At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Sitka, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia
- From:
- $9,065
- Time of Year:
- May - September
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day expedition through one of North America’s most spectacular coastal wildernesses aboard the Greg Mortimer. This immersive journey sails from Sitka, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia, tracing the fjord-carved waterways of the iconic Inside Passage and the dramatic glacial reaches of Tracy Arm.
Throughout your voyage, experience the raw beauty and rich natural heritage of Southeast Alaska, where mist-shrouded mountains rise from calm waters and wildlife thrives in pristine habitats. Keep your eyes on the horizon for humpback whales breaching, bald eagles soaring, and grizzly bears foraging along riverbanks while expert naturalists bring the region’s ecosystems and cultures to life.
Alaska’s Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Highlights
- Cruise the breathtaking fjords of the Inside Passage, framed by ice-sculpted cliffs and shimmering waters.
- Search for Alaska’s iconic wildlife, whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and more, in some of the most productive marine ecosystems on the planet.
- Venture into Tracy Arm and other glacial arms where towering ice and sculpted landscapes reveal the power of ancient ice.
- Explore coastal communities from Alaska to British Columbia, including opportunities to learn about Tlingit heritage and local maritime history.
- In Haines, enjoy active excursions, from cycling and hiking to fly-fishing, set against stunning alpine backdrops.
- Optional Zodiac, kayaking, and shore adventures deepen your connection with this remarkable wilderness at every turn.
This expedition strikes a perfect balance between scenic cruising, wildlife discovery, and cultural connection, with each day presenting a new vista of Alaska’s untamed frontier.
Alaska’s Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Sitka, Alaska / Embark Ship
Arrive in Sitka, a charming town on the western coast of Baranof Island overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Known for its rich Tlingit culture and traces of Russian heritage dating back to the 1800s, Sitka offers a glimpse into Alaska’s layered history. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Icy Strait / Inian Islands
Explore by Zodiac among the Inian Islands, a busy feeding ground for a variety of wildlife, including Steller sea lions and sea otters. Search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Haines
A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord, go fly-fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden trout or take in stunning views on a world-class hike. Other options include a visit to the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation before rafting down the Chilkat River.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness / Frederick Sound
Explore the wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska by special use permit with the Tongass National Forest.
Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Cruise through the glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Later, cruise Frederick Sound—prime waters for both orca and humpback whales.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today, nature is your guide as you set out with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife sightings and weather conditions. Explore along the shoreline by Zodiac and, if conditions permit, kayak close to the intertidal zone as you search for the creatures that inhabit this dynamic environment. Sightings of bald eagles are common. Cruise expansive coastlines, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Wake up in Prince Rupert, a scenic harbor town on British Columbia’s rugged northwest coast. Get immersed in First Nations history at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, built in the style of a coastal longhouse. Breathe in the scent of cedar beams and peruse an impressive collection of ornate carvings, weavings, ceremonial objects and regalia. Visit the North Pacific Cannery Museum—a collection of cannery buildings set amid untamed wilderness—that highlights British Columbia’s economic, cultural and natural development over the last century.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Trace the wild and scenic coastline of British Columbia, exploring inlets and islands and watching for whales, bald eagles, bears, deer and other wildlife. Enjoy talks from your expedition team or relax with a book in the lounge or on the observation deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Vancouver / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Vancouver and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
