At a glance
- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Vancouver, British Columbia
- From:
- $16,317
- Time of Year:
- May - September
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 15-day exploration through the awe-inspiring wilderness of Southeast Alaska and coastal British Columbia, where towering fjords, ancient rainforests, and vibrant coastal cultures meet a rich tapestry of wildlife and natural beauty. This expedition offers an immersive journey beyond typical cruising, blending active exploration, cultural discovery, and unforgettable scenic cruising.
From the moment you set sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, you are transported into some of the most pristine and dramatic landscapes on the Pacific Coast. Glide through glacier-carved waterways, listen for the calls of bald eagles, and witness the powerful spectacle of ice calving from majestic glaciers. Along the way, expert naturalists and cultural specialists enhance every moment with fascinating insights into the region’s ecology, geology, and Indigenous traditions.
Highlights of Epic Alaska and British Columbia
- Southeast Alaska’s natural splendor unfolds around every bend, from remote fjords to expansive temperate rainforests. Paddle alongside hidden coves by kayak or Zodiac, hike lush forest trails beneath alpine peaks, and keep your eyes peeled for bears, sea lions, and whales in nutrient-rich waters.
- Hubbard Glacier, one of the most spectacular glacial sights in North America. Here you’ll navigate amid dramatic icebergs and have the chance to hear thunderous calving as massive sheets of ice break off into the sea.
- Misty Fjords National Monument welcomes you with soaring cliffs, moss-covered forests, and secluded waterways perfect for exploration and wildlife viewing.
- Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Discover living cultural heritage through visits to a traditional longhouse-style museum and a restored cannery that celebrates the region’s seafaring and Indigenous history.
- Throughout the voyage, engaging conversations with cultural interpreters and Indigenous guides reveal the deep traditions and ancestral knowledge that enrich your understanding of this remarkable region.
Why This Expedition Is Special
This isn’t just a cruise, it’s a storybook voyage through wild landscapes that few travelers ever experience. Whether you’re watching humpback whales breach against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, gliding silently beneath cathedral-like fjord walls, or learning about centuries-old Indigenous traditions, every day brings a new chapter of discovery.
Epic Alaska and British Columbia Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver, British Columbia / Embark Ship
Arrive in Vancouver by early afternoon. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Trace the wild and scenic coastline of British Columbia, exploring inlets and islands and watching for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. As the ship sails toward Alaska, 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 3: Misty Fjords National Monument
Cruise through the serene waters of Misty Fjords National Monument, where sheer cliffs soar more than 2,000 feet above the deep, blue fjord. Wisps of cloud drift along the winding waterway, draping over emerald peaks and creating the ethereal mists that give this remarkable landscape its name. Explore by Zodiac or kayak to get closer to the forested shoreline and the many dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the towering cliffs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Wrangell Narrows
Navigate the Wrangell Narrows, a spectacularly scenic waterway inaccessible to larger ships. Explore the coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and venture ashore to follow bear trails through the lush temperate rainforest. Along the way, naturalists share insights into this vibrant ecosystem.
In the evening, cruise Frederick Sound, watching for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea lions weaving through the clear water around the ship. Train your binoculars on the shoreline to scan for moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as the black bears, wolves and bald eagles drawn to the salmon-rich banks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today, nature is your guide as you venture out with the flexibility to follow wildlife sightings and take advantage of shifting weather conditions. Explore spectacular bays and secluded inlets, tracing bear trails and salmon-rich streams. Or head inland for a peaceful walk through the forest, listening for the calls of bald eagles echoing from the towering spruce and hemlock trees. If conditions allow, paddle a kayak near the intertidal zone to search for the fascinating creatures that thrive there.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Hubbard Glacier
Enjoy a relaxing morning on the Gulf of Alaska as you trace the rugged coastline north toward Yakutat Bay. Keep watch for the towering summit of Mt. Fairweather, rising more than 15,000 feet into the sky. This afternoon, the ship enters the bay and makes its way toward the mighty Hubbard Glacier—a six-mile-wide expanse of ice within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. If ice conditions allow, there may be a chance to Zodiac cruise for up-close exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Chichagof Island
Explore the breathtaking bays of Chichagof Island, part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. This remote island hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of brown bears and supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. Conditions permitting, paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along rugged shorelines, or venture into the temperate rainforest for a rewarding hike.
After lunch, spend time on deck with the naturalists as you cruise along the outer coasts of Chichagof and Baranof Islands, keeping a keen eye out for the marine and terrestrial wildlife that frequent these shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sitka
Enjoy a day of independent exploration 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. Today marks a transition, as some guests conclude their voyage while others embark to begin their adventure.
Note: Some staff may rotate, bringing fresh energy and expertise for the journey ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: Vancouver / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Vancouver and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
