National Geographic Quest: Treasures of the Inside Passage: Seattle to Sitka
14 Days - National Geographic Quest
Linger in the temperate rain forests and wildlife-rich channels of British Columbia, and enjoy ample time to explore the breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers of Southeast Alaska on this 14-day journey aboard the National Geographic Quest. Discover the cultural facets of this coast during captivating performances and interactions with the Kwakwaka’wakw people of Alert Bay.
Explore the wild and tranquil San Juan and Gulf Islands
Witness a moving First Nations performance at the U'Mista Cultural Centre
Spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park
Kayak among forested islands and along wildlife-rich shorelines to see whales, dolphins, bears and more in British Columbia
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Seattle Embarkation
Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington
Day 3: Victoria, British Columbia
Day 4: Gulf Islands
Day 5: Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
Day 6-7: Inside Passage of British Columbia
Day 8: Misty Fjords, Alaska
Day 9: Petersburg
Day 10: Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness
Day 11: Glacier Bay National Park
Day 12: Inian Islands / Icy Strait
Day 13: Exploring Chichagof Island
Day 14: Sitka Disembarkation
Day 1: Seattle Embarkation
Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark the ship.
Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington
Spend a full day exploring the San Juan Islands via naturalist-led hikes and by kayak. Search for killer whales.
Day 3: Victoria, British Columbia
Clear into Canada in the charming city of Victoria and choose from several tailor-made options to explore based on your interests. Visit private gardens, bike along the waterfront, take a historical stroll through Old Town, or discover James Bay on an architecture tour. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre while taking in the incredible collection of paintings.
Day 4: Gulf Islands
Sail into British Columbia to kayak among forested islands and along wildlife-rich shorelines.
Day 5: Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
Observe a traditional First Nations performance in Alert Bay, visit the U’Mista Cultural Center, and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
Day 6-7: Inside Passage of British Columbia
Head northward along the pristine coastline in search of whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.
Day 8: Misty Fjords, Alaska
Cruise past glacially-carved cliffs and kayak in the stillness of Misty Fiord’s forested backwaters.
Day 9: Petersburg
Search for humpback whales as we head towards the small, fishing village of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail and explore the unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem, the “muskeg,” with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Later, enjoy an evening crab feast.
Day 10: Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a Zodiac cruise for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs.
Day 11: Glacier Bay National Park
Via special park permit, spend the entire day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness. Listen as the quiet stillness of the area is broken by the thunder of tons of ice calving into the sea. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share the lore and legend of the area. Wildness abounds!
Day 12: Inian Islands / Icy Strait
Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in rich waters of Icy Strait.
Day 13: Exploring Chichagof Island
Spend a full day searching for humpback whales in the rich waters off of Chichagof Island, kayak, hike and enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 14: Sitka Disembarkation
Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire; walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, where totem poles line trails; and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Transfer to the airport for flights home.
