Vancouver Island museum launches 2025 ‘History on the Water’ guided boat tours

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The Museum at Campbell River has announced the return of its “History on the Water” guided boat tours for the 2025 season.

Beginning May 25, these tours provide a unique opportunity to delve into the stories that have shaped the coast, from Indigenous history to early logging, commercial fishing, and life on the water. Passengers will journey through Discovery Passage and Desolation Sound, learning about the people and events that have shaped the area.

This season introduces an extended tour that ventures deeper into Discovery Passage, featuring a detailed stop at Ripple Rock and visits to Kanish Bay, Granite Bay, Menzies Bay, Duncan Bay, and even up to Rock Bay. A highlight of this trip is a new lunch stop at Brown’s Bay Resort, allowing guests to enjoy local seafood while soaking in the coastal scenery.

One of the tour’s focal points is Ripple Rock, an underwater mountain in Seymour Narrows that posed a significant hazard to maritime navigation. In 1958, Canadian engineers successfully detonated the rock in one of the largest non-nuclear peace time explosions in history, increasing the water depth and making the passage safer for vessels.

Another tour favourite is the Thurlow Islands, a hidden treasure among breathtaking scenery. Once home to Indigenous villages, logging camps, and gold mines, these islands offer a glimpse into the past. Guests can enjoy a meal stop at Blind Channel Resort or opt for a more rustic picnic on the dock at Shoal Bay.

For those seeking tranquility, the Desolation Sound tours focus on Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel, with a stop at Refuge Cove. These areas are known for their serene beauty and rich history, providing a peaceful retreat into nature.

A standout experience is the “Romance on the Rapids” evening tour, which takes guests on a scenic adventure through hidden bays, serene coves, and tiny islands, all set against the backdrop of the rugged coastal mountains. Along the way, tales of love, lust and heartbreak from the coast’s rich history are shared. Love is a messy business, and this trip is recommended for passengers 18+. A catered meal is included to enjoy onboard.

All tours are operated aboard a covered boat by Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours, featuring indoor and outdoor seating, and an onboard bathroom. Each trip combines a Museum History guide to point out key locations among the islands, alongside a naturalist from Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventures to highlight local wildlife.

The 2025 season kicks off on May 25 with a trip to the Thurlow Islands, including a new stop at Shoal Bay to explore the community’s thriving past. Registration is now open.

To see the full schedule of tours, visit the Museum website.

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