Pacific Northwest
Discover the wilderness and warm charm of the Pacific Northwest over a wide-ranging week in the San Juan Islands and British Columbia. Venture to spectacular, remote islands and sail through channels that teem with sea life, plus visit picturesque towns and First Nations heritage sites. This National Geographic Venture voyage sails one-way between Seattle and Vancouver, allowing ample time to venture far north into Alert Bay and Desolation Sound, with remote stops in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. On the wild side you’ll explore isolated bays and islets by kayak and hike meadows and lush green forest trails. And in charming cities like Victoria you may walk the picturesque town’s streets, mixing with locals in the art galleries, coffee shops, or pubs.
Sail among the more remote San Juan Islands to kayak or hike where seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, and killer whales congregate
Go through Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a mecca for kayakers with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty
In Alert Bay visit the U'Mista Cultural Center to see a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples
Search for killer whales in the region where they’re most reliably found in the Northern Hemisphere
In lovely Victoria tour private gardens, take a bike ride, and enjoy a private evening event at the Robert Bateman Centre
See less highlights
Duration
8 Days
Price
From $5,290 per person
Dates
Sep
Oct
Next departure
10/2/2021
Special offers
$500 AIR CREDIT
SOLO OFFER
Pacific Northwest
Venture to the remote corners of the Pacific Northwest’s wild archipelagos to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife including killer whales, seals, and bald eagles. Then delve into the First Nation’s heritage and charming, picturesque towns along the coast on a perfectly paced voyage. You’ll walk, hike, kayak, or Zodiac cruise—or, if you’d prefer to take an afternoon off, you’re welcome to grab a good book and relax on our ship’s sundeck. Explore with a top team who illuminate all you see—go with an expedition leader, several naturalists, a historian, a cultural interpreter, plus a certified photo instructor and a wellness specialist.
Embark
Seattle, Washington
Disembark
Vancouver, British Columbia
Embark
Vancouver, British Columbia
Disembark
Seattle, Washington
Special Offers
Sep 19
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National Geographic Venture
This morning we cruised through the San Juan Archipelago then stopped on the eastern side of Sucia Island for an afternoon of hiking and kayaking. Fog cleared early in the day leading to a beautiful sunny day of exploring the island above and below water.
Sep 19
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National Geographic Venture
Today we woke to a beautiful sunrise over the Canadian Rockies and cruised the Strait of Georgia to De Courcy Island. As we entered this beautiful archipelago just Southeast of Nanaimo, British Colombia, we saw harbor seals and gulls fishing among the intricate coastlines. De Courcy Island itself holds a bit of drama in recent history. In the late 1920’s and 1930’s the island was home to the Aquarian Foundation, a religious group led by Brother XXII. Brother XII believed himself to be the Twelfth Master of Wisdom who would usher in a new age. He convinced 8,000 followers to hand over everything they owned and join him on the island. In 1933 the group disbanded and facing financial charges, Brother XII fled the island with an unknown amount of gold coins. He and the groups’ fortune were neither seen nor heard from again. Currently, the island is broken into private lots and a popular marine park named Pirates Cove. After setting our anchor, guests enjoyed naturalist led hiking tours of the island’s trails, sea-kayaking, exploring, and Zodiac tours of the coastline. We even spotted some playful river otters amongst the craggy shoreline. This lovely park and its rolling trails with incredible views was a special treat to enjoy. We took a lot of photos with the island’s Pacific madrone trees. These twisty species are known for their thin red bark that peels and colors the surrounding forest floor a dark maroon. Everyone embraced the cool breezes, blue skies, and sunshine.
Oct 18
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National Geographic Sea Bird
On our last day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird , we made way to Sucia Island. There we landed in the morning for our last shore-based activities. Some guests hiked the island, looking for subjects of photographic interest, while others enjoyed the beautiful scenery and sunshine. In the afternoon, we cruised around the San Juan Islands, looking for wildlife. As night fell, we docked in a small bay and watched the sunset for the last time on this beautiful voyage.
Oct 18
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Today we awoke next to Spieden Island, en route to a very special location on San Juan Island. Friday Harbor is a small, seasonal town filled with interesting shops and several walking docks. A local harbor seal is famous and frequently is seen perusing the docks. Friday Harbor is home to The Whale Museum where we had the opportunity to learn about the wonderful wildlife that lives in the San Juans. Guests were invited to the polyculture land of Aurora Farms, where we interacted with animals and experienced life on a farm.
Oct 18
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National Geographic Sea Bird
In normal conditions for the Pacific Northwest in October, the fog was thick as we pulled into Victoria Harbour in the early morning. As luck would have it, the fog lifted after breakfast and we were rewarded with what became a beautiful day. Some people headed out for historical tours on foot or by bike. Others headed out to explore the local botanical wonders. To say the gardens in this city are a masterpiece of horticulture would be an understatement. From Tibetan sequoias and Himalayan lilies to delicate, endemic maidenhair ferns, this island city has painted a landscape that is hard to ignore.
