Remarkable Journeys. Engaging People. Wild Spaces.

EXPEDITION CRUISES BY BOUTIQUE SHIP

1 BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, AND ALASKA CANADA ALASKA 3 BOUTIQUE SHIPS

Haida Gwaii Alaska Adventure Maple Leaf Great Bear Rainforest Alaska Supervoyage Swell Broughton Archipelago Cascadia Desolation Sound Vancouver Island Gulf Islands National Park

2 INTRODUCTION

Why Our Ships Give You the of how to make delicacies from nettles; naturalists’ understanding of bears’ body language; visits with local Best of the Inside Passage and researchers who understand the latest patterns and Haida Gwaii behaviors of humpback whales. The coastline of British Columbia and Alaska undulates Typical Activities into bays, twists into island archipelagos, and stretches » Rainforest walks far down fjords that slice through mountain ranges. » Beachcombing This is wild geography. There are few roads. As a result, » Exploring by small boat wildlife and nature thrive. The few coastal communities » Wildlife viewing have a deep connection to the ocean. » Natural history interpretation To reach the richest areas, you must travel by water, as » Coastal village visits people have done for millennia. » Beach campfire and star watching in dark skies Our tiny ships access a world closed to bigger ships. » Cultural experiences and site visits Our permits and First Nations protocol agreements, » Photography combined with our crew’s local knowledge, give you » Kayaking (optional) exclusive reach to special areas, wildlife and people. » Hiking (optional; possibly one good hike on a trip) Personalized and Enriching » Fishing (with a licence) » F oraging (sea asparagus, berries, etc., some trips only) With just 8, 12 or 24 guests per trip, you travel as our welcome guest, not part of a crowd to be managed. The Eco-Tourism proximity you will feel to the coast’s mountains, forests Our approach is to enhance, rather than take from, our and life is incomparable with any other form of cruis- home, to give you an exceptional experience that also ing. Every moment is part of a real journey. leaves a legacy. Ever since our inception 30 years ago, Enjoy the friendship of residents. Smell the sweet conif- we have celebrated, partnered with and funded nature erous forest as you step ashore. Feel the rhythm of ship conservation and cultural communities, including in- and ocean as you steer under crew’s guidance, taste the degenous communities and guides, where we operate. flavour of huckleberries or freshly caught prawns, and hear a whale’s sharp inhalation of breath before it dives. Spontaneous Adventures

Our purpose is to delight and inspire you, while also Our itineraries are flexible to give you the best expe- benefitting our ecosystems and social fabric. Care and rience possible; true open itineraries in the spirit of attention to detail are at the heart of all we do. exploration and discovery. If you seek to explore in an authentic way, with the camaraderie of expert crew and Local Guides guides, we look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Everyone is a local - from naturalist to chef - with insights to share. Often they are involved in ongoing Is Adventure Travel for You? coastal research, community building, and the care of This is a trip for people with adventurous spirits. Our our unique ships. All are handpicked for their mastery ships are beautiful and comfortable but if you seek ur- and expertise. They are happy to share their knowledge ban or cruise ship amenities, including shows, shopping with you – expert mariners’ intimate understanding and 24-hour-a-day alcohol, this trip may not be for you. of coastal bathymetry and weather; chefs’ knowledge

3 Welcome aboard. Join us to explore the thousands of islands that make up the Inside Passage and Haida Gwaii.

Maple Leaf Adventures owners Kevin and Maureen

A Letter from Kevin & Maureen: And we’re connected by our pride in doing great work to keep our coastal economies, nature and Our Coastal Community communities alive and healthy. Dear Friends, All of us – from our crew who maintain and We are pleased to introduce you to the wonder operate our three coastal ships, the guides who and soul of the spectacular coastline we consider steer you to that special wildlife spot, the elders ourselves fortunate to spend our lives on. who share their time, the conservation scientists who receive our support, to the folks in the office We know that your holiday time is precious and making arrangements – welcome you to the Maple we are grateful you have chosen to spend it here. Leaf Adventures family and, by extension, to our Although in geological time, Maple Leaf Adven- coastal community. tures’ 35 years of history is a blip, in our time, it Thank you. has enabled us to build deep, meaningful connec- tions with places and people all along the coast’s stunning breadth.

We sometimes say that the coast is like a small Kevin Smith and Maureen Gordon town -- a 1,000 kilometre-long small town. Co-Owners Whether we’re in Sitka or Bella Bella or Ganges, we share a marine-based culture. We’re connected even when we can’t see one another – by the usual methods, by our travels and visits ashore, and also by the marine radio that’s a lifeblood of the coast.

4 DESTINATIONS

Sitka

SOUTHEAST ALASKA

USA CANADA

HAIDA Kitlope GWAII GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO DESOLATION Pacific SOUND Ocean Wild Side

VANCOUVER ISLAND Vancouver

250 km GULF ISLANDS Seattle

Haida Gwaii . p 6 Broughton Archipelago. p 36 Great Bear Rainforest . p 10 Vancouver Island . p 40 Alaska . p 20 Unique Journeys . p 46 Gulf Islands . p 26 Special Offers . p 47 Desolation Sound . p 32

About the Itineraries In each destination that follows, we list the sample itinerary for each trip. The itineraries show the route and events of a typical trip. Note, that our itineraries are flexible, to accommodate the actions of wildlife, weather and special events we encounter. Our expert crew know how to combine the highlights of each area, and in the right order, to provide the best possible trip each time.

5 DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII

OVERVIEW

“The enthusiastic and extremely competent Explore ancient ecosystems, and knowledgeable wildlife and monumental Haida crew, combined with the culture on our classic trip. fascinating and proud In this archipelago, sometimes known as “the boundary between worlds”, you’ll experience the Haida people and jaw- meeting of North America’s ancient rainforest, dropping surroundings, ocean and charismatic wildlife, and the culture that grew from them. made this an absolutely Situated on the continental shelf, the region is one perfect adventure. ” of the planet’s most biologically productive. Among the hundreds of islands, the marine world is thick - PhillyReviewer on TripAdvisor, 2016 with fish, mammals and seabirds. Haida Gwaii has supported the powerful and artistic Haida culture for more than 14,000 years.

Our rich itinerary lets you fully experience this place of wonder: from Tow Hill in the north to Gwaii Haanas in the south; from ancient village sites to modern culture; from dense rainforest to sweeping beaches; from small beach shells to huge baleen whales and thousand-year-old cedars.

Special Features » Haida-guided interpretation, with additional free time, at ancient Haida village sites, includ- ing UNESCO world heritage site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints). » A longer trip, with a week in the protected Gwaii Haanas region. » Additional shore trips: naturalist walks in ancient rainforest, beachcombing, natural hot springs soak, wildlife colony visit, remote island explora- tion. » Unique exploration of northern Haida Gwaii, from Masset and Tow Hill to Skidegate and the Haida Heritage Centre. » A seamless journey that builds in depth and camaraderie. » Local guides with 30 years’ of history operating here.

6 DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII

Masset

Sandspit

Pacific GWAII Ocean HAANAS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 50 km S G ANG GWAAY

7 DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 1 DAY 1 DAY 4-5 Haida Gwaii Classic Meet at Vancouver airport’s south Seabird viewing, UNESCO World terminal for flight to Haida Gwaii. Heritage Site visit, SGang Gwaay Boarding Cascadia at Sandspit, wel- (Ninstints). Hot springs Island SHIP & DATES & PRICE: come/kickoff, cruising south, orienta- visit. tion, watching for wildlife. Optional Maple Leaf late afternoon kayak or shore trip. ask about 2022 trip dates Welcome dinner. DAY 6 DEPART/RETURN: Exploring Juan Perez Sound, DAY 2-3 whale watching. Windy Bay cul- Masset, BC tural site visit and rainforest walk Sandspit, BC T’aanuu village site, Burnaby Narrows to giant, ancient trees. K’uuna for some of the planet’s densest inter- (Skedans) village site visit. Fare- tidal life, kayaking, cruising. Sailing well dinner. southward in Gwaii Haanas, sea lion colony visit, exploring intertidal life Cascadia and beaches on southwest coast of Haida Gwaii. DAY 7 July 27-Aug 2, Aug 11-17 Cruising to Sandspit. Flight from $8700 CAD (cat. 1) Sandspit to Vancouver. $10100 CAD (cat. 2) $11500 CAD (cat. 3)

DEPART/RETURN: Vancouver, BC Vancouver, BC

8 DESTINATION | HAIDA GWAII

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.

Exclusive guiding by special resource person TBA (previous resource people have been Wade Davis and Severn Cullis-Suzuki). Flights to and from Vancouver, special additional cultural opportunities and an accomplished ambassador from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society are included in this trip. (This trip is one day longer than Cascadia’s typical Haida Gwaii trips).See insert for more detail.

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 6 Haida Gwaii with 1 Meet at Vancouver airport’s south Hot springs Island visit, exploring terminal for flight to Haida Gwaii. Juan Perez Sound, whale watching. Canadian Geographic Boarding Cascadia at Sandspit, Windy Bay cultural site visit and welcome/kickoff, cruising south, rainforest walk to giant, ancient SHIP: orientation, watching for wildlife. trees. Optional late afternoon kayak or Cascadia shore trip. Welcome dinner. Aug 3-10 DAY 7 $10200 CAD (cat. 1) DAY 2-3 Rainforest walk, K’uuna (Skedans) village site visit. Farewell dinner. $11870 CAD (cat. 2) T’aanuu village site, Burnaby Narrows $13500 CAD (cat. 3) for some of the planet’s densest inter- tidal life, kayaking, cruising. Sailing southward in Gwaii Haanas, sea lion DAY 8 DEPART/RETURN: colony visit, exploring intertidal life Cruising to Sandspit. Flight from and beaches on southwest coast of Sandspit to Vancouver. Vancouver, BC Haida Gwaii. Vancouver, BC

DAY 4-5 Seabird viewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site visit, SGang Gwaay (Ninstints). Cruising southward, Cape St. James (southern tip of Haida Gwaii), Woodruff Bay beach explora- tion, fishing.

