Great Bear Rainforest and Kitlope Cruise

Find the perfect trip

8 days from

£2945 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Majestic Landscapes
Where glacial waters flow through ancient forests, offering breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and lush green valleys.
  • Spring Sailings
Offering stunning scenery with snow-capped mountains, blooming wildflowers, and estuaries where grizzlies come to forage, mate, or rear their cubs.
  • Summer Escapes
Hike ancient forests to hidden waterfalls, embark on shore excursions to secluded beaches, witness whales, sea birds—when lucky—the elusive coastal wolf.
  • Indigenous Culture
The birthplace of the late Wa’xaid (the good river), also known as Cecil Paul. A revered elder, Cecil led the campaign to protect the Kitlope from industrial logging in the 1990’s. Today, his legacy endures as you explore the lands he fought to preserve.

Highlights

  • Majestic Landscapes
Where glacial waters flow through ancient forests, offering breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and lush green valleys.
  • Spring Sailings
Offering stunning scenery with snow-capped mountains, blooming wildflowers, and estuaries where grizzlies come to forage, mate, or rear their cubs.
  • Summer Escapes
Hike ancient forests to hidden waterfalls, embark on shore excursions to secluded beaches, witness whales, sea birds—when lucky—the elusive coastal wolf.
  • Indigenous Culture
The birthplace of the late Wa’xaid (the good river), also known as Cecil Paul. A revered elder, Cecil led the campaign to protect the Kitlope from industrial logging in the 1990’s. Today, his legacy endures as you explore the lands he fought to preserve.
Capacity: 24
Feture image for Great Bear Rainforest and Kitlope Cruise

Wild Wonders That We Have Explored and Supported Since 1986

Cruise through dramatic coastal mountains into the stunning Kitlope River. Here, snow-capped peaks tower over estuaries where bears graze on sedge in spring or fish for salmon in late summer. Join knowledgeable crew on shore excursions to explore the Kitlope River Estuary, relax on secluded beaches, trek through ancient rainforests, and discover the area’s historical significance.

  • Majestic Landscapes
Where glacial waters flow through ancient forests, offering breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and lush green valleys.
  • Spring Sailings
Offering stunning scenery with snow-capped mountains, blooming wildflowers, and estuaries where grizzlies come to forage, mate, or rear their cubs.
  • Summer Escapes
Hike ancient forests to hidden waterfalls, embark on shore excursions to secluded beaches, witness whales, sea birds—when lucky—the elusive coastal wolf.
  • Indigenous Culture
The birthplace of the late Wa’xaid (the good river), also known as Cecil Paul. A revered elder, Cecil led the campaign to protect the Kitlope from industrial logging in the 1990’s. Today, his legacy endures as you explore the lands he fought to preserve.

