Discover the stories of the Fraser with a Voyage of the Gikumi river cruise

16 August 2021

Hit the pause button on your busy schedule for a few leisurely hours with the Voyage of the Gikumi: Exploring the Fraser River Estuary boat tour. Book your ticket on the MV Gikumi, a 67-year old beautifully restored work boat, departing from Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 28 and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 4.

During the three-hour tour, discover the weird and wonderful history of rum running and rescued whales, salmon cannons and learn about the teenage actress behind the naming of Lulu Island as you roam the Gikumi’s decks surrounded by the natural beauty and cool breezes of the Fraser River.

Your adventure starts in the historic Britannia Shipyard building, originally built in 1889 and now restored to illustrate wooden boat building traditions. From there, cruise participants embark on a voyage viewing highlights along the River’s shores in Richmond and Delta and listening to the fascinating stories of past and present activities, people and wildlife on the Fraser. The experience even includes a serving of fresh Richmond blueberries!

A highlight of the tour is the MV Gikumi itself, a piece of West Coast maritime heritage built in 1954 in Vancouver and designed by legendary naval architect Robert Allan, Sr. Among its diverse commercial career, the Gikumi served as a work boat for the timber industry and operated out of Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island until 2017.

The City of Richmond is fully committed to operating safely and working to ensure all COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders and recommendations are followed. Masks are required inside all buildings at Britannia Shipyards and inside the cabin of the Gikumi, should you choose to go in the cabin. Please stay home if you are sick, and respect personal space while on board and throughout the Britannia Site.

Tickets for Voyage of the Gikumi are $85 for children (8-12 years), $90 for seniors and students, and $95 for adults. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gikumi.ca or contact Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site at britannia@richmond.ca or 604-238-8050.