Article: Passenger ferry service links Bamfield to Ucluelet

by Denise August
Ha-shilth-sa Reporter
August 24, 2006

Reproduced with the written consent of Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper link to article

Ucluelet - An exciting new ferry service launched in June makes it possible for passengers to travel between Ucluelet and Bamfield in just over an hour. The Seaway Express, 62', transports up to 60 passengers through the breathtaking scenery of Barkley Sound where the sea lions, whales and other wildlife frolic.

Tourists destined for Bamfield or Ucluelet are often outdoor enthusiasts. Most are looking for rugged wilderness areas to hike, paddle, photograph or surf. The link between Bamfield and Ucluelet allows the visitor to check out both sides of Pacific Rim National Park without having to take the long 122km drive deep into the Alberni Inlet and back again over the logging road to Bamfield; a drive that can take 4 - 5 hours.

Based out of Ucluelet, Seaway Express is owned and operated by two friends, John McDonald and Wayne Wenstob and their families. John's newlywed daughter Heather is a naturalist who takes bookings for the ferry. Her husband Givin Popowich is learning the history of the area and acts as a deckhand and tour guide while skipper Dave Payne runs the boat.

"It was Wayne's vision to so the ferry service between Ucluelet and Bamfield," explained Popowith, "but it was John's family's vision to do the wildlife aspect of it and we blended the two ideas."

The Seaway Express makes scheduled runs leaving Ucluelet at 10:30am and 3:45pm; and leaving Bamfield 9:15am and 5:00pm. The schedule varies according to demand so passengers should call for current schedules. The trip can take about an hour, far shorter than the four hour (200km) drive through Port Alberni. Popowich says it can take longer if there are whales to watch.

During an August 17th trip the Seaway Express wove its way through the Broken Group Islands stopping to view the clusters of grey whales and humpbacks. Eagles were perched on rocks, like sentinals keeping watch over the historic cisaa (tsisha), Benson Island, the birthplace of the Tseshaht. Massive sea lions lounged on the rocks, undaunted by the approaching boat strobing with camera flashes.

The vessel is loaded with brochures, maps and books for the passengers' reading pleasure. Popowich points out historical places along the route, telling the passengers about historical events including the devastating tsunami of the 1700's in which thousands of Nuu-chah-nulth people perished. Between checking in with passengers individually, he also teaches people about the wildlife of the area and their habits.

Popowich describes his job as 'awesome'. Since the business launched June 24th he says he's met so many fun, friendly people. In fact, a glance through the guest book shows very satisfied customers; entry after entry people are praising the crew for the personal care and attention they received during the trip.

The ferry service will be beneficial to the tourism business operators on both ends of Barkley Sound. Carlos Mack operates Toquaht Wildlife Safaris and says he's already linking with Seaway Express and a friend who owns cabins in Bamfield. They hope to promote each other's businesses to their customers for the benefit of all.

The Seaway Express will run until October shutting down for winter from November to February. Scheduled ferry service will resume in March. Popowich says the families hope to couch whale watching tours between morning and evening passenger ferry services in the future.

Additional sailing and charters are available. Call Heather at 250-726-5353 or toll free at 1-877-726-7002 or visit www.barkleysoundmarine.com.

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