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

02 June, 2026 to 09 June, 2026 on Maple Leaf
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Cabin
£3372 GBP pp
Cabin
Semi-Private Sleeping Areas The spacious main cabin is airy and divided by half-walls and heavy curtains into four berths, providing sleeping accommodations for eight guests. Each area contains large comfortable beds (six and a half feet long), space for your belongings, brass reading lamps, 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. There are three heads (washrooms) aboard, all with hot running water and shower conversions. If you are a solo traveller, you will be sharing one of the quarter berths with a same-sex solo traveller or you will be placed in our comfortable wheelhouse accommodations. Or, depending on the make-up of guests, our wheelhouse lounge seats convert into comfortable beds.
11 June, 2026 to 18 June, 2026 on Swell
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Cabins - Category 1
£4139 GBP pp
Cabins - Category 1
Smallest Cabin Red Alder features an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite head with a separate washbasin area. The cabin also receives natural light through a skylight and sleeps two on up and down small, extra-long single beds (79.5″ x 30″). Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed. Red Alder occupies 57 sq. ft.
Cabin - Category 2, Option 1
£4525 GBP pp
Cabin - Category 2, Option 1
Mid-sized Cabins Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock are located on the top deck. These cabins offer 80 square feet of space and feature a double bed with an angled foot. Cabins feature an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite. Cabins provide under bed storage designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
Cabin - Category 2, Option 2
£4525 GBP pp
Cabin - Category 2, Option 2
Mid-Sized Cabins Arbutus is located on the main deck. This cabin offers 80 square feet of space and features two large up and down bunks. It includes a small desk and an en-suite bathroom. Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed, a practical and comfortable option for guests.
Cabin - Category 3
£5305 GBP pp
Cabin - Category 3
Largest Cabins Cedar and Douglas Fir, feature outside doors with opening portholes, large private 3-piece ensuite heads, natural light, and small boat queen-sized beds. Cedar has walls on three sides of the bed, while Douglas Fir has walls on two sides. Both cabins offer storage options and occupy 120 sq. ft.
23 August, 2026 to 29 August, 2026 on Cascadia
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1
£4665 GBP pp
Category 1
Campania, Kunghit, Salt Spring, Cortes, Hanson, Penelakut 160 sq. ft., queen or two twins, 3 piece en-suite bathroom Door access to corridor Windows (large portholes) Lower Deck (Campania located on Promenade Deck)
Category 2
£5491 GBP pp
Category 2
Admiralty, Calvert, Moresby, Vancouver 195 sq. ft., queen or two twins, 3 piece en-suite bathroom Door access to deck and door access to corridor Windows Main Deck
Category 3
£6266 GBP pp
Category 3
Prince of Wales, Princess Royal 235 sq. ft., king bed, 3 piece en-suite bathroom Door access to deck and door access to corridor Windows Bridge Deck
28 May, 2027 to 03 June, 2027 on Maple Leaf
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Cabin
£2945 GBP pp
Cabin
Semi-Private Sleeping Areas The spacious main cabin is airy and divided by half-walls and heavy curtains into four berths, providing sleeping accommodations for eight guests. Each area contains large comfortable beds (six and a half feet long), space for your belongings, brass reading lamps, 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. There are three heads (washrooms) aboard, all with hot running water and shower conversions. If you are a solo traveller, you will be sharing one of the quarter berths with a same-sex solo traveller or you will be placed in our comfortable wheelhouse accommodations. Or, depending on the make-up of guests, our wheelhouse lounge seats convert into comfortable beds.
09 June, 2027 to 16 June, 2027 on Swell
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Cabins - Category 1
£4265 GBP pp
Cabins - Category 1
Smallest Cabin Red Alder features an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite head with a separate washbasin area. The cabin also receives natural light through a skylight and sleeps two on up and down small, extra-long single beds (79.5″ x 30″). Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed. Red Alder occupies 57 sq. ft.
Cabin - Category 2, Option 1
£4659 GBP pp
Cabin - Category 2, Option 1
Mid-sized Cabins Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock are located on the top deck. These cabins offer 80 square feet of space and feature a double bed with an angled foot. Cabins feature an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite. Cabins provide under bed storage designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
Cabin - Category 2, Option 2
£4659 GBP pp
Cabin - Category 2, Option 2
Mid-Sized Cabins Arbutus is located on the main deck. This cabin offers 80 square feet of space and features two large up and down bunks. It includes a small desk and an en-suite bathroom. Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed, a practical and comfortable option for guests.
Cabin - Category 3
£5469 GBP pp
Cabin - Category 3
Largest Cabins Cedar and Douglas Fir, feature outside doors with opening portholes, large private 3-piece ensuite heads, natural light, and small boat queen-sized beds. Cedar has walls on three sides of the bed, while Douglas Fir has walls on two sides. Both cabins offer storage options and occupy 120 sq. ft.
18 August, 2027 to 25 August, 2027 on Cascadia
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1
£4839 GBP pp
Category 1
Campania, Kunghit, Salt Spring, Cortes, Hanson, Penelakut 160 sq. ft., queen or two twins, 3 piece en-suite bathroom Door access to corridor Windows (large portholes) Lower Deck (Campania located on Promenade Deck)
Category 2
£5699 GBP pp
Category 2
Admiralty, Calvert, Moresby, Vancouver 195 sq. ft., queen or two twins, 3 piece en-suite bathroom Door access to deck and door access to corridor Windows Main Deck
Category 3
£6505 GBP pp
Category 3
Prince of Wales, Princess Royal 235 sq. ft., king bed, 3 piece en-suite bathroom Door access to deck and door access to corridor Windows Bridge Deck
show reverse itinerary
Days 1-3 Tour Kickoff in Kitamaat


Day 1: Board ship at Kitamaat Village, orientation, cruising into the Great Bear Rainforest, making way towards the Kitlope River, watching for marine mammals and birds. Anchorage at remote hot springs.

Day 2: Cruise to spectacular mainland inlet estuary popular with grizzly and black bears. Estuary meadow walk (wildflowers), learning about bear habitat, river exploration, look for bears.

Day 3: Morning exploration ashore, then cruising Whale Channel, an aptly named waterway popular with cetaceans. Visit whale research scientists at remote station. Marine mammal viewing (several species). Anchorage at remote island on west coast. Beachcombing, hike to view, beach fire.

