Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest

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9 days from

£5025 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Rich Coastal Ecosystems
Featuring marine mammals at their most active such as humpback whales, orcas and sea lions.
  • Uncrowded Vistas
Walk among fjords and archipelagos that showcase the wild coast in ways most people never experience.
  • Indigenous Culture
Coastal First Nations have thrived on the coast for millennia, we visit communities and hear their stories.
  • Regenerative Travel
Learn about local conservation efforts and connect with scientists along the way, often as a part of our guiding crew.

Highlights

  • Rich Coastal Ecosystems
Featuring marine mammals at their most active such as humpback whales, orcas and sea lions.
  • Uncrowded Vistas
Walk among fjords and archipelagos that showcase the wild coast in ways most people never experience.
  • Indigenous Culture
Coastal First Nations have thrived on the coast for millennia, we visit communities and hear their stories.
  • Regenerative Travel
Learn about local conservation efforts and connect with scientists along the way, often as a part of our guiding crew.
Capacity: 24
Feture image for Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest

Wild Wonders That We Have Explored and Supported Since 1986

This epic summertime odyssey is about whales and the oceanic world they inhabit. Cruise along the remote north and central coast of the Great Bear Rainforest to faraway islands, by sailing ship or catamaran. Step onto wild, white-sand beaches, where the only footprints you’ll find belong to the elusive coastal wolf.  Spend hours with humpback whales and other marine mammals, visit the best place on earth to see orcas (killer whales), and meet the whale researchers who are making new discoveries from their station at the aptly named Whale Channel.

Rainforest, other wildlife, and frequent shore trips round out this amazing tour of British Columbia’s remarkable natural and cultural history. This is our award-winning journey into the nature, wildlife and culture of the Great Bear Rainforest.

  • Rich Coastal Ecosystems
Featuring marine mammals at their most active such as humpback whales, orcas and sea lions.
  • Uncrowded Vistas
Walk among fjords and archipelagos that showcase the wild coast in ways most people never experience.
  • Indigenous Culture
Coastal First Nations have thrived on the coast for millennia, we visit communities and hear their stories.
  • Regenerative Travel
Learn about local conservation efforts and connect with scientists along the way, often as a part of our guiding crew.

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

30 July, 2026 to 07 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
£6221 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
£7317 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
£8346 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
08 August, 2026 to 16 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
£6221 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
£7317 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
£8346 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
09 August, 2027 to 17 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
£6329 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
£7445 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
£8495 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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
21 August, 2027 to 29 August, 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
£5025 GBP pp (+ $200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax USD 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.
show reverse itinerary
Days 1-3 Port Hardy


Day 1: Welcome aboard and island cruising in the waters of both humpback whales and orcas. Wildlife viewing. Evening beach walk.

Day 2: Rainforest walk, then wildlife viewing and learning about important whale research in this region.

Day 3: Morning kayak. Marine mammal viewing. Afternoon beachcombing, gentle hike to viewpoint and beach activities. Evening campfire.

Days 4-6 Calvert Island


Day 4: Baleen whale and other marine mammal viewing. Visiting offshore island group, looking for sea otters. Remote island beach walk/zodiac cruise.

Day 5: Cruising a majestic mainland fjord. Visit natural hot springs. Summer river estuary visit. 

Day 6: Cruising deeper into the fjords, exploring waterfalls and ashore as we go, until we reach the great Kitlope river valley and estuary at the foot of 4,000-foot mountains for our night’s anchorage.

Days 7-9 Prince Rupert


Day 7: Exploring other regions in this fjord, more hot springs. Marine mammal viewing. Evening zodiac tour or walk.

Day 8: Visit a First Nations village for cultural tour. Cruising northward among the inlets and waterways. Explore marine park and rainforest walk.

Day 9: Morning shore trip or tender tour or kayaking. Cruising to port, as always, watching for wildlife.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Days 1-3 Port Hardy


Day 1: Welcome aboard and island cruising in the waters of both humpback whales and orcas. Wildlife viewing. Evening beach walk.

Day 2: Rainforest walk, then wildlife viewing and learning about important whale research in this region.

Day 3: Morning kayak. Marine mammal viewing. Afternoon beachcombing, gentle hike to viewpoint and beach activities. Evening campfire.

Days 4-6 Calvert Island


Day 4: Baleen whale and other marine mammal viewing. Visiting offshore island group, looking for sea otters. Remote island beach walk/zodiac cruise.

Day 5: Cruising a majestic mainland fjord. Visit natural hot springs. Summer river estuary visit. 

Day 6: Cruising deeper into the fjords, exploring waterfalls and ashore as we go, until we reach the great Kitlope river valley and estuary at the foot of 4,000-foot mountains for our night’s anchorage.

Days 7-9 Prince Rupert


Day 7: Exploring other regions in this fjord, more hot springs. Marine mammal viewing. Evening zodiac tour or walk.

Day 8: Visit a First Nations village for cultural tour. Cruising northward among the inlets and waterways. Explore marine park and rainforest walk.

Day 9: Morning shore trip or tender tour or kayaking. Cruising to port, as always, 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.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

9 days from £5025 GBP pp

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