2026 Nature and Wildlife Expeditions are on the Horizon

Charting new paths and revisiting timeless favorites in British Columbia and Alaska

A new year brings new adventures, and while crew are busily preparing our ships for a stand-out 2025—our 2026 season promises to be one for the books.

One of the updates we’re most excited about is the return of Maple Leaf to Alaska for the first time in a decade—and the expansion of our Vancouver Island Inside Passage itinerary aboard this beloved heritage schooner.

Of course, the season wouldn’t be complete without our popular mainstays. Destinations including Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest in Spring, Desolation Sound, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island will be back, spanning across Maple Leaf, Swell, and Cascadia.

Stay tuned for fall itineraries coming soon, and start planning your journey through the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

What to Expect in 2026

Our 2026 itineraries build on our legacy of offering unparalleled small-ship expeditions on the pristine coasts of British Columbia and Alaska.

• Small Group Intimacy: Each trip is limited to 8, 12, or 24 guests, offering a personalized and immersive experience not possible on bigger ships.
• Flexible Exploration: Our expert guides design each voyage around the weather, tides, and wildlife activity to make every journey unique.
• World-Class Expertise: With naturalists, historians, local guides and seasoned crew aboard, you’ll gain a deeper connection to the landscapes, wildlife, and culture of these breathtaking regions.

Whether sailing through Alaska’s Inside Passage, exploring Haida Gwaii’s rich culture and wildlife, or soaking in the calm waters of Desolation Sound, 2026 promises to deliver exceptional moments.

Early Bird Incentives for 2026

Some expeditions start to fill as soon as they are made available. So take advantage of our early bird booking offer and secure your 2026 expedition now:

Black Friday Sail: Pay in full for your Alaska or British Columbia voyage by November 30, 2024, and save $300 on your final balance.

Pay in Full 10% Discount: Receive 10% off your final balance when you pay in full by January 10, 2025. This offer can be combined with our Black Friday Sail.

More Special Offers Coming Soon: Stay tuned for future offers including flight credits on select Spring, Summer and Fall bookings. These specials are applied retroactively to booked guests, so you don’t have to delay if you’re ready to plan your adventure.

Behind the Sails with Maureen Gordon

Photo: Kevin Smith

Pictured here at Dawes Glacier, Maureen Gordon—co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures—brings decades of experience in the field to crafting each itinerary, making every journey as authentic and awe-inspiring as the landscapes we visit.

A seasoned explorer of the Pacific Northwest and former deckhand aboard the Maple Leaf during her time in Alaska, Maureen Gordon—co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures—takes us behind the scenes of the company’s exciting new routes and timeless favorites.

The Maple Leaf has a storied history in Alaska, but it’s been a while since she’s sailed there. Can you share what inspired her return in 2026?

“Often we keep Maple Leaf in British Columbia during the summer because it’s so beautiful here, but we know there’s an appetite to sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Our plan is to send Maple Leaf to Alaska for two back-to-back trips every five to ten years, and 2026 is the next window of opportunity.”

What makes the experience aboard the Maple Leaf in Alaska unique?

“It’s an opportunity for people who don’t need anything between them and their environment to really immerse themselves in nature. When you’re aboard Maple Leaf, you can sit out on deck surrounded by the awesome beauty of Alaska’s Inside Passage. It’s incredible—everything is times ten. You’re supported by a strong, comfortable ship, an amazing crew, and great food, but the focus is on just being in nature. And, of course, there’s the benefit of sailing when we can.”

How do the itineraries aboard Maple Leaf and Swell differ in Alaska?

“The experiences—wildlife, landscape, natural history, and shore excursions—are similar, but Maple Leaf trips offer that distinct advantage of sailing. There’s a different kind of magic to being under sail, especially in a place as stunning as Alaska. It’s also a great option for travellers with a smaller budget, offering an unforgettable experience at a slightly lower price point”

Switching gears to Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage, this itinerary is a new addition for Maple Leaf. What inspired the change?

“Swell’s Vancouver Island Inside Passage trip has been so popular that it sells out every year. So, we decided to offer it on Maple Leaf as well. It’s an opportunity for guests to explore the Discovery Islands, Johnston Strait, the Broughton Archipelago, and more, with Maple Leaf’s charm and sailing pedigree.”

What else should guests be excited about when booking a trip in 2026?

“There’s so much to look forward to! Beyond our new itineraries, our popular mainstays are back. Maple Leaf and Swell continue to provide remarkable journeys in the Great Bear Rainforest in the spring; a peak time for wildlife. Haida Gwaii remains a standout destination for both culture and wildlife; it’s one of our signature trips, made even richer by the Haida guides and enterprises we work with on every journey. Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands also hold incredible charm, with their calm waters and diverse wildlife. And of course, Vancouver Island expeditions offer something very different from your typical Island tour. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, every trip offers something extraordinary; it’s all about connecting with the nature and culture of these pristine regions.”

Ready to Start Planning?

Secure your spot on one of our 2026 expeditions and discover the breathtaking beauty of coastal British Columbia and Alaska. Whether you’re drawn to the rich culture of Haida Gwaii, the serene waters of Desolation Sound, or the wild majesty of Alaska’s Inside Passage, there’s something remarkable waiting for you.