These voyages take you to the islands and fjords of southeast Alaska and the west coast of British Columbia, where we find wildlife, marine life, awe-inspiring landscapes and unique ancient unique cultures. In the north Glacier Bay contains 600,000 acres of national park with over 1,000 glaciers, wet and alpine tundra. As you sail further south the magnificence of the landscape gets no less dramatic, with the Tongass Forest, Tracy Arm and Johnstone Strait just some of the breathtaking places we plan to visit.
One of the most mysterious aspects of this region is its history. The Haida people who live on the islands, have their own language and have lived there since long before European colonists arrived. Longhouses and totem poles are some of the most notable signatures of Haida culture; and many are still standing today. These voyages provide a rare opportunity: a Haida interpreter, local carver, food, dance and the opportunity to meet local artists and attend their workshops – you can experience much of what makes the Haida community unique.
Your exposure to indigenous cultures doesn’t stop there: in Alert Bay live the Kwakwaka’wakw people who traditionally spoke the Kwak’wala language. Potlatch ceremonies are something these people are best known for. Here, the quantity of gifts they give define wealth, with common goods including masks and coppers and regalia were worn for the performers of families who would dance to indicate their wealth.
These voyages are timed to coincide with the appearance of Orcas, Dolphins, Harbour Seals, Brown and Black bears along the fjords you might visit. Zodiacs, kayaks and paddleboard help you to see some of the wildlife and the magnificent views from all the best angles and make the trip all the more immersive (without getting wet). Hiking is offered for locations like Tongass National Forest – the largest temperate rainforest on the planet.
This itinerary offers incredible diversity and unmissable experiences. Check our upcoming departure availability.
Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary is written to provide a flavour of each voyage. The actual route will vary according to choice of vessel, the captain and expedition team in accordance with prevailing ice, weather and sea conditions and opportunities to see wildlife and wilderness scenery.
Day 1 – Sitka
Arrive in Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which dates back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Day 2 & 3 – Glacier Bay, Inian Islands & Chichagof Island
Spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and the 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.
Day 4-6 – Alaska’s Inside Passage
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 harbour seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs.
Days 7-10 – Haida Gwaii
With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We will be 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 foods 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 endeavour. See the ancient totems at SG̱ang Gwaay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas.
Days 11 & 12 – British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Sail southward 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 13 – Johnstone Strait & Alert Bay
Today we visit one of the oldest First Nation 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.” Sail south through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities.
Day 14 – Gulf Islands
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 harbour seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
Day 15 – Disembark at Vancouver
After breakfast you will disembark in Vancouver and transfer to the airport for flights home.
