20 22 C - Remarkable Journeys. Remarkable Journeys. Engaging People. Wild Spaces - Maple Leaf Adventures
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20
CATALOGUE
22
Remarkable Journeys.
Engaging People.
Remarkable Journeys.
Wild Spaces.
Engaging People.
Wild Spaces.
EXPEDITION CRUISES BY BOUTIQUE SHIP
EXPEDITION CRUISES BY BOUTIQUE SHIP
1
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CANADA ALASKA 3 BOUTIQUE SHIPS
Haida Gwaii Alaska Adventure Maple Leaf
Great Bear Rainforest Alaska Supervoyage Swell
Broughton Archipelago Cascadia
Desolation Sound
Vancouver Island
Gulf Islands National Park
2
INTRODUCTION
Why Our Ships Give You the of how to make delicacies from nettles; naturalists’
understanding of bears’ body language; visits with local
Best of the Inside Passage and researchers who understand the latest patterns and
Haida Gwaii behaviors of humpback whales.
The coastline of British Columbia and Alaska undulates Typical Activities
into bays, twists into island archipelagos, and stretches
» Rainforest walks
far down fjords that slice through mountain ranges.
» Beachcombing
This is wild geography. There are few roads. As a result, » Exploring by small boat
wildlife and nature thrive. The few coastal communities
» Wildlife viewing
have a deep connection to the ocean.
» Natural history interpretation
To reach the richest areas, you must travel by water, as » Coastal village visits
people have done for millennia.
» Beach campfire and star watching in dark skies
Our tiny ships access a world closed to bigger ships. » Cultural experiences and site visits
Our permits and First Nations protocol agreements, » Photography
combined with our crew’s local knowledge, give you » Kayaking (optional)
exclusive reach to special areas, wildlife and people.
» Hiking (optional; possibly one good hike on a trip)
Personalized and Enriching » Fishing (with a licence)
» Foraging (sea asparagus, berries, etc., some trips only)
With just 8, 12 or 24 guests per trip, you travel as our
welcome guest, not part of a crowd to be managed. The Eco-Tourism
proximity you will feel to the coast’s mountains, forests
Our approach is to enhance, rather than take from, our
and life is incomparable with any other form of cruis-
home, to give you an exceptional experience that also
ing. Every moment is part of a real journey.
leaves a legacy. Ever since our inception 30 years ago,
Enjoy the friendship of residents. Smell the sweet conif- we have celebrated, partnered with and funded nature
erous forest as you step ashore. Feel the rhythm of ship conservation and cultural communities, including in-
and ocean as you steer under crew’s guidance, taste the degenous communities and guides, where we operate.
flavour of huckleberries or freshly caught prawns, and
hear a whale’s sharp inhalation of breath before it dives. Spontaneous Adventures
Our purpose is to delight and inspire you, while also Our itineraries are flexible to give you the best expe-
benefitting our ecosystems and social fabric. Care and rience possible; true open itineraries in the spirit of
attention to detail are at the heart of all we do. exploration and discovery. If you seek to explore in an
authentic way, with the camaraderie of expert crew and
Local Guides guides, we look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Everyone is a local - from naturalist to chef - with
insights to share. Often they are involved in ongoing
Is Adventure Travel for You?
coastal research, community building, and the care of This is a trip for people with adventurous spirits. Our
our unique ships. All are handpicked for their mastery ships are beautiful and comfortable but if you seek ur-
and expertise. They are happy to share their knowledge ban or cruise ship amenities, including shows, shopping
with you – expert mariners’ intimate understanding and 24-hour-a-day alcohol, this trip may not be for you.
of coastal bathymetry and weather; chefs’ knowledge
3
Welcome aboard. Join us
to explore the thousands
of islands that make up the
Inside Passage and Haida
Gwaii.
and Maureen
ntures owners Kevin
Maple Leaf Adve
A Letter from Kevin & Maureen: And we’re connected by our pride in doing great
work to keep our coastal economies, nature and
Our Coastal Community communities alive and healthy.
Dear Friends,
All of us – from our crew who maintain and
We are pleased to introduce you to the wonder operate our three coastal ships, the guides who
and soul of the spectacular coastline we consider steer you to that special wildlife spot, the elders
ourselves fortunate to spend our lives on. who share their time, the conservation scientists
who receive our support, to the folks in the office
We know that your holiday time is precious and making arrangements – welcome you to the Maple
we are grateful you have chosen to spend it here. Leaf Adventures family and, by extension, to our
Although in geological time, Maple Leaf Adven- coastal community.
tures’ 35 years of history is a blip, in our time, it Thank you.
has enabled us to build deep, meaningful connec-
tions with places and people all along the coast’s
stunning breadth.
We sometimes say that the coast is like a small Kevin Smith and Maureen Gordon
town -- a 1,000 kilometre-long small town. Co-Owners
Whether we’re in Sitka or Bella Bella or Ganges,
we share a marine-based culture. We’re connected
even when we can’t see one another – by the usual
methods, by our travels and visits ashore, and also
by the marine radio that’s a lifeblood of the coast.
4
DESTINATIONS
Sitka
SOUTHEAST
ALASKA
USA
CANADA
HAIDA Kitlope
GWAII GREAT BEAR
RAINFOREST
BROUGHTON
ARCHIPELAGO
DESOL ATION
Pacific SOUND
Ocean
Wild Side
VANCOUVER
ISLAND Vancouver
250 km GULF
ISLANDS
Seattle
Ha i d a G w a i i . p 6 Broughton Archipelago. p 36
G r e a t B e a r Ra i n f o r e s t . p 1 0 Va n c o u v e r Is l a n d . p 4 0
Alaska . p 20 Un i q u e J o u r n e y s . p 4 6
Gulf Islands . p 26 Special Offers . p 47
Desolation Sound . p 32
About the Itineraries
In each destination that follows, we list the sample itinerary for each trip. The itineraries show the route and
events of a typical trip. Note, that our itineraries are flexible, to accommodate the actions of wildlife, weather
and special events we encounter. Our expert crew know how to combine the highlights of each area, and in
the right order, to provide the best possible trip each time.
5
DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII
O V E R V I E W
“The enthusiastic and
extremely competent Explore ancient ecosystems,
and knowledgeable wildlife and monumental Haida
crew, combined with the culture on our classic trip.
fascinating and proud In this archipelago, sometimes known as “the
boundary between worlds”, you’ll experience the
Haida people and jaw- meeting of North America’s ancient rainforest,
dropping surroundings, ocean and charismatic wildlife, and the culture that
grew from them.
made this an absolutely Situated on the continental shelf, the region is one
perfect adventure. ” of the planet’s most biologically productive. Among
the hundreds of islands, the marine world is thick
- PhillyReviewer on TripAdvisor, 2016 with fish, mammals and seabirds. Haida Gwaii has
supported the powerful and artistic Haida culture
for more than 14,000 years.
Our rich itinerary lets you fully experience this
place of wonder: from Tow Hill in the north to
Gwaii Haanas in the south; from ancient village
sites to modern culture; from dense rainforest to
sweeping beaches; from small beach shells to huge
baleen whales and thousand-year-old cedars.
Special Features
» Haida-guided interpretation, with additional
free time, at ancient Haida village sites, includ-
ing UNESCO world heritage site SGang Gwaay
(Ninstints).
» A longer trip, with a week in the protected Gwaii
Haanas region.
