National Geographic Quest: Treasures of the Inside Passage: Sitka to Seattle
14 Days - National Geographic Quest
This memorable 14-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest will take you to some of the most spectacular locations in North America. Explore the wild and sublimely tranquil San Juan and Gulf Islands, observe a moving First Nations performance at the U'Mista Cultural Centre and spend a full day exploring the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park.
Sail into Glacier Bay National Park taking in the park's mountains, fjords and active glaciers
Kayak along sheer, glacially-carved cliffs and forested backwaters in Misty Fjords
Stroll down the streets of the 100-year-old town of Petersburg
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Sitka Embarkation
Day 2: Exploring Chichagof Island
Day 3: Inian Islands / Icy Strait
Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park
Day 5: Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness
Day 6: Petersburg
Day 7: Misty Fjords, Alaska
Day 8-9: Inside Passage of British Columbia
Day 10: Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
Day 11: Gulf Islands
Day 12: Victoria, British Columbia
Day 13: San Juan Islands, Washington
Day 14: Seattle Disembarkation
Day 1: Sitka Embarkation
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.
Day 2: Exploring Chichagof Island
Spend a full day searching for humpback whales in the rich waters off of Chichagof Island, kayak and hike.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Misty Fjords, Alaska
Cruise past glacially-carved cliffs and kayak in the stillness of Misty Fiord’s forested backwaters.
Day 8-9: Inside Passage of British Columbia
Head southward 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 10: 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 11: Gulf Islands
Kayak among forested islands and along wildlife-rich shorelines.
Day 12: Victoria, British Columbia
Choose from several tailor-made options to explore based on your interests. Visit private gardens, bike along the water-front, 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 13: 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 14: Seattle Disembarkation
Arrive in Seattle this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home.
