Marine Link Tours Sailing Routes

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Red - Broughton Island Archipelago Area

After departing Menzies Bay, the Aurora Explorer makes its way north through Seymour Narrows and up the inside passage to Johnstone Strait, calling at isolated villages or camps. Passengers enjoy spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing (including possible killer whale (orca), and humpback or grey whale sightings) and the chance to do some fishing. This route takes us through Chatham Channel and up into the endless maze of channels and islands which form the Broughton Archipelago. Depending on freight opportunities, we may branch off into spectacular McKenzie Sound and Kingcome Inlet, or journey up Knight Inlet, passing Cascade Head (where a waterfall plunges over 800 feet directly into the ocean) on this longest and most spectacular of coastal fjords. Towering granite cliffs rise directly from the shore into magnificent hanging valleys with 4000 metre peaks forming a snowcapped backdrop. With patience and keen observation, mountain goats may be seen on the granite ledges and grizzly and black bears at the numerous river deltas. Other freight opportunities may result in the vessel branching off to the more distant and isolated Seymour Inlet system of coastal fiords. This routing will take the Aurora Explorer through the narrow confines of Schooner or Slingsby Channels that lead into the tidal rapids of Nakwakto Rapids. These rapids are one of the most powerful and notorious current passages in the world, although the ship will navigate this location at “slack” water only.

Sample Itinerary: actual routing will be determined by freight available at time of sailing.

Purple - Discovery Islands

The Aurora Explorer departs Menzies Bay and cruises northward through Seymour Narrows. Passing over the infamous “Ripple Rock” in the narrows, we work our way up Discovery Passage into the maze of islands and mainland inlets, with possible stops in Loughborough Inlet, Cordero Channel, Phillips Arm, Stuart Island and Sonora Island. The Aurora Explorer may then proceed up spectacularly scenic Bute Inlet with stops along the way, possibly reaching the head of the inlet at the mouth of the Homathko and Southgate Rivers. The upper reaches of the inlet provide a vista of steep granite bluffs, numerous hanging valleys, cascading waterfalls, glimpses of the Homathko Icefield above Mt. Grenville (3109 m) and other glaciers in the surrounding mountain ranges. After cruising back down the inlet, we may sail into Toba Inlet and Desolation Sound, depending on freight requirements of our local customers. As we return to Campbell River via Cape Mudge, on the southern tip of Quadra Island, opportunities may arise to visit the abandoned native village of Church House, Cassel Lake at Teakerne Arm or Spilsbury Point on Hernando Island.

Mystery Cruise Routing

These special cruises of the Aurora Explorer are for those with adventurous spirits, because we really cannot predict where the vessel will actually go. The ship will travel where the freight takes it, which will provide passengers the opportunity to view a wider section of the coast.

Sample Itinerary: actual routing will be determined by freight available at time of sailing.

Please Note: Passengers are reminded that the Aurora Explorer is an actual working freight boat. Delivery of freight and the securing of additional freight opportunities will dictate the routing and the timetable of the vessel. While every effort is made to provide time in the schedule for our guests to disembark from the vessel for sightseeing, exploring or other recreational functions, such stops are not guaranteed. Other than the Mystery Cruise Routing, which is totally open, actual cruise routing as described above may vary depending on freight opportunities, weather and tide. Conditions of Carriage apply. Please refer to the reverse side of the cruise application form which will be mailed to persons making a booking.

Annual Weather and Conditions and Best Times to Go:

March, April and May - cooler weather but the waterfalls and snowcaps are spectacular. Less fog and few bugs.

June - usually warmer; can be wet and foggy. Better weather for exploring and getting out and about.

July and August - lounge out on the deck and soak up the sunshine, however there may be fog at times. The best time for picnics ashore in the wilderness.

September - usually reasonably warm, may be some fog; harvest moons at the head of inlets may be spectacular.

October - cooler; waterfalls and snowcaps return, mists and colours of autumn provide contrasting west coast vistas.