One of our first tours of the year is the “Canneries of the North Coast” and also one of the most unique. Over the 4 days we visit over 18 remnants of the salmon canneries of the lower Skeena River and the islands at the entrance to it. Names like Balmoral, Humpback Bay, Claxton and Carlisle to name a few. We also visit some of the most remote fishing related communities on the north coast like the Icelandic Community of Osland and the boat building town of Oona River. Plus we stay 4 nights in a cannery at one of the most unique accommodations in BC- Cassiar Cannery. The trip is for those who like small group sizes and getting off the beaten path to see some of the most unique sites on the north coast.
Here are some photos of the 2018 tour
Old Boat House at Oona RiverOld Growth walk along Oona RiverExploring old Boardwalk among the sedge grass.Exploring amongst the pilings of an old canneryHeading back to jet boat after exploring old cannery ruinsSome of the guests aboard the bus at Oona RiverExploring the ruins of Claxton CanneryRemains of the old Dr House near Dodge CovePhotographing an discarded headstone left n the mudExploring the “Bone Yard” between the cannery piliingsAn old headstone at a lower Skeena CemeteryEnjoying lunch and the views on a secluded island beachThe remains of the humpback bay canneryThe “Rainbow House” at Oona River!Remains of a lower Skeena River Cannery
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 BoatCassiar Cannery from the AirRemnants of Claxton CanneryOld abandoned North Coast BoatOld cabin at OslandHaysport BoardwalkThe Rainbow House at Oona RiverAn Old Boat House at Oona RiverOld Dr House at Digby IslandThe foundation of the Old Hospital on Hospital Island
The lower Skeena River and the north coast is home to many weathered derelict fishing boats that have been abandoned or washed up on shore. They are truly a photographers paradise to capture that amazing photo unlike any other. Each boat has a one of kind story and history behind them from salmon fishing, gillnetting, crabbing or transportation. This seldom visited area has many boats lining the shores and just takes a keen eye and some tips on where to look. Here is our top 10 list with a couple of honorable mentions. If you know any specific history on any of these boats we would love to hear about them.
To see these boats and to have a chance to get up close and personal with them check out our “Canneries of the North Coast” tour where we visit these boats and many more.
On the UNBC Educational Tour “Canneries of the Northcoast ” & “The Skeena River Historical Journey by Jet Boat” we will visit the Icelandic fishing community of Osland. It is situated on Smith Island at the mouth of the Skeena River. The community was settled 1910-15 with a group of Icelandic individuals from the province of Manitoba. The community was quite small with a population rarely exceeding 100. The main industry was fishing. Today it is a small community of cabins and cottages with a scattereing of old boats and relics from the fishing days. The most unique feature is the 1 km long boardwalk that parallels the ocean which makes for a magnificent stroll while looking for that unique photo.