9 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

OVERVIEW

“Words simply can’t express Awe and humility in one of my gratitude for the Earth’s last great wild places. amazing experiences I have Journey into one of Earth’s greatest wild places. Robert Kennedy Jr. calls it “the last stand of the had on this trip. Everything great North American rainforest”. It is a land of I wanted to experience has fjords, mountains, rainforests, and great river estuaries. It is home to grizzlies, wolves and the been realized – spirit bear, mysterious white Spirit Bear. Maple Leaf’s trips in 3 seasons (spring, summer, fall) are timed for peak sailing, fishing, kayaking experiences of natural beauty and wildlife. – and much more. Every

crew member has impacted Special Features positively on me. It has been » Cruising and exploring granite fjords, hidden passageways and quiet coves. a wonderful adventure, and » Opportunity to view grizzly bears, black bears and spirit bears in their natural habitat, with expert I hope to join Maple Leaf guides. again.” » Seasonal highlights with naturalists: wildflower meadows in spring, salmon spawning in autumn. » Whales and other marine mammals populate the - Catriona H., 2017 protected waters. » Ancient human history and modern First Nations culture with local hosts. » Other wild highlights such as west-coast beaches, natural hot springs. » Exploring the ancient rainforest – the largest tracts in the world, without roads. » Visits with researchers who have spent many years discovering new elements of the region’s biology.

10 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

Prince Rupert Kitimat

Kitlope Klemtu Bella Bella

Pacific Ocean

Port McNeill 150 km Campbell River

11 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARIES

SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN

Unique features: wildflowers and so Unique features: Incredible whale Unique features: Salmon run, spirit much green, fair weather, stunning and seabird activity; west coast bear, grizzly bear, black bear, whales, scenery, grizzlies in sedge meadows beaches; settled weather generally. wetter weather. (later spring trips), migrating birds, Great Bear Summer Great Bear Rainforest Autumn whales. (Prince Rupert to Kitimat) or (Kitimat to Kitimat) or Vancouver Island to (Kitimat to Prince Rupert) (Prince Rupert to Bella Bella) or Great Bear Rainforest (Bella Bella to Bella Bella) or Whales & Wild Isles (Kitimat to Bella Bella) or Great Bear (Port McNeill to Bella Bella) or (Bella Bella to Kitimat) Rainforest Spring (Port Hardy to Prince Rupert) Great Bear Great Bear Rainforest & Rainforest & Kitlope Kitlope Supervoyage Great Bear Rainforest North

12 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 1 DAY 1 DAY 5-7 Vancouver Island Board at Campbell River. Cruising Entering the mainland inlets and Quadra Island and Vancouver Island fjords. Likely sea otters, humpback to Great Bear Rainforest shores. Seymour Narrows, the whales, early bears. Fjordland dividing line between southern and where waterfalls cascade down SHIP & DATES & PRICE: northern climates. Historic Ripple granite cliffs. Petroglyphs, hot Rock, watch for porpoises. Rainforest springs visit, cultural history, bear Maple Leaf walk. Anchorage Port Neville. meadows. May 11-19 $4250 CAD DAY 2-4 DAY 8 Johnstone Strait and the steep-sided Explore west coast islands. Beach DEPART/RETURN islands of the Broughton Archipelago. walks and zodiac excursions. Campbell River, BC Coastal villages, Alert Bay cultural centre, marine mammals. Sailing Bella Bella, BC Cape Caution, exploring western islands and beaches of southern Great DAY 9 Bear. Cruise to Bella Bella. Wildlife viewing en route.

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 5 Great Bear Rainforest Board your ship, orientation, cruise Visit coastal community, sailing into Fjordland viewing spectacular down whale channel, viewing Spring mountains and waterfalls. Rainforest of marine mammals including walk. whales and sea lions. Visit remote SHIP & DATES & PRICE: whale research station and speak with scientists. Cruise to west Maple Leaf coast beach and explore. DAY 2-3 May 20-27 Visit great Fjordland river estuaries, $5050 CAD wildflower meadows. Possible bear DAY 6-7 viewing. Visit First Nations commu- nity of Klemtu, including guided tour Sailing the outer coast, explor- Swell and conversations at big house, exam- ing remote islands. Intertidal May 19-26 ple of First Nations artistry, culture life, whales, seabirds, beaches. and architecture Exploring north coast wolf habitat, Jun 3-10, Kitimat to Prince Rupert cruising from outer coast to inner coast, rainforest walk. $6100 CAD (cat. 1) $6700 CAD (cat. 2) DAY 4 $7350 CAD (cat. 3) Mainland inlet, bear viewing, rain- DAY 8 forest walk, waterfalls, inside passage cruising, hot springs visit. Cruising to Kitimat, wildlife view- DEPART/RETURN ing en route. Bella Bella, BC Kitimat, BC

13 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 3+4 DAY 1 DAY 5 Great Bear Rainforest Board your ship, orientation, cruising Sail deep into the coast mountains, and watching for marine mammals and leaving the outside world behind & Kitlope birds. Anchorage: hot springs. as the fjord snakes past 4,000-foot peaks to the Kitlope. Go ashore and in the vast Kitlope estuary for the Kitlope Supervoyage amazing tale of the G’psgolox pole. DAY 2-3 Explore the river and the estuary, watching for wildlife. SHIP: Cruise mainland inlet estuary popular with bears. Estuary meadow walk (wild- flowers), learning about bear habitat, Maple Leaf river exploration. Morning exploration DAY 6 May 28-Jun 3 ashore, then cruising Whale Channel, aptly named and popular with ceta- Cruise to Kowesas to explore $4500 CAD ceans. Visit whale researchers at remote ashore and then the site of station. Marine mammal viewing. Kemaano. Cruise to hot springs. Swell May 27-Jun 2 DAY 4 DAY 7 $5800 CAD (cat. 1) Return to mainland waterways, and Cruise to Kitimat. Wildlife view- $6350 CAD (cat. 2) enter Gardner Canal, the longest fjord ing en route. on the coast. This stunning waterway $6950 CAD (cat. 3) qualifies as remote wilderness but is filled with the stories and history of the Note: Trips on Maple Leaf and Cascadia Henaaksiala people. Swell are 6 nights/7 days. Aug 18-26 Trips on Cascadia are 8 nights/9 days. Cascadia trip is a Super- $8550 CAD (cat. 1) voyage spending one more day exploring the spectacular Gardner $9950 CAD (cat. 2) Canal region and additional op- $11450 CAD (cat.3) portunity to see spawning salmon and foraging bears.

DEPART AND RETURN Kitimat, BC

14 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 5 DAY 1 DAY 5-7 Whales & Wild Isles, Board Port Hardy, BC. Orientation, Exploring the Great Bear and cruising and watching whales in the meadows, rivers and life of Great Bear Rainforest Blackfish Sound. Possibile hump- the fjords. Possible grizzly bear backs, orcas, porpoises. Island viewing. Visit Bella Bella and First SHIP & DATES & PRICES: anchorage, beach exploration. Nations village of Klemtu. Cascadia Jul 23-31 DAY 2-4 DAY 8 $8550 CAD (cat. 1) Sailing northwest, from Broughton Head to the outer coast for beauti- Archipelago to the wilder outer ful island group, sunset views, and $9950 CAD (cat. 2) coast, around Cape Caution, viewing wild coast exploring. Possible sea $11450 CAD (cat. 3) humpback whales and seabirds. Shore otters. trip at Penrose Islands. Calvert Island, beach and forest walk, research DEPART/RETURN station, sailing up Fitzhugh Sound exploring small outer islands, with a DAY 9 Port Hardy, BC variety of marine mammals. Optional Cruise to Prince Rupert. Wildlife evening kayak. Sailing northeast into Prince Rupert, BC viewing en route. mainland fjords. Visit Ocean Falls, possible dolphins, bear viewing and/ Maple Leaf or hot springs, depending on route. Note: Aug 21-29 Maple Leaf trip Departs from Port $6100 CAD McNeill and returns to Kitimat

ITINERARY 6 DAY 1 DAY 4 Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard, cruising watching Morning rainforest interpretive for wildlife. Evening kayak or zodiac walk with naturalist. Afternoon Summer cruise. Welcome dinner. visit whale researchers at remote station. Viewing marine mammals SHIP: in one of the coast’s best habitat for humpback whales, fin whales Swell DAY 2 and killer whales, as well as other species. Jul 1-7, Jul 8-14, Jul 16-22 Cruising the spectacular scenery of the coast’s longest fjord – granite cliffs, $6760 CAD (cat. 1) waterfalls and mountain peaks. Shore trip in estuary meadow frequented DAY 5-6 $7430 CAD (cat. 2) by bears in spring and fall. Possible $8150 CAD (cat. 3) special cultural site visit. Explore remote, outer coastal islands, islets and beaches. Walk / hike to view over Pacific. Watch for DEPART/RETURN seabirds and wolves or wolf sign DAY 3 in this habitat for marine wolves. Kitimat, BC Optional kayaking. Evening beach Further exploration of the fjord and fire and stargazing. its various inlets that slice through the heart of the Coast Mountains. Evening natural hot spring visit. DAY 7 Cruising to port watching for wildlife.

15 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 7 DAY 1 DAY 3 Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard, cruising watching Explore outer coastal beaches, walk for wildlife. Evening kayak or zodiac / hike to view over Pacific. Watch Summer cruise. Welcome dinner. for seabirds and wolf sign in this habitat for marine wolves. SHIP: Cascadia DAY 2 DAY 4 ask about 2022 trip dates Visit whale researchers at remote station. Viewing marine mammals Exploring the rainforest ashore as in one of the coast’s best habitat for we meander through the channels humpback whales, fin whales and and mainland anchorages of the killer whales, as well as other species. Great Bear Rainforest. Optional DEPART/RETURN activities such as kayaking, fishing. Kitimat, BC Prince Rupert, BC or reverse DAY 5 Cruising to port, watching for wildlife.

