Reach Ketchikan, Alaska's southernmost city, located on Revillagigedo Island, by early afternoon. Known as both the "salmon capital of the world" and the "rain capital of Alaska," Ketchikan is famous for its vibrant buildings, fishing boats, and canneries. Board the National Geographic Venture for cocktails and meet the vessel's staff and crew.

Start your day in Prince Rupert, a harbor town on British Columbia’s rugged northwest coast. Explore First Nations history at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, designed like a coastal longhouse. Take in the scent of cedar and view an impressive array of carvings, weavings, ceremonial items, and regalia. Then, head to the North Pacific Cannery Museum, where historic cannery buildings in a pristine wilderness setting showcase British Columbia’s economic, cultural, and natural evolution over the past century.

Over the next four days, cruise deep into the fjords and deep valleys that carve into the Coast Range looking for black and grizzly bears. Be accompanied by a cultural interpreter who knows the area intimately and will share with you the legends of their people. 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. Go ashore and explore several remote locations where few people venture. Discover hidden gems by Zodiac and kayak, and navigate the tidal narrows that lead to the backs of bays while constantly scanning for bears along the rocky shoreline and meadows such as Gilttoyees Inlet.

*Please note: Cultural interpreter is dependent on availability.

Seek out pods of killer whales and foraging bears as you sail north through the narrow Grenville Channel between Pitt Island and the mainland, 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, drop the Zodiacs and kayaks to explore the salmon run at Verney Falls in Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park on the way to Prince Rupert.

Disembark and transfer to the airport in Prince Rupert. Board a charter flight to Seattle for your connecting flight home.