MV AURORA EXPLORER DECK PLAN

GALLEY

SHOWER

WCWC

STARBOARD PROMENADE

PORT PROMENADE

DINING LOUNGE

Aurora Falls, Bute Inlet

Galley Deck on board and no Listen as the crew works the radio telephones or navigates the ship by radar. Watch as heavy

WHEELHOUSE AND WHEELHOUSE

LOUNGE

CHART TABLE

PORT PROMENADE

STARBOARD PROMENADE

elevators. Smoking equipment rolls on board and see freight of all types discharged may only take place

k D

Won

g/B

lack

bird

Des

ign

phot

o

at the many stops along the way. in designated exterior deck areas. Vibration

Bluff, Echo Bay, Broughton Archipelago, Yorke Island, Chatham experience difficulty sleeping, particularly Channel, Burial Cove and the Homathko Icefield. at the beginning of

WHeelHOUSe Deck their cruise. Watch as schools of dolphin play in front of the vessel’s bow or

the occasional black bear or deer roams the passing shoreline. Relish the unique opportunity to observe

killer whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and a host of sea birds in their

Abandoned native community of Church House

MARINE LINK TOURS

Please note

Journey off the beaten track where no big cruise ship will ever go!

Cruise the inland waterways of coastal British Columbia. Experience the adventure of journeying far off the beaten track where no big cruise ship will ever go.

The MV Aurora Explorer works the unending sheltered waterways of the remote inlets of coastal BC.

The MV Aurora Explorer is a working freight boat. The accommodations are modern and comfortable but not luxurious. Passengers joining the vessel should have reasonable physical mobility as there are steep stairways

Enjoy rugged coastal scenery and the solitude of nature in a marine environment. See numerous tidal rapids where the sea becomes a fast flowing river that boils around the vessel.

Become part of an actual working freight vessel. Experience the ambiance of small group cruising. The Aurora Explorer can carry up to 12 passengers and a crew of six.

and noise associated with vessel operation and freight activities will also be encountered. Some passengers may

Savour the history and influence of the early explorers, settlers, cannery workers and native populations as you pass such places as Bute Inlet, Hernando Island, Hole-in-the-Wall, Yucalta Rapids, Waddington Harbour, Sullivan Bay, Kingcome Inlet, Deep Sea

Box 451 Campbell River, BC, Canada, V9W 5C1natural surroundings. Web site www.marinelinktours.com

Telephone (250) 286-3347 Fax (250) 286-1149

Marine Link Tours

Experience the magic of small-group cruising aboard the MV Aurora Explorer

Campbell River, BC

E-mail info@marinelinktours.com a general waiver of liability forms part of the terms of carriage for passengers embarking on vessels owned or operated by Marine link transportation ltd. or Marine link tours.

Ian

Dou

glas

pho

to

Exploring tidal pools, Burdwood Group, Kingcome Inlet

Juan de Fuca Strait

S t r a i t o f G e o r g i aNanaimo

Port Alberni

Comox

•Victoria

Tofino

Ucluelet

Powell River

Howe Sound

V A

N C

O U

V E

R

IS

LA

N D

Seymour Inlet

Bute Inlet

Toba Inlet

Jervis Inlet

Campbell River

Menzies Bay Desolation Sound

to Seattle

Knight Inlet

Loughborough Inlet

Port McNeill

Port Hardy

Alert Bay

Broughton Island

McKenzie Sound

Mereworth Sound

Kingcome Inlet

Queen Charlotte Strait

Vancouver Fraser River

The Aurora Explorer is a 135-foot landing craft. It operates from a base at Menzies

Bay (15 km north of Campbell River, BC), transporting a wide variety of heavy equipment and general freight throughout the Gulf of Georgia and the remote inlets of Johnstone-Queen Charlotte Straits.

The vessel offers a dining lounge, lower deck lounge and bridge deck lounge for passenger comfort and viewing. There is a nautical and history library of coastal BC on board. There are also outside observation decks where passengers can observe activity on the freight deck, enjoy the passing scenery or

simply lie back and soak up the sunshine and salt air.

The Aurora Explorer is Transport Canada Ship Safety approved

and carries the full range of safety equipment

as directed by the Canadian Coast

Guard.

Welcome Aboard!

Enjoy our superb west coast cuisine

You’ll discover majestic scenery and wildlife around every bend.

Passenger accommodations are premium staterooms with twin beds and forward viewing windows, or standard staterooms equipped with

bunkbeds. There are six shared washrooms, three shower rooms and adjacent washer/ dryer. Passenger

accommodation is offered on regular freight voyages to a variety of coastal locations. Trip packages are five days in duration.

