There is so much to see and do in our wonderful area, but there is one thing you don’t want to miss out on – an opportunity to get out and explore the magical Discovery Islands this summer.
Two weeks ago, I took a boat cruise to the Sonora Island area, put on by the Museum at Campbell River and Discovery Marine Safaris. I went along as an historic interpreter on behalf of the Museum at Campbell River, and Joel from Discovery Marine was our skipper.
We had lovely warm weather, and although it was a little windy as we started up Johnstone Strait, we felt secure in Discovery Marine Safaris’ heavy aluminum boat, that handled the waves extremely well. We discussed some of the history of Campbell River and Vancouver Island’s east coast as we headed north, and I pointed out some spots of interest on the Quadra Island side as well.
We went up to Chatham Point, well indicated by its lightstation, and turned east into Nodales Channel. Joel took us into Thurston Bay on Sonora Island, that once had a significant settlement and operated as a BC Forestry Service station. Today it is a protected marine park. Further into the bay is Cameleon Harbour, where evidence has been found of the First Nations groups who initially inhabited Sonora.
We went back out into Nodales Channel, pointing out Hemming Bay on East Thurlow Island, where there had once been a large logging operation. When we reached Cordero Channel, Joel headed south and east, and we went over to the mainland side where ancient red petroglyphs are painted into the rock, still visible after all these years.
Next stop was Dent Island Lodge. What a gorgeous place! The Lodge is a lovely wooden building that blends in with the woodland scenery surrounding it. Pathways with colourful gardens wind among the trees, taking you to their accommodations. The views from the Lodge are fantastic, especially from the outside patio where we had an excellent lunch that included freshly caught sockeye salmon and local halibut.
On our way back, we cruised through Maurelle and Read Islands and down the east coast of Quadra Island. The grand finale for our trip was the opportunity to watch transient Killer Whales in action off the south coast of Quadra, where they splashed and put on a show for their audience in the surrounding boats.
The passengers said they had a fantastic time, and that it was one of the best tours they had taken in our area.
The Sonora trip with the stop at Dent Island for lunch is running again this Sun., July 29, leaving the Discovery Marine Safaris dock at 8:30 a.m. There is also an afternoon trip leaving at 2 p.m. with a stop at Dent Island for appies.
Be sure to check the Musem’s website for details on the trips and more photos, www.crmuseum.ca/historic-boat-tours
Call (250) 287-3103 for more information and to reserve.