At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Seattle
- From:
- $5,397
- Time of Year:
- September - October
On this 8-day Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands cruise itinerary aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Venture, discover the pristine wilderness, First Nations history, and seaside communities of the Pacific Northwest.
Trace the coast from Seattle to British Columbia to explore isolated coves and archipelagos by kayak and Zodiac, and venture ashore to hike through misty forests. Explore among lush Islands, keeping an eye out for marine mammals and bald eagles; visit picturesque coastal towns; and learn about the native cultures that call this region home.>
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
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle/Embark
Arrive in Seattle in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
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 after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
