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The Rarely Explored Lower Skeena River and Canneries

The lower Skeena River where it enters into the Pacific Ocean is one of the most historic areas in this region but one of the most seldom visited.  There are a few reasons for this.

  1. The tides in this area fluctuate greatly each day and can expose sand bars and make access to some of the sites difficult.  The timing of launching a boat and accessing the sites needs to be planned out to ensure the tides do not leave you stranded.
  2. The area has limited access points to launch a jet boat which is needed to navigate this area of the Skeena
  3. I don’t think people realize just how many interesting sites there are to see in this area

Here are some photos of past guests enjoying the unique sites and nature.

Join us for another tour of the remote and unique area May 15-18, 2018

Black Cat & Rainbow House!
Black Cat & Rainbow House!
Old School Trampoline
Old School Trampoline
Photographing an old Bone Yard
Photographing an old Bone Yard
Photographing old Canneries out of the boat
Photographing old Canneries out of the boat
Enjoying a well deserved lunch on a remote beach
Enjoying a well deserved lunch on a remote beach on an island
The man who fell from Heaven Petroglyph
The man who fell from Heaven Petroglyph
The old Hi-Lo boat lying in the grass
The old Hi-Lo boat lying in the grass
Another float by Cannery Photo-Op
Another float by Cannery Photo-Op
Exploring an old Sawmill site
Exploring an old Sawmill site
Osland Boardwalk
Osland Boardwalk

 

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One of the most Unique Northern BC Experiential Tours

Take an opportunity to be a part of one of the most Unique Northern BC Experiences around!   The 2 day Upper Fraser White Sturgeon Tour allows the average person to assist with the gathering of data on one of the most unique fish in this region.  We have partnered with the Lheidli Tenneh  and Environmental Dynamics to deliver a tour where guests learn and experience what it takes to find and catch these “Dinosaurs” of the past.  We use two jet boats to navigate the historical Upper Fraser River in search of these creatures.  Guests will learn about  and be immersed in this data gathering project.  We will use radio telemetry to track the fish, and then take physical measurements like age, girth, length, sex, weight, and DNA.  Fish will be scanned, tagged and have radio tags inserted into them.  This once a year opportunity is an event that the inquisitive and adventurous person does not want to miss!
This years tour takes place May 3-4, 2018 out of Prince George, BC

Large Sturgeon getting ready to be released after measurements done
Smaller Sturgeon getting ready to be released
Using Radio Telemetry to find previously tagged sturgeon
Inserting a radio tag into sturgeon
All hands on deck when weighing a large sturgeon
Angling for sturgeon
Angling for sturgeon
Taking a DNA sample
Taking a DNA sample
Radio Telemetry Tag
A few measurement tools needed for data collection
Looking after a small sturgeon
A closer look at a small sturgeon
Releasing another small sturgeon
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Skeena River Journey through Time!

One of the most unique journeys in northern British Columbia is the trip down the Skeena River from Hazelton to Prince Rupert. We retrace the journeys of the First Nations and the early explorers as the Skeena River flows 300 km through the Coast Mountains.  The beauty and awe inspiring scenery is truly remarkable!  During the  five day trip via two jet boats we will overnight at various accommodations adjacent to the river.  This all-inclusive expedition includes great culinary meals in some very unique locations.

Don’t miss out!

August 5-10, 2018
Starting in Terrace, BC

Cruising down the mighty Skeena River via Jet Boat
Checking out a local first Nations smoke house on the Skeena River
One of the local first nations showing us his smoked salmon
Going for a walk on a remote sand bar on the Skeena River
Cruising up a Skeena River Tributary
Accommodations for one of the nights
Exploring an old abandoned airstrip next to the river
A lunch spot with a view
Looking back at the travelled river
Relaxing at the end of the day
Checking out the Ghost Town of Dorreen
The old Haunted Dr House near hospital Island
Interesting Petrogylph of the man who fell from Heaven

 

The setting sun at the end of an amazing day
The guests boarding the train back to Hazelton
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Remote Grizzly Bear Viewing

There is something very special about watching these magnificent animals in their natural habitat feeding, playing and cruising along the shore.  The spring month of June is a time as the bears come out of the safety of the forest to feed on the protein rich Lygnby Sedge.  Patience is key to viewing these animals but they always come out.  Some are not afraid of humans and allow us to get relatively close while in the safety of a boat. Others we must stalk them using the wind, electric motors, paddles and poles to keep our presence unknown.  Moms with cubs can be very shy and always on the lookout for danger and other bears.

