Three Ships, One Coastline: A Guide to Maple Leaf, Swell and Cascadia
The coast of British Columbia isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a way to travel. Towering fjords, hidden anchorages, ancient rainforests, and the occasional blow of a humpback just offshore—all of it unfolds differently when you’re exploring by small ship. But here’s the rub: which ship is your ship? Maple Leaf Adventures operates three distinct vessels, each with its own soul, story and style of expedition. Whether you’re drawn to the wind-in-your-hair romance of a tall ship, the rugged-chic charm of a converted tugboat, or the elegance of a modern catamaran, there’s still time to make 2025 the year you sail BC’s wild coast. Jordan here at Maple Leaf Adventures has put together this guide to pick the ship that suits your travel soul—and where she’s headed next.
Dates & Rates Special Offers
Maple Leaf – For the Romantic Adventurer Built in 1904, the 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf is a wooden sailing vessel with a pedigree. She’s not a cruise ship—she’s a ship you cruise on. With billowing sails and varnished brass, she attracts kindred spirits: people who want to learn about the coast, feel the sea breeze on their face, and anchor in places few have heard of. Aboard Maple Leaf, you’re part of the crew’s rhythm. Morning coffee smells richer. Wildlife encounters feel more intimate. And the places you visit—like ancient village sites in Haida Gwaii or the kelp-fringed channels of the Great Bear Rainforest—feel like well-earned secrets.
Haida Gwaii A cultural and ecological journey into the heart of Haida territory. 5 spaces left. Departs Jul 16–24 at $8,990 per person. Learn More Whales and Totems Shorter journeys exploring Indigenous culture and whales around Johnstone Strait.
Departs Aug 3–8, 9–14, 15–20 at $5,300 per person.
Whales and Wild Isles (Great Bear Rainforest) A thrilling mix of remote beaches, ocean (whales & sea otters) and land (sea wolves, if lucky) set in ancient forest.
Departs Aug 21–29 at $7,700 per person. Learn More All Departures Inquire Today Cascadia – For the Expeditionist Who Likes Things Just So Cascadia is Maple Leaf’s youngest ship, a 138-foot expedition catamaran that offers luxury without pretense. Think wide decks, elegant cabins with windows that look out to the ocean, and an onboard naturalist team that makes every day a learning journey. There’s even a bridge deck observation platform where you can watch orcas breach or eagles soar over spruce-draped peaks. She’s made for those who want depth with their comfort—kayak explorations, multi-course coastal cuisine, and the kind of camaraderie you get on a small ship with a big heart.
Vancouver Island Supervoyage Our longest ever Vancouver Island itinerary, and the longest you’ll find anywhere. 3 cabins left.
Departs Jul 15-27 starting at $11,750 per person. Learn More Whales & Wild Isles (Great Bear Rainforest) A thrilling mix of remote beaches, ocean (whales & sea otters) and land (sea wolves, if lucky) set in ancient forest.
Departs Jul 28–Aug 5, Aug 6–14 starting at $10,950 per person. 5-day itinerary departs Aug 16–20 starting at $6,110 per person.
Great Bear Rainforest & Kitlope Venture deep into the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, where waterfalls pour from fjord walls and grizzlies roam ancient valleys. 5 cabins left. Departs Aug 21–28 starting at $9,570 per person.
Great Bear Rainforest in Fall Witness bears, whales and eagles in remote fjords and temperate rainforest. Multiple sailings Aug 29–Oct 16 starting at $12,150 per person.
Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC Fall colours and warm waters meet towering cliffs and rich wildlife. 4 cabins left. Departs Oct 20–27 starting at $8,070 per person.
Wines & Islands Fall colours, BC wines, and island calm. Winner of the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Award for Culinary & Agritourism.
Departs Oct 29-Nov 2 starting at $7,110 per person.
Swell – For the Rugged Soul With a Taste for Comfort With her sturdy hull and warm heart, Swell is a 100-foot former coastal tugboat lovingly restored to be a comfortable expedition ship. Imagine polished mahogany, cozy staterooms with ensuite heads, and a hot tub with a view of the rainforest. Swell is a vessel with stories. You’ll step into the wheelhouse where BC’s maritime history lives on—and then step ashore into grizzly bear country or into a kayak to explore hidden estuaries. She’s the perfect balance of adventure and ease, favoured by travellers who want close-up nature with a glass of wine (and a good yarn) in the evening.
Great Bear Rainforest Witness bears, whales and eagles in remote fjords and temperate rainforest. 2 cabins left.
Departs Oct 7–15 starting at $12,150 per person. Learn More Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC Fall colours and warm waters meet towering cliffs and rich wildlife. 2 cabins left. Departs Oct 29-Nov 2 starting at $6,750 per person.
All Departures Inquire Today If the call of the Pacific Northwest stirs your soul, but you can’t visit in person just yet, we have a solution. Join us on a virtual journey aboard our three magnificent small ships: Maple Leaf, Swell, and Cascadia.
