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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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Discover British Columbia's Gulf Islands on a small ship journey that combines craft beer, regional cuisine, cultural heritage and spectacular coastal scenery. Cruising aboard the classic tugboat Swell, this unique voyage explores one of North America's most celebrated craft brewing regions while showcasing the landscapes, communities and flavours that define Canada's Pacific coast. Accompanied by a respected brewing historian, gain insight into British Columbia's craft beer renaissance through guided tastings, food pairings and stories that trace more than 150 years of brewing history. Sample a selection of the province's finest craft beers while learning about the techniques, traditions and culture behind them. Along the way, step ashore to visit local breweries, enjoy nature walks and look for wildlife as you explore the southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. The result is an immersive small ship experience where exceptional beer, coastal cuisine, rich history and the natural beauty of British Columbia come together.
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Day 1
Join in Sidney (BC), embark Swell
Welcome aboard. Begin your voyage with a tasting and introductory presentation by B.C. microbrew pioneer Paul Hadfield. Learn about the world of beer and the history of brewing as you cruise through the southern Gulf Islands. Along the way, enjoy seabird viewing from the ship before anchoring at Russell Island.
Meals: D
Day 2
Russell Island and Nanaimo
Enjoy a morning shore walk on Russell Island, exploring the islands' natural environment and varied history. Cruise through the Gulf Islands and Sansum Narrows to Nanaimo, where you'll learn about the city's history. Continue your beer-themed journey with a food and beer pairing, followed by a private brewery tour and tasting at Longwood Brew Pub. Overnight anchorage is at Protection Island.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Mid-Vancouver Island brewing history and Gulf Islands exploration
Discover the brewing history of mid-Vancouver Island, including the stories of pubs, saloons and prohibition. Visit Wolf Brewery in the Nanaimo area for tastings before cruising to Galiano Island, Active Pass and Mayne Island. The day includes wildlife viewing, cruising, shore walks and optional kayaking in the outer islands.
Day 4
Saturna Island and Salt Spring Island
Enjoy a scenic alfresco picnic and beer tasting on Saturna Island before cruising through Boundary Pass, with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Continue your Gulf Islands brewery tasting experience before enjoying a Salt Spring Island feast served on board. This evening, anchor at Salt Spring Island.
Day 5
Disembark in Sidney, where trip concludes
Enjoy breakfast on board before preparing to disembark. Your voyage concludes at midday on arrival in Sidney. NB* Weather, wildlife and navigation conditions may influence the route and daily activities.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
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.
The gorgeous Swell is spacious with amenities offered by no other ship on the coast in her class. Her $4 million refit transformed her from a powerhouse working tugboat to a comfortable passenger vessel. The renovations kept the warm character of her classic wooden construction, and each cabin is panelled with natural wood. The Swell is an authentic, coastal tugboat. She’s the real deal. Her small size and ruggedness, combined with our special access permits and incredibly knowledgeable and well-connected crew, give you an unparalleled experience.
Category 3 cabins
Cedar and Douglas Fir, feature outside doors with opening portholes, large private 3-piece ensuite heads, natural light, and small boat queen-sized beds. Cedar has walls on three sides of the bed, while Douglas Fir has walls on two sides. Both cabins offer storage options and occupy 120 sq. ft.
Category 2 Cabins (Option 1)
Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock are located on the top deck. These cabins offer 80 square feet of space and feature a double bed with an angled foot. Cabins feature an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite. Cabins provide under bed storage designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
Category 2 Cabins (Option 2)
Arbutus is located on the main deck. This cabin offers 80 square feet of space and features two large up and down bunks. It includes a small desk and an en-suite bathroom. Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed, a practical and comfortable option for guests.
Category 1 Cabins
Red Alder features an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite head with a separate washbasin area. The cabin also receives natural light through a skylight and sleeps two on up and down small, extra-long single beds (79.5? x 30?). Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed. Red Alder occupies 57 sq. ft.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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.
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.
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.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
8 Days