10/21/2026
The Uchuck: A Living Piece of Coastal History
Part 2 of 5 | More Than “Just” a Passenger Vessel
These days, many people know the Uchuck III as a wonderful way to explore the beautiful waters of Nootka Sound. But long before sightseeing cruises became part of her story, she was already hard at work serving the communities along our coast.
We're lucky enough to have some wonderful footage from 1963, shared with us by Leo Emery, showing the Uchuck making deliveries along the coast. It's a little glimpse into what life looked like more than 60 years ago, and a reminder of just how long she's been connecting our communities.
For generations, the Uchuck has carried groceries, mail, building materials, equipment and essential supplies to places that aren't accessible by road. She's helped keep businesses operating, brought supplies to families living in remote communities, and provided an important connection between the coast and the rest of Vancouver Island.
Over the years, she's served logging camps, fishing operations, fish farms and coastal settlements, adapting as the industries and communities around her have changed.
And while her passenger cruises have introduced thousands of visitors to this beautiful part of the world, it's her role as a working coastal freighter that has always been such an important part of her identity.
There's something special about a vessel that can spend one day welcoming visitors aboard for a scenic cruise and another unloading freight at a remote dock.
For those who grew up along the coast, the familiar sight of the Uchuck coming around the point might have meant groceries arriving, a visit from family, or simply a welcome connection to the outside world.
She's not just a part of our history. She's still very much a part of everyday life here.
Did you grow up in one of the coastal communities the Uchuck serves? Maybe you remember waiting at the dock for a delivery, travelling aboard to visit family, or watching the crew unload freight. We'd love to hear what the Uchuck has meant to your community over the years!
A special thank-you to Leo Emery for sharing this wonderful piece of Uchuck history with us. It's been such a treat seeing these old photographs and videos come out of the woodwork!
We hope to SEA you soon!
