At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Seattle
- From:
- $5,897
- Time of Year:
- September - October
Set sail on an unforgettable 8-day Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands voyage aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Venture. Journey through the pristine wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, uncover the rich traditions of First Nations communities, and experience the charm of coastal towns that thrive along these rugged shores.
From Seattle to British Columbia, trace a coastline sculpted by nature’s hand. Paddle a kayak or ride a Zodiac into secluded coves and winding archipelagos, then step ashore to hike through mist-shrouded forests alive with the scent of cedar and salt air. Keep watch for orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles as you navigate lush islands, and connect with the stories, artistry, and heritage of the region’s native cultures.
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands Highlights
- Explore remote islands by kayak or on foot, watching for sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, and white-sided dolphins
- Glide into the sheltered waters of Desolation Sound, discovering its natural beauty by Zodiac, kayak, or paddleboard
- Visit a cultural center in Alert Bay to see a collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka’wakw people
- Search for humpbacks and orcas in British Columbia, and learn about local populations from a researcher for the Center for Whale Research
- In lovely Victoria, tour private gardens, take a bike ride, and enjoy a private evening event at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Expedition Team
For over five decades, Lindblad Expeditions has earned its reputation through the expertise and warmth of its extraordinary staff. From acclaimed expedition leaders to seasoned naturalists—many with advanced degrees and recognized authority in their fields—our team brings a depth of knowledge and a spirit of adventure to every voyage. Some return year after year to favorite destinations, others roam the globe leading expeditions on every continent. Guests often say, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” returning time and again to travel alongside the very people who made their first journey unforgettable.
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle / Embark Ship
Arrive in Seattle, Washington state’s largest city, and embark National Geographic Venture.
Arrival time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival city: Seattle, WA
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Victoria, British Columbia
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.”
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Exploring 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Friday Harbor
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Exploring the San Juan Islands
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Seattle / Disembark
Disembark National Geographic Venture and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Departure time: Depart after 11:30 a.m. local time.
Departure city: Seattle, WA
Meals Included: Breakfast