ITINERARY 8 DAY 1 DAY 4-5 Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard, cruising watching Potential cultural site visit and re- for wildlife. Evening kayak or zodiac mote natural hot springs. Visit whale Supervoyage cruise. Welcome dinner. researchers at remote station. View- ing marine mammals in one of the SHIP: coast’s best habitats for humpback, fin, and killer whales, as well as oth- Swell DAY 2 er species. Remote island anchorage, beachcombing and optional hike to Cruising the spectacular scenery of Jul 23-Aug 2 (11 days/10 nights) view. Evening beach fire. the coast’s longest fjord – granite cliffs, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Shore $9700 CAD (cat. 1) trips in estuary meadow frequented $10650 CAD (cat. 2) by bears in spring and fall, and in the DAY 6-9 coastal temperate rainforest. $11685 CAD (cat. 3) Explore remote, outer coastal islands, islets and beaches, observing marine wildlife. Watch for seabirds DEPART/RETURN DAY 3 and wolves or wolf sign in this habitat for marine wolves. Optional Further exploration to the end of the Kitimat, BC kayaking and fishing. fjord and the Kitlope river valley, the Prince Rupert, BC world’s largest intact temperate rain- forest. Exploration of the river and its natural history, visit and interpreta- DAY 10 tion at the very moving bear pole site (subject of an NFB film). Optional Returning to the Great Bear Rainfor- kayaking, and anchorage at the base est’s inland waters, whale watching, of 4,000-foot Coast Mountains. rainforest walks, farewell dinner.

DAY 11 Morning shore trip, then cruising to port watching for wildlife. 16 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 9 DAY 1 DAY 5-6 Great Bear Rainforest Board your ship, welcome and ori- Mainland fjords of the coast entation, cruising to the outer coast, mountains. Exploring waterfalls, Autumn watching for whales, anchor and walking the majestic rainforest explore outer coast beach. and meadows. Grizzly and black SHIP: bear viewing and habitat explora- tion. Discovering river by zodiac. Swell Visit with bear researchers and Aug 31-Sep 8, Prince Rupert to Bella DAY 2-3 stewards. Exploring the islands of the west Bella coast: seabirds, intertidal life, wolf Sep 9-17, Bella Bella to Kitimat and bear habitat. The beaches of the DAY 7-8 west coast and hike to coastal bog Sep 18-26, Kitimat to Bella Bella with views. West coast beach fire. Spirit bear island anchorage. Day- long excursion to spirit bear view- Sep 27-Oct 5, Bella Bella to Kitimat ing site with bear stands. Evening Oct 7-15, Kitimat to Bella Bella whales and spectacular scenery DAY 4 of Devastation Channel and the Gardner Canal. Optional evening $9250 CAD (cat. 1) Entering the inner channels of the kayak or small boat trip. $10100 CAD (cat. 2) Great Bear, Camaano Sound, Whale Channel. Marine mammal view- $11000 CAD (cat. 3) ing. Visit to whale research station. Exploring the coast of Princess Royal DAY 9 Island. DEPART/RETURN Cruise to Kitimat, watching for Kitimat, BC (or Prince Rupert) whales. Bella Bella, BC

ITINERARY 10 DAY 1 DAY 5-6 Great Bear Rainforest Board Maple Leaf in Bella Bella, ori- Exploring spectacular inlet and entation, cruising. Island anchorage, river by zodiac, looking for grizzly Autumn river exploration, and learning about and black bears, seals and eagles. the ‘salmon forest’. Evening hot springs visit. Spir- SHIP: it bear island for the day. Shore excursion to viewing site with bear Maple Leaf stands. Whale Channel, humpback DAY 2-3 whale watching. Optional kayak. Aug 31-Sep 8, Beach walk. Cruising into Fjordland. Sep 9-17, Massive waterfalls, spectacular inlet, pictographs, estuary exploration and DAY 7-8 Sep 18-26, search for bears. Cruising to one of Sep 27-Oct 5, the leading grizzly bear havens. Ex- Visit with whale researchers and tended watching for bears. Optional marine mammal viewing, hike Oct 7-15 evening kayak, fishing. and beach bonfire. Sailing down coastal channel. Outer coast beach $7150 CAD exploration, sailing and cruising the western waters. DEPART AND RETURN DAY 4 Bella Bella, BC Morning shore walk, visit First Na- tions village, Klemtu. Big House tour DAY 9 by village guide. Intertidal life. Fjord anchorage. Cruise to Bella Bella, watching for wildlife.

17 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 11 DAY 1 DAY 5 Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, Visit the Great Bear Rainforest’s cruising to evening anchorage, watch- wild outer islands and beaches. Autumn ing for whales. Evening rainforest Beach visit and hike to views over walk before dinner. the Pacific ocean. Kayaking or op- SHIP: tional fishing. Cruising to and ex- ploring archipelago of tiny islands, Cascadia some areas so wild they’re not yet DAY 2 fully charted. Seabird viewing. Aug 26-Sep 2, Cruising down a spectacular, long Sep 12-19, fjord, where granite mountains rise from thousands of feet below in the Sep 20-27, sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible DAY 6 Sep 28-Oct 5, mountain goats. Exploring ashore in estuary meadows, where some Rainforest walk and salmon Oct 6-13 (ends in Bella Bella) bears spend their days in the autumn. spawning stream. Cruising to Learning about the daily life of bears, historic cannery site of Butedale $9350 CAD (cat. 1) and the salmon cycle. Optional eve- on Princess Royal Island. Optional hike to lake. $10900 CAD (cat. 2) ning kayaking. $12400 CAD (cat. 3) DAY 3 DAY 7 DEPART/RETURN Bear viewing among the fjords. Visit island known as the epicentre Kitimat, BC Learning the indigenous history and of spirit bears with local guides stories of special sites in the region. as well as Cascadia’s bear guides. Cruising the Great Bear’s island Full day at viewing site for the best Note: Oct 6-13 trip ends in Bella Bella. channels. Visit to village of Hartley opportunity to view a spirit bear. Same key highlights. Bay for a big house tour and cultural Last night celebration dinner and introduction by local guide. events.

DAY 8 DAY 4 Cruise to port, watching for Cruising Whale Channel region, a wildlife. critical habitat for several species of whales. Whale viewing. Visit whale researchers at remote station. Sea lion viewing. Island anchorage.

18 DESTINATION | GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.

Exclusive guiding by Canadian Geographic photographer. Special additional photo opportunities and an accomplished ambassador from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society are included in this trip. See insert for more detail.

ITINERARY 12 DAY 1 DAY 5 Great Bear Rainforest Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, Visit the Great Bear Rainforest’s cruising to evening anchorage, watch- wild outer islands and beaches. Photography with ing for whales. Evening photography Beach visit and hike to views over presentation and lecture. the Pacific ocean. Kayaking or op- Canadian Geographic tional fishing. Cruising to and ex- ploring archipelago of tiny islands, SHIP: some areas so wild they’re not yet DAY 2 fully charted. Seabird viewing. Cascadia Cruising down a spectacular, long Sep 3-10 fjord, where granite mountains rise from thousands of feet below in the sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible DAY 6 $9750 CAD (cat. 1) mountain goats. Exploring ashore in estuary meadows, where some Rainforest walk and salmon $11350 CAD (cat. 2) bears spend their days in the autumn. spawning stream. Cruising to Learning about the daily life of bears, historic cannery site of Butedale $12900 CAD (cat. 3) and the salmon cycle. on Princess Royal Island. Optional hike to lake.

DEPART/RETURN Kitimat, BC DAY 3-4 DAY 7-8 Bear viewing among the fjords while learning from photography guide Visit island known as the epicentre in action. Cruising the Great Bear’s of spirit bears with local guides island channels and Whale Channel. as well as Cascadia’s bear and Visit to village of Hartley Bay for a big photography guides. Full day at house tour and cultural introduction viewing site for the best oppor- by local guide. Visit to researchers at tunity to view a spirit bear. Last remote station. night celebration dinner and photo sharing. Cruise to port.

19 DESTINATION | ALASKA

OVERVIEW

“Our trip was truly amazing and better than we could The ultimate Alaska itinerary. have imagined. Southeast Southeast Alaska breathes majesty: fjords, islands, Alaska is one of the most rivers, and tidewater glaciers. Its rich, cold waters support abundant wildlife, from humpback whales beautiful and peaceful to sea otters, sea lions, and millions of seabirds. places we’ve been. Our The land supports towering rainforests and lush estuaries where brown bears, black bears and bald crew was exceptional. It eagles feed. The towns evoke Alaska’s history – would not have been such from Tlingit to American. On board a Maple Leaf boutique expedition cruise, your exploration of this a great trip without their overpowering wilderness differs significantly from expertise in everything. the typical cruise ship experience. They were professional, You will be part of a very small group of guests who wish to experience Alaska by living and breathing knowledgeable, talented, its grandeur day after day, not by steaming past it at extremely gracious, and fun twenty knots. hosts! ”

- Maggie T. 2017 Special Features » Intimate and up-close experience of Alaska’s ice world, with at least one day-long jouney down a fjord to a calving glacier, plus zodiac ride or kayking with naturalists among the ice bergs and local wildlife. » Special, hard-to-get access to the best brown bear viewing site in southeast Alaska, Pack Creek, with our expert bear guides. » Guided visits to historic Alaskan communities like Petersburg, Ketchikan and Sitka, as well as the hamlet of Baranof (possible hot springs). » Flexible daily itinerary to make the most of ad- hoc opportunities » Close encounteres with whales and other marine mammals to observe and listen to their natural be havior in a respectful manner. » Rainforest walks, beach visits, and a sense of what it’s like to live in the nature of southeast Alaska.

20 DESTINATION | ALASKA

Canada

USA

Ford’s Terror Wilderness Admiralty Is.

Sitka Frederick Sound Petersburg Baranof Is. Kupreanof Is.

