Dramatic landscape surrounds as you explore the coast's longest fjord, deep into the coastal mountain range towards the stunning Kitlope River Valley. In the Kitlope you'll be surrounded by steep, snow-capped peaks, rainforest, waterfalls and a great river that supports grizzly bears and moose as well as oolichan.
In spring, we hope to find grizzly bears among green sedges in the estuary meadows, and colourful wildflowers like purple lupins, red paintbrush and brown northern rice root. In late summer/early fall we'll explore channels for whales and even get to some outer coastal locations, where we may see evidence of the elusive coastal wolf. There may be an early bear or two but summer is not a peak bear time in this area.
Take shore excursions with knowledgeable crew to explore the Kitlope River Estuary. Relax on secluded beaches, trek through ancient rainforests, and learn about the historical significance of the Kitlope.
We first explored here in 1992 at the invitation of our longtime friend Wa'xaid (Cecil Paul). The stories he told and his philosophy that helped save the Kitlope forever, and the incredible bear mother pole for his people, are captured in a book written with our naturalist Briony Penn. Thanks to this, his stories still travel with our guests as we explore together in the way he taught us to see this place.
Our August trip is a Supervoyage, as it is a few days longer with more time to explore the expansive area.
Highlights
• Stunning Kitlope River Valley: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Kitlope River Valley, with its dramatic landscapes, snow-capped peaks, rainforests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose.
• Seasonal Delights: Depending on the season, witness grizzly bears in spring, vibrant wildflowers, and explore channels for whales in late summer. Keep an eye out for evidence of the elusive coastal wolf.
• Cultural Significance: Explore the Kitlope River Estuary and learn about the historical and cultural significance of this region, thanks to the guidance and stories of indigenous friend Wa'xaid (Cecil Paul) and the bear mother pole that symbolizes his people's connection to this land.
Board ship at Kitamaat Village, orientation, cruising into the Great Bear Rainforest, making way towards the Kitlope River, watching for marine mammals and birds. Anchorage at remote hot springs.
Cruise to spectacular mainland inlet estuary popular with grizzly and black bears. Estuary meadow walk (wildflowers), learning about bear habitat, river exploration, look for bears.
Morning exploration ashore, then cruising Whale Channel, an aptly named waterway popular with cetaceans. Visit whale research scientists at remote station. Marine mammal viewing (several species). Anchorage at remote island on west coast. Beachcombing, hike to view, beach fire.
Return to mainland waterways between steep islands, through channel popular with whales. Enter Gardner Canal, the longest fjord on the coast. This waterway seems like remote wilderness but is filled with the stories and history of the Henaaksiala people, and around every turn is a new story, including some sasquatch stories, and Monkey Beach.
Sail deep into the coast mountains, leaving the outside world behind as the fjord snakes past 4,000-foot peaks to the Kitlope. Go ashore in the vast Kitlope River & estuary for the amazing tale of the G’psgolox pole. Explore the river and the estuary.
Further exploration in the Kitlope, and/or or cruise to Kowesas to explore ashore, and then Kemaano shore trip. Cruise to hot springs.
Cruise to Kitamaat, watching for wildlife.
Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.
21 August, 2024 to 28 August, 2024
Cascadia
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Campania, Kunghit, Salt Spring, Cortes, Hanson, Penelakut
160 sq. ft., queen or two twins, 3 piece en-suite bathroom
Door access to corridor
Windows (large portholes)
Lower Deck (Campania located on Promenade Deck)
Admiralty, Calvert, Moresby, Vancouver
195 sq. ft., queen or two twins, 3 piece en-suite bathroom
Door access to deck and door access to corridor
Windows
Main Deck
Prince of Wales, Princess Royal
235 sq. ft., king bed, 3 piece en-suite bathroom
Door access to deck and door access to corridor
Windows
Bridge Deck
Additional charges:
$200 sustainability fee per person + 5% federal tax: CAD pp
Inclusions
• All meals, snacks and beverages prepared from the freshest ingredients by our superb chef.
• Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of beer included and available throughout the trip. (Liquor is not a large part of our trips, so plan on light consumption).
• Services of our naturalist and professional crew.
• Shore excursions.
• Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (with fishing licence).
• All accommodations on your vessel and, on trips with a land day, in a local lodging.
Exclusions
• Transportation to the trip’s point of origin or from the trip’s point of return for Cascadia. The exception is the flights from Vancouver to the start of the trip and return are included for Cascadia’s Haida Gwaii trips, as well as any trip that has a current Flight Promotion.
• 5% Goods and services tax (GST), on Canadian trips. There is no GST on Alaska trips.
• Any tip you wish to leave for your crew. Tipping is entirely confidential.
• Sustainability fee. As a professional eco-tourism company, it is at the core of our operating principles to work with local communities (as we are members of the local community ourselves), respect regulations, look after the planet and contribute to local opportunities. Responsible operations cost a little more. We extracted from the fare a percentage of the increased costs that go toward sustainability and added it to the list price as a sustainability fee of $200 per trip. Through this, we hope our guests share in the pride that a trip with Maple Leaf Adventures is a contribution to the sustainability of the coast, as well as being a great experience.
• Fishing licence.