Sail into northern British Columbia's tiny, meandering fjords and enter the domain of the endangered Spirit Bear. Also known as a Kermode bear, it is a subspecies of the North American black bear that is found exclusively in the Great Bear Rainforest's pristine wildness. The forest is nearly the size of Ireland and was named one of National Geographic's "Lifetime Places." It runs 250 miles along British Columbia's central and northern coasts, encompassing a quarter of the world's coastal temperate rainforest. Hike along its salmon-rich streams, through forests of towering cedars, and observe the plentiful animals in the protected territory.
Highlights
Kayak deep into verdant fjords and along wildlife-rich shores
Look out for grizzly, black, and Kermode bears
Soak in rustic wonderful hot spring pools
Experience the silence as you stand among towering, monumental cedars
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Ketchikan and head to the Totem Heritage Center to view the priceless collection of 19th-century totem poles. This afternoon, board the National Geographic Venture.
Wake up in Prince Rupert, a scenic harbor town on British Columbia’s rugged northwest coast. Get immersed in First Nations history at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, built in the style of a coastal longhouse. Breathe in the scent of cedar beams and peruse an impressive collection of ornate carvings, weavings, ceremonial objects, and regalia. Visit the North Pacific Cannery Museum, a collection of cannery buildings located in pristine wilderness surroundings that highlight BC’s economic, cultural and natural development over the last century.
Over the course of the next four days, we will cruise deep into the fjords and deep valleys that carve into the Coast Range looking for black and grizzly bears. We will be accompanied by a cultural interpreter who knows the area intimately and will share with you the legends of their people. We will circumnavigate Gribbell Island, what the Valhalla Wilderness Society has dubbed “Mother Island of the White Bear,” in search of this elusive bear. It is believed that between 10 to 20 percent of bears in this region are born with the recessive gene that causes the white fur; fewer than 400 are estimated to exist.
British Columbia has one of the highest proportions of protected land of any jurisdiction in the world. Almost 15% of the land is protected, with a wide range of provincial parks, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will go ashore and explore several remote locations where few people venture. Pack your swimsuit, and conditions--and wildlife--permitting we will stop to experience one of the rustic hot spring pools found in the area. Discover hidden gems by Zodiac and kayak, navigating the tidal narrows that lead to the spectacular Foch lagoon and gliding into rugged valleys of Owyacumish Bay--all while constantly scanning the rocky shoreline for bears.
Day 7: Cruising and Union Passage Provincial Marine Park
Sail alongside pods of killer whales, see foraging brown bears as we sail north through the narrow Grenville Channel, a dramatic navigational experience. Not only does the channel narrow to less than a quarter of a mile across, but a slight bend in the passage makes the waterway seem to disappear into the hills ahead and behind the ship. Here, we will drop our Zodiacs and kayaks to explore the salmon run at Verney Falls in Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park on our way to Ketchikan.
Day 8: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada | Disembark | Seattle, WA, USA
1 Breakfast
Disembark and transfer to the airport in Prince Rupert. Board a charter flight to Seattle for your connecting flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,7302-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Category 1
Located on the main deck. Approximately 136 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
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Category 2
Located on the main deck. Approximately 136 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
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Category 3
Located on the upper deck. Approximately 151 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
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Category 4
Located on the upper deck. Approximately 151 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
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Category 5
Located on the observation deck. Approximately 185 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability.
Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Rubber Boots: Please bring your own.
Crew gratuities
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 187 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 187 reviews on
21 hours ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
2 days ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
3 days ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
4 days ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.