Ketchikan Pacific Ocean

100 km

21 DESTINATION | ALASKA

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 1 DAY 1 DAY 7-8 Alaska Adventure Board at Petersburg, cruising Freder- Hike on through many ecotypes ick Sound, introduction to Alaskan and on spectacular west coast life, and coastal rainforest on walk. beaches. Cruising the west coast, SHIP: Wilderness anchorage. sea otters, seabirds. Weather permitting, explore by zodiac at St. Swell Lazaria, a spectacular island with thousands of nesting seabirds and DATES DAY 2-3 rich intertidal life. Vistas of vol- canic Mt. Edgecumbe as it sweeps Cruising spectacular fjord to tidewater Jun 14-23, Petersburg to Sitka down toward the sea. Possible visit glacier, icebergs, wildlife viewing. to hot springs. Jun 23-Jul 2, Sitka to Petersburg Option to zodiac, kayak and/or walk, $10550 CAD (cat. 1) exploring glacier, icebergs in this awe- some ice world. Humpback whales of $11500 CAD (cat. 2) Stephens Passage, Five Fingers Light- DAY 9 house, Windfall Harbour. Explore $11950 CAD (cat. 3) estuary and look for brown bears. Cruise to historic town of Sitka and disembark for historic walking DEPART/RETURN: tour covering Tlingit, Russian and American history. Farewell dinner, Petersburg, AK DAY 4-6 hotel stay. Sitka, AK Guided brown bear viewing and rainforest walk, at estuary and forest Note: Land-based tour in Sitka is at site, at Pack Creek on Admiralty DAY 10 either the beginning or end of trip. Island (special access). Frederick Sound marine mammals and islands. Breakfast and free time to explore Spectacular Baranof inlet and meadow Sitka. favoured by brown bears.

22 DESTINATION | ALASKA

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 5-8 Alaska Supervoyage Meet in Ketchikan, historic walking Cruising Frederick Sound, tour, including gold rush history. watching for whales. Visit sea lion Welcome dinner. haul out, small island beach walk. SHIP: Visit Five Fingers Lighthouse. Beach walk at a glacier’s terminal Swell moraine. Cruising spectacular DAY 2-3 fjord to tidewater glacier, icebergs, DATES wildlife viewing. Exploring glacier, Breakfast at hotel, free time to icebergs in this awesome ice explore, Tlingit history experience, Jul 15-25, Ketchikan to Sitka world. Guided brown bear viewing board ship. Cruising Clarence Strait. and walk up salmon creek at Pack Aug 6-16, Ketchikan to Sitka Visit remote, off-the-grid community Creek on Admiralty Island, with of Meyer’s Chuck and rainforest walk Aug 17-27, Sitka to Ketchikan special access for Swell guests. ashore. South Etolin wilderness explo- $11700 CAD (cat. 1) ration by boat and ashore. Exploring intertidal life, islets, black bears. $12800 CAD (cat. 2) Cruising north. DAY 9-10 $13350 CAD (cat. 3) Cruising the waterfall coast of Ba- ranof Island. Peril Strait to Kruzof DEPART/RETURN: DAY 4 Island and west coast home of sea otters. Spectacular inlet hike to Scenic Wrangell Narrows cruise, Ketchikan, AK west coast beach. with a view of Alaskan water-based Sitka, AK lifestyle. Visit Petersburg village. Frederick Sound to Cascade Creek. Rainforest and waterfall hike. Note: Land-based tour (Ketchikan DAY 11 or Sitka) is at either the beginning Cruise to Sitka, watching for wildlife. or end of trip.

23 DESTINATION | ALASKA

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.

Exclusive guiding by a local expert (TBA). Special additional cultural opportunities and an accomplished ambassador from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society are included in this trip. See insert for more detail.

ITINERARY 3 DAY 1 DAY 9-10 Alaska Supervoyage Board in Sitka, watching for wildlife. Visit remote, off-the-grid com- Wilderness anchorage. munity of Meyer’s Chuck and with Canadian rainforest walk ashore. South Etolin wilderness exploration by boat and Geographic ashore. Exploring intertidal life, is- DAY 2-4 lets, black bears. Cruising Clarence Strait watching for whales. Arrive Cruising the waterfall coast of SHIP: in Ketchikan. Exclusive guided Baranof Island. Peril Strait to Kruzof tour of Ketchikan, Tlingit history Island and west coast home of sea Swell experience and special cultural otters. Spectacular inlet hike to west opportunites. Celebration dinner coast beach. Wildlife viewing. Eve- and night in lodge. DATES ning lecture on the sacred waterways. Jul 26-Aug 5 Scenic Wrangell Narrows cruise, with a view of Alaskan water-based $12700 CAD (cat. 1) lifestyle. Visit Petersburg village. DAY 11 Frederick Sound to Cascade Creek. $13850 CAD (cat. 2) Rainforest and waterfall hike. Breakfast at lodge and explore $14500 CAD (cat. 3) Ketchikan, historic walking tour, including gold rush history.

DEPART/RETURN: DAY 5-8 Sitka, AK Cruising Frederick Sound, watching for whales. Visit sea lion haul out, Ketchikan, AK small island beach walk. Visit Five Fingers Lighthouse. Beach walk at a glacier’s terminal moraine. Cruising spectacular fjord to tidewater glacier, icebergs, wildlife viewing. Guided brown bear viewing and walk up salmon creek at Pack Creek on Ad- miralty Island, with special access for Swell guests.

24 “Every single crew member contributed to this awesome experience.” - Catriona H. Google, 2018

25 DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA

OVERVIEW

“We had wonderful times Mediterranean islands and on the boat, excellent nature’s bounty in the Salish Sea guided nature walks, and Some people who visit the Gulf Islands think they’ve stumbled into paradise. relaxing and informal This group of hundreds of semi-mediterranean conversations with the islands in a protected sea has drawn people for mil- lennia, with its green and gold slopes, blue ocean fantastic crew. An afternoon and ring of snow-capped peaks.

spent with the sea lions, With 200+ islands and islets, some with “dry rain- killer whales and humpback forests”, some with white shell beaches, some with colonies of animals, the options for exploring are whales will be treasured many.

fore v e r.” The Gulf Islands offer a combination of unique wilderness, eclectic communities, and deep human - Ken C on TripAdvisor, 2016 (First Nations) history. While you’ll visit some of the larger, well-known islands, you’ll also be guided to little-known havens to which most people will never have access. (Ever heard of Cabbage Island? How about Mandarte, Prevost and Wallace?)

Special Features » Island hopping in the calm Salish Sea, including off-the-beaten-track, natural islands and islets. » Beachcombing on a variety of beaches – white shell, sand, rocky. » Walks in forests, meadows and historic farmsteads. Flexible daily itinerary to make the most of ad-hoc opportunities. » Wildlife viewing (seabirds, sea lions, seals, possible porpoises and whales). » Historic site visits, from First Nations to Kanaka settlements, to modern outposts. » Cruising the scenic ‘back ways’ through the islands.

26 DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA

Vancouver

Nanaimo

Galiano Is. Penelakut Is.

Prevost Is. Cabbage & Salt Tumbo Is. Spring Saturna Is. Is.

Vancouver Sidney Mandarte Island Is.

Victoria 20 km

27 DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA

ITINERARIES

SPRING AUTUMN

Unique features: Spring blooms and Unique features: Autumn’s bounty in sunny sailing in the Salish Sea. picturesque islands Spring in the Gulf Islands Autumn in the Gulf Islands Salish Sea with Canadian Craft Beer Culinary Cruise Geographic Wines and Islands of British Columbia Wild Gulf Islands Culinary Cruise

ITINERARY 1 DAY 1 DAY 4 Spring or Autumn in Orientation, cruising. Seabird island Visit the small, inner islands: Wallace visit, wildlife watching, porpoises. Island for an idyllic walk, Penelakut the Gulf Islands Anchorage Saturna Island. Island with ancient First Nations history. Wildflower meadows or SHIP: mushrooms and fall foliage highlights (seasonal). Cruising to Russell Island. Maple Leaf DAY 2 Optional kayak. Apr 16-20, Morning hike on Saturna Island, forest ecology. Spectacular views and Apr 21-25 picnic. Cruising some of the most DAY 5 productive waters of the southern is- $2550 CAD lands. Anchorage and beachcombing, Morning woodland shore walk. Oct 26-31 early farm history exploration. Sea Kanaka and Salish history. Cruising lion and seabird haul out. to Sidney. $2700 CAD (departs from Nanaimo) DAY 3 DEPART AND RETURN: Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait Sidney, BC and one of many channels in the area. Anchorage Prevost Island. Exploring the intertidal life at low tide. Hike to view and mariner’s light.

28 DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.

On this special trip with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, you’ll explore a cross-boundary region gaining international attention. Naturalists and historians guide you, including a local elder. Past elders have been Florence James and Salilye. Exclusively on this trip the elder guides us for 5 days through millennia of history, connecting you to the names and stories these beautiful islands have always had, but that few people know. See insert for more detail.

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 4 Salish Sea with Meet in Victoria and board your Exploring Gulf Islands National ship. Welcome reception, cruising to Park Reserve on the remote south Canadian Geographic seabird island for viewing and historic end of Saturna Island. Shore trip discussion, Russell Island and shore includes old farmstead, spectacular DATES: walk with Salish and Kanaka history, vistas, forest ecology, and view of and natural history. First night dinner important Boundary Pass and the Apr 14-18 and short lecture. site of a dispute over the siting of the Canadian border. Cruisingto further remote sites in the Gulf SHIP: Islands National Park Reserve. Swell DAY 2 Evening presentation. $3600 CAD (cat. 1) Cruising spectacular Samsun Narrows, with history of European/ $4000 CAD (cat. 2) Canadian exploration, and coastal DAY 5 First Nations history. Shore trips at $4600 CAD (cat. 3) Penelakut Island, Valdez Islands, his- Morning shore walk, optional toric sites. Cruising Polier Pass, shore kayaking, wrap-up and cruising to DEPART AND RETURN: trip Galiano Island, historic site. Short Sidney, watching for wildlife. evening presentation. Sidney, BC

DAY 3 Exploring the outer islands on the edge of the ‘big sea’, Georgia Strait. Marine mammal viewing. Explor- ing ashore on Cabbage and Tumbo Islands, settler history, historic farmstead, beautiful beach. Optional kayaking.

