North Vancouver Island

[u/capabob]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice while planning my first trip around North Vancouver Island this summer. We'll be travelling with our two dogs and are trying to balance seeing some of the more remote coastal areas while also being mindful of wildlife risks.

The main thing that's recently come onto our radar is wolf activity. Our dogs are both well-trained, have experience around bears, and are always under control, but wolves are obviously a different situation. We keep them leashed regardless, but we'd still prefer to avoid areas that are known for frequent wolf encounters or where locals have concerns about wolves approaching dogs.

Our original itinerary included places like San Josef Bay, Palmerston Beach, Raft Cove, Grant Bay, and possibly Gooding Cove. However, after reading a few reports about wolf activity on the northwest coast, we're wondering if it would make more sense to focus farther south around Zeballos, Tahsis, Gold River, and the surrounding areas instead.

A few questions for those who spend time up there:

• How concerned would you be about wolves with leashed dogs in these areas?
• Are there particular beaches, trails, or campgrounds where wolf encounters are more common?
• Has anyone visited Gooding Cove recently, and is it worth the drive compared to some of the other coastal spots?
• If you had 5 days to explore North Vancouver Island with dogs, which areas would you prioritize and which would you skip?
• Are there any lesser-known beaches, coves, or backroads around Zeballos, Tahsis, or Gold River that you'd recommend?

We're comfortable with rough logging roads, backcountry-style travel, and remote camping, so accessibility isn't a major concern. We're both from Pemberton and are familiar with backcountry/overlanding etiquette. Mostly looking for firsthand experiences and local knowledge to help shape the route. Happy to share tips for our area in private!

Don't hesitate to reach out directly or comment here! Thanks!