» Additional shore trips: naturalist walks in ancient
rainforest, beachcombing, natural hot springs
soak, wildlife colony visit, remote island explora-
tion.
» Unique exploration of northern Haida Gwaii,
from Masset and Tow Hill to Skidegate and the
Haida Heritage Centre.
» A seamless journey that builds in depth and
camaraderie.
» Local guides with 30 years’ of history operating
here.
6
DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII
Masset
Sandspit
Pacific GWAII
HAANAS
Ocean
UNESCO WORLD
HERITAGE SITE
50 km SGANG GWAAY
7
DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 7
Haida Gwaii Classic Tour kickoff, land-based tour of Mas- Sailing Juan Perez Sound, whale
set, Old Masset, North Beach, Tow watching, visit seabird researchers
Hill, tour of northern communities. at seabird colony.
S H I P & D AT E S & P R I C E :
Dinner and lodge accommodation on
Maple Leaf Graham Island.
Jun 6-14 / Jun 15-23 DAY 8
Jun 23-Jul 1 / Jul 1-9 DAY 2-3 Windy Bay cultural heritage site,
whale watching, K’uuna (Skedans)
Jul 9-17 Tlell, Skidegate, Haida Heritage Cen- village site.
tre at KAAY LLNAGAAY, board ship,
$7100 CAD orientation, cruising, whale watching,
island anchorage and explore ashore.
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : T’aanuu village site, Burnaby Narrows DAY 9
Masset, BC for some of the planet’s densest inter-
tidal life, kayaking, cruising.
Cruise to port and transportation
to Sandspit airport.
Sandspit, BC
DAY 4-6 Note:
Cascadia
Sailing southward in Gwaii Haanas, Trips on Maple Leaf are 8 nights/9
May 8-15 / May 15-22 towards Cape St. James (southern days
May 22-29 / May 29-Jun 5 tip of Haida Gwaii), fishing. Seabird Trips on Cascadia are 7 nights/8
viewing, UNESCO World Heritage days (same key highlights) and
Jun 14-21 / Jun 21-28 Site visit, SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), include roundtrip flights from
Rose Harbour visit (remote com- Vancouver and return.
Jun 28-Jul 5 munity, pop. 4). Cruising, rainforest
$10300 CAD (cat. 1) walk, possible bears. Art at Sea trip includes art instruc-
tor and opportunity to paint and
$11950 CAD (cat. 2) sketch.
$13600 CAD (cat. 3)
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N :
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC
8
DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.
Exclusive guiding by special resource person TBA (previous resource people have been Wade Davis and Severn Cullis-Suzuki). Flights to
and from Vancouver, special additional cultural opportunities and an accomplished ambassador from the Royal Canadian Geographical
Society are included in this trip. (This trip is one day longer than Cascadia’s typical Haida Gwaii trips). See insert for more detail.
ITINERARY 2
DAY 1 DAY 6
Haida Gwaii with Meet at Vancouver airport’s south Seabird viewing, UNESCO World
terminal for flight to Haida Gwaii. Heritage Sitevisit, SGang Gwaay
Canadian Geographic Tour kickoff, then land-based tour (Ninstints), Rose Harbour visit
of Masset, Old Masset, North Beach, (remote community, pop. 4)
SHIP: Tow Hill, tour of Graham Island. Spe-
cial Haida welcome dinner and lodge
Cascadia accommodation in Skitegate.
Jun 6-14 DAY 7-8
$11950 CAD (cat. 1) Cruising Juan Perez Sound, whale
DAY 2-3 watching, visit seabird research-
$13850 CAD (cat. 2) Tlaal, Skidegate, Haida Heritage Cen- ers at seabird colony. Windy Bay
tre at KAAY LLNAGAAY, board ship, cultural heritage site, whalewatch-
$15800 CAD (cat. 3) ing, K’uuna (Skedans) village site.
orientation, cruising, whale watching,
island anchorage and explore ashore. Farewell dinner.
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N :
T’aanuu village site, Burnaby Narrows
Vancouver, BC for some of the planet’s densest inter-
tidal life, kayaking, cruising.
Vancouver, BC DAY 9
Cruising to Sandspit. Flight from
Sandspit to Vancouver.
DAY 4-5
Sailing southward in Gwaii Haanas,
Cape St. James (southern tip of Haida
Gwaii), Woodruff Bay beach explora-
tion, fishing.
9
DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
O V E R V I E W
“Words simply can’t express Awe and humility in one of
my gratitude for the Earth’s last great wild places.
amazing experiences I have Journey into one of Earth’s greatest wild places.
Robert Kennedy Jr. calls it “the last stand of the
had on this trip. Everything great North American rainforest”. It is a land of
I wanted to experience has fjords, mountains, rainforests, and great river
estuaries. It is home to grizzlies, wolves and the
been realized – spirit bear, mysterious white Spirit Bear. Maple Leaf ’s trips in
3 seasons (spring, summer, fall) are timed for peak
sailing, fishing, kayaking experiences of natural beauty and wildlife.
– and much more. Every
crew member has impacted Special Features
positively on me. It has been » Cruising and exploring granite fjords, hidden
passageways and quiet coves.
a wonderful adventure, and » Opportunity to view grizzly bears, black bears and
I hope to join Maple Leaf spirit bears in their natural habitat, with expert
guides.
again.” » Seasonal highlights with naturalists: wildflower
meadows in spring, salmon spawning in autumn.
» Whales and other marine mammals populate the
- Catriona H., 2017 protected waters.
» Ancient human history and modern First Nations
culture with local hosts.
» Other wild highlights such as west-coast beaches,
natural hot springs.
» Exploring the ancient rainforest – the largest
tracts in the world, without roads.
» Visits with researchers who have spent many years
discovering new elements of the region’s biology.
10DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
Prince
Rupert Kitimat
Kitlope
Klemtu
Bella Bella
Pacific
Ocean
Port McNeill
150 km Campbell River
11DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R I E S
SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN
Unique features: wildflowers and so Unique features: Incredible whale Unique features: Salmon run, spirit
much green, fair weather, stunning and seabird activity; west coast bear, grizzly bear, black bear, whales,
scenery, grizzlies in sedge meadows beaches; settled weather generally. wetter weather.
(later spring trips), migrating birds,
Great Bear Summer Great Bear Rainforest Autumn
whales. (Prince Rupert to Kitimat) or (Kitimat to Kitimat) or
(Kitimat to Prince Rupert) (Prince Rupert to Bella Bella) or
Vancouver Island to
(Bella Bella to Bella Bella) or
Great Bear Rainforest Whales & Wild Isles (Kitimat to Bella Bella) or
Great Bear (Port McNeill to Bella Bella) or (Bella Bella to Kitimat)
(Port Hardy to Prince Rupert)
Rainforest Spring
Great Bear Great Bear Rainforest &
Rainforest & Kitlope Kitlope Supervoyage
Great Bear Rainforest North
12DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 5-7
Vancouver Island Board at Campbell River. Cruising Entering the mainland inlets and
Quadra Island and Vancouver Island fjords. Likely sea otters, humpback
to Great Bear Rainforest shores. Seymour Narrows, the whales, early bears. Fjordland
dividing line between southern and where waterfalls cascade down
S H I P & D AT E S & P R I C E : northern climates. Historic Ripple granite cliffs. Petroglyphs, hot
Rock, watch for porpoises. Rainforest springs visit, cultural history, bear
Maple Leaf walk. Anchorage Port Neville. meadows.