29 DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 3 DAY 1 DAY 4 Craft Beer Culinary Welcome aboard. Introduction to Island cruising to outer Gulf world of beers, brewing history. Islands. Wildlife viewing at small Cruise Private tasting with micro-brew- chain of islands that hosts birds ing “elder” Paul Hadfield. Seabird and marine mammals. Beach- SHIP: colony visit, cruising scenic Samsun combing and historic farmstead Narrows. Tasting dinner aboard with exploration at Cabbage and Tum- Swell social history of BC beer discussion. bo Islands at midday. Afternoon walk to spectacular Monarch Oct 26-30 Head on Saturna Island with view $3200 CAD (cat. 1) of Canada/USA boundary and DAY 2-3 surrounding islands. $3600 CAD (cat. 2) Island hopping. Explore Ruxton $4100 CAD (cat. 3) Island and local legend ashore in the morning. Cruise to Ladysmith DAY 5 and tasting lunch at Crow and Gate DEPART AND RETURN: pub. Cruise to beautiful Montague Cruising and watching for wildlife Harbour, Galiano Island or Wallace en route to Sidney. Nanaimo, BC Island for shore walk. Cruising north Sidney, BC through the Gulf Islands to Nanaimo / Ladysmith area. Brewery tour and tasting, guided by brewmaster.

30 DESTINATION | GULF ISLANDS & SALISH SEA

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 4 DAY 1 Islands rainforest, and optional kayaking. Cruising Boundary Pass Wines & Islands Board at Nanaimo. Welcome aboard and Boiling Reef featuring rich toast and tasting. Under way, transit- marine upwelling. Explore historic ing scenic passageways in northern SHIP: farmstead at Tumbo in the outer Gulf Islands. Introduction to BC Gulf Islands. Scenic walk to spectac- wines, terroir and history, what makes Cascadia ular vista for picnic. Okanagan and the region noteworthy. Late afternoon Similkameen tasting dinner. Oct 24-28 shore walk in marine park. Tasting dinner that provides an overflight of $4350 CAD (cat. 1) the wines and what we’ll explore in DAY 4 $5150 CAD (cat. 2) the coming days. Vancouver Island area wine focus, including visits with leaders in $7250 CAD (cat. 3) DAY 2 Cowichan Valley & Saanich wines, discussion, tastings, tasting meals, Gulf Islands area wines feature. DEPART/RETURN: vineyard walks. Vancouver Island Morning shore trip on DeCourcy wine last night dinner. Island and afternoon visits with wine- Nanaimo, BC makers producing exciting work on Sidney, BC Salt Spring and Saturna Islands. DAY 5 Morning optional kayak at Bur- DAY 3 goyne Bay. Wrap up, cruising, look- ing for wildlife en route to Sidney. Okanagan & Similkameen wines Final toast. feature. Morning shore walk in Gulf

ITINERARY 5 Join a Maple Leaf chef and naturalist experienced in local and wild foods for an exploration of the British Columbia coast. Through the entry point of Wild Gulf Islands food, explore both nature and culture, as well as coastal cuisine. Culinary Cruise DAY 1 DAY 4 *Preliminary Itinerary Orientation and welcome. Seabird Exploring small outer islands on island visit and island anchorage. Georgia Strait. Historic homestead SHIP: Overview of the Salish Sea region on with heritage fruit and herbs. an island walk, with a little foraging. Exploring beaches and intertidal Maple Leaf Tasting dinner aboard. life at low tide. Lessons about the Oct 26-31 ethnobotanical uses of foraged DAY 2-3 plants. Tasting dinner aboard. $2700 CAD Morning kayak or walk. Cruising the DAY 5 islands, watching for wildlife. Anchor- DEPART/RETURN: age at Saturna Island, the southern Historic and First Nations history. point of the Gulf Islands. Walk/hike Mushroom, fall foliage highlights, Sidney, BC to spectacular view, forest ecology island anchorage. Optional kayak. learning. Preparing foraged food into Possible Russell Island anchorage, gourmet cuisine for tasting dinner. woodland shore walk, and Kanaka history. Final tasting dinner aboard.

DAY 6 Morning shore trip and/or wildlife viewing. Cruising to Sidney.

31 DESTINATION | DESOLATION SOUND

OVERVIEW

“An unbelievable experience Access a spectacular mountain with the most dedicated world through rural island water- and involved crew I’ve ever ways. Sail beneath glaciated peaks, rainforested hillsides, experienced. Every day and expansive waters that turn into secret coves you was ‘magical’. The bar for will explore. my next adventure now is While Desolation Sound is one of the world’s most popular cruising destinations, you will enjoy the high! A true way to tick off area in a unique way: without the bustle of other a bucket list item in such a boaters. By touring Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands in May, you’ll enjoy the fjords, successful way. Thanks so islands, wildlife, and forest trails in peace – as im- much to all the fabulous mortalized in the popular book The Curve of Time. c re w.”

- Chuck C., 2017 Special Features

» Beautiful vistas of one of BC’s most breathtaking fjords. » Hikes from the beach, along rivers and waterfalls to BC’s warmest lakes. » Visit one of BC’s most prolific bird sanctuaries (Mitlenatch Island). » Historical stories about early pioneers and home steaders told around the campfire » Natural foods foraging with your own private chef. » Other wildlife viewing, including seals, sea lions and possibly a spring bear.

32 DESTINATION | DESOLATION SOUND

Desolation Sound Campbell River

Vancouver Island Gulf 50 km Islands Sidney

33 DESTINATION | DESOLATION SOUND

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 1 DAY 1 DAY 3-4 Desolation Sound & Welcome aboard and cruise to Sail or cruise into Toba Inlet. This Cortez Island. Rainforest walk with spectacular fjord, 35 km long, cuts Discovery Islands naturalist. Local community visit. deep into the coast mountains. As Welcome dinner. you cruise the snow-capped peaks DATES & PRICES & SHIPS: tower above. Watch for seals and sea lions, seabirds, bear and other ani- Maple Leaf mals. Anchorage at Prideaux Haven, DAY 2 at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet May 5-9 and Homfray Channel. Cruise to the Cruise to spectacular Teakerne Copeland Islands. $2550 CAD Arm, where a waterfall plunges down a steep cut beside the ship. Walk to a lake with a picnic lunch.

Swell Cruising the scenic passages. Eve- Apr 27-May 1, ning shore trip. DAY 5

May 2-6 Explore bird and sea lion colony Mitlenatch Island by boat. Cruise to $3100 CAD (cat. 1) Campbell River. $3500 CAD (cat. 2) $4000 CAD (cat. 3)

Cascadia Apr 30-May 4 $4250 CAD (cat. 1) $4950 CAD (cat. 2) $5700 CAD (cat. 3)

DEPART AND RETURN: Campbell River, BC

34 DESTINATION | DESOLATION SOUND

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 5-6 Desolation Sound and Board at Sidney, orientation, Cruising, anchorage and shore trips in cruising the Gulf Islands National Desolation Sound such as specatacular Salish Sea Supervoyage Park Reserve. Seabird, shore walk to Prideaux Haven, Teakerne Arm on spectacular views. West Redonda Island and Desolation SHIP: Sound marine park. Swell DAY 2-4 Apr 19-26 DAY 7 Visit the beaches and old homestead $4050 CAD (cat. 1), $4600 CAD at Cabbage and Tumbo Islands, Seabird colony visit. Cruise to wildlife colonies at the Belle Chain Campbell River, watching for wildlife (cat. 2), $5150 CAD (cat. 3) Islets. Explore Galiano’s outer coast including whales. and cruising through Porlier Pass, Maple Leaf watching for seabirds in the nutri- ent-rich waters. Dodd Narrows and Note: The trip on Maple Leaf is 2 days Apr 26- May 4 sailing Georgia Strait. Shore trip and longer, along the same route. anchorage, Hornby Island. Set sail $3700 CAD for Savary Island, cruising to seabird haven Mitlenatch for zodiac explore DEPART AND RETURN: and birdwatching. Anchorage Sidney, BC Cortez Island. Campbell River, BC

ITINERARY 3 DAY 1 DAY 6 Desolation Sound & Welcome aboard and cruise to Visit the isolated Mitlenatch Island, a Blackfish Sound region, a con- seabird colony, watching for marine Fjords of BC gregation point for whales. Island mammals, and exploring the north- anchorage and beach exploration. ern Gulf Islands. DATES & PRICES & SHIPS: Welcome dinner. Swell Oct 19-25 (departs from Port McNeill) DAY 2-5 DAY 7 $4150 CAD (cat. 1), $4600 CAD Visit Alert Bay and U’mista Cultural Morning kayak, or explore ashore. (cat. 2), $5150 CAD (cat. 3) Centre with private guided tour of Cruising to Nanaimo. Kwakwaka’wakw potlach collection. Rainforest walk, then cruise to is- Cascadia land anchorage dinner, keeping eyes Oct 17-23 and ears out for wildlife. $4750 CAD (cat. 1) Exploring the cascades and water- ways Vancovuer Island’s inside pas- $5750 CAD (cat. 2) sage and Desolation Sound, visiting estuaries where bears fish for salm- $6550 CAD (cat. 3) on, Toba Inlet (a fjord that cuts 35 km into the Coast Mountains), and DEPART AND RETURN: marine parks like Prideaux Haven Port Hardy, BC and Desolation Sound Marine Park. Nanaimo, BC

35 D E S T I N A T I O N | BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO

OVERVIEW

“We saw and experienced “Some nights I hear whales so much, the food was in my dreams. Some nights I incredible, we met and wake... and find it hasn’t been a dream at all.” – Alexandra made friends with the other Morton guests. Nothing more to say This is the “Serengeti of the sea”: rich in wildlife, -- it simply exceeded our home to a complex whale community, addictive cruising and ancient human cultures. It is the best expectations on so many place on earth to see killer whales and humpback levels.” whales. It is rich in seabirds, porpoises and other ocean life. On forested islands and on the water, - Alec W. on TripAdvisor, 2016 humans have also thrived for millennia and this trip will introduce you to the ancient and modern First Nations culture, and to other inhabitants of floating hamlets.

