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Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Quest
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Join the National Geographic Quest on a 14-day in-depth exploration of the San Juan Islands, British Columbia, and Alaska. Linger in the temperate rain forests and wildlife-rich channels of British Columbia, and enjoy ample time to discover the breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers of Southeast Alaska. Plus, enjoy the cultural facets of this coast during captivating performances and interactions with the Kwakwaka’wakw people of Alert Bay. 
Sunken Garden at Butchart Garden, British ColumbiaAdventures in AlaskaGrizzly bear family along a lakeTotem pole in AlaskaBald eagles resting
Highlights
  • Explore the San Juan Islands via naturalist-led hikes
  • Observe a traditional First Nations performance in Alert Bay, B.C.
  • Visit the U’Mista Cultural Center & learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw people
  • Search for humpback whales as you head towards Petersburg on Mitkof Island
  • Kayak in the stillness of Misty Fjord’s forested backwaters
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Seattle | Embark

Arrive in Seattle and embark the National Geographic Quest for the beginning of your journey.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time.

Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington

Travel to the remote San Juan Islands in northern Washington State, an ideal destination for kayaking, exploring by Zodiac, and hiking. Join expert-led walks to discover the region’s rugged northwest coast, learning about its natural and cultural history along the way.

Day 3: Victoria, British Columbia

Clear 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, take a stroll through history in Old Town or discover James Bay on an architecture tour. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Day 4: Gulf Islands

Located in the Strait of Georgia, between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands are a kayaker’s paradise. Explore the myriad islets and rocky coasts and keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds and birds of prey.

Day 5: Alert Bay And Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

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. Visit the Big House in the First Nations village of Alert Bay, Canada and gain insight from the Kwakwaka'wakw people who share their art, music and regional knowledge.

Day 6-7: Inside Passage of British Columbia

Cruise northward along the pristine coastline in search of whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.

Day 8: Misty Fjords, Alaska

Enjoy the day soaking up the spectacular scenery of Alaska's Misty Fjords National Monument, a 2.3-million-acre wilderness of shear rock walls, temperate rain forest and glacier-sculpted waterways. Kayak in the still, forested backwaters of this protected national treasure and discover a pristine habitat for brown bears, bald eagles, harbor seals and more.

Day 9: Petersburg

Search for humpback whales on the approach to picturesque Petersburg, a small fishing village on Alaska’s Mitkof Island that retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening, enjoy a crab feast.

Day 10: Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness

Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns.

Day 11: Glacier Bay National Park

Spend the entire day cruising amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. See glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them calving, when tons of ice separate and crash into the water accompanied by a thunderous sound.

Day 12: Inian Islands | Icy Strait

Cruise among the Inian Islands, where Steller sea lions and sea otters abound. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait.

Day 13: Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Island

Spend a full day kayaking, hiking, and searching for bubble-net feeding or breaching humpback whales.

Day 14: Sitka | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Sitka and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Departure Time: After 1:00 p.m. local time.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest
Lounge aboard National Geographic Quest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 12, 2025from $12,680
  • Sep 14, 2025from $13,235
  • May 10, 2026from $11,100
  • Sep 12, 2026from $12,841
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Per person starting at
$11,100

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Select a Date
Category 1
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Select a Date
Category 2
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
National Geographic Quest Cabin
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Category 3
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and a large view window. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Select a Date
Category 4
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door, and small, private balcony. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
National Geographic Quest Cabin
Select a Date
Category 5
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. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability. 

Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 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
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered 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 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • 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)
  • Rubber Boots: Please bring your own. 
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)

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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

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