Canadian Summer Destinations That Feel Like a Secret

Some of Canada’s most remarkable summer destinations are the ones few people know about—places where cool ocean air, endless space, and a slower rhythm offer an alternative to crowded hotspots. Here’s where you’ll find them:

Haida Gwaii (9 days, 8 nights) Off the northwest coast of British Columbia, the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii stays lush and temperate over summer. Explore the unroaded Gwaii Haanas in the south, where careful people management provides almost exclusive access to village sites like UNESCO World Heritage Site SG̱ang Gwaay. With the stories and cultural teaching of our Haida guides, explore important village sites, kayak secluded bays, walk among magnificent old-growth, and land on beaches lined with shells strewn by tides. Jun 13-21 (1 space left) or 21-29 (1 space left) aboard Maple Leaf, at $8990 CAD ($6525 USD) Jun 22-29 (2 cabins left) aboard Cascadia starting at $12,900 CAD ($9,360 USD)

Whales & Wild Isles (5 or 9 days) Covering more than six million hectares, the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest remaining temperate rainforests on Earth. In summer, wild islands teem with life: humpback whales breach in sheltered fjords, sea otters raft together in kelp beds, and coastal wolves roam quiet beaches.In late summer, the first salmon runs begin, drawing bears back to river mouths—but even before then, it’s a season rich in movement, light, and the sound of water everywhere.

Aug 21-29 aboard Maple Leaf, at $7700 CAD ($5580 USD) Jul 28-Aug 5 (3 cabins left), Aug 6-14 (6 cabins left), Aug 16-20 (5 cabins left) aboard Cascadia starting at $6110 CAD ($4435 USD)

Vancouver Island’s Wild Side (12 or 13 days) Rugged and untamed, this coast offers a raw, elemental experience that contrasts with more populated summer destinations like Victoria or Tofino. Here, you’ll find isolated beaches backed by rainforest, dramatic bluffs where tufted puffins nest, and the thrill of kayaking in sea otter territory. At the foot of Brooks Peninsula’s glacial refugium, our friends from Kyuquot welcome us to Spring Island and we spend the day together, ending with a traditional Indigenous salmon bake.

Jul 15-27 (6 cabins left) aboard Cascadia starting at $12,547 CAD ($9105 USD)

Whales & Totems (6 days, 5 nights) A sheltered world of misty channels and forested islets, the Broughton Archipelago is a haven for slow summer exploration. Orcas and humpbacks frequent the nutrient-rich waters, while Pacific white-sided dolphins race alongside boats. Paddle into hidden coves, spot bald eagles soaring overhead, and trace the quiet backwaters. We’ll also explore Kwakwaka’wakw culture with Indigenous guides. Far from the busier parts of Vancouver Island, it’s a place to find calm, wildlife, and wonder—at nature’s own pace.

Aug 3-8, 9-14, 15-20 (2 spaces left) aboard Maple Leaf, at $5300 CAD ($3850 USD)

The Kitlope River Valley (8 days, 7 nights) At the end of a traverse of two fjords, within the Henaaksiala people’s territory, lies the Kitlope: “Huchsduwachsdu”—source of the milky-blue waters. This spectacular valley, surrounded by granite mountains, is like a world apart. Fed by glaciers, its turquoise river winds through the largest intact temperate rainforest on Earth. Protected through the efforts of the late Elder Wa’xaid (Cecil Paul), it remains a sacred, rarely visited place.

Aug 21-28 (4 cabins left) aboard Cascadia starting at $9,570 CAD ($6950 USD)

Make the most of your summer with these limited-time offers on our small ship expeditions. Whether you’re traveling solo or seizing a last-minute escape, we have you covered.

Last Call for Summer 2025 – Save $200

Catch the long days and fair weather of BC’s coast this summer. Book one of the following trips by May 31, 2025, and receive $200 off per person:

• Whales & Totems (Aug 3–8, Aug 9–14, SV Maple Leaf)
• Whales & Wild Isles (Aug 21–28, SV Maple Leaf)

Solo Traveller Special – No Single Supplement

Explore the coast in your own private cabin—no single supplement required! Available on select 2025 trips including:

• Whales & Wild Isles (Jul 28–Aug 5, Aug 6–14, Aug 16–20, MV Cascadia)

Offers are subject to availability and booking deadlines. See website for full terms and conditions.