May 11-19
$4350 CAD DAY 2-4 DAY 8
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N
Johnstone Strait and the steep-sided Explore west coast islands. Beach
islands of the Broughton Archipelago. walks and zodiac excursions.
Campbell River, BC Coastal villages, Alert Bay cultural
centre, marine mammals. Sailing
Bella Bella, BC Cape Caution, exploring western
islands and beaches of southern Great DAY 9
Bear.
Cruise to Bella Bella. Wildlife
viewing en route.
ITINERARY 2
DAY 1 DAY 5
Great Bear Rainforest Board your ship, orientation, cruise Visit coastal community, sailing
into Fjordland viewing spectacular down whale channel, viewing
Spring mountains and waterfalls. Rainforest of marine mammals including
walk. whales and sea lions. Visit remote
S H I P & D AT E S & P R I C E : whale research station and speak
with scientists. Cruise to west
Maple Leaf coast beach and explore.
DAY 2-3
May 20-27
Visit great Fjordland river estuaries,
$5200 CAD wildflower meadows. Possible bear DAY 6-7
viewing. Visit First Nations commu-
Swell nity of Klemtu, including guided tour
and conversations at big house, exam-
Sailing the outer coast, explor-
ing remote islands. Intertidal
May 19-26 ple of First Nations artistry, culture life, whales, seabirds, beaches.
and architecture Exploring north coast wolf habitat,
Jun 3-10, Kitimat to Prince Rupert cruising from outer coast to inner
coast, rainforest walk.
$6300 CAD (cat. 1)
$6900 CAD (cat. 2) DAY 4
$7600 CAD (cat. 3) Mainland inlet, bear viewing, rain- DAY 8
forest walk, waterfalls, inside passage
cruising, hot springs visit. Cruising to Kitimat, wildlife view-
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N ing en route.
Bella Bella, BC
Kitimat, BC
13DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
I T I N E R A R Y 3 +4
DAY 1 DAY 5
Great Bear Rainforest Board your ship, orientation, cruising Sail deep into the coast mountains,
and watching for marine mammals and leaving the outside world behind
& Kitlope birds. Anchorage: hot springs. as the fjord snakes past 4,000-foot
peaks to the Kitlope. Go ashore
and in the vast Kitlope estuary for the
Kitlope Supervoyage DAY 2-3
amazing tale of the G’psgolox pole.
Explore the river and the estuary,
watching for wildlife.
D AT E S & P R I C E S & S H I P S : Cruise mainland inlet estuary popular
with bears. Estuary meadow walk (wild-
Maple Leaf flowers), learning about bear habitat,
river exploration. Morning exploration DAY 6
May 28-Jun 3 ashore, then cruising Whale Channel,
aptly named and popular with ceta- Cruise to Kowesas to explore
$4650 CAD ceans. Visit whale researchers at remote ashore and then the site of
station. Marine mammal viewing. Kemaano. Cruise to hot springs.
Swell
May 27-Jun 2
$6000 CAD (cat. 1)
DAY 4 DAY 7
Return to mainland waterways, and Cruise to Kitimat. Wildlife view-
$6550 CAD (cat. 2) enter Gardner Canal, the longest fjord ing en route.
$7200 CAD (cat. 3) on the coast. This stunning waterway
qualifies as remote wilderness but is
filled with the stories and history of the
Cascadia Henaaksiala people.
Note: Trips on Maple Leaf and
Swell are 6 nights/7 days.
Aug 17-25 Trips on Cascadia are 8 nights/9
$9000 CAD (cat. 1) days. Cascadia trip is a Super-
voyage spending one more day
$10600 CAD (cat. 2) exploring the spectacular Gardner
Canal region and additional op-
$12050 CAD (cat.3) portunity to see spawning salmon
and foraging bears.
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N
Kitimat, BC
14DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 5
DAY 1 DAY 6
Whales & Wild Isles, Board at Kitimat. Orientation, Cruising the outer islands, scenic
cruising Douglas Channel and Whale coastal hike with a view, hump-
Great Bear Rainforest Channel. Island anchorage. Beach back whale viewing, exploring
exploration. islets by kayak or zodiac.
SHIP:
Maple Leaf
DAY 2-4 DAY 7-8
Jul 21-29,
Visit whale researchers at their remote Rounding Cape Caution, whale
Aug 21-29, reverse, ends in Bella Bella research station. Marine mammal watching, entering Queen Char-
viewing. Sailing the outer coast. Going lotte Strait, home of orcas. Killer
$6250 CAD ashore on wild islands, exploring in- whale viewing, sea lion viewing,
tertidal life, marine mammals, sailing possible dolphins, rainforest hike.
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N the schooner Maple Leaf. Humpback
whale viewing. Visit to a remote and
Kitimat, BC natural hot spring. Inner islands
DAY 9
Port McNeill, BC rainforest and wildflower exploration,
porpoises. Visit village of Klemtu for
Cruising to Port McNeill.
big house tour and village visit. Sailing
to remote island group, sea otter view-
ing, seabird viewing, beachcombing,
optional evening kayak.
ITINERARY 6
DAY 1 DAY 5-7
Whales & Wild Isles, Board Port Hardy, BC. Orientation, Exploring the Great Bear and
cruising and watching whales in the meadows, rivers and life of
Great Bear Rainforest Blackfish Sound. Possibile hump- the fjords. Possible grizzly bear
backs, orcas, porpoises. Island viewing. Visit Bella Bella and First
SHIP: anchorage, beach exploration. Nations village of Klemtu.
Cascadia
DAY 2-4 DAY 8
Jul 23-31
Sailing northwest, from Broughton Head to the outer coast for beauti-
$9000 CAD (cat. 1) Archipelago to the wilder outer ful island group, sunset views, and
$10600 CAD (cat. 2) coast, around Cape Caution, viewing wild coast exploring. Possible sea
humpback whales and seabirds. Shore otters.
$12050 CAD (cat. 3) trip at Penrose Islands. Calvert Island,
beach and forest walk, research
station, sailing up Fitzhugh Sound
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N
exploring small outer islands, with a DAY 9
Port Hardy, BC variety of marine mammals. Optional
evening kayak. Sailing northeast into
Cruise to Prince Rupert. Wildlife
Prince Rupert, BC mainland fjords. Visit Ocean Falls,
viewing en route.
possible dolphins, bear viewing and/
or hot springs, depending on route.
15DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 7
DAY 1 DAY 4
Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard at Prince Rupert, Cruising Whale Channel, observ-
cruising watching for wildlife. Evening ing marine life. Whale research
North kayak or zodiac cruise. Welcome station visit. Marine mammal
dinner. haul-out visit.
SHIP:
Swell
DAY 2 DAY 5-6
Jul 6-13
Cruising the spectacular scenery of Cruising the wild outer coast,
$6300 CAD (cat. 1) the coast’s longest fjord – granite cliffs, island hopping, beach visits, hike
waterfalls and mountain peaks. Shore to view over Pacific. Intertidal life,
$6900 CAD (cat. 2) trip in estuary meadow frequented by whales, seabirds.
$7600 CAD (cat. 3) bears. Afternoon anchorage and visit
to special cultural site with permission
of the owners. Exploration of spectac-
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N ular river valley. DAY 7
Prince Rupert, BC Viewing whales and exploring
northern islands.
