7 Night Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands Cruise from Seattle

Arrive in Seattle in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.

Clear into Canada in the charming city of Victoria and choose from several tailor-made options to explore based on your interests. Visit private gardens, bike along the waterfront, stroll through Old Town, or peruse the collections at local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria while taking in their wide-ranging collection.

Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It's easy to understand why, with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak, there are many isolated bays to poke into and islets that beckon for exploration. On land, there are meadows and forest trails for hiking.

Sail through Johnstone Strait, a waterway cut through a magnificently wild and scenic area of mountains and islands. These ocean waters are also home to extraordinary marine mammals and bird watching. Today, we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia. Alert Bay on Cormorant Island has been and continues to be the home of the Kwakwaka'wakw people and a center for the living culture found throughout the Northwest Coast. We will visit the U'Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the northwest coast's finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. We'll then make a stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the T'sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, "educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings and values".

Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter's paradise. We'll take our pick of perfect spots to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife.

Explore Friday Harbor, a picturesque town on San Juan Island. Visit the Whale Museum, with its fascinating collection of artifacts, artwork, and whale skeletons. Stop in at small shops and galleries.

Today we'll visit the more remote of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in northern Washington State perfect for kayaking, exploring by Zodiac, and hiking. Walks with our expert staff will familiarize you with the natural and cultural history of the rugged northwest coast region. Tonight, enjoy Captain's farewell dinner.

Disembark National Geographic Venture after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home.