This iconic west coast work boat was designed by the internationally renowned Naval Architect Robert Allan Sr. to service the Broughton Lumber and Trading Company saw mill in Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island.

The Gikumi was built by Bisset and Gilstein boatyard in North Vancouver. The name “Gikumi” means “Chief” in the Kwak’wala dialect of the ‘Namgis First Nation (Alert Bay).

From her launch on Labour Day in 1954 to the early 1980s, the Gikumi worked delivering freight and towed logs and scows out of her home port of Telegraph Cove. She also worked as a pilot boat and helped dock ships over her long career.

When the mill closed in Telegraph Cove, the Gikumi became BC’s first whale watching vessel. She remained in Telegraph Cove providing tours to the spectacular Broughton Archipelago until 2017.

The Gikumi has had five owners since 1954. Each owner has cherished this beautiful boat, lavishing her with continual maintenance. From February 2017 to January 2018, the Gikumi had her first full year out of service since her launch in 1954 to undergo restoration and a complete refit. Today the Gikumi looks and operates better than ever.

Please see the articles below for more information about the Gikumi.