Peeks into Island history offered

Learn about some of Victoria’s pioneer families or climb on board a historic working vessel at a pair of open houses on Saturday.

• Volunteers will be on hand to lead visitors on a tour of St. Luke’s Anglican Church cemetery at an open house, cemetery tour and cleanup day on Saturday.

Learn the history of the cemetery and hear stories of some of the interesting people buried there.

The church will be open and visitors can take a self-guided tour.

Stay to help with cleaning, with tea, coffee and light refreshments served.

Drop in anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (the tour starts at 10 a.m.) on Saturday at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd.

For more information, go to stlukesvictoria.ca.

• Climb on board for a tour of a historic working vessel at the MV Uchuck III Open House, Saturday at the Point Hope Maritime shipyard.

The MV Uchuck III, a converted Second Word War minesweeper, regularly plies the waters of Kyuquot Sound, providing passenger and freight service to remote communities along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Every May, the historic 41.5-metre wood-hulled vessel cruises from Gold River to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for her annual refit.

At the open house, visitors can come aboard and explore the meticulously reconditioned vessel. You can enter the cabin, decks and wheelhouse, including the wood-finished lounge and coffee shop.

Admission is free. The event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Point Hope Maritime, 345 Harbour Rd. (in the Upper Harbour, just north of the Johnson Street Bridge). For more information, go to pointhopemaritime.com.