The Spirit Bear - British Columbia Charter Boat

The Spirit Bear was built on Vancouver Island in 1973 in Deep Bay, BC, by Norm Douglas of Qualicum Beach. Her original name was 'Lament.' She is built in what is known as a "carvel planking" style of red and yellow-cedar planking on a white oak keel and ribs. The stern is rounded, rather than squared off, one of the reasons the Spirit Bear gives such a nice ride in the water.

She is a former salmon fisher, called a troller, and is 39' 9" in length with a 11'6" beam. She fished for 23 summer seasons. A meticulous conversion to a live-aboard coastal cruiser was begun in 1996. She was extensively rebuilt with new wiring and plumbing, fresh water system, state-of-the-art navigation systems and many other details.

The interior was completed in the spring of 1999 by Northern Lights at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, Washington. Upgrades and improvements have been made every year since. She now spends winters at historic Fisherman’s Wharf in Tsehum Harbour, near Sidney and Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island.

The engine is a 130hp Isuzu, known as the most reliable diesel engine used in this type of boat on the coast. Our cruising speed is 6.5 knots (about 8 miles per hour).

Spirit Bear is equipped with two marine two-way radios, a depth sounder, radar, global positioning system (GPS), and a computerized GPS navigation system. She also has a 13' inflatable Avon boat with a 40hp Honda outboard motor for side trips and trips to the beach.

Inside, starting from front ("bow") to rear ("stern"), down below in the "fo'c'sle" (lower bow area) is the skipper's cabin. There's also a bathroom ("head") down there and behind that and under the wheel house is the engine room.

On the main level, up front is the wheel house, which can convert to a cozy cabin for one in the evening. Three steps down from the wheel house is the main cabin. The boat's shower is in the main cabin.

The salon is next, serving as the dining area and converting to a sleeping area at night. This area becomes a private cabin for two at night. The kitchen ("galley") is opposite the salon. A second head (toilet) is next, then the door opening to the aft or stern deck.

There's deck space in the stern and on top of the salon and galley. The kayaks are kept in a rack on the top deck and easily lowered into the water by sliding them back over the stern. The inflatable skiff is towed behind the Spirit Bear, ready to go at a moment's notice.

Your guide sleeps in the wheelhouse or on the open deck atop the main cabin.

The Spirit Bear is fully certified by Transport Canada to carry seven passengers - five guests, your guide and your skipper. Our Transport Canada inspector called the boat the finest conversion (from fishing boat to live-aboard charter boat) in BC.

The boat is equipped with a small assortment of quality fishing gear. You can purchase fishing licenses upon arrival in Sidney, if you wish, or they can be purchased ahead of time, online. Fishing can be done from the Spirit Bear, from the skiff or from your kayaks.

Kayaking is done whenever and wherever you and your guide decide to. We kayak the best spots, then load up the kayaks and move to another location offering great kayaking again. Trip itineraries are designed to suit the desires of each group of guests. We're pleased to have made a strong contribution to the heritage of wooden boats on the British Columbia coast and at the same time, to be offering unique coastal adventures on the most beautiful coast on earth.

"The Spirit Bear is a wonderful trip. The boat has been transformed into a great touring ship which allows for a greater spectrum of adventure."
Jim and Bobbe Moses, Wyoming