Special Features » Watching and learning about whales and how they live, for hours in comfort, with our flexible itiner- ary and expert guides. » Visits to tiny coastal places such as the boardwalk community of Telegraph Cove, the historic Kwak- waka’wakw site at Village Island, and Alert Bay, a community that is home to the spectacular Kwak- waka’wakw cultural centre, U’mista. » Cruising intricate channels and island hopping, viewing seabirds and perhaps even a black bear swimming while under way » Rainforest walks and, time permitting, exploring the rich nature of a mainland inlet estuary.

36 D E S T I N AT I O N | BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO

Broughton Archipelago

Vancouver Island 20 km

37 D E S T I N A T I O N | BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 1 local black bears on the beach. Visit DAY 1 remote Echo Bay float house commu- Whales and Northern Board the ship, orientation, cruis- nity and Billy Proctor’s Museum. ing to the Broughton Archipelago. Vancouver Island Humpback whale & porpoise viewing. Optional evening kayak. Summer DAY 5-6 Cruising mainland fjord, river estuary SHIP: DAY 2 meadow walk, rainforest walk. Op- Cascadia tional kayak, zodiac ride. Orca viewing for hours. Afternoon forest interpretive walk, intertidal life Jul 1-8 exploration. DAY 7 $7475 CAD (cat. 1) Exploring Johnstone Strait and $8800 CAD (cat. 2) DAY 3-4 marine mammals (possibility of $10030 CAD (cat. 3) dolphins, porpoises, humback whales Village Island ancient Kwakwa- and/or orcas). Hike to view. ka’wakw village site, personal guided tour at U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert DEPART/RETURN: Bay. Heading deeper into the archi- Port Hardy, BC pelago, visiting a collection of islands DAY 8 with various habitats excellent for Whale watching or dolphins, cruising walks or kayaking. Possibility to view to port.

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 5 Whales & Totems of the Board the ship, orientation, sailing. Humpback whale viewing. Shore Humpback whale & porpoise viewing. walk and intertidal life viewing. Visit Broughton Archipelago, Optional evening kayak. remote Echo Bay float house commu- Summer nity and Billy Proctor’s Museum.

SHIP: DAY 2 DAY 6 Maple Leaf Killer whale watching for hours. Lunch in the company of whales. Whale watching or dolphins, cruising For summer 2021, available for Afternoon forest interpretive walk, to Port McNeill. group charter only. intertidal life exploration.

Suggested dates: Note: Jul 15-20, Jul 21-26, Jul 28-Aug 2, DAY 3-4 Family friendly trips welcome children age 5+ Aug 3-8, Aug 9-14, Aug 15-20 Village Island ancient Kwakwa- ka’wakw village site, personal guided See 2022 dates and prices for tour at U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay. Cruising mainland fjord, individual bookings. river estuary walk, search for bears. Optional kayak, zodiac ride. DEPART AND RETURN: Port McNeill, BC

38 “A true connection with nature at its purest.” - N. Tomich, 2016

39 DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND

OVERVIEW

“What a company, to Nature and culture in one of provide such a great boat the world’s most diverse and assemble such an out- ecosystems. Named the #1 island in continental US and Canada of-this-world crew. With by Condé Nast Traveler readers, Vancouver Island an itinerary that is so offers everything from a historic small city, Victoria, to a remote peninsula whose ecosystems go back action packed and scenic. past the last ice age; from wildflower meadows and I can’t really think of one islands with cactus, to giant rainforest cedars next to long sand beaches swept by the Pacific ocean. highlight, everything stands Our Vancouver Island trips showcase this diversity, out in my mind.” with unique journeys through nature and culture.

- Pete M., 2017

Special Features » Beautiful vistas of one of BC’s most breathtaking fjords. » Hikes from the beach, along rivers and waterfalls to BC’s warmest lakes. » Visit one of BC’s most prolific bird sanctuaries (Mitlenatch Island). » Historical stories about early pioneers and home steaders told around the campfire. » Natural foods foraging with your own private chef. » Wildlife viewing, including seals, sea lions and possibly a spring bear.

40 DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND

Port Hardy Port McNeill Coal Harbour Campbell River Vancouver Pacific Island Ocean Sidney 150 km Victoria

41 DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

SPRING SUMMER

Unique features: Cruising in quiet Unique features: More settled waters under snow-capped mountains, weather for exploring the west coast, bird life, and blooming wild flowers. sandy beaches, black bears, whales. Whales and Vancouver Island Wild Side of Vancouver Island Inside Passage, South (Port Hardy to Port Hardy, 7 days) (Nanaimo to Campbell River, 6 days) Wild Side of Vancouver Island Whales and Vancouver Island with Canadian Geographic Inside Passage, North (Port Hardy to Port Hardy, 7 days) (Campbell River to Port McNeill, 8 days)

ITINERARY 1 DAY 1 DAY 5-6 Vancouver Island Inside Forest hike to panoramic view. Visit Intertidal exploration ashore -- to beaches, historic farmstead and the wondrous world of creatures Passage wildlife islets (seabirds, sea lions). that live where the tide comes in and out. Cruise to next anchorage SHIP: and watch for killer whales and porpoises. Swell DAY 2-3 Cruising Georgia Strait, Explore May 7-14 ashore in the Discovery Islands DAY 7 beaches and wildlife viewing $4250 CAD (cat.1) Broughton Archipelago, visit Seymour Narrows, historic Ripple $4750 CAD (cat. 2) with researchers, visit to historic Rock, porpoises, rainforest shore boardwalk village Telegraph Cove. excursion, Port Neville. Johnstone $5450 CAD (cat. 3) Optional evening kayak. Celebra- Strait and the steep-sided islands of tion dinner. the Broughton Archipelago. DEPART/RETURN: Campbell River, BC DAY 4-5 DAY 8 Port McNeill, BC Cruise to port, watching for Coastal villages, Alert Bay’s U’mista whales. cultural centre, marine mammals.

See also: » Desolation Sound & Salish Sea Supervoyage (Apr, May) » Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC (Oct) Page 35 in the section “Desolation Sound”. These trips also include Vancouver Island’s inside passage.

42 DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

ITINERARY 2 DAY 1 DAY 5-6 Wild Side of Vancouver Board ship in Port Hardy. Welcome Exploration of offshore group of aboard, orientation, whale watching islands and Rugged Point with Island on Vancouver Island’s northeast side. sandy beaches and salal-rich Cruising and exploring the Cape Scott headlands. Heading north SHIP: area, rounding Vancouver Island’s around Brooks Peninsula. Seabird northern tip. viewing. Possible black bear Cascadia viewing and meadow exploration. Optional evening kayak, Quatsino Sound. Cruising to Klaskish and Jul 1-8, Jul 9-15 DAY 2-3 East Creek. $6400 CAD (cat. 1) Cruising around the wild Brooks Pen- $7550 CAD (cat. 2) insula. Weather permitting, cruising the continental shelf region where DAY 7 $8600 CAD (cat. 3) seabirds (albatross, puffins) and ma- rine mammals forage. Anchorage and Exploring “hanging rainforest remote beach exploration. Rainforest gardens” or abundant intertidal and beach walks. Optional morning life onshore. Transportation from DEPART/RETURN: kayak. Anchorage in Nesparti Inlet. Coal Harbour to Port Hardy Port Hardy, BC airport.

DAY 4 Kyuquot Sound exploration, sea otter viewing, traditional salmon bake around campfire with gourmet dinner.

43 DESTINATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND

ITINERARY DETAILS - SAMPLE

A one-of-a-kind trip, designed for Canadian Geographic.

Exclusive guiding by special resource person, George Kourounis, storm chaser and weather expert. Special additional cultural opportunities and an accomplished ambassador from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society are included in this trip.

ITINERARY 3 DAY 1 DAY 5-6 Wild Side of Vancouver Pick up in Port Hardy and drive to Exploration of offshore group of Quatsino sound. Welcome aboard, islands and Rugged Point with Island with Canadian orientation, exploring “hanging rain- sandy beaches and salal-rich forest gardens” or abundant intertidal headlands. Heading north Geographic life onshore. Optional evening kayak, around Brooks Peninsula. Seabird Quatsino Sound. Cruising to Klaskish viewing. Cruising and exploring the Cape Scott area, rounding SHIP: and East Creek. Bear viewing, shore walk in meadow and along river. Vancouver Island’s northern tip. Cascadia Evening lecture. Bear viewing. Jul 16-22 $6950 CAD (cat. 1) DAY 2-3 DAY 7 $8200 CAD (cat. 2) Cruising around the wild Brooks Whale watching on Vancouver Is- $9350 CAD (cat. 3) Peninsula. Seabird viewing. Anchor- land’s northeast side, and cruising age and remote beach exploration. to Port Hardy. Rainforest and beach walks. Optional morning kayak. Anchorage in Ne- DEPART/RETURN: sparti Inlet. Port Hardy, BC

DAY 4 Kyuquot Sound exploration, sea otter viewing, visit village of Kyuquot. Learn about local weather systems and hidden caves. Evening traditional indigenous salmon bake around the campfire.

44 “A brilliant trip. We returned home starry eyed. ” - Carla R. on Google, 2018

45 UNIQUE JOURNEYS

Culinary Adventures Family Friendly Trips Canadian Geographic We take pride in our west-coast cuisine Discover the Broughton Archipelago Expeditions and libations. In addition to tasting, through the eyes of your child. This these ‘deep’ trips cover the social history itinerary is designed especially with and landscapes that create the people your family in mind. Ages 5 and up. and the food we enjoy. Maple Leaf These special-edition trips with Maple Leaf » Whales & Totems, Aug 3-8. Canadian Geographic bring you a VIP » Wild Gulf Islands Culinary Cruise, Oct 26-31. resource person and special extras not available on other trips. See insert for Swell more detail. » Craft Beer Culinary Cruise, Oct 26-30. Swell Cascadia » Salish Sea with Canadian Geographic, » Wine Islands, Oct 24-28. Apr 14-18. Possible second trip Oct 29-Nov 2. » Alaska Supervoyage with Canadian Geographic, Jul 26-Aug 5. Cascadia » Haida Gwaii with Canadian Geographic, Jun 6-14. » Vancouver Island’s Wild Side with Canadian Geographic, Jul 16-22. » Great Bear Rainforest Photography wtih Canadian Geographic, Sep 3-10.

