Home»Aurora Explorer 2005

Only 12 passengers board the Canadian coastal working barge MV Aurora Explorer on its weekly runs up the steep fiords and rarely visited islands of the Inside Passage along British Columbia's remote western coast. This is a working barge - no pampered Love Boat wimps here! - delivering groceries, vehicles, explosives, jet fuel, building supplies and just about anything else needed by the remote logging camps, fishing communities, floating fish farms, and isolated native villages that we visited six days. The scenery is spectacular, and because the Aurora Explorer is a landing craft with a mere six-foot draw, it can pull up on the tiniest of islands for a surprise stop to let passengers explore a gorgeous shell beach. We were awakened by the aroma of fresh baked cinnamon buns wafting into our double cabin (bunks and twins available) and I promise you will gain weight after a hearty week of homemade bread, wonderful soups and chowders, seafood caught right off the bow - and oh those indescribable pies! Accommodations are tiny, very comfy, clean as can be, but not fancy - with nice touches like a pair of good binoculars hanging in each room. Interior stairways are steep. Shared washrooms and showers.