History on the Water Boat Tours

Each summer, the Museum at Campbell River and Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours partner to offer boat tours exploring the history of the Discovery Islands. The “History on the Water” boat tours combines the adventure of marine touring, with the addition of a history guide. As you pass rugged coastlines and towering mountains, you’ll follow the routes charted by Captain Vancouver of England, and Captains Galiano and Valdez of Spain, back in 1792. Our guides will share the area’s history, from Indigenous peoples to the impact of industries like logging and commercial fishing, revealing how the land and its resources shaped life on the coast.

Feature Trip:

Sunday, June 9 trip to Refuage Cove:

In 1918, the Refuge Cove General Store opened its doors, supplying everything from groceries and hardware to fuel and mail. By the 1920s, settlers travelled for miles by boat to attend Saturday night dances behind the store, earning Refuge Cove the nickname “The Social Centre of the Sound.” On Sunday mornings, residents gathered at the dock as the Union Steamship arrived with the week’s mail, supplies, and news from the outside world.
Then, in 1958, the dramatic blasting of Ripple Rock changed coastal travel routes forever, and Refuge Cove’s role as a bustling hub began to shift.
What was life like in this remote coastal community? Who were the people who built their lives here? And how did one tiny store become the heart of Desolation Sound?
Join the Museum at Campbell River’s History on the Water tour this Sunday as we travel to Desolation Sound and stop at Refuge Cove to uncover the stories behind this remarkable place.
 

About the Vessel: Passengers ride in comfort aboard the covered boat operated by Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure tours. The boat boasts indoor and outdoor seating and is very comfortable, including an onboard bathroom. Each tour combines a Museum History guide to point out key locations amongst the Islands, alongside a Naturalist from Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventures to point out wildlife.

Book a tour through the online ticketing platform or give us a call and we can book directly.

We invite you to join us on the water this year.

View the 2026 Schedule

Museum at Campbell River respectfully acknowledges the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ First Nation, on whose traditional lands we work to preserve, interpret and share the collective human history of North Vancouver Island. The Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ First Nation is comprised of the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah First Nations. Our closest neighbors are the Coast Salish Xwemalhkwu, Klahoose and K’ómoks First Nations.

These nations have close connections to the land where Campbell River is located today.

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