A Canada 150 expedition that started in June is coming to a close, but not before a stop at the Snaw-Naw-As (Nanoose) First Nation.
Canada C3 (Coast to Coast to Coast) is a 150-day sailing journey from Toronto to Victoria via the Northwest Passage. Throughout the journey, the ship has been making stops at coastal communities and will be making a stop in Nanoose on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The Vancouver Island University Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region research group is partnering with the Snaw-Naw-As and Qualicum Nations for the one-day event. After the greeting, one group will be breaking off to visit the Snaw-Naw-As Health Centre and another group will be going to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park for geocaching and wetlands mapping.
According to a Facebook event post, the ship will be docked from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Nanoose Bay before heading to Nanaimo. People are welcome to come and greet the ship as it comes in to dock.
The Canada C3 expedition vessel is a 67-metre, Canadian-flagged research icebreaker. A former Canadian Coast Guard vessel, the ship is outfitted with Zodiacs (rigid-hull, inflatable boats), advanced navigation equipment, research labs, multiple decks and a top desk observation area.