Coastal History Cruising Tours

There’s a photogenic scene at every turn as we wind through the tightly packed Discovery Islands archipelago to cruise up Bute Inlet. Home to some of the highest peaks in the province, the drama of Bute Inlet is a highlight with snowy peaks rising 9000 feet above you. We will also have a chance to explore the clustered islands of Desolation Sound Marine Park, aboriginal rock art sites and homesteads, the bird sanctuary on Mitlenatch Island and the Octopus Islands Marine Park. We will go ashore daily for short hikes along forested trails and beaches so you have an opportunity to stretch those sea legs every day in a new area. 

This four-night cruise departs from and returns to Campbell River (see directions/planning).

The Columbia III heads north from Campbell River for a five-night cruise to the Broughton Archipelago, famed for its whale populations and rich marine life. On this tour, we will stop at deserted aboriginal villages like Mimquimlees, with its remnants of a traditional ‘Bighouse’ and a totem pole. Guides will show us the reoccupied village of Tasadzis’nukwame, and we will visit charming homesteads of the past and present. The mountains of Kingcome Inlet, the many archaeological sites, and meeting coastal legends like Billy Proctor of Echo Bay make for a memorable experience. 

This cruise departs from Campbell River (directions/planning). Guests will disembark in Port McNeill and a shuttle bus will take you back to Campbell River where our journey began.

Our Discovery Islands Coastal History Adventure begins in the town of Campbell River, located about 160 miles north of Victoria on the east side of Vancouver Island. Here the Columbia III will await your arrival.

Important points:

• Columbia III will be moored at the Discovery Harbour Marina in Campbell River (250) 287-2614.
• Board the vessel punctually between 6:00 pm and 6:15 pm. 
• We serve snacks the first evening but not dinner. We suggest you have dinner before boarding.
• The Columbia III cell phone number is 250-202-4745

Bute Inlet, Desolation Sound & Discovery Island Disembark Details

The Columbia III returns to Campbell River at approximately 2 pm on the last day of the tour.

Broughton Archipelago & Kingcome Inlet Disembark Details

The Columbia III returns to Port McNeill at approximately 2 pm on the last day of the tour. A complimentary shuttle bus will return you to Campbell River by about 5pm.

There are a number of ways of getting to Campbell River. The simplest is to fly directly from Vancouver to Campbell River’s regional airport (YBL). Flying time from Vancouver to Campbell River is approx 45 minutes. Other ways include the combination of either car and ferry or shuttle and ferry. Ferry crossing time from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is approx. 2 hours. Driving time from Nanaimo to Campbell River is 1.5 hours, or from Victoria to Campbell River is 3.5 hours.

From Vancouver:

• Pacific Coastal Airlines runs numerous daily flights to Campbell River 1-800-663-2872 or 604-273-8666 (in Vancouver).
• Central Mountain Air has daily flights to Campbell River at 1-888-865-8585 or 250-847-5000.
• Air Canada acts as a booking agent for Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air if an Air Canada ticket has been purchased to a connecting airport (ie. Vancouver) 1-800-247-2262 (in Canada) or 1-800-776-3000 (in USA).

From Seattle:

• NorthWest Seaplanes runs daily service from Seattle to Campbell River. 1 (800) 690-0086

From Vancouver:
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.

From Washington State:

• M.V. Coho has vehicle and passenger service from Port Angeles WA to downtown Victoria B.C.
• Victoria Clipper has passenger-only ferry service from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria B.C. 1-800-888-2535.

In Campbell River:

• Campbell River Airport Shuttle: 250-914-1010
• Waivin Flags Taxi 250-287-8294
• Bee Line Taxi: 250-287-8383

Car Rental Providers:

• Budget Car Rental: 1-800-299-3199 or 250-923-4283 (in Campbell River)
• National Car Rental: 1-800-227-7368 or 250-923-1234 (in Campbell River)

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 throughout BC can be arranged through 1-800-435-5622 or HelloBC.com.

For those guests who wish to arrive prior to our departure, or stay later after our trip, many hotels and bed & breakfasts are available in Campbell River. Further information is also available from: Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce: (250) 287-4636 or www.campbellriverchamber.ca.

There is a variety of parking available. Please ask for directions at the boat when you arrive.