DAY 3
Cruising the Great Bear Rainforest’s
inner channels. Visit bear viewing DAY 8
meadow. Rainforest walk. Visit to
Cruising to pretty port community
community of Hartley Bay with local
of Prince Rupert, watching for
guides at the big house.
wildlife.
ITINERARY 8
DAY 1 DAY 4
Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard, cruising watching Exploring the rainforest ashore as
for wildlife. Evening kayak or zodiac we meander through the channels
Summer cruise. Welcome dinner. and mainland anchorages of the
Great Bear Rainforest. Optional
SHIP: activities such as kayaking, fishing.
Cascadia DAY 2
Aug 1-5, Visit whale researchers at remote DAY 5
station. Viewing marine mammals
Aug 6-10, in one of the coast’s best habitat for Cruising to port, watching for
humpback whales, fin whales and wildlife.
Aug 12-16 killer whales, as well as other species.
$5600 CAD (cat. 1)
$6600 CAD (cat. 2)
DAY 3
$7500 CAD (cat. 3)
Explore outer coastal beaches, walk
/ hike to view over Pacific. Watch for
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N seabirds and wolves or wolf sign in
Kitimat, BC this habitat for marine wolves.
Prince Rupert, BC
or reverse
16DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 9
DAY 1 DAY 5-6
Great Bear Rainforest Board your ship, welcome and ori- Mainland fjords of the coast
entation, cruising to the outer coast, mountains. Exploring waterfalls,
Autumn watching for whales, anchor and walking the majestic rainforest
explore outer coast beach. and meadows. Grizzly and black
SHIP: bear viewing and habitat explora-
tion. Discovering river by zodiac.
Swell Visit with bear researchers and
Aug 31-Sep 8, Prince Rupert to Bella
DAY 2-3 stewards.
Exploring the islands of the west
Bella coast: seabirds, intertidal life, wolf
Sep 9-17, Bella Bella to Kitimat and bear habitat. The beaches of the DAY 7-8
west coast and hike to coastal bog
Sep 18-26, Kitimat to Bella Bella with views. West coast beach fire. Spirit bear island anchorage. Day-
long excursion to spirit bear view-
Sep 27-Oct 5, Bella Bella to Kitimat ing site with bear stands. Evening
Oct 7-15, Kitimat to Bella Bella whales and spectacular scenery
DAY 4 of Devastation Channel and the
$9550 CAD (cat. 1) Entering the inner channels of the
Gardner Canal. Optional evening
kayak or small boat trip.
$10450 CAD (cat. 2) Great Bear, Camaano Sound, Whale
Channel. Marine mammal view-
$11350 CAD (cat. 3) ing. Visit to whale research station.
Exploring the coast of Princess Royal DAY 9
Island.
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N
Cruise to Kitimat, watching for
Kitimat, BC (or Prince Rupert) whales.
Bella Bella, BC
I T I N E R A R Y 10
DAY 1 DAY 5-6
Great Bear Rainforest Board Maple Leaf in Bella Bella, ori- Exploring spectacular inlet and
entation, cruising. Island anchorage, river by zodiac, looking for grizzly
Autumn river exploration, and learning about and black bears, seals and eagles.
the ‘salmon forest’. Evening hot springs visit. Spir-
SHIP: it bear island for the day. Shore
excursion to viewing site with bear
Maple Leaf stands. Whale Channel, humpback
DAY 2-3 whale watching. Optional kayak.
Aug 31-Sep 8,
Beach walk. Cruising into Fjordland.
Sep 9-17, Massive waterfalls, spectacular inlet,
pictographs, estuary exploration and DAY 7-8
Sep 18-26, search for bears. Cruising to one of
Sep 27-Oct 5, the leading grizzly bear havens. Ex- Visit with whale researchers and
tended watching for bears. Optional marine mammal viewing, hike
Oct 7-15 evening kayak, fishing. and beach bonfire. Sailing down
coastal channel. Outer coast beach
$7350 CAD exploration, sailing and cruising the
western waters.
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N DAY 4
Bella Bella, BC Morning shore walk, visit First Na-
tions village, Klemtu. Big House tour
by village guide. Intertidal life. Fjord
DAY 9
anchorage. Cruise to Bella Bella, watching for
wildlife.
17DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 11
DAY 1 DAY 5
Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, Visit the Great Bear Rainforest’s
cruising to evening anchorage, watch- wild outer islands and beaches.
Autumn ing for whales. Evening rainforest Beach visit and hike to views over
walk before dinner. the Pacific ocean. Kayaking or op-
SHIP: tional fishing. Cruising to and ex-
ploring archipelago of tiny islands,
Cascadia some areas so wild they’re not yet
DAY 2 fully charted. Seabird viewing.
Aug 26-Sep 2,
Cruising down a spectacular, long
Sep 3-10, fjord, where granite mountains rise
from thousands of feet below in the
Sep 12-19, sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible DAY 6
Sep 28-Oct 5, mountain goats. Exploring ashore
in estuary meadows, where some Rainforest walk and salmon
Oct 6-13 (ends in Bella Bella) bears spend their days in the autumn. spawning stream. Cruising to
Learning about the daily life of bears, historic cannery site of Butedale
$9850 CAD (cat. 1) and the salmon cycle. Optional eve- on Princess Royal Island. Optional
ning kayaking. hike to lake.
$11450 CAD (cat. 2)
$13000 CAD (cat. 3)
DAY 3 DAY 7
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N
Bear viewing among the fjords. Visit island known as the epicentre
Kitimat, BC Learning the indigenous history and of spirit bears with local guides
stories of special sites in the region. as well as Cascadia’s bear guides.
Cruising the Great Bear’s island Full day at viewing site for the best
Note: Oct 6-13 trip ends in Bella Bella. opportunity to view a spirit bear.
channels. Visit to village of Hartley
Same key highlights. Bay for a big house tour and cultural Last night celebration dinner and
introduction by local guide. events.
DAY 8
DAY 4
Cruise to port, watching for
Cruising Whale Channel region, a wildlife.
critical habitat for several species of
whales. Whale viewing. Visit whale
researchers at remote station. Sea lion
viewing. Island anchorage.
18DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.
Exclusive guiding by Canadian Geographic photographer. Special additional photo opportunities and an accomplished ambassador
from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society are included in this trip. See insert for more detail.
ITINERARY 12
DAY 1 DAY 5
Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, Visit the Great Bear Rainforest’s
cruising to evening anchorage, watch- wild outer islands and beaches.
Photography with ing for whales. Evening photography Beach visit and hike to views over
Canadian Geographic presentation and lecture. the Pacific ocean. Kayaking or op-
tional fishing. Cruising to and ex-
ploring archipelago of tiny islands,
SHIP: some areas so wild they’re not yet
DAY 2 fully charted. Seabird viewing.
Cascadia
Cruising down a spectacular, long
Sep 20-27 fjord, where granite mountains rise
from thousands of feet below in the
$10250 CAD (cat. 1) sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible DAY 6
mountain goats. Exploring ashore
$11900 CAD (cat. 2) in estuary meadows, where some Rainforest walk and salmon
bears spend their days in the autumn. spawning stream. Cruising to
$13550 CAD (cat. 3) historic cannery site of Butedale
Learning about the daily life of bears,
and the salmon cycle. on Princess Royal Island. Optional
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N hike to lake.
