Desolation Sound & Fjords Of British Columbia Cruise
From backwaters to wildlife hotspots to cultural sites, this journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago as well as neighbouring inlets. This is the place off the edge of Vancouver Island that most people never see. Snowcapped mountains, glacier-fed fjords, calm and scenic cruising are the backdrop to our journey through the nature and wildlife of the west coast - from rainforest to bears and dolphins. On the cultural side, we partner with the Klahoose Nation to experience their bear viewing in a fjord; work with the Namgis U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, and usually visit local legend Billy Proctor and other out-of-the-way places, too.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.
Highlights
• Off-the-Grid Exploration: Discover hidden BC coastal wonders in Desolation Sound, the Broughton Archipelago, and more, away from the typical tourist routes.
• Natural Splendor and Wildlife: Experience breathtaking scenery with snowcapped mountains and fjords while encountering diverse wildlife, from bears to dolphins.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local indigenous culture, from bear viewing with the Klahoose Nation to visits to cultural centers and offbeat places like Billy Proctor's.
Day 1: Board vessel and cruising to anchorage in the Broughton Archipelago. Optional evening kayak, sundowner and welcome dinner.
Day 2: Small boat trip to explore the marine life of the archipelago: kelp forest, seabirds and marine mammals such as sea lions and whales. Heading deeper into the islands to visit Billy Proctor’s museum and homestead. Visit Alert Bay and U’mista Cultural Centre with private guided tour of Kwakwaka’wakw potlatch collection. Evening cruising to island anchorage for alfresco dinner, keeping eyes and ears out for wildlife.
Day 3: Morning kayaking. Whale watching and marine science. Rainforest hike. Cruising south in Johnstone Strait.
Day 4: Exploring the cascades and waterways of the Discovery Islands and back channels. Shore trips to explore life in this region—beaches, culture site. Kayaking. Aft deck barbecue and bubbly.
Day 5: Exploring spectacular Toba Inlet, a fjord that cuts 35 kilometres into the Coast Mountains. Shore trips to explore the nature of estuary meadows and the coastal rainforest. Looking for late season bears.
Day 6: Exploring Desolation Sound—by kayaking, small boats and walks, at sites such as Prideaux Haven and the Redonda Islands.
Day 7: Further exploration in Desolation Sound, visit to Mitlenatch Island, a bird sanctuary. Cruising south into the northern Gulf Islands.
Day 8: Exploring the islets and more mediterranean climate northern Gulf Islands, watching for marine mammals and birds. Island and beach hike. Intertidal exploration.
Day 9: Cruising the southern Gulf Islands, exploring ashore on sandstone beaches, oak and arbutus forest. Passing through scenic Samsun narrows between the cliffs of Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. Evening kayak in protected anchorage.
Day 10: Morning shore walk visiting the southern forest lands and beaches. Cruising to port, watching for marine life (mammals and seabirds).
Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.
|
Book now |
9 Day Port McNeill to Sidney Cruise
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
|
Book now |
Port Hardy to Sidney Cruise
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
|
Book now |
Cabins - Category 1
Cabin - Category 2, Option 2
Cabin - Category 2, Option 1
Cabin - Category 3
Vessel Type: Catamaran
Passenger Capacity: 24
Length: 138 ft / 42 m
Built/Refurbished: 2007/2018/2019
Cascadia is a 138-foot expedition catamaran built for small-group exploration along the wild British Columbia coast. She carries 24 guests in 12 outside cabins, each with windows, en-suite bathrooms and individual climate control. Four decks provide a mix of quiet corners and open viewing spaces: a protected salon with a bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a terrace lounge, and a top deck with loungers and a hot tub. The bridge is open to guests for 180-degree views and insight into navigation. Kayaks, custom landing craft, a hydrophone, and a natural history library support shore landings and wildlife encounters. The design leans on light, space and stability, allowing access to remote inlets while maintaining a comfortable, human-scale experience.
Cabin categories range from 160 to 235 square feet. Lower-deck and some main-deck cabins offer queen or twin beds and large portholes; mid-level cabins add more floor space, outside doors, generous windows and heated slate-floor bathrooms; the two bridge-deck suites are the largest, with king beds, extra seating and extensive natural light. All include storage, power outlets, bathrobes, and climate control. Mobility requirements centre on navigating stairs between decks and boarding shore boats via landing-craft ramps. Limitations apply for travellers with significant mobility impairments, but one main-deck cabin includes an accessible bathroom.
Vessel Type: Converted Tug
Passenger Capacity: 12
Length: 88 feet / 26.8 meters
Swell is an 88-foot converted coastal tug refitted to deliver a warm, character-rich expedition experience. Her solid timber construction, classic lines and thoughtful interior upgrades create an atmosphere of authenticity paired with comfort. With just 12 guests across six private cabins, the ship offers an intimate environment supported by a small, expert crew. Spaces such as the wood-panelled salon, panoramic wheelhouse, covered aft deck lounges, and upper-deck viewing areas provide calm, inviting places to relax between shore excursions. Daily life revolves around well-crafted meals from the galley, quiet moments in the hot tub, wildlife watching from the bow and easy access to the coastline via Zodiacs and kayaks.
Her compact size and rugged build allow her to reach locations inaccessible to larger vessels, giving guests close contact with coastal ecosystems, remote anchorages and wildlife-rich shorelines. Purpose-designed expedition tools—including two rigid-hull inflatables, four clear-bottom kayaks, fishing gear and a hydrophone—support a wide range of activities. Cabins vary from generous suites to efficient, well-designed smaller rooms, all with private ensuites and exterior doors for direct connection to the outdoors. The result is a boutique expedition platform that blends maritime heritage with practical comfort, delivering a human-scale, highly immersive coastal cruising experience.
Inclusions
• All meals, snacks and beverages prepared from the freshest ingredients by our superb chef.
• Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of beer included and available throughout the trip. (Liquor is not a large part of our trips, so plan on light consumption).
• Services of our naturalist and professional crew.
• Shore excursions.
• Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (with fishing licence).
• All accommodations on your vessel and, on trips with a land day, in a local lodging.
Exclusions
• The price does not include transportation to or from the starting and ending points of the Maple Leaf, Swell, and Cascadia trips, except for flights from Vancouver to the start of Cascadia’s Haida Gwaii trips and trips with a current Flight Promotion.
• Canadian trips are subject to a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), while Alaska trips are exempt.
• There is also a sustainability fee of $200 added to each fare on booking.
• Tipping for the crew is not included and is confidential and at your discretion.
• Fishing licenses are not included and must be acquired by guests wanting to fish prior to their trip.
Our Associates Include
