Venture far north into Alert Bay, including Victoria and the Robert Bateman Centre, with remote stops in the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and deep in the fjords of British Columbia. Sail among the more remote San Juan Islands in places ideal for kayaking, exploring by expedition landing craft, and hiking where seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, and killer whales are often seen. Venture to the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, perfect for active exploration and rich in wildlife. Go through Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a mecca for kayakers with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. Explore its isolated bays and islets by kayak and then hike its meadows and lush green forest trails.
Highlights
Explore the wildlife-rich coasts of Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands
Enjoy the histories of First Nations people through their dance performances
Search for killer whales in the region where they’re most reliably found in the Northern Hemisphere
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Today visit the more remote of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in northern Washington State perfect for kayaking, exploring by expedition landing craft, and hiking. Search for seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and other marine mammals.
Explore Friday Harbor, a picturesque town on San Juan Island. Visit the Whale Museum, with its fascinating collection of artifacts, artwork, and whale skeletons. Stop in at small shops and galleries. Later, search for orca whales on your way to British Columbia.
Clear into Canada in the charming city of Victoria and choose from several tailor-made options to explore based on your interests. Visit private gardens, bike along the waterfront, stroll through Old Town or peruse the collections at local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre while taking in the incredible collection of paintings.
Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter’s paradise. Take your pick of perfect spots to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife.
Sail through Johnstone Strait, one of the foremost viewing areas for killer whales in the northern hemisphere. In the afternoon, land in Alert Bay and make your way to the U'Mista Cultural Centre, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. Then walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away from where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance movements.
Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It’s easy to understand why, with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak, there are many isolated bays to poke into and islets that beckon for exploration. On land, there are meadows and forest trails for hiking. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s Farewell dinner.
Day 8: Vancouver | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. After breakfast, disembark the ship for connecting flights home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
