A TWO-DAY CRUISE

Mike Lane of Saanichton, B.C., explores Vancouver Island’s wild West Coast aboard the MV Uchuck III

- Mike Lane

Attention passengers,” a voice boomed out over the PA system. “In a few moments, we’ll be passing by a raft of sea otters on our port side.” I ran to the wrong side of the boat, but realizing my mistake, immediately joined the other 20 or so passengers already looking out at the sea otters. I was really excited because I had never seen a sea otter before. Once abundant all along Canada’s western coastline, sea otters were over-hunted by the fur trade starting in the early 1800s. They have since been reintroduced here and are making a remarkable comeback, although they are still listed as a “threatened” species.