Kitimat, BC
DAY 3-4
DAY 7-8
Bear viewing among the fjords while
learning from photography guide Visit island known as the epicentre
in action. Cruising the Great Bear’s of spirit bears with local guides
island channels and Whale Channel. as well as Cascadia’s bear and
Visit to village of Hartley Bay for a big photography guides. Full day at
house tour and cultural introduction viewing site for the best oppor-
by local guide. Visit to researchers at tunity to view a spirit bear. Last
remote station. night celebration dinner and
photo sharing. Cruise to port.
19DESTINATION | ALASKA
O V E R V I E W
“Our trip was truly amazing
and better than we could
The ultimate Alaska itinerary.
have imagined. Southeast
Southeast Alaska breathes majesty: fjords, islands,
Alaska is one of the most rivers, and tidewater glaciers. Its rich, cold waters
support abundant wildlife, from humpback whales
beautiful and peaceful to sea otters, sea lions, and millions of seabirds.
places we’ve been. Our The land supports towering rainforests and lush
estuaries where brown bears, black bears and bald
crew was exceptional. It eagles feed. The towns evoke Alaska’s history –
would not have been such from Tlingit to American. On board a Maple Leaf
boutique expedition cruise, your exploration of this
a great trip without their overpowering wilderness differs significantly from
expertise in everything. the typical cruise ship experience.
They were professional, You will be part of a very small group of guests who
wish to experience Alaska by living and breathing
knowledgeable, talented, its grandeur day after day, not by steaming past it at
twenty knots.
extremely gracious, and fun
hosts! ”
- Maggie T. 2017
Special Features
» Intimate and up-close experience of Alaska’s ice
world, with at least one day-long jouney down
a fjord to a calving glacier, plus zodiac ride or
kayking with naturalists among the ice bergs and
local wildlife.
» Special, hard-to-get access to the best brown bear
viewing site in southeast Alaska, Pack Creek, with
our expert bear guides.
» Guided visits to historic Alaskan communities
like Petersburg, Ketchikan and Sitka, as well as the
hamlet of Baranof (possible hot springs).
» Flexible daily itinerary to make the most of ad-
hoc opportunities
» Close encounteres with whales and other marine
mammals to observe and listen to their natural be
havior in a respectful manner.
» Rainforest walks, beach visits, and a sense of what
it’s like to live in the nature of southeast Alaska.
20DESTINATION | ALASKA
Ca SA
na
U
da
Ford’s Terror
Wilderness
Admiralty Is.
nd
Sou
ick
Sitka er
ed
Fr
Petersburg
Baranof Is. Kupreanof Is.
Ketchikan
Pacific
Ocean
100 km
21DESTINATION | ALASKA
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 7-8
Alaska Adventure Board at Petersburg, cruising Freder- Hike on through many ecotypes
ick Sound, introduction to Alaskan and on spectacular west coast
life, and coastal rainforest on walk. beaches. Cruising the west coast,
SHIP:
Wilderness anchorage. sea otters, seabirds. Weather
Swell permitting, explore by zodiac at St.
Lazaria, a spectacular island with
thousands of nesting seabirds and
D AT E S DAY 2-3 rich intertidal life. Vistas of vol-
canic Mt. Edgecumbe as it sweeps
Jun 14-23, Petersburg to Sitka Cruising spectacular fjord to tidewater
down toward the sea. Possible visit
glacier, icebergs, wildlife viewing.
Jun 23-Jul 2, Sitka to Petersburg to hot springs.
Option to zodiac, kayak and/or walk,
Jul 3-12, Petersburg to Ketchican exploring glacier, icebergs in this awe-
some ice world. Humpback whales of
$10850 CAD (cat. 1) Stephens Passage, Five Fingers Light- DAY 9
house, Windfall Harbour. Explore
$11850 CAD (cat. 2) estuary and look for brown bears. Cruise to historic town of Sitka
and disembark for historic walking
$12350 CAD (cat. 3) tour covering Tlingit, Russian and
American history. Farewell dinner,
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : DAY 4-6 hotel stay.
Petersburg, AK Guided brown bear viewing and
rainforest walk, at estuary and forest
Sitka, AK site, at Pack Creek on Admiralty DAY 10
Ketchican, AK Island (special access). Frederick
Sound marine mammals and islands. Breakfast and free time to explore
Note: Land-based tour in Sitka is at Spectacular Baranof inlet and meadow Sitka.
either the beginning or end of trip. favoured by brown bears.
22DESTINATION | ALASKA
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 2
DAY 1 DAY 5-8
Alaska Supervoyage Meet in Ketchikan, historic walking Cruising Frederick Sound,
tour, including gold rush history. watching for whales. Visit sea lion
Welcome dinner. haul out, small island beach walk.
SHIP:
Visit Five Fingers Lighthouse.
Swell Beach walk at a glacier’s terminal
moraine. Cruising spectacular
DAY 2-3 fjord to tidewater glacier, icebergs,
D AT E S wildlife viewing. Exploring glacier,
Breakfast at hotel, free time to
icebergs in this awesome ice
Jul 15-25, Ketchikan to Sitka explore, Tlingit history experience,
world. Guided brown bear viewing
board ship. Cruising Clarence Strait.
Aug 6-16, Ketchikan to Sitka and walk up salmon creek at Pack
Visit remote, off-the-grid community
Creek on Admiralty Island, with
Aug 17-27, Sitka to Ketchikan of Meyer’s Chuck and rainforest walk
special access for Swell guests.
ashore. South Etolin wilderness explo-
$12100 CAD (cat. 1) ration by boat and ashore. Exploring
intertidal life, islets, black bears.
$13200 CAD (cat. 2) Cruising north. DAY 9-10
$13750 CAD (cat. 3) Cruising the waterfall coast of Ba-
ranof Island. Peril Strait to Kruzof
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : DAY 4 Island and west coast home of sea
otters. Spectacular inlet hike to
Ketchikan, AK Scenic Wrangell Narrows cruise,
west coast beach.
with a view of Alaskan water-based
Sitka, AK lifestyle. Visit Petersburg village.
Frederick Sound to Cascade Creek.
Rainforest and waterfall hike. DAY 11
Note: Land-based tour (Ketchikan
or Sitka) is at either the beginning Cruise to Sitka, watching for wildlife.
or end of trip.
23DESTINATION | ALASKA
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.
Exclusive guiding by a local expert (TBA). Special additional cultural opportunities and an accomplished ambassador from the
Royal Canadian Geographical Society are included in this trip. See insert for more detail.
ITINERARY 3
DAY 1 DAY 9-10
Alaska Supervoyage Board in Sitka, watching for wildlife. Visit remote, off-the-grid com-
Wilderness anchorage. munity of Meyer’s Chuck and
with Canadian rainforest walk ashore. South Etolin
Geographic wilderness exploration by boat and
ashore. Exploring intertidal life, is-
DAY 2-4 lets, black bears. Cruising Clarence
Strait watching for whales. Arrive
Cruising the waterfall coast of
SHIP: in Ketchikan. Exclusive guided
Baranof Island. Peril Strait to Kruzof
Swell Island and west coast home of sea
tour of Ketchikan, Tlingit history
experience and special cultural
otters. Spectacular inlet hike to west
opportunites. Celebration dinner
coast beach. Wildlife viewing. Eve-
D AT E S and night in lodge.
ning lecture on the sacred waterways.