Passengers enjoy observing the ship at work, but there’s also time for play. Going ashore for a picnic or exploring tidepools in a hidden bay, throwing in a line when the vessel is waiting on the tide and barbeques on the back deck or beach are all part of the pleasures of freightboat cruising on the MV Aurora Explorer.

Experience the sights and sounds of logging camps, fish farms, fishing resorts, remote coastal communities and homesteads. Journey into the hinterland of coastal BC and meet its people.

Fishing off the stern

k D

Won

g/B

lack

bird

Des

ign

phot

o

k D

Won

g/B

lack

bird

Des

ign

phot

o

PrinciPal cruise areas in bold

red broughton archipelago Kingcome/Knight Inlets region. On occasion, extensions to Seymour Inlet. PurPle discovery islands Bute/Toba/Loughborough Inlets, Desolation Sound region.

Mystery cruise Anywhere within the Red and Purple boundaries.

Premium stateroom

CRUISE OPTIONS

Box 451, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 5C1

Aurora Explorer Cruise Information Thank you for your interest in Marine Link Tours.

Persons making a booking will receive the following additional information:

1) Cruise Application form to be filled out and returned to Marine Link Tours by each passenger. (Includes terms of carriage)

2) Map to direct passengers to our terminal at Menzies Bay, northwest of Campbell River.

3) Deposit, refund policy and final payment information.

4) Confirmation of booking.

5) Tips to remember, and what to bring.

You will join the vessel Aurora Explorer at Menzies Bay 15 Km north of Campbell River, BC. In preparation for your trip we would like to give you the following information: Passenger accommodations aboard the Aurora Explorer are comfortable, but not luxurious. All staterooms are double occupancy, have opening windows & utilize shared washroom & shower facilities which are kept immaculately clean at all times. Our recently updated accommodations include: One “Standard” stateroom, bunk bed style; Two “Select” staterooms, Starboard & Port, with two lower single berths; Three “Premium” Staterooms, larger, two lower single berths, forward facing While exploring the working coast, we will make your experience as “all inclusive” as possible. You will enjoy fabulous meals, incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and marine life. You will visit remote villages, working logging camps, fishing lodges, destination resorts and meet many of British Columbia’s truly unique “characters” that work and live in coastal British Columbia. This is what we call “Aurora’s Coast”. All menu and food preparation will be done by the Ship’s Cook. A three-course dinner will be provided with a selection of wines. An alternate dinner entrée may be arranged with advance notice to the Cook. The ships morning will begin with a continental breakfast served early, followed by a variety of full breakfast fare served from 0800 to 0900 hrs. Lunch is “buffet style” served midday. Wine is served with the evening meal. Guests are welcome to bring additional spirits; a full range of soft drinks and juices are provided on board. The Aurora Explorer is an actual working freight boat. Delivery of freight and the securing of additional freight opportunities will dictate the routing and the timetable of the vessel. While every effort is made to provide time in the schedule for our guests to disembark from the vessel for sightseeing, exploring or other recreational functions, such stops are not guaranteed. The actual routing of the vessel may vary from that advertised, depending on freight opportunity.

Please visit our web site at www.marinelinktours.com

www.marinelinktours.com (250) 286 3347 info@marinelinktours.com

Explore the Working Coast

M.V. Aurora Explorer

Cruise Routing – M.V. AURORA EXPLORER Discovery Islands The Aurora Explorer departs Menzies Bay and typically cruises northward through Seymour Narrows. Passing over the infamous “Ripple Rock”, she works her way up Discovery Passage into the maze of islands and mainland inlets, with possible stops in Loughborough Inlet, Cordero Channel, Blind Channel, Phillips Arm, Sonora Island and Stuart Island. The Aurora Explorer may then cruise up spectacularly scenic Bute Inlet with stops along the way, possibly reaching the head of the inlet, where the Homathko River and the Southgate River both empty into opposite sides of Waddington Harbour. The upper reaches of the inlet provide a vista of steep granite bluffs, numerous hanging valleys, cascading waterfalls, glimpses of the Homathko Ice field near Mt. Grenville (3109 m) and other glaciers in the surrounding mountain ranges. When the salmon are running the Aurora Explorer often stops at world famous Orford River to view the Grizzly Bears feeding at the mouth of the river. Freight deliveries usually take us into Toba Inlet and the Desolation Sound area, often providing us with opportunities to explore Teakerne Arm, Mittlenatch Island, Savary Island, Copeland Islands, Mansons Landing, Spilsbury Point on Hernando Island, and other places of coastal interest before returning home to Campbell River via Cape Mudge on the Southern tip of Quadra Island.

