Pacific Northwest, Canada
48° 33′ N 122° 56′ W
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 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
Seattle, Washington
Vancouver, British Columbia
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 ShipArrive 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 IslandsToday 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 HarborExplore 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 ColumbiaStep 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 IslandsWake 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 BaySail 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 SoundDesolation 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 ShipVancouver 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
Dates & Rates
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Ships
National Geographic Venture
Guests
100
Cabins
50
American-flagged, she and her sister National Geographic Quest are ideal for discovering domestic waters
Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship, the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the fourth ship in the Lindblad fleet built at this storied Pacific Northwest shipyard. Like her sister ship National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture has dual boarding platforms, enabling our team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off ship quickly, to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. Modern, cleaned-lined, with large expanses of glass to keep you connected to the extraordinary views, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.
Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey
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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.
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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.
From
$5,560
/ per person
Does not include flight
$400 AIR CREDIT ON SELECT DATES
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$5,560
/ per person
$400 AIR CREDIT ON SELECT DATES
View our brochure for more details