Jul 26-Aug 5 Scenic Wrangell Narrows cruise,
with a view of Alaskan water-based
$13100 CAD (cat. 1) lifestyle. Visit Petersburg village. DAY 11
Frederick Sound to Cascade Creek.
$14300 CAD (cat. 2) Rainforest and waterfall hike. Breakfast at lodge and explore
$14900 CAD (cat. 3) Ketchikan, historic walking tour,
including gold rush history.
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : DAY 5-8
Sitka, AK Cruising Frederick Sound, watching
for whales. Visit sea lion haul out,
Ketchikan, AK small island beach walk. Visit Five
Fingers Lighthouse. Beach walk at a
glacier’s terminal moraine. Cruising
spectacular fjord to tidewater glacier,
icebergs, wildlife viewing. Guided
brown bear viewing and walk up
salmon creek at Pack Creek on Ad-
miralty Island, with special access for
Swell guests.
24“Every single crew member contributed to this awesome experience.” - Catriona H. Google, 2018 25
DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA
O V E R V I E W
“We had wonderful times Mediterranean islands and
on the boat, excellent nature’s bounty in the Salish Sea
guided nature walks, and Some people who visit the Gulf Islands think
they’ve stumbled into paradise.
relaxing and informal This group of hundreds of semi-mediterranean
conversations with the islands in a protected sea has drawn people for mil-
lennia, with its green and gold slopes, blue ocean
fantastic crew. An afternoon and ring of snow-capped peaks.
spent with the sea lions, With 200+ islands and islets, some with “dry rain-
killer whales and humpback forests”, some with white shell beaches, some with
colonies of animals, the options for exploring are
whales will be treasured many.
forever.” The Gulf Islands offer a combination of unique
wilderness, eclectic communities, and deep human
- Ken C on TripAdvisor, 2016 (First Nations) history. While you’ll visit some of
the larger, well-known islands, you’ll also be guided
to little-known havens to which most people will
never have access. (Ever heard of Cabbage Island?
How about Mandarte, Prevost and Wallace?)
Special Features
» Island hopping in the calm Salish Sea, including
off-the-beaten-track, natural islands and islets.
» Beachcombing on a variety of beaches – white
shell, sand, rocky.
» Walks in forests, meadows and historic farmsteads.
Flexible daily itinerary to make the most of ad-hoc
opportunities.
» Wildlife viewing (seabirds, sea lions, seals,
possible porpoises and whales).
» Historic site visits, from First Nations to Kanaka
settlements, to modern outposts.
» Cruising the scenic ‘back ways’ through the
islands.
26DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA
Vancouver
Nanaimo
Galiano Is.
Penelakut Is.
Prevost Is. Cabbage &
Salt Tumbo Is.
Spring Saturna Is.
Is.
Vancouver Sidney
Mandarte
Island Is.
Victoria
20 km
27DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA
I T I N E R A R I E S
SPRING AUTUMN
Unique features: Spring blooms and Unique features: Autumn’s bounty in
sunny sailing in the Salish Sea. picturesque islands
Spring in the Gulf Islands Autumn in the Gulf Islands
Salish Sea with Canadian Craft Beer Culinary Cruise
Geographic
Wines and Islands of British
Columbia
Wild Gulf Islands Culinary
Cruise
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 4
Spring or Autumn in the Orientation, cruising. Seabird island Visit the small, inner islands: Wallace
visit, wildlife watching, porpoises. Island for an idyllic walk, Penelakut
Gulf Islands Anchorage Saturna Island. Island with ancient First Nations
history. Wildflower meadows or
D AT E S & P R I C E S & S H I P S : mushrooms and fall foliage highlights
(seasonal). Cruising to Russell Island.
Maple Leaf DAY 2 Optional kayak.
Apr 16-20, Apr 21-25 Morning hike on Saturna Island,
forest ecology. Spectacular views and
$2600 CAD picnic. Cruising some of the most DAY 5
productive waters of the southern is-
Oct 21-25 lands. Anchorage and beachcombing, Morning woodland shore walk.
$2400 CAD early farm history exploration. Sea Kanaka and Salish history. Cruising
lion and seabird haul out. to Sidney.
(departs from Nanaimo)
Oct 26-31
$2800 CAD DAY 3
Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait
Swell (call for charter) and one of many channels in the area.
Anchorage Prevost Island. Exploring
Apr 9-13 the intertidal life at low tide. Hike to
view and mariner’s light.
$3300 CAD (cat. 1), $3700 CAD
(cat. 2), $4150 CAD (cat. 3)
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N :
Sidney, BC
28DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.
On this special trip with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, you’ll explore a cross-boundary region gaining international attention.
Naturalists and historians guide you, including a local elder. Past elders have been Florence James and Salilye. Exclusively on this trip the
elder guides us for 5 days through millennia of history, connecting you to the names and stories these beautiful islands have always had,
but that few people know. See insert for more detail.
ITINERARY 2
DAY 1 DAY 4
Salish Sea with Meet in Victoria and board your Exploring Gulf Islands National
ship. Welcome reception, cruising to Park Reserve on the remote south
Canadian Geographic seabird island for viewing and historic end of Saturna Island. Shore trip
discussion, Russell Island and shore includes old farmstead, spectacular
D AT E S : walk with Salish and Kanaka history, vistas, forest ecology, and view of
and natural history. First night dinner important Boundary Pass and the
Apr 14-18 and short lecture. site of a dispute over the siting of
the Canadian border. Cruisingto
further remote sites in the Gulf
SHIP:
Islands National Park Reserve.
Swell DAY 2 Evening presentation.
$3700 CAD (cat. 1) Cruising spectacular Samsun
Narrows, with history of European/
$4150 CAD (cat. 2) Canadian exploration, and coastal DAY 5
First Nations history. Shore trips at
$4750 CAD (cat. 3) Penelakut Island, Valdez Islands, his- Morning shore walk, optional
toric sites. Cruising Polier Pass, shore kayaking, wrap-up and cruising to
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N : trip Galiano Island, historic site. Short Sidney, watching for wildlife.
evening presentation.
Sidney, BC
DAY 3
Exploring the outer islands on the
edge of the ‘big sea’, Georgia Strait.
Marine mammal viewing. Explor-
ing ashore on Cabbage and Tumbo
Islands, settler history, historic
farmstead, beautiful beach. Optional
kayaking.
29DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 3
DAY 1 DAY 4
Craft Beer Culinary Welcome aboard. Introduction to Island cruising to outer Gulf
world of beers, brewing history. Islands. Wildlife viewing at small
Cruise Private tasting with micro-brew- chain of islands that hosts birds
ing “elder” Paul Hadfield. Seabird and marine mammals. Beach-
SHIP: colony visit, cruising scenic Samsun combing and historic farmstead
Narrows. Tasting dinner aboard with exploration at Cabbage and Tum-
Swell social history of BC beer discussion. bo Islands at midday. Afternoon
walk to spectacular Monarch
Oct 26-30 Head on Saturna Island with view
$3300 CAD (cat. 1) of Canada/USA boundary and
DAY 2-3 surrounding islands.
$3700 CAD (cat. 2) Island hopping. Explore Ruxton
$4250 CAD (cat. 3) Island and local legend ashore in
the morning. Cruise to Ladysmith DAY 5
and tasting lunch at Crow and Gate
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : pub. Cruise to beautiful Montague Cruising and watching for wildlife
Nanaimo, BC Harbour, Galiano Island or Wallace
Island for shore walk. Cruising north
en route to Sidney.
