COASTAL CRUISING AT ITS BEST
Explore the spectacular natural history of Desolation Sound, British Columbia aboard the luxurious and elegant heritage vessel COLUMBIA III.

Voyage amidst the towering snow-capped peaks of the Coast Range and lush evergreen slopes of East Redonda Island and Prideau Haven Marine Park. Visit tranquil islands, sheltered bays, magnificent inlets and warm water lagoons. Hike to a quiet shimmering lake for a refreshing swim, and anchor each night with yet another stunning view! Your transportation is the handsome Columbia III, a ship that won first prize at the 2003 Classic Boat Show in Victoria B.C. From the gleaming exterior paint and bright-work to the comfortable, spacious dining room, from the wheelhouse with the latest navigational and safety equipment to the large covered aft deck, the Columbia III is immaculate and the woodworking throughout is of the finest quality! Our vessel and crew are fully approved and certified annually by Transport Canada. Built in 1956 for the Columbia Coast Mission as a combination hospital, dental office, chapel, library and movie theatre, she now spends her summers cruising with guests to pristine and spectacular wilderness areas on the remote British Columbia coast. When our fast and sturdy 16’ skiff is used for shore excursions, the Columbia III always remains close at hand. Deluxe staterooms, ten-passenger capacity, hot showers, gourmet cuisine and fantastic wildlife viewing, all in total comfort, make touring on the Columbia III the exhilarating and unforgettable adventure of your dreams!

After introductions and settling everyone on board, we’ll leave Campbell River behind in the late afternoon. You’ll notice the cares of civilization slide away as the wharves and town become a speck and the sea, channels, passageways and islands ahead lure us on. Steaming across northern Georgia Strait, with the distant mountains in our view, we head towards that enchanting place - Desolation Sound! One of our first anchorages will be small, rocky Mitlenatch Island, home to the largest seabird colony in the strait. This Nature Reserve is an important nesting place for thousands of glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers and rhinoceros auklets. River otters play and harbour seals laze on the rocks, oblivious to the raucous calling of so many birds, while on the high ledges eagles stand patiently surveying their next meal! We will view the cliffs from the Columbia as well as walk the trails to the bird blinds and pebbly beaches. Exquisite wildflowers are abundant on Mitlenatch! Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!

Desolation Sound is simply a naturalist’s paradise! We’ll pause by waterfalls in steep-sided, turquoise, glacier-fed Toba Inlet, and explore the beautiful river estuary at its head where bear tracks in the sand remind us we share this wilderness! We’ll walk the low tide on the reefs, beachcomb, and marvel at the variety of marine life – sponges, starfish, sea cucumbers, clingfish, sculpins, octopus, and crabs just to name a few! Into the onboard aquarium we’ll gently place the creatures we’ve caught in the beach seine, enjoy them at very close range, then return them to the sea. Trails along streams to inland lakes give us an opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of the shadier forest habitat. On warmer days, these sparkling lakes beckon us for a refreshing swim! The possibilities for each day are infinitely varied and delightful! Our midday meals will be eaten on the “beach” or on the boat, depending on the day’s focus and activity. We return to the Columbia III at the end of each day for hot showers, delicious food, laughter and conversation and of course, a most comfortable and rejuvenating sleep!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ITINERARY AND RATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.