Chasing the Last Rays of Adventure

Venture deep into the Great Bear Rainforest, where towering ancient trees meet dramatic fjords. This 8 – 9-day journey will immerse you in the mysteries of one of the world’s last pristine rainforests. Encounter grizzly bears in their natural habitat, visit an island known as the epicentre of spirit bears, watch for whales, explore the rich indigenous heritage of the Haisla and Henaaksiala peoples, and discover secluded beaches, hot springs and waterfalls that few have ever seen. 

Flights Included on Select Sailings
Don’t miss your chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular performances—the Great Bear Rainforest in the fall. Book your trip by September 5, 2024, and we’ll take care of your flights from Vancouver to Bella Bella/Terrace for free.


Qualifying Trips
Great Bear Rainforest tours set out to explore fjordlands, remote islands, river estuaries, and west coast beaches. Get to know the intricate temperate rainforest and species that thrive here, including whales, eagles and bears (black, grizzly and spirit).
Sailing Ship – SV Maple Leaf, 9 daysAug 31-Sep 8; Sep 9-17; Sep 18-26; Sep 27-Oct 5; Oct 7-15 from $8,800
Catamaran – MV Cascadia, 8 daysOctober 9-16 from $11,740 USD
See our Dates and Rates for all Great Bear Rainforest trips, including non-qualifying trips this year and next.
A New Way to Explore the Great Bear Rainforest
We’re thrilled to announce a special opportunity for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers: due to the success of our shorter Great Bear Rainforest expeditions this summer, we’re offering a shorter version for this fall, too.
This shorter itinerary from October 9-13 offers incredible highlights during a peak bear-viewing season. It’s a unique opportunity to visit the land of the rare spirit bear and explore stunning fjords in a shorter getaway, perfect for those with limited availability.
Solo travellers can enjoy a Category 1 cabin without the Single Supplement, too.

For the connoisseur who loves to explore, our 5-day Wines and Islands tour offers a blend of gourmet experiences and natural beauty. Traverse the hidden coves and remote vineyards of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, meeting pioneering winemakers, and savour the flavours of BC’s unique terroir. Along the way, witness sea lions basking on rocky shores and kayak through peaceful inlets. Voted one of the “10 Best Wine Vacations in North America” by Time Out Magazine.
Fall 2024 Round Trip Flights for BC, Alberta and Washington Locals!
Reserve your spot on our Wines & Islands trip by September 15, 2024, and we’ll take care of your round-trip flights from British Columbia, Alberta or Washington to Victoria—free of charge! This is your chance to indulge in the ultimate autumn escape without the hassle of booking flights.

Qualifying Trips
Wines & Islands is a first-of-its kind wine tasting and nature expedition. Enjoy vineyard walks, sea lion haul-outs, and fine dining aboard luxury catamaran.
Catamaran – MV Cascadia, 5 daysOct 29 – Nov 2 2024 from $6,940
See our Dates and Rates for information on next year’s Wines and Islands.

Nature’s Final Encore: Autumn Escapes this year

The season of change is upon us, and what better way to welcome change than by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of autumn on the West Coast?
This time of year, the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound transform into secluded paradise. Cruising the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, you’ll explore hidden coves and quiet beaches beyond the ferry route, and if you’re lucky, spot orcas and sea lions enjoying the calm waters.

In Desolation Sound, fall unveils its own kind of magic. As you approach, layers of islands fade into distant purple hues backdropped by the rugged snow-capped mountains of the Unwin Range on the mainland. Wildlife abounds, with chances to spot seabirds, sea lions, seals and humpback whales. Plus in the fall, our guests are treated to remarkable bear viewing experiences in Toba Inlet.

Book 2025 Early for a Flight Credit
Looking further ahead? Book one of our qualifying fall nature and wildlife trips by April 30, 2025, and enjoy a $500 credit on your fare per person.

Qualifying Trips
Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC offers a journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago, as well as neighbouring inlets.
Catamaran – MV Cascadia, 5 daysOct 29 – Nov 2 2025, from $8,070
Wines & Islands is a first-of-its kind wine tasting and nature expedition. Enjoy vineyard walks, sea lion haul-outs, and fine dining aboard luxury catamaran.
Catamaran – MV Cascadia, 5 daysOct 29 – Nov 2 2025, from $7,100
Gulf Island National Park will see you island hop in the National Park Reserve, visit wildlife colonies, walk rainforest and rocky bluffs, and tiny islands not visited by ferries.
Sailing Ship – SV Maple Leaf, 5 daysOct 21 – 25 2025, from $9,500
Craft Beer & Culinary Cruise, a combination beer tour, cultural history adventure and small ship cruise explores BC’s rich and colourful craft brewing scene—a hotbed of the renaissance in North American brewing.
Tugboat – SV Swell, 5 daysOct 25 – 31 2025, from $4,100
Solo Traveller Special 2024
This fall, solo travellers can embark on a journey of self-discovery without paying a single supplement. Embark on a journey of discovery in Desolation Sound or the Gulf Islands while revelling in the freedom of solo exploration.
Book one of our select sailings and enjoy a private cabin with an ensuite—perfect for capturing those serene moments of nature’s final encore, all to yourself.


Dates & Rates
Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC offers a journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago, as well as neighbouring inlets.
Catamaran – MV Cascadia, 5 daysOct 29 – Nov 2 2024, from $7,870
Wines & Islands is a first-of-its kind wine tasting and nature expedition. Enjoy vineyard walks, sea lion haul-outs, and fine dining aboard luxury catamaran.
Catamaran – MV Cascadia, 5 daysOct 29 – Nov 2 2024, from $6,940
Gulf Island National Park will see you island hop in the National Park Reserve, visit wildlife colonies, walk rainforest and rocky bluffs, and tiny islands not visited by ferries.
Sailing Ship – SV Maple Leaf, 5 daysOct 21 – 25 2024, from $2,750
Craft Beer & Culinary Cruise, a combination beer tour, cultural history adventure and small ship cruise explores BC’s rich and colourful craft brewing scene—a hotbed of the renaissance in North American brewing.
Tugboat – SV Swell, 5 daysOct 25 – 31 2024, from $3,900
About the author

Nicola is the Managing Director of Micro-Cruising. Small ships great trips. Micro-Cruising sells trips on ships of 100 passengers or fewer. We are the specialists in small ships with over 700 vessels worldwide.