Have questions? We're here.
Three Killer Whales swimming side by side.

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Alaska trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on a 15-day adventure between Sitka, Alaska, and Vancouver, exploring three of the most appealing wild regions in the Pacific Northwest: Alaska’s Inside Passage, coastal British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii. Sail into mist-shrouded fjords and past crashing glaciers, see brown bears stalking shores, and watch eagles flying. In Haida Gwaii meet artisans and experience the resonance of their cultural heritage and artwork. With special access to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, see ancient village sites, and the endemic species that make Haida Gwaii the “Canadian Galápagos.”
Traveler on a glacier tour of Alaska.Cruising the arctic watersBrown Bear sow with cubs fishing for pink salmon.Brilliant lights of Aurora Borealis.Three Killer Whales swimming side by side.
Highlights
  • Sail deep into Northwest fjords and narrow, wildlife-rich channels
  • Encounter and observe abundant and varied wildlife
  • Visit Haida Gwaii, the ancestral home of the Haida people
  • Kayak in Misty Fjord's forested backwaters
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Embark

Arrive in Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. Embark in the early evening and set out on your expedition.

Day 2: Gulf Islands, British Columbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.  

Day 3: Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities. Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia: Alert Bay, home of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. Then stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the T’sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, “educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings, and values.”

Day 4-5: Inside Passage of British Columbia

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Sail northward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.  

Day 6-9: Haida Gwaii

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional food and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay 'Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas.

Day 10-12: Alaska's Inside Passage

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs. 

Day 13-14: Glacier Bay National Park/ Inian Islands/ Chicagof Island

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Enjoy a farewell dinner on our final night. 
 

Day 15: Sitka | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast in picturesque Sitka on the western coast of Baranof Island. Schedules permitting, walk among Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Sitka National Historic Park and visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska's birds of prey. Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Bird

Enjoy the company

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,542
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 3 Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 - These cabins include two lower single beds. Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person. All cabins include a small table, two chairs, and two windows. Cabin doors open to the outside.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person

Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended.  Click  here for information about rubber boots rental.

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
  • Use of Kayaks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By