 She was launched on February 28, 1891, at New Westminster and made her first trip to Hazelton that May, taking nine days to make the trip.The "Caledonia" was considered a success and began serving not only the Skeena River, but also the northern coastal regions.Captain John Bonser was hired on to be her captain, and in 1895 the "Caledonia" was overhauled and lengthened at his request, making her more manoeuvrable.