Royston Shipwrecks - Royston, British Columbia

Abin T. S.

As a maritime history fanatic, I have to admit, it is odd for me to not know this earlier. I have been here for almost seven months, and I just learned it in the waning days of March!

Over several decades, vessels that had outlived their maritime utility were escorted to Comox Harbour, where they underwent a deliberate process of perforation before being strategically submerged. This fleet comprised three windjammers, three frigates, two destroyers, three steam tugs, one or possibly two harpoon boats according to various accounts, and two barques—vessels esteemed as the stalwarts of 19th-century nautical endeavors. These sunken ships served a pivotal role in mitigating the turbulent waters provoked by vigorous easterly winds, thereby facilitating smoother navigation for the logging industry en route to the mills located on the mainland.

Today, over half a century later, the remnants of these once-majestic ships languish along the breakwater, succumbing to the relentless forces of corrosion and biological decay facilitated by saltwater and sea-borne microbes. The vestiges visible primarily during low tide include two notable 19th-century vessels: the Riversdale and the Melanope, both illustrious three-masted windjammers. The Riversdale is celebrated by maritime historians as an exemplary specimen of late 19th-century British naval architecture, having been constructed and launched in Liverpool in 1894. It served diligently before its eventual repurposing as part of the breakwater, a fate it shared with the Melanope. The latter, albeit from an earlier generation and also hailing from Liverpool, was launched in 1876. The Melanope’s diverse career spanned roles from an immigrant vessel to a railway coal barge, including significant voyages carrying cargo to Australia and transporting rice from Asia.

Sunny V.

Pretty cool place to visit. Pretty trails. The "beach" can be quite hard to walk on, especially for kids or dogs as it's covered in ouster shells and barnacles.

Fun geocash here!

Tanya T.

Amazing & tranquil place to enjoy a sunrise 🌅 and explore!

Access to the beach to launch kayaks, Parking, picnic tables, trails, and a washroom.

Michael G.

A really cool site with some really cool history. The shipwrecks are awesome and the area is gorgeous.

Anna G.

I felt very misled. We drove a far distance, just to see the ships. There wasn’t any information about the history of the ships, or how they got there. We were only able to only see the ships from a far distance.

lyndseynorthcott

History to see, these old ships are here to see in the royston area there is also a nice trail walk

Richard C.

Interesting place on the beach to visit. Time your visit with low tide if you can, or there won't be much to look at.

Rina L.

Delicious fish and chips with a great view on a dog friendly patio.