The 1958 built MV Frances Barkley is owned and operated by Lady Rose Marine Services in Port Alberni. The ship and its crew know every inch of the Alberni Inlet including the areas through the Broken Group Islands and all the way to Ucluelet BC. Sailing three times per week on a year-round basis to Bamfield and points between it has become a must do for visitors to the area. Your trip along the Inlet may include wildlife viewing with picture opportunities including Whales, Dolphins, Seals, Eagles, Bears, Deer and much more! Obviously these creatures carry their own schedules but in many times of the year you'll see why we all love it here!
This photograph courtesy of Chaisson Creative
Lady Rose Marine Services
No doubt you've picked up a hitchhiker along the road or at least seen someone with their thumb out looking for a lift. Well, the Frances Barkley often stops to do just that. Only the folks wanting a ride are jumping in from another boat. It's pretty impressive! The MV Frances Barkley not only goes to Bamfield but along the way it will stop in the old community of Kildonan situated in the Uchucklesaht Inlet which is connected to the very soggy lake now called Hucuktlis (meaning 'place way inside'). The lake receives as much as 25 FEET of rain every year. Other stops include Haggard Cove and during the high season the Frances Barkley often brings guests to the Broken Group Lodge (formerly Sechart Lodge) located on the edge of the Broken Group Islands. From there the ship goes to Ucluelet three times per week from early June through early September. Write this trip on your bucket list.