Our Northwest BC Grizzly Bear Tour on June 6-11, 2018 encompasses two great lodges to use as a home base while we rest up each evening before the next days adventure.  We use Jet boats, Ocean Boats and float planes to access some of the remotest and beautiful bear viewing locations.  This is truly an amazing trip for photographers or those just looking for an  adventure.

Small Grizzly Cub cruising the shoreline looking for his next meal
Small Grizzly Cub cruising the shoreline looking for his next meal

 

A family of Grizzlies scouring the shoreline for clams and other food
A family of Grizzlies scouring the shoreline for clams and other food
A nice looking grizzly with a mouthful of Lyngby Sedge
A nice looking grizzly with a mouthful of Lyngby Sedge
This Grizzly mom is taking her young to safety
This Grizzly mom is taking her young to safety
Two young males pay fighting in the sedge
Two young males pay fighting in the sedge
Accommodations fro two days in the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
Accommodations fro two days in the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
This grizzly liked to Swim rather than walk along shore
This grizzly liked to Swim rather than walk along shore
A mom and three cubs eating the rich Lyngby Sedge
A mom and three cubs eating the rich Lyngby Sedge
This mom was always on the lookout for the big males
This mom was always on the lookout for the big males
Poling through a remote coastal estuary in search of Grizzly Bears
Poling through a remote coastal estuary in search of Grizzly Bears
Accommodations for nights 1-3

 

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The Adventure begins in Prince George!

We have three great tours lined up for the Prince George area this spring.  Exploring the history of our region via train and jet boat as we visit remote and hard to reach sites rich in early 1900’s stories of the past.  We also provide an opportunity to be a part of one of the most unique biological tours in the province.  We assist the Lheidli Tenneh Fisheries program in locating, capturing and tagging Upper Fraser White Sturgeon “The Dinosaurs of the River”.

The Nechako and Fraser Rivers are our highways for these three tours as we explore the two of the largest canyons on the Fraser River and remnants of our early 1900 transportation methods.  Our knowledgeable accompanying resource persons will provide facts and stories to make this one of the most memorable trips you have ever been on.   You do not want to miss out on these amazing trips.

Upper Fraser White Sturgeon Biology Experience – May 3-4, 2018
Historic Fort George River Journey – May 11, 2018
Ghost Towns of the East Line: History of the Upper Fraser – May 12, 2018

For More Information:
https://www.unbc.ca/continuing-studies/courses/tours

Old Miworth Reaction Ferry Pontoon

 

The Telemetry receiver in action
Historic Ft George Canyon Historic Ft George River Journey Tour
Sturgeon on the Upper Fraser River
Old Beehive Burner at eh Eastline Ghost Town of Penny
Ringbolt in the Grand Canyon of the Fraser
Ringbolt in the Grand Canyon of the Fraser
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The Lower Skeena Canneries and Historic Sites!

The lower Skeena Estuary and coastal area is home to this region’s most historic sites. This seldom visited area has a a wide variety of unique sites related to the early history of this region.  The area is home to the many abandoned canneries, boat building towns, mills, and fishing villages. There were over 30 canneries on the north coast in the early 1900’s and this created many associated towns and industry in the area. Touring this part of the NorthCoast is truly a memorable experience for anyone interested in a unique historical adventure!

May 15-18, 2018 at Cassiar Cannery

The Hi-Lo Crab Boat
Cassiar Cannery from the Air
Remnants of Claxton Cannery
Old abandoned North Coast Boat
Old cabin at Osland
Haysport Boardwalk
The Rainbow House at Oona River
An Old Boat House at Oona River
Old Dr House at Digby Island
The foundation of the Old Hospital on Hospital Island
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Inside the Anyox Powerhouse- “Then & Now”

The Anyox Powerhouse is always one of the highlights for guests on the “Town that got Lost” tour!.  Even though a lot  of the equipment inside was removed it is still a surreal experience with all the rusted iron and steel remnants providing a glimpse into the past.  Amazingly a few plants and shrubs have taken root amongst the industrial wasteland, giving it an even eerier feeling.
Anyox Powerhouse Then & Now
Anyox Powerhouse Then & Now

Constructed in 1911, Powerhouse No. 1 was the heart of the mining and community operations, providing electricity for the smelter, machine shops and other mining operations, as well as the town, until the mine closed in 1936. Secondary powerhouses and substations in the mine site produced electricity for the ore-haulage railway trolleys and other equipment. Constructed of brick and steel, 50 feet wide by 180 feet long, the building’s concrete foundations are laid on solid rock. Brick for the Powerhouse was originally imported from Sidney Island. Later brick, for refurbishing the building, was likely produced at the brickworks on the Anyox site. The building is a massive, elegant structure with an unobstructed interior volume. Ten bays with curved window openings and clerestory windows along both sides of the upper portion of the roof contribute to an impressive facade. A 15-ton crane, used to move the machinery, runs the entire length of the interior of the building.

