Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia

Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark the National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture. (D)

Spend a full day exploring the San Juan Islands via naturalist-led hikes and by kayak. Search for killer whales. (B,L,D)

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 historical stroll through Old Town, or discover James Bay on an architecture tour. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at The Bateman Gallery while taking in the incredible collection of paintings by famed wildlife artist Robert Bateman. (B,L,D)

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 sea birds, shore birds and birds of prey. (B,L,D)

Visit the Big House in the First Nations village of Alert Bay, Canada and learn from the Kwakwaka'wakw people as they perform traditional dances of their ancestors. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

Cruise past towering, glacially-carved cliffs and meandering waterfalls and kayak in the still forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument. (B,L,D)

Search for humpback whales as we 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 muskeg ecosystem, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Later, enjoy an evening crab feast. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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 National Park Ranger and a native Tlingit interpreter join us to share the lore and legend of the area. Wildness abounds! (B,L,D)

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

Spend a full day kayaking, hiking, and searching for bubble net feeding or breaching humpback whales. (B,L,D)

Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Itineraries are subject to change.