Specialty Cruises

On this fall tour we will head to this breathtaking cove which is located approx 3.5km north of the town of Killarney. High rock cliffs tower above this anchorage offering protection to the cove from all directions. Our landing craft will put to shore and provide the opportunity for you to hike a trail leading to the top of the cliff ridge that surrounds CPC and experience the most incredible views of the cove itself as well as views of Frazer and Killarney bays all from one vantage point.

Covered Portage Cove is one of the “must see” anchorages of the North Channel. Almost completely surrounded on all sides by thickly wooded steep hills on the southern shore and tall, white, rocky cliffs on the north… the anchorage is secluded, rugged and majestic.

Participants will gather at our home base in the Port of Little Current at 9am aboard our tour vessel “Grand Heron” for a meet and greet as well as a tour briefing & safety meeting. Pastries and coffee are included during the meeting. Once the meeting has concluded, participants will then board Petit OisEau - (our 12-passenger high-speed landing craft). We will then head east through the swing bridge, pass Strawberry Island Lighthouse, cross the bottom of Frazer Bay, run the length of the Lansdowne Channel and arrive at Covered Portage Cove and disembark approx 10am. We will then set out on our assent up this rugged natural trail on a 1 km hike that involves some level of climbing up, down, and over rocks and other natural obstacles. We will return at approx 1-1:30pm to the docks in Little Current.

Delicious hot chili lunch, perfect for crisp fall days, is included and will be offered at the conclusion of the tour aboard Grand Heron back in the Port of Little Current.

This is an exclusive tour limited to a maximum of 12 participants. While we expect this tour to be popular, the tour may not proceed unless a minimum of 6 participants have enrolled. Since this tour involves hiking steep terrain, the tour will only run if conditions permit i.e. - there is no significant rainfall immediately before or during the tour. Full refunds will be processed in the event that we initiate a tour cancellation. Once a booking is made, there will not be any refunds issued for cancellations by the purchaser within 5 days from the start of the tour.

Traveling on Le Petit OisEau: Unlike our large 100 passenger tour vessel The Grand Heron, Le Petit OisEau is a much different experience and may not be suitable for everyone. Powered by twin 250hp engines, this vessel travels at a high rate of speed which produces an apparent wind effect. While there is some shielding from the bow shape, customers will feel a rush of wind while traveling on this vessel. There is limited seating inside the cabin and therefore you may be seated outside. All seats aboard are triple padded and very comfortable. While our captain will do everything possible to provide a smooth ride, there may be times when the vessel encounters higher sea conditions or crosses the wake of other boats. There may be considerable movement of the vessel in waves. Splashing from waves or rainwater is also a possibility at times. This vessel is fast and lots of fun to travel on but please check weather forecasts on the day of your tour and be prepared for all possible weather conditions. That could mean packing a windbreaker or rain jacket as well as protective eyewear such as sunglasses. This vessel may not be appropriate for people with injuries, disabilities or depleted agility. Because of the above, the management and crew may from time to time have the need to cancel tours on board this vessel should the weather prohibit the vessel from being safe or comfortable to operate and we thank you for your understanding should cancellations ever be deemed necessary. Full refunds will be issued if a tour is cancelled by management.

Cautionary note regarding the hike to Covered Portage Cove: This is a rough recreational trail that contains uneven and unstable ground and a continuous uphill climb (approximately 250 ft of vertical), therefore is not for everyone due to the uneven terrain and elevation change. You must be physically fit, and have good balance, agility, and ability. Proper footwear is essential. Wearing sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes is strongly discouraged. We will provide directions to help you up the trail. By joining this tour, you certify that you are physically fit, ready and able to complete this hike and you do so willingly and fully at your own risk. For a list of the risks involved in leaving the vessel and hiking ashore, please be sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions that you are required to agree to when purchasing tickets for this tour.