Days 4-7 Gardner Canal


Day 4: Return to mainland waterways between steep islands, through channel popular with whales. Enter Gardner Canal, the longest fjord on the coast. This waterway seems like remote wilderness but is filled with the stories and history of the Henaaksiala people, and around every turn is a new story, including some sasquatch stories, and Monkey Beach.

Day 5: Sail deep into the coast mountains, leaving the outside world behind as the fjord snakes past 4,000-foot peaks to the Kitlope. Go ashore in the vast Kitlope River & estuary for the amazing tale of the G’psgolox pole. Explore the river and the estuary.

Day 6: Further exploration in the Kitlope, and/or or cruise to Kowesas to explore ashore, and then Kemaano shore trip. Cruise to hot springs.

Day 7: Cruise to Kitamaat, watching for wildlife.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Days 1-3 Tour Kickoff in Kitamaat


Day 1: Board ship at Kitamaat Village, orientation, cruising into the Great Bear Rainforest, making way towards the Kitlope River, watching for marine mammals and birds. Anchorage at remote hot springs.

Day 2: Cruise to spectacular mainland inlet estuary popular with grizzly and black bears. Estuary meadow walk (wildflowers), learning about bear habitat, river exploration, look for bears.

Day 3: Morning exploration ashore, then cruising Whale Channel, an aptly named waterway popular with cetaceans. Visit whale research scientists at remote station. Marine mammal viewing (several species). Anchorage at remote island on west coast. Beachcombing, hike to view, beach fire.

Days 4-7 Gardner Canal


Day 4: Return to mainland waterways between steep islands, through channel popular with whales. Enter Gardner Canal, the longest fjord on the coast. This waterway seems like remote wilderness but is filled with the stories and history of the Henaaksiala people, and around every turn is a new story, including some sasquatch stories, and Monkey Beach.

Day 5: Sail deep into the coast mountains, leaving the outside world behind as the fjord snakes past 4,000-foot peaks to the Kitlope. Go ashore in the vast Kitlope River & estuary for the amazing tale of the G’psgolox pole. Explore the river and the estuary.

Day 6: Further exploration in the Kitlope, and/or or cruise to Kowesas to explore ashore, and then Kemaano shore trip. Cruise to hot springs.

Day 7: Cruise to Kitamaat, watching for wildlife.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Itinerary also available in reverse
Cascadia
Cascadia is a go-anywhere, expedition style catamaran. She accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 luxurious cabins, with a crew of 10. She is unlike any other vessel offering expeditions on the Brit…

Cascadia

Cabins 12
Length 42 metres
Launched 2007

Cascadia is a go-anywhere, expedition style catamaran. She accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 luxurious cabins, with a crew of 10. She is unlike any other vessel offering expeditions on the British Columbia coast, having been built specifically for high-quality, boutique cruises. Light, spacious and comfortable, she is also capable of reaching the wildest, most naturally rich places on the coast. Her small size and guest numbers provide an authentic, human-scale experience that respects the carrying capacity of coastal inlets and communities.

Ship And Accommodations Find comfort and solitude in your private cabin or enjoy time in any of the interior or outdoor lounges, or the “open” bridge. Cascadia’s large windows bring the outside in, and her separate dining area becomes a sophisticated “long table” event for meals. Her decks are wide and welcoming, with seating areas on different levels.

Salon Large windows surround the salon making it a perfect place to look for whales while staying protected, chat with other guests while lounging on our comfortable sofas, or enjoy a beverage from the nearby bar.

Dining Area Enjoy our chefs’ fine west-coast influenced creations while watching the sun go down. Sit and discuss your day’s adventure with your captain, afloat in a remote natural anchorage.

Terrace Lounge And Dining Area Dine alfresco on temperate evenings, lounge with your morning coffee, or watch the world go by during the day. This area is the perfect mix of outside and inside.

Bridge of Cascadia Cascadia’s bridge is open to you. You’ll have 180-degree views from here, along with being able to learn about navigation and the vessel systems from our crew. On the port side, you may also enjoy our indoor-outdoor loveseat. You can watch the world go by from behind a protective window, but still have quick access to the fresh air and the deck for whale watching.

Top Deck & Hot Tub Lounge on a chaise, soak under the stars, or enjoy the bird’s eye view of the ship and the world around her from Cascadia’s new top deck.

Cabins All cabins have individual climate control, wardrobes and an outside location, with windows for natural light. All have ensuites. All are ‘outside’ cabins, with windows for natural light. 