Broughton Archipelago After departing Menzies Bay, the Aurora Explorer makes her way north through Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait calling at isolated villages and camps along the way. Passengers enjoy spectacular scenery and unparalleled wildlife viewing that often includes porpoises, whales, seals, sea lions and eagles. This route takes us through Chatham Channel, past Minstrel Island, and into the endless maze of channels and islands that form the Broughton Archipelago. With freight opportunities dictating our actual “ports of call”, the Aurora Explorer often travels deep into the coastal fjords, branching off from the Broughton Archipelago into Knight Inlet, Kingcome Inlet, Wakeman Sound, Mackenzie Sound and Drury Inlet to complete her freight deliveries. Knight Inlet, the longest and most spectacular of all of our coastal fjords, represents all that is majestic about coastal British Columbia. Whenever freight volumes allow, traveling past Cascade Head (where a waterfall plunges over 800 feet directly into the ocean), passengers are given the opportunity to view towering granite cliffs rising directly from the shore into magnificent hanging valleys with 4000 metre peaks forming a snowcapped backdrop. With patience and keen observation, mountain goats may be seen on the granite ledges, and grizzly bears and black bears can be seen feeding on spawning salmon at the numerous river deltas. Occasionally, the Aurora Explorer has the good fortune to visit the more distant and isolated Seymour Inlet system. This routing takes the Aurora Explorer through the narrow confines of Schooner Channel that lead to Slingsby Channel, Nakwakto Rapids and the legendary “Tremble Island”. Returning home, the Aurora Explorer makes every effort to stop near the historical first nations villages of Mamalilaculla and Karlukwees. Near the end of our adventure, the Aurora Explorer is known to be a regular visitor at Yorke Island, the sobering historical military site that housed WW II artillery defenses.

Annual Weather and Conditions March, April and May - cooler weather but the waterfalls and snow-caps are spectacular; less fog and few bugs June - usually warmer, better weather for exploring and getting out and about with the longer days of sunlight July and August - lounge out on deck and soak up the sunshine, however there may be fog at times. Best months for spotting whales and porpoises September - usually reasonably warm, may be some fog; harvest moons at the head of inlets may be spectacular. Best month for viewing bears. October - cooler; waterfalls and snow-caps return, mists and colours of autumn provide contrasting west

coast vistas.

Celebrate with friends Share a cruise with a special person or group of friends. Perhaps plan to be aboard for your Birthday or Anniversary and celebrate with us!

Large group and Whole vessel Bookings

We offer a 5% discount if you book a large group (4 fully paid staterooms).

We offer a 10% discount if you book the whole vessel (6 fully paid staterooms). Minimum age requirement of 16 years may be waived for whole vessel bookings

If you know someone who might like to join one of our cruises, let us know and we can send them more information.

www.marinelinktours.com (250) 286 3347 info@marinelinktours.com

Box 451, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 5C1

TERMS & CONDITIONS Cruise Routing

Passengers embarking on an Aurora Explorer cruise are reminded that the vessel is a working freight boat. Delivery of

freight and the securing of additional freight opportunities will dictate the routing and the timetable of the vessel.

Consequently, routing may differ from that described in “Cruise Routing” above. While every effort is made to provide

time in the schedule for our guests to disembark from the vessel for sightseeing, exploring or other recreational

activities, such stops are not guaranteed. The actual routing of the vessel may vary from that advertised depending on

time allowances and freight opportunity. All Aurora Explorer cruises begin and end at the Menzies Bay Terminal, 15 kms

north of Campbell River, BC. Secure free parking is available on site.

Rates In Canadian Dollars are per person, based on double occupancy + 5% Goods & Services Tax and include; All meals, wine with dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Some large group and whole vessel discounts are offered – please inquire.

Accommodations

Six double occupancy staterooms offered. All have opening windows.

One Standard Stateroom – bunk bed style, upper and lower berth, smaller stateroom.

One Select Starboard – two lower berths, One Select Port – two lower berths, slightly larger

Three Premium Staterooms – two lower berths, larger and forward facing

Single occupancy

Available on a limited basis at an additional charge of 70% of the double occupancy rate and is offered in Standard

Stateroom only.

Payment terms

25% (non-refundable) deposit is due upon booking. The balance is due no later than 60 days prior to sailing date by

personal cheque.

Please Note

Passengers must be 16 years or older. Interior of vessel is non-smoking. Sorry, we are unable to accommodate pets.