Looking down into the Anyox Powerhouse
Looking down into the Anyox Powerhouse
The outside brick walls of the Anyox Powerhouse
The outside brick walls of the Anyox Powerhouse
An old Pelton Wheel inside the Anyox Powerhouse
An old Pelton Wheel inside the Anyox Powerhouse
Looking through through the roof of Anyox Powerhouse
Looking through through the roof of Anyox Powerhouse
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The Skeena River Tour!

For those looking for an adventure of a lifetime the 300 km Jet Boat Journey down the Skeena River is a must!  This trip begins the 5 day journey down the river in the town of Hazelton and commences in the historic Cassiar Cannery in the Skeena River Estuary.  The month of August typically provides great weather for the expedition.  The scenery on the trip is unparalleled as the river carves its way through the coastal mountains and snow capped peaks.  The history along the river is truly amazing as we visit many places of historical significance.  Don’t miss this August 5-10, 2018 trip that is limited to 10 guests on two jet boats!

Cutting through the Coastal Mountains
Cutting through the Coastal Mountains
Snow and water falls along the edge of the river
Guests enjoying a Cassiar Cannery Sunset
Skeena River Estuary in a Jet Boat
Our two Jet boats making their way down the Skeena River
Animal tracks on Skeena River Sandbar
A Skeena River Tributary
Skeena River
Skeena River
Enjoying a walk on lower Skeena River Sandbar
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Grizzly Bear Viewing on BC’s North Coast

On our Northwest BC Grizzly Bear Discovery tour we use jet boats, float planes and ocean boats to bring guests to some of the regions most remote and secluded bear viewing locations.  We  travel by jet boat on the ocean to remote coastal estuaries that are filled with thick carpets of Lyngby Sedge.  We use jet boats so that we can maneuver through all the side channels and that intertwine amongst the estuary and hopefully get us close enough for some amazing photos. A float plane will be used to transport guests to a floating lodge where grizzlies roam the shoreline just minutes away. This year’s tour is June 6-11, 2018 starting in Terrace, BC.

Young Grizzly posing for the camera
Young Grizzly posing for the camera
Grizzly Bear and Cub posing for the Camera

 

Grizzly Bear combing the shore looking for Sedges
Stalking Grizzlies in the estuary
Float Plane landing with Grizzly Bear Viewing Guests
Family of Grizzlies looking for a meal
Family of Grizzlies looking for a meal
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NEW! Kitsault & Alice Arm: The Ultimate Ghost Town Adventure!

Wow!  For those looking to tour two of the most inaccessible ghost towns in British Columbia; now is your chance!  We have permission to visit the modern day ghost town of Kitsault that has sat vacant since 1983!  This town has everything a town would need!  Hospital, Pub, Curling Rink, Movie Theatre, Swimming Pool, Library, Day care, Gymnasium, Squash Courts, Grocery Store, Bank, Sporting Goods Store, Post Office, Hot Tub, Apartments and Houses!  The only thing missing is the people!  BE one of the few people to tour this town and STAY overnight in one of the apartment buildings.  This is a truly a trip of a lifetime.

Kitsault Mall
Kitsault Mall

As an added bonus we will be visiting the historic Silver mining town and home to the Dolly Varden Mine – Alice Arm.  We will tour the town and be treated to magnificent seafood feast on the banks above massive Alice Arm Estuary.

2016 Ghost Town Guests posing in front of Kitsault sign

All this in in a one night two day trip from Terrace, BC to Kitsault and Alice Arm and return to Terrace.  All meals, accommodations, transportation ( return from Terrace, BC to Kitsault and Ocean transportation to Alice Arm.)

This trip will fill up fast and is limited to 12 guests!

August 18-19, 2017

$795.00

Register no or contact Rob Bryce at (250) 617-5931 or Rob.bryce@unbc.ca for more information

Kitsault Post Offce
Kitsault Post Offce
Guests getting ready for a showing a the Kitsault Theatre
Guests getting ready for a showing a the Kitsault Theatre
Kitsault Hospital bed
Kitsault Hospital bed
The Alice Arm schoolhouse still remains from the early 1900’s