Islands and Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest
From $3,480
September 17 – 23, 2008
Aboard the Sea Bird
See the brochure (pdf)
Trip Overview
Join us on an expedition to the Pacific Northwest's vast area of channels, straits and inlets. The coastline is mile after mile of unspoiled forested shorelines, punctuated by small towns and villages. Besides kayaking, there will be daily hikes and Zodiac cruises. You're also welcomed to relax on the ship deck.
Trip Itinerary
Wednesday, September 17: Seattle, Washington / Embark
This afternoon, embark the ship, docked in the heart of Seattle's bustling waterfront. Sail into Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains to the west, majestic Mount Rainier to the south, and the skyline of Seattle and the Cascade Mountains to the east. (D)
Thursday, September 18: San Juan Islands
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the United States is a cluster of idyllic, forested islands known for their tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife. More than 80 of the 172 islands of the San Juans have been set aside as part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, for the protection of seals, sea lions, river otters and many species of pelagic birds. More bald eagles nest here than anywhere else in the continental United States, and the waters are home to three separate pods of orcas. We'll spend the day in search of whales and other wildlife; there may also be time to kayak or hike on one of the many islands. (B,L,D)
Friday, September 19: Victoria, British Columbia
Today we are in Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this lovely city is decidedly English in appearance and personality. Double-decker buses trundle along streets named Broughton and Balmoral, pubs and teahouses occupy every other corner, and statues of the Queen stand in neatly manicured parks. We visit the glorious Butchart Gardens and the Royal British Columbia Museum, known for its outstanding recreations of Pacific Northwest habitats. In the afternoon, there is time to explore this charming city on your own. (B,L,D)
Saturday, September 20: Princess Louisa Inlet
One of the most beautiful fjords along the entire coast of Alaska and British Columbia is Princess Louisa Inlet. With our nimble vessel, we are able to navigate through the narrowest parts of the fjord to reach Chatterbox Falls at the very head of the inlet. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife along the shorelines and on the steep hillsides above. Later, we may have an opportunity to kayak. (B,L,D)
Sunday, September 21: Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay
Today, we'll stop at the small community of Alert Bay to visit the U'Mista Cultural Center, which houses a stunning collection of Native American potlatch masks. Near Alert Bay, the narrow channel of Johnstone Strait is recognized as one of the major areas for orcas in the entire Northern Hemisphere. We'll also spend time searching for one of the many pods that are known to spend at least part of the year in this area. (B,L,D)
Monday, September 22: Exploring the Discovery Islands and Islets of British Columbia
This is a day with the luxury of no specific plan, as we explore the almost endless possibilities that exist among these beautiful protected waterways. In the strait between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland is an archipelago of more than 250 islands, and they provide the perfect setting for our explorations. Our captain and staff will be in touch with local experts who monitor the wildlife. Or we might seek out ancient Native American petroglyphs etched in the rocks above a remote bay. Our exact plan remains flexible, giving us the freedom to follow nature's course. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, September 23: Vancouver, British Columbia / Disembark
Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. We dock near the heart of this thriving, cosmopolitan city and, after breakfast, disembark the ship. (B)