Kayaks, Shore Boats, Naturalist Tools Cascadia has 6 double and 2 single kayaks for paddling in coves and bays, as well as two beautiful landing craft style tenders, custom designed for our program. She carries a suite of tools for exploring the natural world, including a hydrophone for listening to whales. Her library contains books on the cultural history and nature of the BC and Alaska coast.

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Cabin layout for Cascadia
Maple Leaf
About the Maple LeafMaple Leaf is a classic, 92-foot schooner. She accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 semi-private sleeping areas, with 3 shared washrooms, and a crew of 4 or 5. Maple Leaf is a sea-ki…

Maple Leaf

Length 28 metres
Passenger capacity 8

About the Maple Leaf
Maple Leaf is a classic, 92-foot schooner. She accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 semi-private sleeping areas, with 3 shared washrooms, and a crew of 4 or 5.

Maple Leaf is a sea-kindly vessel with a long range. She can take you to the coast’s wildest, remotest corners more comfortably and safely than most other vessels. Her sails and 40,000-pound keel keep her steady, and her crew’s warmth and culinary delights keep your soul soaring.

A Classic Wooden Sail Boat
Her curved deck planks, mahogany and glass butterfly hatches, fir beams, mahogany cabinetry and the sweep of her long cap rail are a pleasure to look at.

Modern Comforts with Edwardian Elegance
Maple Leaf’s interior is in harmony with her heritage: modern conveniences and good space design, melded with a decor that nods to her Edwardian past.

Dining Lounge
Unwind with books, journaling, and conversations in our cozy onboard library and dining lounge. We dine on deck or in this lounge, depending on the weather.

Galley
From the tiny galley, Maple Leaf’s chefs produce incredible meals and snacks fresh each day. Enjoy fine meals and discussions about the day’s adventures with the crew and naturalist.

Wheelhouse Lounge
The captain and first mate skillfully navigate and plan routes here. They’re happy to share insights and explain the systems. This space features natural history guidebooks and showcases mahogany and Douglas fir craftsmanship that shines throughout the vessel.

Sleeping Areas & Heads (Bathrooms)
The main cabin accommodates eight guests with divided sleeping areas, each featuring large comfortable beds, storage space, reading lamps, and cozy bedding. There are three washrooms with hot water showers.

Decks
Maple Leaf has lots of deck space, on which people may choose to sit and watch the coast’s scenery, chat with others, steer the ship, or have quiet time alone.

Shore Boats
Our two zodiacs provide ample space and great access to explore along shorelines, up rivers, near wildlife colonies, and onto beaches. 

Kayaks
While at anchor, enjoy one of our two single kayaks. The kayaks are stable and easy to use, with assistance from crew getting in and out. 

Fishing Tackle
We have fishing rods and lures ready for jigging. Obtain your fishing licence prior to your trip and take a turn at jigging for halibut or lingcod.

Other Equipment
The ship provides guidebooks, visual aids, and a hydrophone to listen to whale sounds, enhancing appreciation of local flora, fauna, and marine phenomena.

Swell
Vessel Type: Converted Tug Passenger Capacity: 12 Length: 88 feet / 26.8 meters Swell is an 88-foot converted coastal tug refitted to deliver a warm, character-rich expedition experience. Her soli…

Swell

Vessel Type: Converted Tug

Passenger Capacity: 12

Length: 88 feet / 26.8 meters

Swell is an 88-foot converted coastal tug refitted to deliver a warm, character-rich expedition experience. Her solid timber construction, classic lines and thoughtful interior upgrades create an atmosphere of authenticity paired with comfort. With just 12 guests across six private cabins, the ship offers an intimate environment supported by a small, expert crew. Spaces such as the wood-panelled salon, panoramic wheelhouse, covered aft deck lounges, and upper-deck viewing areas provide calm, inviting places to relax between shore excursions. Daily life revolves around well-crafted meals from the galley, quiet moments in the hot tub, wildlife watching from the bow and easy access to the coastline via Zodiacs and kayaks.

Her compact size and rugged build allow her to reach locations inaccessible to larger vessels, giving guests close contact with coastal ecosystems, remote anchorages and wildlife-rich shorelines. Purpose-designed expedition tools—including two rigid-hull inflatables, four clear-bottom kayaks, fishing gear and a hydrophone—support a wide range of activities. Cabins vary from generous suites to efficient, well-designed smaller rooms, all with private ensuites and exterior doors for direct connection to the outdoors. The result is a boutique expedition platform that blends maritime heritage with practical comfort, delivering a human-scale, highly immersive coastal cruising experience.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

8 days from £2945 GBP pp

Find your favorite region