Sidney, BC through the Gulf Islands to Nanaimo
/ Ladysmith area. Brewery tour and
tasting, guided by brewmaster.
30DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 4
DAY 1 DAY 3
Wines & Islands Board at Nanaimo. Welcome aboard Okanagan & Similkameen wines
toast and tasting. Under way, feature. Morning shore walk in Gulf
transiting scenic passageways in Islands rainforest, and optional
SHIP:
northern Gulf Islands. Introduction kayaking. Cruising Boundary Pass
Cascadia to BC wines, terroir and history,
what makes the region noteworthy.
and Boiling Reef featuring rich
marine upwelling. Explore historic
Oct 24-28 Late afternoon shore walk in marine farmstead at Tumbo in the outer
park. Tasting dinner that provides Gulf Islands. Scenic walk to spectac-
$4600 CAD (cat. 1) an overflight of the wines and what ular vista for picnic. Okanagan and
$5400 CAD (cat. 2) we’ll explore in the coming days. Similkameen tasting dinner.
$7650 CAD (cat. 3) DAY 2 DAY 4
Gulf Islands area wines feature. Vancouver Island area wine focus,
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : Morning shore trip on DeCourcy including visits with leaders in
Nanaimo, BC Island and afternoon visits with
winemakers producing exciting
Cowichan Valley & Saanich wines,
discussion, tastings, tasting meals,
Sidney, BC work on Salt Spring and Saturna vineyard walks. Vancouver Island
Islands. wine last night dinner.
DAY 5
Morning optional kayak at Bur-
goyne Bay. Wrap up, cruising, look-
ing for wildlife en route to Sidney.
Final toast.
31DESTINATION | DESOL ATION SOUND
O V E R V I E W
“An unbelievable experience Access a spectacular mountain
with the most dedicated world through rural island water-
and involved crew I’ve ever ways.
Sail beneath glaciated peaks, rainforested hillsides,
experienced. Every day and expansive waters that turn into secret coves you
was ‘magical’. The bar for will explore.
my next adventure now is While Desolation Sound is one of the world’s most
popular cruising destinations, you will enjoy the
high! A true way to tick off area in a unique way: without the bustle of other
a bucket list item in such a boaters. By touring Desolation Sound and the
Discovery Islands in May, you’ll enjoy the fjords,
successful way. Thanks so islands, wildlife, and forest trails in peace – as im-
much to all the fabulous mortalized in the popular book The Curve of Time.
crew.”
- Chuck C., 2017
Special Features
» Beautiful vistas of one of BC’s most breathtaking
fjords.
» Hikes from the beach, along rivers and waterfalls
to BC’s warmest lakes.
» Visit one of BC’s most prolific bird sanctuaries
(Mitlenatch Island).
» Historical stories about early pioneers and home
steaders told around the campfire
» Natural foods foraging with your own private
chef.
» Other wildlife viewing, including seals, sea lions
and possibly a spring bear.
32DESTINATION | DESOL ATION SOUND
Desolation
Sound
Campbell
River
Vancouver
Island
Gulf
50 km
Islands
Sidney
33DESTINATION | DESOL ATION SOUND
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 3-4
Desolation Sound & Welcome aboard and cruise to Sail or cruise into Toba Inlet. This
Cortez Island. Rainforest walk with spectacular fjord, 35 km long, cuts
Discovery Islands naturalist. Local community visit. deep into the coast mountains. As
Welcome dinner. you cruise the snow-capped peaks
D AT E S & P R I C E S & S H I P S : tower above. Watch for seals and sea
lions, seabirds, bear and other ani-
Maple Leaf mals. Anchorage at Prideaux Haven,
DAY 2 at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet
May 5-9 and Homfray Channel. Cruise to the
Cruise to spectacular Teakerne
$2600 CAD Copeland Islands.
Arm, where a waterfall plunges
down a steep cut beside the ship.
Swell Walk to a lake with a picnic lunch.
Cruising the scenic passages. Eve-
Apr 27-May 1, ning shore trip. DAY 5
May 2-6 Explore bird and sea lion colony
Mitlenatch Island by boat. Cruise to
$3250 CAD (cat. 1) Campbell River.
$3650 CAD (cat. 2)
$4150 CAD (cat. 3)
Cascadia
Apr 30-May 4
$4450 CAD (cat. 1)
$5250 CAD (cat. 2)
$6000 CAD (cat. 3)
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N :
Campbell River, BC
34DESTINATION | DESOL ATION SOUND
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 2
DAY 1 DAY 5-6
Desolation Sound and Board at Sidney, orientation, Cruising, anchorage and shore trips in
cruising the Gulf Islands National Desolation Sound such as specatacular
Salish Sea Supervoyage Park Reserve. Seabird, shore walk to Prideaux Haven, Teakerne Arm on
spectacular views. West Redonda Island and Desolation
SHIP: Sound marine park.
Swell
DAY 2-4
Apr 19- 25 DAY 7
Visit the beaches and old homestead
$4300 CAD (cat. 1) at Cabbage and Tumbo Islands, Seabird colony visit. Cruise to
wildlife colonies at the Belle Chain Campbell River, watching for wildlife
$4750 CAD (cat. 2) Islets. Explore Galiano’s outer coast including whales.
$5300 CAD (cat. 3) and cruising through Porlier Pass,
watching for seabirds in the nutri-
ent-rich waters. Dodd Narrows and Note: The trip on Maple Leaf is 2 days
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : sailing Georgia Strait. Shore trip and longer, along the same route.
Sidney, BC anchorage, Hornby Island. Set sail
for Savary Island, cruising to seabird
Campbell River, BC haven Mitlenatch for zodiac explore
and birdwatching. Anchorage
Cortez Island.
ITINERARY 3
DAY 1 DAY 6
Desolation Sound & Welcome aboard and cruise to Visit the isolated Mitlenatch Island, a
Blackfish Sound region, a con- seabird colony, watching for marine
Fjords of BC gregation point for whales. Island mammals, and exploring the north-
anchorage and beach exploration. ern Gulf Islands.
D AT E S & P R I C E S & S H I P S :
Welcome dinner.
Swell
Oct 19-25 (departs from Port McNeill)
DAY 2-5 DAY 7
$4300 CAD (cat. 1), $4750 CAD
Visit Alert Bay and U’mista Cultural Morning kayak, or explore ashore.
(cat. 2), $5300 CAD (cat. 3) Centre with private guided tour of Cruising to Nanaimo.
Kwakwaka’wakw potlach collection.
Cascadia Rainforest walk, then cruise to is-
land anchorage dinner, keeping eyes
Oct 17-23 and ears out for wildlife.
$5000 CAD (cat. 1) Exploring the cascades and water-
ways Vancovuer Island’s inside pas-
$6050 CAD (cat. 2) sage and Desolation Sound, visiting
estuaries where bears fish for salm-
$7100 CAD (cat. 3) on, Toba Inlet (a fjord that cuts 35
km into the Coast Mountains), and
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N : marine parks like Prideaux Haven
and Desolation Sound Marine Park.
