trip

7 Days$6250USD

Activities
  • Wilderness cruising, hiking & optional kayaking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights aboard Cascadia
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Embark on a multi-day exploration to a side of Vancouver Island that most never see.
  • Scores of eagles, whales, coastal bears, and sea otters are just some of the species that thrive here.
  • Explore Indigenous culture
  • White sand beaches that unroll between forest and sea
  • Sail fjords where 4,000-foot cliffs rise and dwarf you
  • Keep watch for puffin colonies

This journey is for true adventurers—those who crave exploration beyond the ordinary. Traveling by catamaran, you’ll navigate the remote and roadless regions of Vancouver Island’s wild west coast. Walk beneath towering trees in the coastal rainforest, comb untouched sandy beaches, and venture by boat into hidden creeks that spill into the sea. One of the highlights is rounding Brooks Peninsula, a rugged landmass that extends nearly to the offshore continental shelf. Along the way, you’ll discover Brooks Peninsula’s unique glacial refugium, marvel at puffins nesting on Solander Island, and encounter sea otters in the pristine waters of Kyuquot Sound, home to the Indigenous village of Kyuquot. Cruise past lush inlets, secluded beaches, and the dramatic northernmost tip of the island at Cape Sutil, before exploring the more sheltered eastern coastline. Seven miles beyond Brooks Peninsula, the world shifts from coastal to oceanic. On calm days, we may venture to the edge of the continental shelf, where deep upwellings turn the sea from green to a brilliant blue, attracting whales, dolphins, and vast flocks of seabirds feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.

Trip Code: MLG

Welcome aboard in Port Hardy, and have a short orientation on Cascadia. We spend some time exploring the “hanging rainforest gardens” or abundant intertidal life onshore. This evening we have the option to kayak Quatsino Sound. Continue cruising to Klaskish and East Creek. Bear viewing, shore walk in East Creek meadow and along river.

Meals:  D

Cruising around the wild Brooks Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruising the continental shelf region, where seabirds (albatross, puffins) and marine mammals forage. Wildlife viewing. Solander Island (from the water), an ecological reserve for puffins. Anchorage and remote beach exploration.

Meals:  B,L,D

Rainforest and beach walks. Optional morning kayak. Exploring the beautiful Nesparti Inlet by boat and on land.

Meals:  B,L,D

Kyuquot Sound exploration, sea otter viewing, traditional indigenous salmon bake around campfire with gourmet dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Exploration of the offshore group of islands and Rugged Point with sandy beaches and salal-rich headlands. Cultural site visit. Heading north around Brooks Peninsula. Evening anchorage in Vancouver Island inlet, and exploring ashore. Possible black bear viewing, creek and meadow exploration.

Meals:  B,L,D

Cruising and exploring the Cape Scott area, rounding Vancouver Island’s northern tip. Bear viewing.

Meals:  B,L,D

Whale watching on Vancouver Island’s northeast side, and cruising to Port Hardy. On arrival in Port Hardy trip concludes.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of craft beer
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Transfers to and from the hotel/airport to the ship in Kitimat
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of landing tenders
  • Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (for guests with a recreational fishing license)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • All entry fees to National Parks

  • Transportation to and from Port Hardy
  • International or domestic flights to the start and end point
  • Passport, visa and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and or airport departure taxes
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
  • Emergency evacuation charges
  • Travel Insurance
  • Customary end of voyage tips
  • Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)
  • 5% Canadian GST (Mandatory)
  • Fishing licenses are not included and must be acquired by guests wanting to fish prior to their trip.

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.


Vessel


Cabins


Departure dates


Notes

1
Optional hiking and kayaking is included in the voyage cost.
2
Mandatory Sustainable travel fee & 5% Canadian GST is payable and is NOT included in the cabin cost

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$6250USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)USD$150
  • 5% Canadian GST on Category 1 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$310
  • 5% Canadian GST on Category 2 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$360
  • 5% Canadian GST on Category 3 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$420
  • Category 2 cabin upgradeUSD$1030
  • Category 3 cabin upgradeUSD$2165
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Vancouver Island’s Wild Side aboard Cascadia trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Small ships, big experiences

Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.

More time ashore

Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.

Real exploration

Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.

Handpicked, sustainable adventures

Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.

Videos

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