Alaska -What’s That on the Horizon? New Nature & Wildlife Itineraries for 2026

There’s a new year on the horizon, and with it comes an exciting new chapter in our exploration of the Pacific Northwest. For those looking even further ahead than 2025, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse into our 2026 expeditions that are ready to book—a mix of new routes to returning favorites.

One of the updates we’re most excited about is the return of Maple Leaf to Alaska for the first time in a decade. We’ve been keeping her in British Columbia because, quite honestly, it’s hard to beat our summer here, but we also know that there’s a strong appetite for exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage at full sail. So in 2026, we’re sending Maple Leaf back for two back-to-back trips, an opportunity we plan to offer only once every five years. For Swell, 2026 brings more Alaska itineraries and new land day options, including a stay in Petersburg—a charming port town with Scandinavian roots, where the bigger ships can’t reach.

In addition to the Alaska return, we’ll be offering our Vancouver Island Inside Passage itinerary on Maple Leaf, an option that’s proven wildly popular on Swell and sells out every year. This will give more people a chance to explore the beauty of the Discovery Islands, the Broughton Archipelago, and the east coast of Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline in a way few get to experience.

And in case you’re wondering: Popular mainstays are back for Maple Leaf, Swell and Cascadia, including Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest in Spring, Desolation Sound, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island.

With all these exciting changes, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year of exploration. We can’t wait to share these new journeys with you, and I hope you’ll join us as we return to the wild, breathtaking beauty of British Columbia and Alaska.

And there’s even more to come—this is just the first half of our 2026 schedule. Stay tuned for updates on fall trips, which will be available to you in the New Year.

Exclusive Offer: Black Friday Sail (2025 & 2026)

To help make your dream adventure for 2025 or 2026 a reality, we’re offering $300 off your final balance on bookings for 2025 and 2026 sailings of five days or more when you pay in full by November 30, 2024.

Even better, if you’re ready to book your 2026 journey now, our Pay in Full 2026 special gives you 10% savings on your final balance when you pay in full by January 10, 2025. These offers can even be combined for additional savings.

Sail into history as Maple Leaf returns to Alaska’s Inside Passage for the first time in a decade. Designed for those who crave immersion, this rare voyage combines timeless sailing with the unspoiled grandeur of Alaska. Glide past icebergs, explore remote coves, and witness wildlife like orcas and brown bears in full glory—all from the open decks of this classic schooner. A special opportunity to experience Alaska like never before.