Short Notice Savings Please inquire about our standby waiting list. In some circumstances, special discounts off regular fares may apply for

short-notice, standby passengers.

Refund Policy We remind you that our cancellation policy does not provide for refund of your deposit. Upon receipt of your full fare at least 60 days prior to your cruise the refund schedule is as follows:

75% refund is provided if cancellation occurs 60 days or more prior to sailing

50% refund is provided if cancellation occurs 45 to 59 days prior to sailing

25% refund is provided if cancellation occurs 30 to 44 days prior to sailing

No refund is provided if cancellation occurs with less than 30 days notice

Explore the Working Coast

M.V. Aurora Explorer

Trip # Tuesday-Sunday *Cruise Routing

SPRING EARLY BIRD SEASON

1

Mar 28 to Apr 2 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

2 Apr 4 to Apr 9 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

SPRING SHOULDER SEASON

3 Apr 11 to Apr 16 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

4 Apr 18 to Apr 23 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

5 Apr 25 to Apr 30 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

6 May 2 to May 7 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

7 May 9 to May 14 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

8 May 16 to May 21 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

HIGH SEASON

9 May 23 to May 28 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

10 May 30 to Jun 4 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

11 Jun 6 to Jun 11 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

12 Jun 13 to Jun 18 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

13 Jun 20 to Jun 25 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

14 Jun 27 – Jul 2 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

15 Jul 4 to Jul 9 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

16 Jul 11 to Jul 16 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

17 Jul 18 to Jul 23 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

18 Jul 25 to Jul 30 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

19 Aug 1 to Aug 6 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

20 Aug 8 to Aug 13 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

21 Aug 15 to Aug 20

Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

22 Aug 22 to Aug 27 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

23 Aug 29 to Sep 3 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

24 Sep 5 to Sep 10 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

FALL SHOULDER SEASON

25 Sep 12 to Sep 17 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

26 Sep 19 to Sep 24 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

27 Sep 26 to Oct 1 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

28 Oct 3 to Oct 8 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

29 Oct 10 to Oct 15 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

30 Oct 17 to Oct 22 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

FALL LATE SEASON

31 Oct 24 to Oct 29 Broughton Archipelago *Kingcome Inlet, Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait

32 Oct 31 to Nov5 Discovery Islands *Bute, Toba, Loughborough Inlets, Stuart Island, Desolation Sound

* Cruise Routing

Passengers embarking on an Aurora Explorer cruise are reminded that the vessel is a working freight boat. Delivery of freight and the securing of additional freight opportunities will dictate the routing and the timetable

of the vessel. Consequently, routing may differ from that described in “Cruise Routing” above. While every effort is made to provide time in the schedule for our guests to disembark from the vessel for sightseeing,

exploring or other recreational activities, such stops are not guaranteed. The actual routing of the vessel may vary from that advertised depending on time allowances and freight opportunity.

** Rates in Canadian Dollars are per person, based on double occupancy + 5% tax and include:

All meals, wine with dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks

Single occupancy is available on a very limited basis at an additional charge of 70% of the double occupancy rate.

Deposit (Non-Refundable) 25% deposit is due upon booking. The balance is payable no later than 60 days prior to sailing date.

Accommodation description: All staterooms have opening windows and 110 volt electrical outlets.

1 Standard Stateroom – upper & lower berth, bunk bed style, smaller stateroom. Select Starboard – 2 lower berths, small stateroom. Select Port – 2 lower berths, intermediate size stateroom.

3 Premium Staterooms – 2 lower berths, larger staterooms. There are 4 shared washrooms and 2 shower rooms on the accommodations deck.

Please Note:

Passengers must be minimum 16 years. Interior of vessel is non-smoking. Sorry, we are unable to accommodate pets. All Aurora Explorer cruises begin and end at Campbell River Marine Terminal in Menzies Bay,

15 kms north of Campbell River, BC. Secure, free parking is available on site.

Short Notice Savings

Please inquire about our standby waiting list. In some circumstances, special discounts of up to 20% off regular fares may apply for short-notice, standby passengers.

Group Booking Discount

Discount group rates for booking of 8 persons or more are available. Please inquire.

Refund Policy 25% deposit at time of booking is non-refundable

Upon receipt of your full fare at least 60 days prior to your cruise the refund schedule is as follows: 75% refund is provided if cancellation occurs 60 days or more prior to sailing 50% refund is provided if cancellation occurs 45 to 59 days prior to sailing 25% refund is provided if cancellation occurs 30 to 44 days prior to sailing

No refund is provided if cancellation occurs with less than 30 days notice

For more information: Phone (250) 286-3347 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.marinelinktours.com