The best way to explore the islands is by sea aboard Maple Leaf Adventures's classic, wooden tugboat. The 88-foot Swell  accommodates 12 guests and features private ensuite cabins, a hot tub with a view, and lounge areas from which to view puffins, whales and bears."...

A Whale of a Time

Oh, the marine life you see on a jazzed-up tugboat in British Columbia. by Bill Fink "..., we realize that our trip isn't simply a whale-watching expedition, but rather a journey into the ancient spirit of the Pacific Northwest, experiencing the power of the seas, the majesty of the mountains, and the soul of both the creatures and the peoples who have populated the area for countless generations." Read the full article here....

Cruise Canadian islands on a "boutique" ship by Caroline Eden A renovated tugboat is a perfect way to take in the wildlife and scenery of the British Columbia...

Tugboat tours in Canada by Elaine Glusac Itineraries highlight remote areas hard to reach by larger ship's in Alaska's Inside Passage and British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest and Gulf Islands. The Swell carries kayaks and fishing gear for passenger use and rigid-hull inflatable boats for guide-led wilderness excursions....

Small boat adventures by Phil Marty Nothing beats a small boat for cruising remote coastal areas. The experience is more intimate, and smaller vessels can get into locations not available to large cruise ships. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is launching a series of expedition cruises run by Maple Leaf Adventures. The inaugural cruise will send a flotilla of as many as three small boats to explore the fjords of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia....

Small cruise ships offer intimate, unique adventures by Phil Reimer Maple Leaf was a one sailboat operation but has added a second boat to the fleet, the Swell, which carries just 10 passengers. A 27-metre (88-foot) classic wood tugboat, the Swell has been restored to offer boutique expedition cruises along the B.C. and Alaska coast. With so few passengers, you should know the crew and everyone else by the first night's dinner....