Pacific Northwest, Canada

48° 33′ N 122° 56′ W

A aerial view of the ship National Geographic Quest in British Columbia, Canada
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightExploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

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Highlights

Two Bald Eagles in the morning light, Alaska
  • 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 peoples

  • Search for humpbacks and orcas, and learn about local populations from a researcher for the Center for Whale Research

  • Take a stroll in private gardens or bike along Victoria’s waterfront, then enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

Northbound


Starts at

Seattle, Washington

Ends at

Vancouver, British Columbia

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Day 1

Seattle, Washington / Embark Ship

Arrive in Seattle in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture in time for cocktails and an introduction to your ship’s staff and crew.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Seattle, Washington / Embark Ship

Arrive in Seattle in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture in time for cocktails and an introduction to your ship’s staff and crew.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Exploring the San Juan Islands

Today we 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 our expert staff familiarize guests with the natural and cultural history of the rugged northwest coastal region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Exploring the San Juan Islands

Today we 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 our expert staff familiarize guests with the natural and cultural history of the rugged northwest coastal region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

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 3

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 4

Victoria, British Columbia

Step 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 Bateman Gallery while taking in the incredible collection of paintings by wildlife artist Robert Bateman, recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the 20th century’s “heroes of conservation.”

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Victoria, British Columbia

Step 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 Bateman Gallery while taking in the incredible collection of paintings by wildlife artist Robert Bateman, recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the 20th century’s “heroes of conservation.”

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Exploring Gulf Islands

Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a peaceful archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter’s paradise. We take our pick of perfect spots to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Exploring Gulf Islands

Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a peaceful archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter’s paradise. We take our pick of perfect spots to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

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 opportunities. Today we 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.

We visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. We then make a stop to 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 6

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 opportunities. Today we 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.

We visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. We then make a stop to 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 7

Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It is easy to understand why with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak there are many isolated bays to slip into and islets that beckon exploration. On land there are meadows and forest trails for hiking. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It is easy to understand why with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak there are many isolated bays to slip into and islets that beckon exploration. On land there are meadows and forest trails for hiking. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Vancouver / Disembark Ship

Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. After breakfast, disembark the ship for connecting flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8

Vancouver / Disembark Ship

Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. After breakfast, disembark the ship for connecting flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Wild Pacific Coast 2023-24


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. From the lush San Juan Islands to the Gulf Islands to Vancouver, watch for orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles; visit picturesque coastal towns; and learn about the native cultures that call this region home.

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duration
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Wild Pacific Coast 2023-24

From

$5,560

/ per person

Book Now
duration
8 Days
Book before Jun 30

$400 AIR CREDIT ON SELECT DATES

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Wild Pacific Coast 2023-24