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Desolation Sound & Fjords Of British Columbia Cruise

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
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Ship Information
Highlights

From backwaters to wildlife hotspots to cultural sites, this journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago as well as neighbouring inlets. This is the place off the edge of Vancouver Island that most people never see. Snowcapped mountains, glacier-fed fjords, calm and scenic cruising are the backdrop to our journey through the nature and wildlife of the west coast - from rainforest to bears and dolphins. On the cultural side, we partner with the Klahoose Nation to experience their bear viewing in a fjord; work with the Namgis U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, and usually visit local legend Billy Proctor and other out-of-the-way places, too.

Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

18 October, 2026 to 26 October, 2026

9 Day Port McNeill to Sidney Cruise

Category 1 $9,250 CAD pp

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)
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Category 2 $11,050 CAD pp

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
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Category 3 $12,600 CAD pp

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
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15 October, 2027 to 24 October, 2027

Port Hardy to Sidney Cruise

Category 1 $9,890 CAD pp

Category 2 $11,810 CAD pp

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
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Category 3 $13,470 CAD pp

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
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17 October, 2027 to 26 October, 2027

Cabins - Category 1 $7,390 CAD pp

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.
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Cabin - Category 2, Option 2 $8,160 CAD pp

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.
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Cabin - Category 2, Option 1 $8,160 CAD pp

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.
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Cabin - Category 3 $9,650 CAD pp

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.
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Desolation Sound & Fjords Of British Columbia Cruise itinerary:

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Days 1-3 Welcome Aboard

Day 1: Board vessel and cruising to anchorage in the Broughton Archipelago. Optional evening kayak, sundowner and welcome dinner.

Day 2: Small boat trip to explore the marine life of the archipelago: kelp forest, seabirds and marine mammals such as sea lions and whales. Heading deeper into the islands to visit Billy Proctor’s museum and homestead. Visit Alert Bay and U’mista Cultural Centre with private guided tour of Kwakwaka’wakw potlatch collection. Evening cruising to island anchorage for alfresco dinner, keeping eyes and ears out for wildlife.

Day 3: Morning kayaking. Whale watching and marine science. Rainforest hike. Cruising south in Johnstone Strait.

Days 4-6 Fjords & Bear Viewing

Day 4: Exploring the cascades and waterways of the Discovery Islands and back channels. Shore trips to explore life in this region—beaches, culture site. Kayaking. Aft deck barbecue and bubbly.

Day 5: Exploring spectacular Toba Inlet, a fjord that cuts 35 kilometres into the Coast Mountains. Shore trips to explore the nature of estuary meadows and the coastal rainforest. Looking for late season bears.

Day 6: Exploring Desolation Sound—by kayaking, small boats and walks, at sites such as Prideaux Haven and the Redonda Islands.

Day 7: Further exploration in Desolation Sound, visit to Mitlenatch Island, a bird sanctuary. Cruising south into the northern Gulf Islands.

Days 7-8 Gulf Islands Exploration

Day 8: Exploring the islets and more mediterranean climate northern Gulf Islands, watching for marine mammals and birds. Island and beach hike. Intertidal exploration.

Day 9: Cruising the southern Gulf Islands, exploring ashore on sandstone beaches, oak and arbutus forest. Passing through scenic Samsun narrows between the cliffs of Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. Evening kayak in protected anchorage.

Day 10: Morning shore walk visiting the southern forest lands and beaches. Cruising to port, watching for marine life (mammals and seabirds).

Please Note:

Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.

Desolation Sound & Fjords Of British Columbia Cruise reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary

Please Note: *

Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.

Days 7-8 Gulf Islands Exploration *

Day 8: Exploring the islets and more mediterranean climate northern Gulf Islands, watching for marine mammals and birds. Island and beach hike. Intertidal exploration.

Day 10: Morning shore walk visiting the southern forest lands and beaches. Cruising to port, watching for marine life (mammals and seabirds).

Days 4-6 Fjords & Bear Viewing *

Day 4: Exploring the cascades and waterways of the Discovery Islands and back channels. Shore trips to explore life in this region—beaches, culture site. Kayaking. Aft deck barbecue and bubbly.

Day 6: Exploring Desolation Sound—by kayaking, small boats and walks, at sites such as Prideaux Haven and the Redonda Islands.

Day 7: Further exploration in Desolation Sound, visit to Mitlenatch Island, a bird sanctuary. Cruising south into the northern Gulf Islands.

Days 1-3 Welcome Aboard *

Day 1: Board vessel and cruising to anchorage in the Broughton Archipelago. Optional evening kayak, sundowner and welcome dinner.

Day 3: Morning kayaking. Whale watching and marine science. Rainforest hike. Cruising south in Johnstone Strait.

* = Indicative

Map for Desolation Sound & Fjords Of British Columbia Cruise

Cascadia

Vessel Type: Catamaran

Passenger Capacity: 24

Length: 138 ft / 42 m

Built/Refurbished: 2007/2018/2019

Cascadia is a 138-foot expedition catamaran built for small-group exploration along the wild British Columbia coast. She carries 24 guests in 12 outside cabins, each with windows, en-suite bathrooms and individual climate control. Four decks provide a mix of quiet corners and open viewing spaces: a protected salon with a bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a terrace lounge, and a top deck with loungers and a hot tub. The bridge is open to guests for 180-degree views and insight into navigation. Kayaks, custom landing craft, a hydrophone, and a natural history library support shore landings and wildlife encounters. The design leans on light, space and stability, allowing access to remote inlets while maintaining a comfortable, human-scale experience.

Cabin categories range from 160 to 235 square feet. Lower-deck and some main-deck cabins offer queen or twin beds and large portholes; mid-level cabins add more floor space, outside doors, generous windows and heated slate-floor bathrooms; the two bridge-deck suites are the largest, with king beds, extra seating and extensive natural light. All include storage, power outlets, bathrobes, and climate control. Mobility requirements centre on navigating stairs between decks and boarding shore boats via landing-craft ramps. Limitations apply for travellers with significant mobility impairments, but one main-deck cabin includes an accessible bathroom.

• Off-the-Grid Exploration: Discover hidden BC coastal wonders in Desolation Sound, the Broughton Archipelago, and more, away from the typical tourist routes.

• Natural Splendor and Wildlife: Experience breathtaking scenery with snowcapped mountains and fjords while encountering diverse wildlife, from bears to dolphins.

• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local indigenous culture, from bear viewing with the Klahoose Nation to visits to cultural centers and offbeat places like Billy Proctor's.