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Small Ship & Yacht Cruises

WEST COAST SAILING ADVENTURES 2008

THE EXPERIENCE

Our series of sailing adventures place the spotlight on BC’s beautiful Pacific Coastline and southern Alaska. Each expedition focus’s on high quality with small group size, sailing in comfort with top marine experts. .All yachts have large inflatable boats for shore excursions, and stable sea kayaks for exploring protected bays and along the shore. Each day is packed full of interesting activities like kayaking, wildlife viewing, exploratory shore walks. With an experienced crew you voyage island to island, then anchoring each night in a new, secluded bay. The experience is like no other, journeys reach some of the rarest and protected sites that few travellers ever get to see. In our opinion there is no better way to discover this stunning part of North America.  

THE JOURNEYS

Queen Charlotte Islands
Known as the "Canadian Galapagos"  these isolated islands have developed unique plants and animals and provide an unparalleled natural history experience! The experience includes remarkable wildlife opportunities, viewing old-growth rainforests, visiting hot springs and ancient Haida native villages. The rich waters support a wonderful variety of whales and thousands of seabirds. With more original standing totem poles than anywhere, 'Ninstints' is a designated United Nations World Heritage Site.

Duration 9 days (note some departures are 8 days). Embark: Sandspit:  12 departures May 16 – August 18, 2008.

South East Alaska
See Alaska the way it should be seen, aboard the vessels Island Odyssey or Snow Goose. From the decks enjoy outstanding humpback whale sightings while in Frederick Sound, the bears of Anan Creek and Admiralty Island plus cascading glaciers and bird life. Your Alaska experience is everything you dreamed of - the real thing up close, to share with a friendly crew and good companions. Duration 11 days. Embarkation ports vary: Prince Rupert/Petersburg/Wrangell/Sitka/Ketchikan .

10 Departures: June 19-August 22, 2008.

Great Bear Rainforest
British Columbia at its best! Explore the exciting west coast; it’s here the mystical, all white ‘Spirit Bear’ thrives in the rainforest regions. Throughout this journey expect to see dramatic and remote scenery plus whales, waterfalls and tiny native villages. Duration 8 days.

8 departures: Trips start / end in  Bella Bella, June 2 - Sep 27, 2008.

Northern Vancouver Island Orcas & Totems
Best way to appreciate orcas or killer whales in the Pacific waters plus the rich Kwakwaka'wakw native heritage is found on this route. Enjoy various species of marine mammals, remote beaches and summer sailing.  Vessel Island Odyssey. Duration 7 days. Embark. Port Hardy

5 departures: August 2 - August 28, 2008

Orcas, Totems & Grizzly Bears
On this epic trip with so much to see you can observe and photographing grizzly bears feeding on spawning salmon in Knight Inlet. While in the core feeding areas of Johnstone Strait, view orcas and humpback whales. Throughout you will have a true feeling for the rich Kwakwaka'wakw native heritage and culture. Duration 7 days (note Sep 3 trip is 5 days duration). Embark. Port McNeill.

4 departures: Sep 03 – Oct 10, 2008.

Canadian Gulf Islands
Pretty and colourful these islands provide a charming variety of marine parks which form the new Gulf Islands National Park. Close to Vancouver and Victoria, logistics are easy and sailing aboard the Island Odyssey is a popular experience. Embark: Sidney, Southern Vancouver Island. Duration 5 days.

3 departures: April 30 – October 22, 2008.

Inside Passage
Sail the famous protected waters of the "Inside Passage;”  exploring for grizzly bears, whales and the remote native villages of British Columbia. A great way to discover the true beauty of this route and far more memorable and personal than aboard the big ships. Duration 7 days, choose your embarkation port and date.

Two departures. (1) May 17-23 Embark Vancouver (2) October 6-15 Embark Bella Bella. 

THE VESSELS

Island Roamer:  A custom 68-foot ketch, launched in 1983. The boat's design, safety and comfort make her perfect for these trips. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers, a large comfortable lounge with an extensive library, plus a well-equipped galley. On deck, the large covered seating area provides protection in all weather. Large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, while small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew. A certified Canadian Ministry of Transport passenger vessel, she has all the safety equipment, electronic navigation aids, and features you would expect from a vessel of her standard

Island Odyssey:  68' ketch is sister-ship to 'Island Roamer'. Built originally as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, major renovations were completed in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. Features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers and a comfortable salon with good natural history library. On deck, the large deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to watch for wildlife. A certified Canadian Ministry of Transport vessel, sailors will love her easy roller-reefing and performance under sail. Everyone is welcome to get involved in the running of the ship.

Snow Goose: 65' steel motor-vessel was built in Alaska in 1973 as a private yacht. Ideal for research and education programs, she sleeps 12 passengers in 6 private cabins (double occupancy), with 3 heads and two showers. The main deck features a spacious, airy salon, natural history library, galley and dining area. Large windows provide great viewing on all sides with easy access to the deck. The upper bridge deck provides a good vantage point for spotting wildlife and comfortable seating for passengers who wish to get involved with the navigation of the ship. "Snow Goose" is a US Coast Guard certified passenger vessel.

COASTAL DESTINATIONS

The scenic central coast of British Columbia’s intricate shoreline has a long history. Stretching from Vancouver Island, north along the mainland coast, it forms a significant section of the famous ‘Inside Passage’ route to Alaska. Many of the Klondike bound gold seekers remained on the coast, attracted by the enormous trees and rich, salmon filled waters. Native people have lived on this coast over 10,000 years, establishing a renowned culture. Unfortunately, diseases spread from European traders decimating many village populations. Today, main coastal communities are Bella Bella, Klemtu and Hartley Bay. Only recently, with the introduction of the name “Great Bear Rainforest” this magnificent wilderness is once again in the spotlight. Now is the time to discover it for yourself.


CanadianPacificVacations.com

CanadianPacificVacations.com part of All Alaska Tours, Inc. | 413 G Street | Anchorage, Alaska USA 99501
Tel 907 375 6590 | Fax 907 272 2532 | E-mail: mytrip@canadianpacificvacations.com