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Get pickled
Monday, May 11th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
Whether the sun is shining or cloud cover hangs low, there’s nothing quite as unique as a trip through Nanaimo harbour on a pickle boat.
The Harbour Ferry boats, affectionately referred to as pickle boats, offer visitors and residents a trip to Newcastle Island or a 45-minute tour of the Nanaimo Harbour.
“They’re so unique in their design to give a lot of visibility and they’re such a fun ship,” said Bill Pollard, a pickle boat skipper.
A glossy green sheen of paint coats the outside of the boat and a plexiglass window offers unobstructed views of the surrounding water and landscape. The boats offer seating for about 14 passengers and passengers are allowed to take along their dogs.
Once the skipper casts off, the sound of the diesel engine is unmistakable and as the ship leaves the dock behind, the boat is sprayed with frothy white crests as it skims the surface of the water.
Wind plies the strands of hair on passenger’s heads as the boat roars forward toward the open waters of the harbour. Just outside the window birds use the wind to their advantage during their flight.
The pickle boats offer a unique view of the Harbour City. The buildings meld together, in shades of silver and gray against the skyline, nestled behind an expanse of waves and the people strolling along the Harbourfront Walkway.
A cool breeze touches the side of the boat and winds it’s way into the interior as the shores of Newcastle Island approach.
The first trips in the spring are to Newcastle Island, a popular spot for camping and walkers in the summer, and in May the harbour tours begin.
“Newcastle, of course, is such a quiet peaceful place to walk,” said Pollard. “The tours are real popular even with people from Nanaimo because they talk a lot about the history of Nanaimo and how we got to where we are now. It’s really a nice trip.”
Pollard said people love to take tours at sunset during the summer. The tours offer people a glimpse into Nanaimo’s past with the history of the First Nations, Nanaimo Bastion and discovery of coal.
While onboard listening to the skipper discuss the history of the city and area, nature tells it’s own story outside the boat. Marine mammals and birds are often seen on tours.
The trip to Newcastle Island takes about 10 minutes and costs $8 for adults and $4 for children. The 45-minute harbour tour costs $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $9 for children.
People can board the pickle boats at the Fisherman’s Market pier, Maffeo Sutton Park pier and at Newcastle Island.
A full schedule is available online at www.nanaimoharbourferry.com.
For more information please contact 1-877-297-8526.