46 SPECIAL OFFERS

Spring Fling Book one of our below qualifying trips before Sept. 30, 2020, and receive free round trip air, between the start and end of your trip and Vancouver or Victoria airport. Up to a $600 value.

Gulf Islands, Apr 16-20, April 21-25 aboard Maple Leaf Desolation Sound May 5-9, aboard Maple Leaf Salish Sea with Canadian Geographic, Apr 14-18 Vancouver Island Inside Passage May 7-14 aboard Swell aboard Swell Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest, May 11-19 Desolation Sound, Salish Sea & Vancouver Island aboard Maple Leaf Supervoyage, Apr 20-25 aboard Swell Great Bear Rainforest Spring, May 19-26, May 20-27 Desolation Sound, April 27-May 1, May 2-6 aboard aboard Maple Leaf Swell Great Bear Rainforest Spring, May 27-Jun 3 aboard Swell

Summer Getaways Book one of our below qualifying trips before Dec 31, 2020, and receive free round trip air, between the start and end of your trip and Vancouver or Victoria airport. Up to a $600 value.

Vancouver Island Wild Side, Jul 9-15, July 16-22 Great Bear Rainforest North, Aug 1-5, Aug 6-10, Aug aboard Cascadia 12-16 aboard Cascadia Whales & Wild Isles, July 23-31 aboard Cascadia Great Bear Rainforest & Kitlope Supervoyage, Aug 17-25 aboard Cascadia

Autumn Escapes Book one of our below qualifying trips before Dec 31, 2020, and receive free round trip air, between the start and end of your trip and Vancouver or Victoria airport. Up to a $600 value.

Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC, Oct 17-23 Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Oct 22-27 aboard Cascadia aboard Maple Leaf Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC, Oct 19-25 Wines & Islands, October 24-28 aboard Cascadia aboard Swell Craft Beer Cruise, Oct 26-30 aboard Swell

Great Bear Getaways Book one of our below qualifying trips before Dec 31, 2020, and receive free round trip air, between the start and end of your trip and Vancouver or Victoria airport. Up to a $600 value.

Great Bear Rainforest, Aug 26-Sep 2 aboard Cascadia Great Bear Rainforest, Sep 20-27 aboard Cascadia Great Bear Rainforest Photography with Canadian Great Bear Rainforest, Sep 28-Oct 5 aboard Cascadia Geographic, Sep 3-10 aboard Cascadia Great Bear Rainforest, Oct 6-13 aboard Cascadia Great Bear Rainforest, Sep 12-19 aboard Cascadia

Free Hotel Night with Pay in Full, Receive 5% Free Hotel with Alaska Trip Back-to-Back Trips Receive 5% off final balance when trip is Book before February 28, 2021 and receive a paid in full by October 31, 2020. free hotel night before or after your trip. Book back-to-back trips and we’ll host you in a hotel for a night between trips.

All trips All trips All Alaska Itineraries

47 OUR SHIPS | CASCADIA

SHIP OVERVIEW

“It is a stunning example of Special Features design, comfort and class. It » Spacious cabins and lounges. » Spectacular aft deck lounge and dining area for is purpose-built to explore.” alfresco meals or before dinner drink. » Large windows and vistas from all public areas - LawTalk, New Zealand Law Society and many cabins. » 360° views from rooftop spa Public Area About Cascadia » Main lounge and beverage area. » Dining area. The go-anywhere MV Cascadia was built to take you to the wild corners of the world, while providing a level » Terrace lounge and dining area. of luxury that cannot be found elsewhere on this coast. » Upper deck open air lounge. With just 24 guests, Cascadia is bright and spacious. » Open bridge. Find comfort and solitude in your private cabin or » Forward deck seating. enjoy time in any of the interior or outdoor lounges, or the “open” bridge. Her large windows bring the outside Expedition Equipment in, and her separate dining area becomes a sophisticated » Rugged shore boats. “long table” event for meals. » Multiple kayaks. » Hydrophone (for listening to whales). » Video microscope and presentation screen. SHIP TYPE: » Portable, mini aquariums and plankton tow. Power Catamaran » Fishing gear.

NUMBER OF GUESTS: 24 Cabin Information » Private ensuite bathrooms.

NUMBER OF PRIVATE CABINS: » Roomy wardrobes with hangers. 12 » Individual climate control.

LENGTH OVERALL: » Category 1: Queen bed or two twins, portholes with natural light, corridor access, 160 sq. ft. 138 feet Names: Campania, Cortes, Hanson, Kunghit, Penelakut, Salt Spring. BEAM (WIDTH): » Category 2: Queen bed or two twins, large 42 feet windows, door to deck and corridor, 195 sq. ft. Names: Admiralty, Calvert, Moresby, Vancouver. NUMBER OF DECKS: » Category 3: King size bed, large windows with view, door to deck and corridor, 235 sq. ft. 3 Names: Prince of Wales and Princess Royal.

48 OUR SHIPS | CASCADIA

49 OUR SHIPS | CASCADIA MV CASCADIA SHIP LAYOUTS

MV Cascadia

TOP DECK

Upper Deck

UP

360° VIEW DOWN SPA

BRIDGE DECK

Bridge Deck Princess Royal

covered walkway

DOWN

K Captain

Bridge DOWN

K

DOWN MAIN DECK covered walkway Prince of Wales Main Deck Campania Vancouver Moresby

side door covered walkway

DOWN cleaning re bosun’s locker locker UP locker

service Q Q area expedition DOWN leader 2T/1K DOWN DOWN

Covered Terrace Lounge Dining CREW ONLY UP

2T/1K

BBQ Q

dumb garbage/ waiter DOWN storage recycling

covered walkway LOWER DECK side door Calvert Admiralty Lower Deck Kunghit Hanson Cortes Salt Spring Penelakut

CO2 locker Gen Set

UP UP Main Engine Q 2T/1K Q UP 2T/1K UP Engine Room 2T only

CREW ONLY

Work Auxiliary Shop

Engine Room Galley

Main Engine Crew Mess UP #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Switch crew crew crew crew crew Room Gen Set rubber boot storage

50 “A truly superlative vacation, adventure and learning experience.” - Bill P. on TripAdvisor, 2018

51 OUR SHIPS | MAPLE LEAF

SHIP OVERVIEW

“Maple Leaf provided us Special Features the perfect opportunity to » 360-degree views on deck. » Steer and help sail traditonally rigged schooner. experience the wilderness » ‘Flying’ over the water on the bowsprit. of Haida Gwaii without » Strong camaraderie between guests and crew. unduly sacrificing our Public Area creature comforts.” » Dining lounge and library: excellent collection of books on nature and culture of the coast. A calm place - amoxl, TripAdvisor, 2016 to sip coffee and read, and a warm chef’s kitchen party at night. » Open wheelhouse lounge, with natural history tools, About Maple Leaf access to the navigators and comfy seating. » Three levels of deck for viewing, lounging, having Maple Leaf is one of Canada’s most historic vessels and alone time or being with the naturalist and crew. our flagship. Built in Vancouver in 1904 as a luxury racing yacht, she has a long history as both an elegant Expedition Equipment and tough ship, and is well-loved along the coast. » 2 rugged, rigid-hull inflatable shore boats. Maple Leaf is not only a beautiful work of art, she is a » 2 kayaks. comfortable vessel at sea. She can take you to the coast’s » Hydrophone (for listening to whales). wildest, remotest corners more comfortably and safely » Video microscope and presentation screen. than most other vessels. Her sails and 40,000-pound » Portable, mini aquariums and plankton tow. keel keep her steady. » Fishing gear. Epitomizing the spirit of adventure, Maple Leaf’s trips typically have the strongest camaraderie between guests Cabin Information and crew, sometimes referred to as summer camp for » The spacious main cabin is airy and divided by half- sophisticated adults. walls and heavy curtains into four “cabins,” providing sleeping accommodations for eight guests. Each area SHIP TYPE: contains large comfortable beds (six and a half feet long), space for your belongings, brass reading lamps, Sailing Ship (schooner) fluffy duvets and blankets. They have walls on two- and-a-half sides and thick, heavy curtains on the other one-and-a-half sides. NUMBER OF GUESTS: » Note: If you are a solo traveler, you will be sharing one 8 of the berths, or our comfortable wheelhouse accom- modations, with a same sex solo traveler. LENGTH OVERALL: 92 feet

BEAM (WIDTH): 15 feet

NUMBER OF DECKS: 2

52 OUR SHIPS | MAPLE LEAF

53 OUR SHIPS | MAPLE LEAF

SHIP LAYOUTS

Upper Deck

Lower Deck

54 “We created travel memories that will last a lifetime right here at home in our own beautiful country.” - Canadiangal51, Tripadvisor, 2019

55 OUR SHIPS | SWELL

SHIP OVERVIEW

“A lovingly restored Special Features tugboat, built in 1912. The » Cabins have direct-to-deck access and ensuite bathrooms. » Hot tub (Jacuzzi) on upper aft deck. Swell has 6 guest cabins and » Authentic custom tugboat history and build. offers all the comforts of Public Area - MandHMB2016, TripAdvisor home.” » Salon and dining area with coffee/tea bar, comfortable seating, small library and presentation screen. » “Open” wheelhouse: Join your crew in the classic wheel- About Swell house, with excellent views and comfortable seats, where you can learn about navigation. Swell is an authentic, coastal tugboat. Her small size » Aft deck lounge, main deck: An enclosed, covered lounge, and handsome character prove that great things come you’re comfortable and protected but still relaxing ‘outside’. in a small package. » Aft deck lounge, upper deck: An open-air, partially Her salon is both reading room and lodge dining covered deck, protected from the breeze. Relax here on a comfy settee with blankets. room for meals. Her cabins are beautifully and lov- ingly decorated, but they are not hotel rooms. They Expedition Equipment are authentic, small boat cabins. This means the beds » 2 rugged, rigid-hull shore boats. are non-standard sizes but are comfortable. There are door sills to step over to enter each cabin. So step » 4 kayaks. aboard without thinking of cabins as hotel rooms, but » Hydrophone (for listening to whales). rather as cozy cabins on a real heritage ship. » Video microscope and presentation screen. » Portable, mini aquariums and plankton tow. » Fishing gear. SHIP TYPE: Tugboat Cabin Information (converted) » Private ensuite bathrooms. » Individual climate control. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 12 » Outside location (windows to natural light).

