Vancouver Island’s Wild Side aboard Cascadia

Welcome aboard Cascadia in Port Hardy, where there is time to settle into life on board and meet your expedition team before setting sail into the sheltered waters of Quatsino Sound. This afternoon offers an introduction to the rich coastal ecosystems of northern Vancouver Island, with opportunities to explore lush temperate rainforest, discover vibrant intertidal habitats and, conditions permitting, enjoy an optional paddle through the calm waters of the sound. As evening approaches, we continue north towards the remote Klaskish Inlet and East Creek. This wild and seldom-visited corner of the coast is known for its abundant wildlife, with opportunities to search for black bears along the shoreline and explore the river meadows and forested creek systems on foot. Tonight marks the beginning of our exploration of British Columbia's rugged outer coast. In case of inclement weather or delays we highly recommend arriving in Port Hardy a day before departure.

Meals:  D

Today we explore one of the wildest stretches of Vancouver Island’s outer coast as Cascadia navigates around the remote Brooks Peninsula. This rugged headland marks a dramatic transition between sheltered coastal waters and the open Pacific, with spectacular scenery shaped by wind, waves and time. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we venture offshore towards the continental shelf, an area rich in marine life where nutrient-filled waters attract seabirds and marine mammals. Keep watch for albatross, puffins, whales and other wildlife that frequent these productive feeding grounds. We also cruise past Solander Island, a protected ecological reserve and important nesting site for seabirds, before continuing to a secluded anchorage. Later, there may be opportunities to explore a remote beach, stretch your legs ashore and experience the remarkable sense of isolation that defines this untamed coastline.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, early risers may wish to take advantage of the calm conditions with an optional kayak excursion before we continue into the protected waters of Checleset Bay. Once heavily impacted by the maritime fur trade, this remarkable coastal wilderness is now one of British Columbia’s great conservation success stories and the site where sea otters were successfully reintroduced to the region. The bay’s rich network of islands, sheltered inlets and extensive kelp forests provides ideal habitat for a diversity of marine life. Throughout the day we explore by kayak, Zodiac and on foot, keeping watch for sea otters resting amongst the kelp, bald eagles overhead and other wildlife that thrives in these productive coastal waters. There will be opportunities to paddle quiet shorelines, explore hidden coves by tender and visit remote beaches, immersing ourselves in one of the Pacific Northwest's most ecologically significant marine environments.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the people and traditions that have shaped this coastline for thousands of years. We visit Spring Island, where members of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che’tles7et’h’ First Nation welcome us to their traditional territory and share insights into their culture, language and enduring connection to the land and sea. Accompanied by local guides, we explore the surrounding temperate rainforest, learning about the ecological and cultural significance of this remarkable environment. Along the way, stories of place, tradition and stewardship provide a deeper understanding of life on British Columbia’s remote west coast. Later, we gather ashore for a traditional salmon bake cooked over an open fire before returning to Cascadia for a shared evening with our hosts. Anchored in the sheltered waters of Kyuquot Sound, this special cultural exchange is often one of the most memorable experiences of the voyage.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the remote islands and headlands surrounding Rugged Point, a beautiful stretch of Vancouver Island's outer coast known for its sweeping sandy beaches, rugged shoreline and dense salal-covered bluffs. This wild landscape offers a wonderful introduction to the ecological richness of the region and may include a visit to a site of cultural significance. Throughout the day there are opportunities to search for the abundant wildlife that inhabits these productive coastal waters. Sea otters are often seen resting amongst offshore kelp beds, while humpback whales frequently feed along the coastline. Bald eagles, seabirds and other marine mammals may also make an appearance as we explore by vessel, Zodiac and on foot. With few signs of human presence and spectacular coastal scenery in every direction, today captures the essence of expedition travel along British Columbia's remote Pacific coast.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we continue around the northern reaches of the dramatic Brooks Peninsula, one of the most remote and rugged landscapes on Vancouver Island's west coast. Along the way we enjoy another opportunity to view Solander Island, an important seabird sanctuary that rises abruptly from the Pacific and provides nesting habitat for puffins and other marine birdlife. Weather and conditions permitting, we land on the northern side of the peninsula to explore a remote beach framed by ancient forest and untamed coastline. This isolated corner of British Columbia offers a powerful sense of wilderness, with few visitors ever reaching its shores. By evening we arrive at a sheltered inlet where opportunities await for further exploration ashore. Walking through creek valleys and coastal meadows, we keep watch for black bears that are often seen feeding along the shoreline, while the surrounding forests and waterways reveal more of the remarkable biodiversity that defines this wild coast.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we round the northern tip of Vancouver Island, cruising past the rugged headlands of Cape Scott and Cape Sutil where the Pacific Ocean meets the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage. This remote coastline is steeped in maritime history and offers some of the most dramatic scenery of the voyage. Conditions permitting, we go ashore near Cape Sutil to explore a tranquil crescent-shaped bay backed by coastal forest. A guided walk leads through towering trees to a spectacular stretch of coastline where sea stacks, rocky headlands and endless ocean views highlight the raw beauty of this wild corner of British Columbia. Later, Cascadia continues east to the sheltered waters of Shushartie Inlet on Vancouver Island's northeast coast. Surrounded by forested mountains and quiet waterways, this peaceful anchorage provides a striking contrast to the exposed Pacific coastline explored earlier in the day.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final morning offers one last opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver Island's coastline. Depending on conditions, there may be time for wildlife viewing, a final paddle by kayak or a short shore excursion before we begin our journey south. As Cascadia cruises along the island's eastern shoreline, keep watch for humpback whales, porpoises, seabirds and other marine life that frequent these nutrient-rich waters. The scenic passage provides a fitting conclusion to our exploration of British Columbia's remote coastal wilderness. Arriving in Port Hardy, it is time to farewell the crew and fellow travellers and disembark, bringing our expedition through one of Canada's most remarkable coastal regions to an end.

Meals:  B