3km)
As you travel along HWY # 1 you will
come to a 4 way intersection just north of Duncan controlled
by traffic lights. On the southwest side of the intersection
there is an ESSO gas station. At this intersection you turn onto HWY #18 and
proceed west. This is the Lake Cowichan Highway. Continue on
this highway until you reach the Youbou cutoff (indicated by
highway signs).
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Lake Cowichan to Youbou
(15.6km)
Just before you arrive in Lake Cowichan
you encounter an intersection with an exit to the right. There is a sign about
500ft before the intersection. This sign points to the right
for Youbou and slightly to the left for Lake Cowichan. Take
the exit to the right and continue on for about 10 minutes
or thereabouts and you will arrive in Youbou. Continue
through the village until you hit the gravel road. Once on
the gravel you have 50km left, so check your fuel as there
is no gas station in between Youbou and Nitinaht.
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Youbou to End of Lake Cowichan
(19.9km)
If you haven't
already, please read the travel precautions on the main
directions page.
Once on the gravel road, basically stay
on the main road. You will notice allot of small roads
leading off to the right (east), do not take any of them as
they all lead to dead ends. About half way down the lake you
will come to a clearing and a gravel pit to the right
(east). At this point the road splits with the main road
going straight and another road heading up a hill (just
after the gravel pit). Just continue straight for about
another 10 - 15 minutes and you will be at the head of Lake
Cowichan.
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Head of Lake Cowichan to Nitinaht RIver
Coming from Youbou you will reach the
end of Cowichan lake and come to a large intersection. Continue
straight forward through the intersection. At the other side
of the intersection you will encounter two roads, take the
road that continues straight which is also marked by a
placard saying "to Nitinaht". Once on the proper road, you
will pass by Kissinger campground and once again come to
another little intersection. Keep to your left which again
is marked by a white placard saying "to Nitinaht". A short
distance later, you will come back onto the main Nitinaht
road which you only have one choice, and that is to turn
right. Continue on the main road.
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The Nitinaht River To Nitinaht Junction
(6.5km)
As you approach Nitinaht River you will
encounter a small bridge. Once you have crossed the little bridge keep to
your right and continue down the road. This road is narrower
that the main road so no need to worry that you have turned
off the beaten track. Drive cautiously. You
will see a clearing appear through a thin layer of trees.
This indicates you are nearing the Ditidaht Forest Products
(Mill). After you pass the mill there is a road which comes down
a short hill off to your left. Large logging trucks (loaded
and unloaded) as well as highway transport trucks frequently
enter the main road at this point so slow down to ensure no
unnecessary surprises. Continue on
for about 3km and you will come to the Nitinaht Junction.
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Nitinaht Junction to Nitinaht
Village (6-7km)
As you approach the main junction you
will see a few signs indicating various business as
well as destinations. Turn left here to come to Nitnaht or
Carmanah Valley. From this junction to the village is only
7km. The road parallels the river several times during this
short stretch. If you do decide to stop and look at the
river, please pull off at a designated pull out (unusually
wide spot in the road) so that traffic won't be affected.
Just before the village you will come to another
intersection. Take the road to the right of this sign and
continue into the village.
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Nitinaht Village
Welcome to Nitinaht Village. Our
community is small with plenty of children out and about.
PLEASE keep you speed down to
30km/hr while traveling through our village. To get to the
campsite, continue through the village, passing by our
store/gas station/cafe (all one building) and back onto
gravel. Once you reach the tree line you will see a sign
saying "Nitinat Forest Recreation Site" turn right and head
on in. Once again, drive slowly as there can be allot of
people around. Enjoy your Stay.
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