Join us on the water this summer to explore our region’s history!
The Museum at Campbell River is once again offering its summer historic boat tours in partnership with Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours. Each trip explores the history of the region from the comfort of one of their boats that include both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and an on-board washroom. As well as an experienced Captain, there is an on-board naturalist who is constantly on the lookout for wildlife to point out, and a Museum Guide to share historic points of interest.
2022 Trip Descriptions
The Thurlow Islands
The Thurlow Islands are a hidden treasure. Although sparsely inhabited today, they have a rich history featuring logging camps, forestry stations, commercial fishing, and gold mines. Stop at Blind Channel Resort for a delicious meal and a brief chat with a member of the Richter family, a family who have been living on West Thurlow Island for several generations.
Sonora Island
Cruising past Quadra, Read, Maurelle, and Stuart Islands to reach Sonora Island, you will experience the area’s notorious tidal rapids, and hear tales from the past of many landmarks along the way. Stop in at the exclusive Dent Island Lodge.
Desolation Sound
Experience the myriad bays and inter-connected coves nestled among the small islands of Desolation Sound. Take in the rugged beauty of the backdrop of the coastal mountains. Trip includes visits to the peaceful lagoon and picturesque falls at Teakerne Arm, and to Prideaux Haven, one of the most popular boating anchorages in the region.
Redonda Islands & Waddington Channel
Heather Harbord, author of Desolation Sound, referred to West Redonda as the “Social Centre of the Sound.” West Redonda had two settlements – Refuge Cove and Redonda Bay. Of the two, Refuge Cove has always been bigger, and today is still a hive of activity, at least in the summer months, with its charming and eclectic community. East and West Redonda are known for their topography – their towering peaks and some of the deepest waters of the passage.
Cortes Island
Whaletown on Cortes Island received its name from a whaling station located there in the late 1800s. Hear about the impacts of this station, and find out about historic First Nations whaling practices in the region. While we circumnavigate the Island you will also learn about some of the other stories this unique island has to tell.
Quadra Island
The largest of the Discovery Islands, Quadra has a long history of human habitation. Hear some of the many colourful stories of the people who have called this island home as you navigate through the many tidal rapids and reefs surrounding the island.
Members get an 8% discount on boat tours! Please note, discount applies only to members, not for groups. Select the member ticket at check out.
If the trip you want is full, please call us at 250-287-3103 to be added to the wait list. More spaces are sometimes added on short notice dependent on weather conditions.
We require 7 days notice of cancellation, or a $60 cancellation fee will be charged.
*Prices are per person plus GST. Beverages at Meals are not included. All passengers will meet 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