Alaska Sailing Ship Tour (11-Days)–Set Sail for Adventure For the first time in a decade, the storied schooner Maple Leaf is returning to Alaska in 2026. This exclusive voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage on a traditional sailing vessel. Designed for those who crave a profound connection to nature, the itinerary immerses guests in wildlife-rich waters, and the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska’s wild frontier. This trip offers a more affordable alternative to our voyages on Swell, without compromising the quality of adventure. August 2026 (Multiple Dates) aboard Maple Leaf starting at $8000 USD Join us for remarkable experiences in some of the West Coast’s most beloved destinations. From the awakening wildlife of the Great Bear Rainforest in spring, to the serene waters of Desolation Sound, the rich biodiversity of the Gulf Islands, and the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island’s Wild Side, these iconic trips capture the heart of coastal British Columbia. Explore, reconnect, and be inspired. Gulf Islands (5-Days)–Hidden Islands Close to Vancouver The Gulf Islands are a world unto themselves—a biodiverse haven that’s also a quick trip from nearby ports. Enveloped by snowcapped mountains and salmon-rich waters, this is one of North America’s most biologically productive and scenic regions. The islands themselves are an intriguing blend: some host cacti, others deep forests, while still others boast white shell beaches and fields of wildflowers. Marine life flourishes here, supporting an ecosystem that has been a vital part of Salish cultural heritage for millennia. In short, if you’re seeking nature and camaraderie aboard a well-appointed ship—this trip is the trip to book. April 2026 (Multiple Dates) on Maple Leaf starting at $3650 and Swell starting at $4700   Desolation Sound (5-Days)–Fjords and Passages that Come Alive Nestled in the northern reaches of the Salish Sea, Desolation Sound is a paradise for nature lovers. Snowcapped peaks and forested mountains cradle tranquil waters that are renowned for their relative spring warmth, making it ideal for kayaking and even a cold plunge. Here, the rich marine ecosystem thrives, attracting a wealth of marine life—from playful porpoises to migrating whales—that promise remarkable moments. Solo Traveller Special: Solo travellers can book a private cabin with ensuite and pay no single supplement. Subject to availability. April & May 2026 (Multiple Dates) on Maple Leaf at $3650, Swell starting at $3975, and Cascadia starting at $5500.   Great Bear Rainforest in Spring (10 or 12-Days)–An Epic Spring Safari Immerse yourself in the awakening beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest, one of Earth’s most pristine and ecologically rich regions. This epic spring expedition offers travelers the chance to experience the lush forests, remote fjords, and abundant wildlife of this iconic coastal rainforest. Towering cedar and spruce forests line the shores, creating a serene environment that shelters countless species. From black bears foraging along the water’s edge to eagles nesting in ancient trees, the Great Bear Rainforest offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. April & May 2026 (Multiple Dates) on Maple Leaf at $4900 and Swell starting at $7950. Embark on Swell’s renowned journeys through Alaska’s Inside Passage. With intimate encounters with humpbacks, orcas, and brown bears, this adventure is a treasure trove of untamed beauty and cultural exploration. Discover secret inlets, hike lush trails, and savor world-class cuisine aboard this comfortable converted tugboat built more than a century ago. This is a signature trip designed for those who love rugged luxury. Alaska Supervoyage (10 or 12-Days)–The Wild Frontier Enter the untamed wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage, where towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and ancient forests await. This is nature at its most raw and majestic, with opportunities to spot humpback whales breaching, brown bears fishing, and bald eagles soaring overhead. With small-ship access to remote areas beyond the cruising route, this expedition offers a rare and intimate connection to one of the world’s last great wild places. June, July & August 2026 (Multiple Dates) on Swell starting at $9700 Venture through Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage, a hidden world of coastal rainforests, secluded archipelagos, and abundant wildlife. This popular journey offered on Maple Leaf and Swell offers springtime encounters with whales, eagles, and the chance to visit Indigenous cultural sites like Umistá. This is a voyage where nature and culture collide in beautiful harmony. Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage (8-Days)–Island Culture & Wild Encounters The wonders of Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage on a journey through its wild, island-dotted coastlines, where scenic natural beauty and vibrant ecosystems await. This route traverses some of BC’s most iconic regions, from the warm, calm waters of Desolation Sound and the secluded Discovery Islands to the remote and biodiverse Broughton Archipelago. Guests are treated to panoramas of forested shorelines, hidden beaches, and cascading waterfalls, with vibrant wildflower meadows and lush rainforests. The journey offers incredible wildlife encounters, with seabirds gliding above and marine mammals like orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions often spotted off Swell’s bow. June, July & August 2026 (Multiple Dates) on Maple Leaf starting at $5100 and Swell starting at $5950 Discover the rich wonder of Haida Gwaii, a place where ancient culture meets dramatic landscapes. Aboard Maple Leaf or Cascadia, explore the islands’ rich history, from towering totem poles to ancient forests. With opportunities to meet Haida guides (including crew on Cascadia and some Maple Leaf trips) and witness wildlife like puffins and sea lions, this trip is a profound journey of this archipelago’s past and present. Haida Gwaii (8-Days)–Ancient Wonders Beyond Roads On an 8-day tour by land and sea, you’ll explore the famed, rich marine life and rainforests, as well as the Haida culture with local guides. Small ship travel provides access to a wonder beyond roads, Gwaii Haanas, the protected southern third of the Haida Gwaii archipelago often called “the Galapagos of the North”. Ancient rainforest covers much of the land, and rich marine life including whales and other marine mammals, tens of thousands of seabirds and abundant fish populate the waters. Gwaii Haanas also contains several unoccupied Haida village sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay. Cascadia 2-Way Flight Promotion: Book any Haida Gwaii trip aboard Cascadia and flights are included between Vancouver and Haida Gwaii May, June & July 2026 (Multiple Dates) on Maple Leaf starting at $9250 and Cascadia starting at $12,995.