At a glance
- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Start/End:
- Vancouver to Sitka, or reverse
- From:
- $10,024
- Time of Year:
- April through May, September
Embark on a 15-day adventure between Sitka, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, visiting the remote, moss-draped archipelago of Haida Gwaii—the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. Sail the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia, rich with marine life, including whales and dolphins. Spend a full day among the towering glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park. Walk in silent old-growth forests, kayak in secluded coves, and search for foraging bears and soaring eagles in mist-shrouded fjords.
Highlights
- With very special access, spend four days in Haida Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, learning from Haida interpreters about their living culture and exploring these remote islands
- Sail deep into fjords and cruise rugged coastlines in search of humpback whales, dolphins, bears, and more
- Explore by Zodiac in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm for an up-close view of calving glaciers, towering forests, and seals afloat on iridescent icebergs
- Kayak or stand-up paddleboard near cascading waterfalls and hike in soaring old-growth forests
- Explore the picturesque fishing village of Petersburg, and spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park
- Explore the wild and remote areas of southeast Alaska by special use permit with the Tongass National Forest
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii Details
Day 1: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada / Embark Ship
Arrive in Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. Embark the National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion in the early evening and set out on your expedition.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover’s paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia
Sail through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities. Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia: Alert Bay, home of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. Then stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the T’sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, “educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings, and values.”
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5: Inside Passage of British Columbia
Sail northward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-9: Haida Gwai
With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional food and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay ‘Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 10-12: Alaska's Inside Passage
With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 13-14: Glacier Bay National Park / Inian Islands / Chichagof Island
By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Enjoy a farewell dinner on our final night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Sitka / Disembark Ship
Disembark after breakfast in picturesque Sitka on the western coast of Baranof Island. Schedules permitting, walk among Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Sitka National Historic Park and visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. Transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
| Dates | Ship | Direction | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Vancouver to Sitka | $10,024 | $11,656 | $13,488 |
| Thursday, May 2, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Vancouver to Sitka | $13,189 | $16,210 | $19,157 |
| Tuesday, September 3, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Sitka to Vancouver | $12,917 | $15,876 | $18,762 |
| Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Sitka to Vancouver | $12,657 | $15,000 | $17,354 |
| Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | Vancouver to Sitka | $10,542 | $12,964 | $15,316 |
| Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | Vancouver to Sitka | $10,542 | $12,964 | $15,316 |
| Sunday, August 31, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | Sitka to Vancouver | $13,314 | $16,366 | $19,334 |
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | Sitka to Vancouver | $10,542 | $12,964 | $15,316 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
Prices subject to change.
Included
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
- Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
- Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages.
- Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
- 24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
- Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
- Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
- Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
- The guidance and company of our expedition staff
- The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
- Sightseeing & entrance fees
- Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
- Transfers to and from group flights
- The expertise of the expedition staff
- All excursions
- Zodiac & kayak explorations
- Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
- Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge
*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.
** Travel aboard any National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyage and we will cover your bar tab; certain premium brands not included. Free WiFi, up to one hour a day per person aboard any National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II departure.
Not Included
- International and internal airfare
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Expedition extensions
- Pre- and post-expedition Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
- Spa treatments
- Aboard ship Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
- Scuba diving
- Laundry
- Internet and phone
- Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
- Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II
National Geographic Sea Bird
The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
National Geographic Sea Lion
The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
