Ahaminaquus 12 is reserve land belonging to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, located near the mouth of the Gold River, on the northern shore of Muchalat Inlet. It is here, at the end of Gold River Highway, that the Gold River port is located — an important departure point for marine and air excursions to Nootka Sound and remote corners of the west coast of Vancouver Island. The port is nestled in a picturesque mountain valley, surrounded by forested slopes and towering mountains.

On the port grounds, there is a memorial dedicated to the famous orca Kakawin Luna, whose story has left a lasting impression on the local community and become part of the history of this coastline.

The port is also home to a take-off and landing area for seaplanes operated by Air Nootka. The company provides charter flights to remote communities, islands, tourist lodges, and other hard-to-reach destinations along the coast. Destinations include Nootka Island, Kyuquot, Tahsis, Zeballos, Tofino, and other locations. Particularly interesting is the regular mail route between Gold River and Kyuquot, which is also offered as a two-hour scenic flight over the wilderness of Vancouver Island’s west coast.

The vessel MV Uchuck III, operated by Get West Adventure Cruises, also departs from this remote port on marine excursions. This unique cargo and passenger vessel has the distinctive appearance of a vintage steamship but is powered by two diesel engines. It carries not only supplies to remote coastal communities but also tourists. Marine excursion destinations include historic Friendly Cove (Yuquot), where visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people; the remote community of Kyuquot on the Pacific coast; and the Nootka Sound Day Cruise — a full-day journey through the inlets and waterways of the historic Nootka Sound region.