Choose your area, choose your interests! What you'll see and do will depend on
the type of tour you choose but there are definitely some things you can count
on: great food, service and accommodation as you explore the quiet corners of
B.C.'s coast that are so difficult to access by any other means. And to top this
off, we ensure that you'll be traveling with professional guides who know their
field of expertise and love what they do!
It's hard to describe the particulars of a cruise on the Columbia III, but it's
easy to give the overview! There isn't a better way to explore the coast than to
sit back and travel the very channels that the Columbia III has been safely
plying for over 50 years.
You awake each morning in a new anchorage or port and start your day with a wonderful breakfast. Working with your guide you plan your day. Using our sturdy inflatable skiff for daily shore outings you might explore an ancient First Nations village site, wander a quaint, remote community that is only accessible by water or muck about in a tide-pool teaming with life, and learn from an expert biologist. It is such an amazing coast and it all becomes within your reach when you join us on the Columbia III! And best of all is the relaxed atmosphere. You can join in the group outings or curl up with your favourite book beside the fireplace. The Columbia III is always warm and dry and elegantly awaiting your return after your excursions and she gracefully carries you through the labyrinthine channels of this wonderful coast.
We offer several different types of cruises into each of our operating areas.
There has been overwhelming interest in tours which utilize the comfort of the
Columbia III as a platform to explore and learn about the B.C. coast. Depending
on which area the Columbia III is based, you can be treated to fantastic
displays of wildlife: birds, seals, porpoises, orcas, black bears and deer.
Stopping on shore, we may hike into the rain-forest or explore the shore life at
a clamshell beach, and if you sign up for an informational workshop you will
receive the same great service, in the same beautiful locations whilst learning
from an accomplished tour leader. The best of all worlds!
In 2007 we offered an artist's workshop with Mark Hobson. The Columbia III proved herself to be such a great "platform" with her bright roomy salon and ease of access to scenic areas, that we expanded our selection of workshop- oriented tours in 2008 and 2009. This year, 2010, we are pleased to have Alison Watt joining us in the Broughton Archipelago for an artist’s workshop tour.
One of B.C.'s most accomplished photographers, Boomer Jerritt, is leading our 2010 Broughton Archipelago Photography Workshop. A multi-faceted visual artist, Boomer, along with being a photographer also produces original fine art pieces and teaches photography at the college level.
For the last four years we have run our Coastal History Tours with
historian, Jeanette Taylor. The first year was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Columbia III, but the
tours have become so popular, and Jeanette's style of guiding so well received,
that her tours are now a regular event. When we ran two short tours in the fall
of 2007 we had over 60 people on the waiting list! This autumn, 2010, Jeanette
has published her latest book The Quadra Story, A History of Quadra Island!
Another excellent tour which we will be running again in 2010 is our First Nations Cultural Tour. We feel very lucky to have Lillian Hunt of the Namgis Tribe leading us through her ancestral homelands in the Broughton Archipelago. Lillian will guide us through the world famous U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay which houses the "Potlatch Collection" where she is curator. Together we will explore the Kwakwaka'wakw culture both ancient and modern with our affable guide.
Of course, the Columbia III is available for charters as well. You can explore, paddle, swim, beach-walk and more, entirely at your own pace. The possibilities are endless but one thing is certain, you'll have an excellent holiday.
"Thanks for an outstanding trip. The captain and crew were "above and beyond" to
ensure everyone was happy. Great boat, great food, in the best place in the
world. First class people running a first class operation. Highlight of the
summer. Keep it coming."
- Kevin, Vancouver B.C. 2005
"Thanks again to the Campbell Family. A great coastal "experience" is created
by your hospitality and an outstanding week of fun, laughter, and wildlife. You
create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. You keep the trip fun
and are the role model experience that others should aspire to. Thank-you."
- Kevin (again!), Vancouver B.C. 2007
Cruising Tours are normally 2-6 days long, but charters can be of any length.
Price is all inclusive (meals, wine, life jackets and guiding are all included).
If there are off-ship tours costs such as a museum admission or First Nations
feast then it is all taken care of in the Mothership Adventures tour price. Just
bring your personal gear and settle in for a real treat!
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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