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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.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.
Shorter voyages are available. Please contact us for more information.
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Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest itinerary:
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.
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.
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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest reverse itinerary:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.