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A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

From AUD $12,530

Description

By special invitation, visit the remote, moss-draped archipelago of Haida Gwaii—the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. Sail the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia, rich with marine life, including whales and dolphins. Spend a full day among the towering glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park. Walk in silent old-growth forests, kayak in secluded coves, and search for foraging bears and soaring eagles in mist-shrouded fjords.

Trip Name
A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 52 metres Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins) Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015 Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships. - The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market. - The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored. - Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. - Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Sitka/Embark
Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Sitka Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAYS 2-3 Glacier Bay National Park / Inian Islands / Chichagof Island
By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later, cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAYS 4-6 Alaska's Inside Passage
With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAYS 7-10 Haida Gwaii
With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional foods and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAYS 11-12 Inside Passage Of British Columbia
Sail southward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAY 13 Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia
Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia: Alert Bay, home of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. Then stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the T’sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, “educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings, and values.” Sail south through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - DAY 14 Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
Day 8 - DAY 15 Vancouver / Disembark Ship
After breakfast disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all western Canada. Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home. Departure Time: After 1:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Vancouver Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-04-202401-05-2024AUD $12,530Category 1
17-04-202401-05-2024AUD $14,570Category 2
17-04-202401-05-2024AUD $16,860Category 3
02-05-202416-05-2024AUD $16,490Category 1
02-05-202416-05-2024AUD $20,270Category 2
02-05-202416-05-2024AUD $23,950Category 3
03-09-202417-09-2024AUD $16,150Category 1
03-09-202417-09-2024AUD $19,850Category 2
03-09-202417-09-2024AUD $23,460Category 3
15-04-202529-04-2025AUD $16,210Category 2
15-04-202529-04-2025AUD $19,150Category 3
15-04-202529-04-2025AUD $13,180Category 1
29-04-202513-05-2025AUD $13,180Category 1
29-04-202513-05-2025AUD $16,210Category 2
29-04-202513-05-2025AUD $19,150Category 3
31-08-202514-09-2025AUD $16,650Category 1
31-08-202514-09-2025AUD $20,460Category 2
31-08-202514-09-2025AUD $24,170Category 3
09-09-202523-09-2025AUD $13,180Category 1
09-09-202523-09-2025AUD $16,210Category 2
09-09-202523-09-2025AUD $19,150Category 3

Inclusions

    • With very special access, spend four days in Haida Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, learning from Haida interpreters about their living culture and exploring these remote islands
    • Sail deep into fjords and cruise rugged coastlines in search of humpback whales, dolphins, bears, and more
    • Explore by Zodiac in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm for an up-close view of calving glaciers, towering forests, and seals afloat on iridescent icebergs
    • Kayak or stand-up paddleboard near cascading waterfalls and hike in soaring old-growth forests
    • Explore the picturesque fishing village of Petersburg, and spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park
    • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive program for kids and teens, kids will learn about this wild corner of the world—from grizzly bears to breaching whales

Map