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Our Broughton Archipelago/Johnstone Strait First Nations’ Cultural Tour begins in the town of Port McNeill (map), about 200 miles north of Victoria on the east side of Vancouver Island. Here the Columbia III will await your arrival at the CAB Fuel Dock. (250) 956-4044 / 956-3336
There are a number of ways of getting to Port McNeill. The simplest are to fly directly from Vancouver to Port Hardy Regional Airport (a 25 minute drive from Port McNeill), or by seaplane from Seattle to Port McNeill Harbour. Flying time from Vancouver to Port Hardy is about 1.25 hours. Other ways include the combination of car and ferry to Vancouver Island, or bus and ferry to Vancouver Island. Ferry crossing time from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is Approx. 2 hours. Driving time from Nanaimo to Port McNeill is 4.5 hours, or from Victoria to Port McNeill is 6 hours. Another option is to fly to Campbell River Regional Airport (half way between Victoria and Port McNeill) then bus or drive the rest of the way (2.5 hour drive).
-Pacific Coastal Airlines runs numerous daily flights to Port Hardy (a town 25 minutes north of Port McNeill). See Port McNeill Shuttle Bus service below.
-B.C. Ferries has year round vehicle and passenger service - Routes include: North Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay), South Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to South Nanaimo (Duke Point) and South Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) 1-888-223-3779 or outside B.C. 250-386-3431.
-Greyhound Canada has service from Vancouver's downtown bus station to Port McNeill. Ferry crossing included 1-800- 661-8747 or 604-681-3526 (in Vancouver).
-Island Coach Lines (a division of
Greyhound Canada) has frequent service between Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell
River, and Port McNeill 1-800-318-0818 or 250-956-3556 (in Port McNeill).
-The Airport Shuttle Bus: will transport people anywhere on Vancouver Island 250-286-3000
-Port McNeill Airport Shuttle servicing Port Hardy Airport 250-956-8294
-North Island Taxi 250-949-8800
-Budget Car Rentals 1-800-268-8900 or 250-923-4283
-National Car Rentals 1-800-227-7368 or 250-923-1234
Many of our guests like to explore Vancouver Island before or after their adventure on the Columbia III. Please contact Tourism Vancouver Island (250)754- 3500 or www.vancouverisland.travel for ideas and information. Accommodation through out B.C. can be arranged through 1-800-435-5622 or HelloBC.com.
For those guests who wish to arrive prior to our Sunday departure, or stay later after our trip, the following accommodations are available in Port McNeill. Further information is also available from: Port McNeill & District Tourist Bureau (250) 956-3131 or the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce.
Accommodation in Port McNeill
The Columbia III can be contacted at these cellular numbers:1-888-833-8887 and 250-202-3229. In the case of an extreme emergency, the boat can be contacted directly by calling the Canadian Coast Guard in Comox (250) 339-3613. Ask them to send a message to MV Columbia III (quote this number: MMSI# 316-003- 614) sailing in the Broughton Archipelago area. We are often off the boat so expect a response to take 12 hours.
The ship’s phone is not for guest use.
We are happy to accommodate any personal dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan. Wine will be served with the evening meal. If you would like an alternative to alcohol please let us know on your medical form. Please notify us of any food allergies or needs on the medical form well in advance of your departure date.
Mail us your completed Medical Form ASAP. Your tetanus vaccination must be up to date (less than 10 years old) before you leave. Be sure to bring enough of your required medications as you will be far from any drug stores. We may encounter minor ocean swells so if seasickness is a concern, please bring anti nausea medication. But rest assured, we travel in very sheltered areas and overnight in calm, protected bays. We do our best to avoid swells and waves!
For maximum comfort, a layering system of lighter "quick-dry" and warmer fleece clothing works best. Wool is excellent as well. Avoid cotton which stays wet for a very long time. Waterproof raingear is essential. When getting in and out of the skiff on shore excursions your feet WILL get wet. We suggest a pair of sturdy water sandals / shoes, or rubber boots. Proper protection from the sun is essential so bring sun glasses, a sun hat, sun block and lip screen. Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated in the outdoors is very important. When aboard the mothership, comfortable casual clothing is nice to change into after the day’s excursions.
Consider bringing the items listed on the packing list we provide.
We have waterproof bags (dry bags) onboard that you can use for your cameras or other small items on our shore excursions if you like. Large Ziploc bags work as well. Hard suitcases are difficult to fit into the small storage compartments on the Columbia III, so if possible, bring your things in soft duffel type bags.
Contact Us
Toll Free:
1-888-833-8887
Phone:
250-202-3229
Fax:
604-677-5692
Email us
By Mail:
P.O. Box 30,
Heriot Bay, BC
Canada V0P 1H0
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