British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

8 Days

Overview

DEPARTURES: SEP, OCT
From: AU$7,710

STYLE: LUXURY/EXPEDITION

Days: 8
Country: CANADA, USA

Explore the northern coast of British Columbia and sail into the Great Bear Rainforest, the only place where the elusive Kermode bear, or spirit bear, can be found. Get immersed in the region’s pristine natural beauty, and search for wildlife on land and sea—from orcas and sea lions to grizzly bears and golden eagles—as you navigate glacier-cut fjords, soaring granite peaks, and moss-draped forests.

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ITINERARY SUMMARY

DAY 1 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA

Arrive in Seattle, Washington state’s largest city, and embark the ship.

DAY 2 VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

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 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria while taking in their wide-ranging collection.

DAY 3 DESOLATION SOUND

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.

DAY 4 JOHNSTONE STRAIT / ALERT BAY

Sail through Johnstone Strait, a waterway cut through a magnificently wild and scenic area of mountains and islands. These ocean waters are also home to extraordinary marine mammals and bird watching. Today, visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia. Alert Bay on Cormorant Island has been, and continues to be, the home of the Kwakwaka’wakw people and a center for the living culture found throughout the Northwest Coast. 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, 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 5 GULF ISLANDS

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.

DAY 6 FRIDAY HARBOUR

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.

DAY 7 SAN JUAN ISLANDS, USA

Visit the more remote of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in northern Washington State perfect for kayaking, exploring by Zodiac and hiking. Walks with your expert staff will familiarize you with the natural and cultural history of the rugged northwest coast region. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.

DAY 8 SEATTLE

Disembark in Seattle and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Call us today 1300 784 794

 

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