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A bear catches a fish as it swims upstream

Voyage to Great Bear Rainforest: Native Culture & Wildlife in the Land of the Spirit Bear

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Venture
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Sail into northern British Columbia's tiny, meandering fjords and enter the domain of the endangered Spirit Bear. Also known as a Kermode bear, it is a subspecies of the North American black bear that is found exclusively in the Great Bear Rainforest's pristine wildness. The forest is nearly the size of Ireland and was named one of National Geographic's "Lifetime Places." It runs 250 miles along British Columbia's central and northern coasts, encompassing a quarter of the world's coastal temperate rainforest. Hike along its salmon-rich streams, through forests of towering cedars, and observe the plentiful animals in the protected territory.
Alaska native clan house and totemsAlways having adventures together!Hiking with a groupA bear catches a fish as it swims upstream
Highlights
  • Kayak deep into verdant fjords and along wildlife-rich shores
  • Look out for grizzly, black, and Kermode bears
  • Soak in rustic wonderful hot spring pools
  • Experience the silence as you stand among towering, monumental cedars
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ketchikan, AK, USA | Embark

Reach Ketchikan, Alaska's southernmost city, located on Revillagigedo Island, by early afternoon. Known as both the "salmon capital of the world" and the "rain capital of Alaska," Ketchikan is famous for its vibrant buildings, fishing boats, and canneries. Board the National Geographic Venture for cocktails and meet the vessel's staff and crew.

Day 2: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

Start your day in Prince Rupert, a harbor town on British Columbia’s rugged northwest coast. Explore First Nations history at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, designed like a coastal longhouse. Take in the scent of cedar and view an impressive array of carvings, weavings, ceremonial items, and regalia. Then, head to the North Pacific Cannery Museum, where historic cannery buildings in a pristine wilderness setting showcase British Columbia’s economic, cultural, and natural evolution over the past century.

Day 3-6: Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest | Rugged Coastline of British Columbia

Over the next four days, cruise deep into the fjords and deep valleys that carve into the Coast Range looking for black and grizzly bears. Be accompanied by a cultural interpreter who knows the area intimately and will share with you the legends of their people. Circumnavigate Gribbell Island, what the Valhalla Wilderness Society has dubbed “Mother Island of the White Bear,” in search of this elusive bear. It is believed that between 10 to 20 percent of bears in this region are born with the recessive gene that causes the white fur; fewer than 400 are estimated to exist.

British Columbia has one of the highest proportions of protected land of any jurisdiction in the world. Almost 15% of the land is protected, with a wide range of provincial parks, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Go ashore and explore several remote locations where few people venture. Discover hidden gems by Zodiac and kayak, and navigate the tidal narrows that lead to the backs of bays while constantly scanning for bears along the rocky shoreline and meadows such as Gilttoyees Inlet.

*Please note: Cultural interpreter is dependent on availability.

Day 7: Cruising and Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park

Seek out pods of killer whales and foraging bears as you sail north through the narrow Grenville Channel between Pitt Island and the mainland, a dramatic navigational experience. Not only does the channel narrow to less than a quarter of a mile across, but a slight bend in the passage makes the waterway seem to disappear into the hills ahead and behind the ship. Here, drop the Zodiacs and kayaks to explore the salmon run at Verney Falls in Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park on the way to Prince Rupert.

Day 8: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada | Disembark | Seattle, WA, USA

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark and transfer to the airport in Prince Rupert. Board a charter flight to Seattle for your connecting flight home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Venture

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2026-2027 Early Booking Offer 25662
Book by November 1, 2024, to lock in current rates on all 2026 and 2027 departures. The deposit must be made by Nov. 1, 2024. Valid for new bookings only on departures from Jan. 1, 2026, through Mar. 31, 2027, subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, and not applicable on airfare or extensions. Pricing will increase on Nov. 2, 2024. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$5,901 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Located on the main deck. Approximately 136 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
Located on the main deck. Approximately 136 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
Located on the upper deck. Approximately 151 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
Located on the upper deck. Approximately 151 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5
Located on the observation deck. Approximately 185 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability. 

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 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
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered 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.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Rubber Boots: Please bring your own. 
  • Crew gratuities
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • 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
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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