If you’ve wanted to see Alaska’s glaciers and whales, but didn’t want to get on a huge cruise ship, then consider this: the 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf has been operating notable adventure cruises there since 1988.
Photo courtesy Maple Leaf Adventures
Or, if Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) is on your “must see” list and you absolutely want to see UN World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay, the Maple Leaf will take you there – and cruising among 138 islands, too.
In fact, if you would like to experience any of the west coast’s special wilderness areas, see any of the great wildlife (grizzly bears, spirit bears, whales, seabirds), or visit the coast’s great First Nations cultures, you can book an adventure cruise on the Maple Leaf.
These are multi-day trips. With just eight guests and a well-trained Canadian crew of five, including gourmet chef and naturalist, you will have what feels like a private expedition into some of the world’s most sacred natural places. You’ll go ashore frequently, and the crew will take you to peak wildlife viewing havens.
Bonus: water is the only way to reach them. Which is, of course, why they are still so beautiful.
The schedule:
Photo courtesy Kevin Smith/Maple Leaf Adventures
Gulf Islands National Park / Salish Sea
5 nights, 6 days cruising the Gulf Islands most never have the chance to see: remote islets, wildlife colonies, sweeping views from remote bluffs, rich intertidal life. April, October.
Great Bear Rainforest
Travel the largest, wildest rainforest in North America. Top bear guides, naturalists and First Nations leaders take you to the best of the best: grizzly bears, spirit bears, cultural sites and fjords. April- May, June, September.
Haida Gwaii / Queen Charlotte Islands
An 8-night adventure among whales, seabirds, rainforests and the powerful Haida culture. Includes Masset and Skidegate, plus 7 nights in Gwaii Haanas’ 138 islands and village sites. May
Photo courtesy Maple Leaf Adventures
Alaska Adventure
This is an Alaska experience like BBC’s Planet Earth shows: up-close exploration of the wilderness, with visits to historic Alaskan towns, too. June-July
Whales & Totems of Vancouver Island
Spend 5 nights/6 days exploring the Broughton Archipelago, home to the northern resident killer whales, as well as humpbacks, dolphins, bears and 200+ islands. October