2025 Departures Available

To some, the Pacific Rim is the true embodiment of the West Coast. With rugged coastlines, windblown trees, and often blanketed in a low hanging fog, there is an awe-inspiring ambiance here. A widespread of vegetation make up the rainforests including Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar. The forests are teaming with wildlife including wolves, bears and cougars and off the coast live many marine species including mammals, birds, and fish.

Pacific Rim

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

5-days, 4-nights

Highlights

Migration of the Gray Whales

The Salish Sea is one the world’s largest inland seas that encompasses Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the waters off Vancouver, British Columbia. The name Salish Sea pays tribute to the first inhabitants of the region, the Coast Salish People. The Salish Sea is home to over 400 islands and a number of different marine species from mammals, birds and fish.


The Gulf & San Juan islands are a chain of speckled islands that cross the Canada / US border. They have deep rooted histories in both countries from First Nations history dating back 13,000 years and the early explorers from Europe, Hawaii and Asia. Today, the area is known for its incredible geography, coastal activities, nature and wildlife. The islands are home to orchards, vineyards, artisans, spas and incredible outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, cycling, climbing and watersports like kayaking. The island people are easy going and friendly, many who are highly accomplished. These leeward islands see less rain than other areas of the Pacific North West making them a desirable place for vacationers.

Southern Gulf Islands of the Salish Sea

About This Cruise

The Southern Gulf Islands of the Salish Sea

Desolation Sound is a deep-water sound that begins at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, in Lund, BC. It’s spectacular fjords, mountains and wildlife make it a global boating and sea kayaking destination.


Named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792 on account of the gloomy appearance of the surrounding country, George Vancouver’s following journal entry gives his impressions of the place while examining the vicinity: Our residence here was truly forlorn; an awful silence pervaded the gloomy forests, whilst animated nature seemed to have deserted the neighbouring country, whose soil afforded only a few small onions, some samphire and here and there bushes bearing a scanty crop of indifferent berries. Nor was the sea more favourable to our wants, the steep rocky shores prevented the use of the seine, and not a fish at the bottom could be tempted to take the hook; When Captain George Vancouver named it Desolation Sound, we don't think he had a globally renowned ecotourism destination in mind. Desolation Sound falls within the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, and Hamalco First Nations.

Desolation Sound and the Inside Passage

Desolation Sound Explorer

Inside Passage

Day 6

6-days, 5-nights

Day 3 and Day 4

Food & Wine - The Southern Gulf Islands of the Salish Sea

Desolation Sound Explorer and the Grizzlies of Toba Inlet

Inside Passage and the Grizzlies of Knight Inlet

The West Coast of British Columbia has been skimmed, mapped and charted. But Pacific Coastal Cruises delves further and allows travelers a sense of wonder and a spirit of discovery. Pacific Coastal journeys are designed for the inquisitive travelers; travelers that demand more meaning, enrichment and joy. Pacific Coastal passengers return home, shaped by their journeys, transformed by our encounters with culture, environment and wildlife.

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