Special sailings are here to help you explore our home with the intention of giving back this holiday season.
Port Alberni’s Lady Rose Marine Services is offering free or by-donation scenic trips up the Alberni Inlet to Bamfield every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday this December.
All funds raised are going to local charities.
The sailing is a full day trip, leaving Port Alberni at 8 a.m. and returning around 4:30 p.m. with about an hour-long stop in Bamfield.
It makes stops at a few other remote communities along the way—including twice-weekly stops at Canada’s only floating post office. It’s also an awesome opportunity for you to see more of our marine and wildlife up close.
“Lots of people I’ve met have said it’s always on their bucket list,” said Greg Willmon, president of The Lady Rose Marine Services, to CTV News.
“There’s probably some people that would like to go, but maybe they can’t afford it, or they just talked about it and never got around to doing it,” said Willmon.
Well, now’s their chance to take a little holiday and explore like a proper tourist.
Donations raised by the sailings will go to two local charities: the Ty Watson House Port Alberni and the Salvation Army.
“Both are great causes, and they help out the needy in the Alberni Valley,” said Willmon.
The Lady Rose Marine Services will be matching the first $5,000 raised, and they hope to raise at least $10,000 for the community.
The Port Alberni Budget Car Rental has also given $250 to the fundraiser and is challenging other local businesses to get involved.
The Frances Barkley ferry, which will be used for all sailings, can take 80 passengers per trip. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ons are welcome as space allows.
Bon Voyage!
