British Columbia's Lighthouses and Coastal Communities

The west coast of British Columbia boasts miles of awe-inspiring coastline with post-glacial fjords, ancient rainforests, whales, seabirds, and nutrient rich waters. An exclusively chartered vessel provides a unique vantage-point from which we study past and contemporary issues of lighthouses and coastal communities. Following routes first charted by Captain George Vancouver more than 200 years ago, we cruise through islands and make frequent stops en route. In the evenings, the vessel docks in island communities, where we stay in hotels. Ground transportation will be provided to Powell River and Naniamo in the event of inclement weather.

Vancouver, Canada's third-largest city, is cradled among snow-capped mountains, the fertile delta of the Fraser River, and the Pacific Ocean. Totems watch over Vancouver's miles of beaches, parks with 1,000-year-old trees and a busy harbor. This area is the homeland of the Salish First Nations people. The present city dates to the 1880s, when it became the terminus of the transcontinental railway. A lecture will introduce you to the history of British Columbia and the Gulf Islands at the beginning of the program and will conclude with the farewell dinner at the end of the program.

Powell River and Lund lie on the mainland between the Strait of Georgia and pine forests of the Sunshine Coast mountains. Founded as a mill town, it is the gateway to Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands, quietly famous for resisting over-development and for its deep-water harbor that has created opportunities for the "good life" in a breathtaking setting. Lectures present the history of the mill and model city of 1909. Field trips introduce the old town, the only National Historic District in the west; Pender Harbour; and Merry Island lighthouse. During an excursion to the town of Gibson's, we experience the flavor of a small coastal community. Activities include viewing a documentary film on "Seymour Rock" -- the largest non-nuclear blast in history.

For 10,000 years, First Nations people have made their home in the Campbell River area, now the salmon capital of the world. Lectures aboard the vessel address forestry, marine parks,and salmon fisheries of Vancouver Island. We learn of Kwakwaka'wakwa First Nations culture on a field trip to a First Nations Gallery; how to identify gillnet, troll, and seine fishing gear at the commercial dock; and the operational requirements of oyster culture. We also enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged Coast Mountains and examine marine life on white sand beaches, on rocks, and gravel in shallow waters. Excursions include Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Quathiaski Cove commercial fishing dock, and a rainforest stroll with a naturalist.

A hub for marine traffic, Nanaimo was established on Vancouver Island thanks to "black gold" - coal. Lectures discuss Georgia Strait water quality, wildlife, and fishing. We also hear an "affectionate history" of the Union Steam Ship Lines. Field trips to the south island communities of Chemainus, the city of murals, and Duncan, the city of Totems, put us in touch with contemporary urban issues. Onboard field trips take us to the Nanaimo Harbour; Chrome and Entrance Island lighthouses; the Comox Valley, with its history of coal mining and farming; the shellfish culture of Baynes Sound; and the Comox Glacier. We view the cormorant nesting site at Chrome Island, the sandy beaches of Qualicum Beach, and the Ghost Ships at Royston.

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, lies on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria has a mild, Mediterranean-type climate and boasts a vast network of walking, hiking, and biking paths. Established as a Hudson's Bay Company Fort, the city has a proud British heritage. Lectures feature the city's history and its famous coastal shipwrecks. We dock for an excursion in Ganges on Salt Spring Island to experience the Farmer Market and purchase crabs from a local fisherman for our dinner onboard. We learn about the British Columbia coastal ferry fleet and community changes as steam, diesel, and gas engines are utilized on land and sea. Field trips present the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, and world famous Butchart Gardens.

Start Location:	Vancouver.
End Location:	Vancouver.
Accomodations:	Ramada Inn Metrotown, Lund Hotel, Whiskey Cove Resort Quarda Island, Coast Bastion Nanaimo, Best Western Waterway Victoria
Required Equipment:	None.
Required Skills:	None.
Required Documents:	Passport AND photo ID and birth certificate (proof of citizenship) required for entry into Canada and reentry into the USA.
Required Inoculations:	None.
Packing List:	Bring comfortable walking shoes, sleeveless tops for warm days, light wind & rainproof jacket & sweater for cool nights and incase of wind or rain during trip. Bring sun screen, a hat, sun glasses & camera.
Luggage Limits:	Please pack carefully as you are expected to handle your own luggage. Laundry facilities located in or close to our hotels are available to refresh clothing and minimize bulky luggage.

Handicapped Rooms :	Not available.
Ground Floor Rooms:	Available upon request.
Elevators:	Yes.
Walking Distances:	Field trips will require standing of up to 10 minutes with walking at a slow place of no more than 8 blocks. Walking tours included in the itinerary are planned so that participants may stop and return to a meeting place as their fitness level requires.
Elevation:	Sea level.

Below is the projected schedule for this program. On each full day of programming, 3 meals and various snacks and beverages are included. Please note that slight changes may occur in the case of unforeseen events.