NUMBER OF PRIVATE CABINS: » Category 1: Two up and down single bunks, 57 sq. ft. Names: Red Alder. 6 » Category 2 option 1: Double bed with angled foot. Under bed storage. 80 sq. ft. Names: Sitka Spruce, Western Hem- LENGTH OVERALL: lock. 88 feet » Category 2 option 2: Two large up an down bunks. Small desk. 80 sq. ft. Names: Arbutus. BEAM (WIDTH): » Category 3: Queen-size bed, largest cabins and floor space, 22 feet 120 sq. ft. Names: Cedar, Douglas Fir.

NUMBER OF DECKS: 3

56 OUR SHIPS | SWELL

57 OUR SHIPS | SWELL

SHIP LAYOUTS

Upper Deck

Main Deck

Main Deck

58 ALL-INCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS

What’s Included » All accommodation and warm hospitality on our » You are at times welcome to take the helm under the boutique ships, and local lodges if your trip includes a crew’s guidance, and help sail on the sailing ship. lodge stay. » Use of gear on board including kayaks, fishing gear » All shore trips, wildlife viewing, and zodiac excursions (with permit), and rubber boots. guided by our expert, knowledgeable crew, naturalist and guides. Your Trip Supports Our » All cultural site visits, and all additional local guides. All permits and fees. Conservation-Based Economy » All meals and snacks, prepared freshly by our chef. By travelling with Maple Leaf, you are part of the im- Meals offer great variety, and highlight local specialties. portant, emerging, conservation-based economy on the » All beverages including coffee, tea, juices and sodas, filtered water, wine and craft beer. Note that alcohol is coast. We are a coast-owned and operated business, and not a large focus of our trips. 99% of the money from the trips stays within the coastal » Open wheelhouse. You are welcome to come into the economy, providing meaningful and inspiring work that ship’s wheelhouse, where your crew navigate the ship. helps rather than hinders the coast.

59 YOUR GUIDES AND CREW

Some of the Maple Leaf Adventures crew The soul of the coast and guides, from top left: Captain Lynsey Rebbetoy, Deckhand Callyn Holder and Although our guests visit for the nature and culture, Kayleen VanderRee, Chef Kyra Wilson, they say overwhelmingly that it was the crew that Naturalist Jeff Reynolds, Penelakut Elder made their trips so special. Skilled and welcoming, Florence James, Captain Dave Hollis. each person is dedicated to sharing their knowledge to make a memorable trip for you.

You’ll also meet other locals onshore -- community leaders or elders, researchers, and other local guides.

Maple Leaf Adventures has been involved in import- ant land-use, conservation and sustainable industry development on the coast for over 30 years. Our connections to what is happening on the ground and in government, as well as what is being discovered, run deep, bringing you access to special people and places.

60 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Eligibility Can I help sail?

Anyone is eligible so long as they are: enthusiastic about Aboard our sailing ship you are welcome to lend a hand participating; amenable to the vagaries of weather; agile when we sail, but it is optional. enough to clamber in and out of shore vessels in an area where there are no docks, walk along an uneven Will I be seasick? shoreline, step over a raised door sill, and climb a short Sea sickness on our trips is rarely a problem as your trip is steep staircase; and friendly enough to get along in the on a sturdy and sea-kindly ship. We travel short distances relatively close quarters of a yacht. We have had people in protected waters and go ashore often. on board as much as 80+ years of age. However, our trips are not suitable for people of failing health or physical I’ve never been on a boat – is that OK? disabilities. Yes. You are aboard as our guest and we will look after you. Dietary accommodation? Single supplement Yes. If you advise us in the pre-trip forms we can accom- modate most dietary requirements. On the Maple Leaf, there is no single supplement. If the trip fills, you will share with another single person of your Shore time – will I get ashore? own sex. On Swell and Cascadia there is a 50% single sup- plement for a cabin (category 1 or 2 only). Ask us about Yes–usually a few times a day. Each shore trip is usually sharing on Cascadia. between 1 and 3 hours in length. The other guests Kayaks Our guests are people like you, who are interested in high You are welcome to paddle in the bays we anchor in. quality experiences and in learning about the natural Operating history world and/or culture and enjoy the path less travelled. We have been operating since 1986. COVID-19

Please see our website for our COVID-19 protocols. THE YEAR AT A GLANCE

MONTH APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT

ALASKA

GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

HAIDA GWAII

GULF ISLANDS

BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO

VANCOUVER ISLAND & DESOLATION SOUND

61 HOW TO GET TO YOUR TRIP

Driving

If you wish to drive to and/or from your trip, you may be able to. It’s best to email or phone us or your travel agent for further information. Staying Beforehand or Afterward

Our Welcome Aboard packages lists some places you may wish to stay at before or after your trip. Travel Agent

If you would like the assistance of a travel agent, we are happy to provide contact information for one who has worked with our guests. Airport Access

Our BC and Alaska trips originate from ports along the coast that are serviced by regularly scheduled flights. Booking and Cancellation Policy In BC, all of these flights originate from Vancouver In- To avoid disappointment, your reservation should be ternational Airport, in Vancouver, BC. If you are flying made early. The number of participants in each pro- from outside the area, and you are wondering where gram is limited, and the demand is high. Trips can sell you need to get to in order to connect to your trip, then out early. Vancouver International Airport is the answer.

For Alaska, any air travel to or from Alaska goes via Deposit: A deposit of one third of the price of the trip Seattle-Tacoma airport, in Washington State, USA. will reserve your space for any trip.

You may like to consult our website (“How to Get to Balance: The balance is due 120 days prior to depar- Here”) for a map showing these flights and ports. ture. We provide all of this information plus more detail and guidance in the Welcome Aboard package that you will Cancellations: If you are unable to participate and receive upon booking your place with Maple Leaf. We cancellation occurs at least 120 days prior to the depar- are also happy to help any time! ture date of your trip, the full amount of your deposit is refundable, minus a $200 admin fee per person to cover Ferries costs we cannot recover. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to the departure date of your trip, the Ferries transport passengers between Vancouver and fare is non-refundable. We highly recommend cancella- Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo, Port Hardy and tion insurance. See next page for details. Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii, Seattle and Victoria, and Alaskan ports and Prince Rupert. Group Bookings: For large group bookings, such Travelling by ferry requires careful planning and some- as a family charter of the entire ship, the booking and times a car. cancellation policy may be different - please contact us for information.

62 BOOKING YOUR ADVENTURE

Payment Methods Pre-Trip Information Package

We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, cheque, money We will send you a comprehensive Welcome Aboard order or bank transfer. package. It includes information on how to get to your trip, what to wear and bring, and other tips for your Included in the Price trip. It also includes an emailed questionnaire and a passenger agreement. There is also a reading list, for See “What’s Included” on page 59. those who like to do pre-trip reading. Not included in the price:

» Transportation to the trip’s point of origin (unless Full Ship Charters booking with one of our promotions). Charter an entire trip for your family and friends and » Goods and Service Tax (Canadian trips only, 5%) share quality time without worrying about logistical de- » Crew gratuities tails. Children are welcome on fulship charters. Contact » Sustainability Fee of $200. As an ecotourism company, us for details. we work with local communities, do things the right way, and protect the environment. Responsible opera- Note: Full ship charters require advance planning, as the tions cost a little more. We extract from the fare a token trips are popular and once a trip has bookings, it can no amount of the increased costs that go towards sustain- longer be exclusively yours. ability to recognize this. » For solo travellers booking a whole cabin on Swell or How to Book Your Trip Cascadia, a 50% single supplement. (There is no single supplement on Maple Leaf.) To book, we welcome your call or email. We complete bookings by telephone. Cancellation Insurance

We highly recommend cancellation insurance, which protects you if you have to make a late cancellation in Contact certain cases (such as a medical emergency). There are +1-250-386-7245 or 1-888-599-5323 several kinds available for different cancellation rea- sons. Cancellation and any needed medical insurance MapleLeafAdventures.com can be purchased through a travel agent. This should be [email protected] done at the time your booking is nonrefundable.

63 About Maple Leaf Adventures

Maple Leaf has received the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award for promoting the appreciation of Canada’s natural, cultural and aesthetic heritage, while also protecting them.

As a long time practitioner of ecotourism, Maple Leaf Adventures pioneered travel in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and northwestern Vancouver Island, and we have made significant contributions to conservation.

Our trips are operated by expert locals and recognize the traditional territory of coastal First Nations, with whom we work, through protocol agreements. National Geographic Adventure has rated Maple Leaf Adventures one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”.

All photographs in this brochure are captured on trip by our crew: Jeff Reynolds, Greg Shea, Philip Stone, Simon Ager, Grace van Helvoirt, KayleenVanderRee, Kevin Smith, Tavish Campbell, Scott Forsyth, Brandon Harvey, Sherry Kirkvold, Matt Whelan.

Contact

+1-250-386-7245 or 1-888-599-5323 MapleLeafAdventures.com

[email protected] © Maple Leaf Adventures Corp. All reserved. rights Corp. Leaf Adventures © Maple