Port Hardy, BC
Nanaimo, BC
35DESTINATION | BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO
O V E R V I E W
“We saw and experienced “Some nights I hear whales
so much, the food was in my dreams. Some nights I
incredible, we met and wake... and find it hasn’t been
a dream at all.” – Alexandra
made friends with the other
Morton
guests. Nothing more to say
This is the “Serengeti of the sea”: rich in wildlife,
-- it simply exceeded our home to a complex whale community, addictive
cruising and ancient human cultures. It is the best
expectations on so many place on earth to see killer whales and humpback
levels.” whales. It is rich in seabirds, porpoises and other
ocean life. On forested islands and on the water,
- Alec W. on TripAdvisor, 2016 humans have also thrived for millennia and this trip
will introduce you to the ancient and modern First
Nations culture, and to other inhabitants of floating
hamlets.
Special Features
» Watching and learning about whales and how they
live, for hours in comfort, with our flexible itiner-
ary and expert guides.
» Visits to tiny coastal places such as the boardwalk
community of Telegraph Cove, the historic Kwak-
waka’wakw site at Village Island, and Alert Bay, a
community that is home to the spectacular Kwak-
waka’wakw cultural centre, U’mista.
» Cruising intricate channels and island hopping,
viewing seabirds and perhaps even a black bear
swimming while under way
» Rainforest walks and, time permitting, exploring
the rich nature of a mainland inlet estuary.
36DESTINATION | BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO
Brought on
Archipel ago
Vancouver Island
20 km
37DESTINATION | BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
SUMMER
Unique features: Peak season for
orcas (killer whales), island hopping
and long summer days exploring.
Whales & Totems of the
Broughton Archipelago by Sail
Whales & Totems (Family
Friendly)
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 5
Whales & Totems of the Board the ship, orientation, sailing. Humpback whale viewing. Shore
Humpback whale & porpoise viewing. walk and intertidal life viewing. Visit
Broughton Archipelago, Optional evening kayak. remote Echo Bay float house commu-
Summer nity and Billy Proctor’s Museum.
SHIP: DAY 2
DAY 6
Maple Leaf Killer whale watching for hours.
Lunch in the company of whales. Whale watching or dolphins, cruising
Summer: Afternoon forest interpretive walk, to Port McNeill.
intertidal life exploration.
Aug 3-8 (family friendly),
Aug 9-14, Note:
Aug 15-20 DAY 3-4 Family friendly trips welcome
children age 5+
$3900 CAD Village Island ancient Kwakwa-
ka’wakw village site, personal guided
tour at U’mista Cultural Centre,
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N : Alert Bay. Cruising mainland fjord,
Port McNeill, BC river estuary walk, search for bears.
Optional kayak, zodiac ride.
38“A true connection with nature at its purest.” - N. Tomich, 2016 39
DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISL AND
O V E R V I E W
“What a company, to Nature and culture in one of
provide such a great boat the world’s most diverse
and assemble such an out- ecosystems.
Named the #1 island in continental US and Canada
of-this-world crew. With by Condé Nast Traveler readers, Vancouver Island
an itinerary that is so offers everything from a historic small city, Victoria,
to a remote peninsula whose ecosystems go back
action packed and scenic. past the last ice age; from wildflower meadows and
I can’t really think of one islands with cactus, to giant rainforest cedars next
to long sand beaches swept by the Pacific ocean.
highlight, everything stands Our Vancouver Island trips showcase this diversity,
out in my mind.” with unique journeys through nature and culture.
- Pete M., 2017
Special Features
» Beautiful vistas of one of BC’s most breathtaking
fjords.
» Hikes from the beach, along rivers and waterfalls
to BC’s warmest lakes.
» Visit one of BC’s most prolific bird sanctuaries
(Mitlenatch Island).
» Historical stories about early pioneers and home
steaders told around the campfire.
» Natural foods foraging with your own private
chef.
» Wildlife viewing, including seals, sea lions and
possibly a spring bear.
40DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISL AND
Port
Hardy
Port McNeill
Coal
Harbour Campbell
River
Vancouver
Pacific Island
Ocean
Sidney
150 km Victoria
41DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISL AND
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
SPRING SUMMER
Unique features: Cruising in quiet Unique features: More settled
waters under snow-capped mountains, weather for exploring the west coast,
bird life, and blooming wild flowers. sandy beaches, black bears, whales.
Whales and Vancouver Island Wild Side of Vancouver Island
Inside Passage, South (Port Hardy to Port Hardy, 7 days)
(Nanaimo to Campbell River, 6 days)
Wild Side of Vancouver Island
Whales and Vancouver Island with Canadian Geographic
Inside Passage, North (Port Hardy to Port Hardy, 7 days)
(Campbell River to Port McNeill, 8 days)
ITINERARY 1
DAY 1 DAY 5-6
Vancouver Island Inside Forest hike to panoramic view. Visit Intertidal exploration ashore --
to beaches, historic farmstead and the wondrous world of creatures
Passage wildlife islets (seabirds, sea lions). that live where the tide comes in
and out. Cruise to next anchorage
SHIP: and watch for killer whales and
porpoises.
Swell DAY 2-3
Cruising Georgia Strait, Explore
May 7-14 ashore in the Discovery Islands DAY 7
beaches and wildlife viewing
$4400 CAD (cat.1) Broughton Archipelago, visit
Seymour Narrows, historic Ripple with researchers, visit to historic
$4900 CAD (cat. 2) Rock, porpoises, rainforest shore boardwalk village Telegraph Cove.
excursion, Port Neville. Johnstone
$5650 CAD (cat. 3) Strait and the steep-sided islands of
Optional evening kayak. Celebra-
tion dinner.
the Broughton Archipelago.
D E PA R T/ R E T U R N :
Campbell River, BC DAY 8
Port McNeill, BC DAY 4-5
Cruise to port, watching for
Coastal villages, Alert Bay’s U’mista whales.
cultural centre, marine mammals.
See also:
» Desolation Sound & Salish Sea
Supervoyage (Apr, May)
» Desolation Sound & Fjords of
BC (Oct)
Page 35 in the section “Desolation
Sound”. These trips also include
Vancouver Island’s inside passage.
42DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISL AND
I T I N E R A R Y D E T A I L S - S A M P L E
ITINERARY 2
DAY 1 DAY 5-6
Wild Side of Vancouver Board ship in Port Hardy. Welcome Exploration of offshore group of
aboard, orientation, whale watching islands and Rugged Point with
Island on Vancouver Island’s northeast side. sandy beaches and salal-rich
Cruising and exploring the Cape Scott headlands. Heading north
SHIP: area, rounding Vancouver Island’s around Brooks Peninsula. Seabird
northern tip. viewing. Possible black bear
Cascadia viewing and meadow exploration.
Optional evening kayak, Quatsino
Sound. Cruising to Klaskish and
Jul 9-15 DAY 2-3 East Creek.
$6700 CAD (cat. 1) Cruising around the wild Brooks Pen-
$7900 CAD (cat. 2) insula. Weather permitting, cruising
the continental shelf region where
DAY 7
$9000 CAD (cat. 3) seabirds (albatross, puffins) and ma-
rine mammals forage. Anchorage and Exploring “hanging rainforest
remote beach exploration. Rainforest gardens” or abundant intertidal
and beach walks. Optional morning life onshore. Transportation from
D E PA R T A N D R E T U R N :
kayak. Anchorage in Nesparti Inlet. Coal Harbour to Port Hardy
Port Hardy, BC airport.
DAY 4
Kyuquot Sound exploration, sea
otter viewing, traditional salmon
bake around campfire with gourmet
dinner.
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