A Vancouver Island Tour Unlike Any Other
This trip is for those who love to adventure beyond the norm. It explores unroaded coastline accessible only by small ship.
You’ll walk in the rainforest, beach-comb on the sand, boat into wild creeks that empty into the sea, and cruise around Brooks Peninsula, which juts out almost to the offshore continental shelf.
This journey takes you into a side of Vancouver Island that remains mostly untouched—shaped by the open Pacific, glacial headlands, old-growth rainforest, and waters rich with whales, sea otters, seabirds, and migratory marine life.
- Embark on a multi-day expedition cruise of a side of Vancouver Island that most travellers—and even locals—never witness.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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.
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.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Hardy from Vancouver and settle into your accommodation at the Kwa’lilas Hotel. Meet your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Take a ferry to Alert Bay, visit the U’mista Cultural Centre, and enjoy an interpretive walk in a local ecological reserve. Evening embarkation aboard Cascadia for the start of your journey.
Day 3: After a scenic breakfast aboard Cascadia, venture into Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Narrows. Explore rugged shorelines and settle in Klaskish Inlet for your first dinner aboard.
Day 4: Explore East Creek for bear sightings, cruise around Solander Island to view sea lions and seabirds, and visit Nasparti Inlet for a walk on a beautiful beach. Evening kayak option available.
Day 5: Explore a temperate rainforest, visit the Bunsby Islands, and experience a traditional salmon bake on Spring Island with local stories shared by Indigenous hosts.
Day 6: Watch for sea otters, whales, and enjoy panoramic views from the hot tub aboard. Explore beaches at the northern tip of the island before anchoring in Shushartie Bay.
Day 7: Visit the legendary Billy Proctor and his unique museum, learn about his lifetime of beachcombing, and enjoy an evening kayak in the Broughton Archipelago.
Day 8: Wildlife viewing in Blackney Passage, explore the charming community of Telegraph Cove, and cruise Johnstone Strait to Port Neville for an evening anchorage.
Day 9: Witness the Devils Hole whirlpool at Dent Rapids, explore pictographs in Walsh Cove, and enjoy a three-course dinner under the stars.
Day 10: Visit Brem River for bear viewing, explore the Prideaux Haven, and finish the day in Tenedos Bay for a peaceful evening kayak.
Day 11: Walk along the shores of Mitlenatch Island to see wildlife, then cruise to Copeland Islands for a final evening cruise or kayak and a four-course dinner.
Day 12: After a final breakfast, disembark at Campbell River, enjoy a winery tour of the Cowichan Valley, and end your adventure in Victoria, the historic capital of British Columbia.
Day 13: Historical Tour of Victoria (included on 13-day tour only).
Itineraries are subject to change.
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.
