Season Recap
As we head towards the end of our season (mid-October), we just want to thank all our guests who have joined us so far! We thoroughly enjoy accommodating everyone and sharing such amazing adventures! It really is a thrill to get out on the water (and on land with the bears too!) and join such maginificent wildlife in their natural surroundings.
This year we developed a fantastic deal for our locals, where for each Campbell River/Comox Valley Resident interested, they could join us on our Marine Safari or Whale Safari for free, accompanied by one paying guest. This promotion has been a huge success and we feel that we accomplished our mission: to broaden the knowledge/excitement of our locals, when it comes to the wildlife at their doorstep! Everyone was so enthusiastic and greatful for this opportunity that we feel it's something we should consider doing every year! Check back with us for our 2012 season and we'll let you know!!
We also wish to send out a reminder to all Vancouver Island residents about our Ambassador Card special! After joining us on our Whale Watch or Grizzly Expedition, mention where you're from, show us some ID, and we'll get you signed up for a 1 year deal with lots of great discounts on all future tours with us.....for both you and your guests!!
Something else that was new this year was our 2hr Sunset Cruise. You come to us with 12+ people, $25 each, and we spend a couple of hours out on the water while you sit back, relax, and rejuvenate! This is our last week of the cruises as the weather is turning and the sun is setting earlier. We had a lot of success and had the chance to cruise with stagettes, family get-togethers, work functions, various, parties, etc. This was such a big hit that we'll definitely bring it back next year, starting up in the spring. Get your group together now and give us a call to reserve your evening of fun in 2012!
We also wish to thank all our guests that mentioned us in the 'Roses' section of the local paper, and who rated us on trip advisor. Your comments are taken to heart and we really appreciate all the positive feedback! We aim to please everyone and it's nice to receive a pat on the back from time to time....so thank you!! Same goes for any areas of improvement; please let us know if there's anything we can change to provide the best possible experience for you!
 
Return of the Humpback
2011 has been a very succesful season in terms of humback sightings! A lot of days, we didn't have to travel very far to find them and they're always a joy to watch. Several years ago, it was unheard of, encountering a humpback in the Strait of Georgia (and nearby areas) due to intense whaling. In the late 1800s, humpbacks were frequently harpooned: their bones ground up for fertilizer, their fat made into oil for lamps and machine lubrication, their meat used for food, and their skin used for heavy duty leather ropes. In 1907, a whaling station was set up just north of Nanaimo, using steam-powered boats, and harpoons fired by explosives. From 1905 to 1967, close to 5700 humpbacks were killed along BC's coast. Although no part of these mammals was wasted, it pretty much extinguished the humpback population. It hasn't been until fairly recently that the humpbacks have started to make a comeback with the first few sightings (and that literally means 3-4 whales!) occuring in Puget Sound between 1976-1987. From there, the sightings have slowly increased with several more sightings around Nanaimo in 2007/2008.
Taking all this into account, it really is a treat to be able to spend time with these graceful animals right outside Campbell River. It also explains one of the reasons why we don't encounter them nearly as much as the orcas! As their population continues to increase, new threats such as water pollution come into play. For the time being, we're thankful that the humpbakcs have more or less overcome their detrimental past and that we're able to spend time with them in their natural environment. It really makes you appreciate these gorgeous creatures just a little more, doesn't it?
Local Fun Fact
Want to remain close by to Campbell River but escape the rainy season? Try visiting Mittlenatch Island, the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. This diverse island is situated in Vancouver Island's rain shadow and receives 2-2.5 feet of rain every year.........that's about half of what Campbell River receives!! Not only that but its name means "calm waters all around" in salish; sounds like a pretty neat place! Our boats often take the scenic trip over to Mittlenatch and allow our guests the chance to photograph the wildlife. In addition to the many birds (gulls, cormorants, and black oystercatchers to name a few), we love watching the seals and Steller + California sea lions that frequent the island, basking on its shorelines.
 
Recipe of the Month
LEMON GRASS PRAWN SKEWERS
serves 6 - 8
peeled prawns (about 30 - 40)
12 stalks lemongrass
marinade
2 tbsp dried chili flakes
4 tbsp oyster sauce
8 tbsp braggs aminos or soy sauce (preferably thicker soy)
4 tbsp lime juice fresh squeezed
2 tbsp sesame oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp honey
4 tbsp sugar
** You can chop up a lemon grass stalk and add to this marinade if you wish.
- Mix all the marinade ingredients together.
- Put the prawns in the smallest bowl they will fit in and still allow sauce to cover.
- Dump the marinade over top. Stir well.
- Make sure prawns are covered. Wrap in saran and stick into the fridge.
*** best to do this in the morning so there is plenty of time to steep but try for a minimum of 3 hours.
When ready to cook, skewer the prawns with the lemon grass. Put as many on as you prefer. I like 4 per skewer. Then heat and spray a flat griddle pan. When hot fry 2 minutes on each side or till they look done (may be less). Serve on a platter.
YUM!
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We are located at:
1003 N Island Highway Campbell River
Google Map Directions
Right Next to the Quadra Island Ferry Ticket Booth. On the Water in our Float Office!
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