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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.

Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington

Spend a full day exploring the San Juan Islands via naturalist-led hikes and by kayak. Search for killer whales. 

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 water-front, take a historical stroll through Old Town or peruse the collections oat local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre wile taking in the incredible collection of paintings. 

Day 4: Gulf Islands

Sail into British Columbia to kayak among forested islands and along wildlife-rich shorelines.

Day 5: Alert Bay And Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

Observe a traditional First Nations performance in Alert Bay, visit the U’Mista Cultural Center, and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw people.

Day 6-7: Inside Passage of British Columbia

Head 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

Cruise past glacially-carved cliffs and kayak in the stillness of Misty Fjord’s forested backwaters. 

Day 9: Petersburg

Search for humpback whales as you head towards the small fishing village of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail and explore the unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem - the “muskeg,” with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Later, enjoy an evening 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 Zodiac cruise for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs.

Day 11: Glacier Bay National Park

Via special park permit, spend the entire day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness. Listen as the quiet stillness of the area is broken by the thunder of tons of ice calving into the sea. A native Tlingit interpreter joins you to share the lore and legend of the area. Wildness abounds! 

Day 12: Inian Islands | Icy Strait

Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in rich waters of Icy Strait.

Day 13: Exploring Chichagof Island

Spend a full day searching for humpback whales in the rich waters off of Chichagof Island. Kayak, hike, and enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening.

Day 14: Sitka | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire; walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, where totem poles line trails; and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest
Lounge aboard National Geographic Quest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,777 2-3 travelers

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.
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.
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
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.
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
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. 

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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