A new season is on the horizon—and with it, fresh opportunities to experience the raw beauty, cultural richness, and untamed wilderness of coastal British Columbia and Alaska.
Maple Leaf Adventures is excited to unveil our full 2026 expedition schedule, featuring classic favourites and all-new voyages designed with flexibility, adventure, and meaningful connection in mind.
Whether you’ve dreamed of sailing among ice bergs in Alaska, standing among ancient poles in Haida Gwaii, or slipping into secluded fjords in the Great Bear Rainforest, 2026 offers more ways than ever to explore this incredible coast—on your terms, and with expert local guides at your side.
Where We’re Going in 2026
Each year, we set out with a commitment to offer rare and enriching access to this region’s most spectacular places—and 2026 is no exception.
Here’s where our three ships—Maple Leaf, Swell, and Cascadia—are headed:
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Alaska’s Inside Passage: Return to the grandeur of the Inside Passage aboard Swell or—this year only–Maple Leaf. Expect whales, brown bears, calving glaciers, Alaskan towns, and days rich with wild exploration.
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Haida Gwaii: Explore the entire archipelago, from north to deep into famed and hard-to-reach Gwaii Haanas aboard Maple Leaf or Cascadia, with Haida hosts guiding the way.
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Great Bear Rainforest: Choose from short or long expeditions through this globally significant ecosystem—fjords, salmon streams, bears, and rainforest magic await.
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Vancouver Island: From the cultural routes of the Inside Passage to the storm-carved shores of the Island’s west coast, our expeditions explore the parts Vancouver Island that still retains its original magic. ich marine life, spectacular coastal scenery, and original culture from our Indigenous guides.
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Desolation Sound: Soak up coastal charm and warm waters on a spring or fall voyage through BC’s most inviting cruising grounds. Easy to get to from Vancouver or Vancouver Island, and yet incredibly wild.
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The Gulf Islands: Explore the wild islands the ferry routes miss. Go ashore on sandstone coastlines, walk to views, and explore the coastal forest and beaches. These spring and fall voyages explore the ecological and cultural layers of this archipelago, with opportunities to see beautiful native wildflower meadows, view marine wildlife and migratory birds, and experience the coast at a slower pace.
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Award-winning Culinary Adventures: Celebrate the flavours of the coast with our Wines & Islands and Craft Beer expeditions. Sail the Salish Sea while exploring with the five senses. Exclusive tasting with winemakers and craft brewers, not available to the general public, and exploring the nature that creates the flavours and the spirit of coastal cuisine and its people.
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With maximum guests at just 8, 12, or 24 people, and guides who tailor every journey to the moment, no two trips are the same.
What’s New for 2026?
Photo: Phil Stone
Soak up the incredible sights and sounds of the Pacific Northwest in a whole new way!
We’ve introduced a few exciting new routes and formats—designed to meet travellers where they are, whether you’re seeking an epic adventure or a short, immersive escape.
Raising Sail for Alaska—Maple Leaf’s Epic Return
After a decade away, our classic schooner Maple Leaf is heading back to Alaska for one year only. This rare opportunity to sail among glaciers, fjords, and whale-rich waters combines the adventure of a sailing ship with Alaska’s frontier spirit. Read more here.
Great Bear Rainforest Tours—Your Way
Seeking adventure as part of a British Columbia itinerary—or just short on time? Our new 5-day Great Bear Rainforest journeys aboard Maple Leaf and Cascadia offer a rich taste of coastal adventure in a shorter window. Perfect for families, younger explorers, or anyone seeking a shorter immersion into bear country, rainforest, and fjords.
And then there’s the new Super Voyage. Sailing aboard Swell, this extended itinerary stretches deeper and farther than any other operator, adding time and nuance to every anchorage. This is an experience for guests who really want to go all in—it’s the deepest Great Bear Rainforest tour on offer. Read more here.
See Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage Differently
Sail a world of hidden coastal rainforests, secluded archipelagos, and wildlife-rich shores. Now aboard both Swell and Maple Leaf, this spring journey includes encounters with whales, eagles, Indigenous cultural sites like Umistá—and a visit to Billy Proctor’s beloved coastal history museum.
Fall in Love with Desolation Sound
For those seeking an easy-access autumn getaway, our new 4-night trip aboard Maple Leaf sails round-trip from Campbell River—perfect for a restorative long weekend with crisp air, sea lions, and the possibility of whale or bear sightings.
Book Early and Save
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
If you’re ready to start planning your 2026 travel, don’t miss the chance to enjoy special discounts and flight credits.
Many of our expeditions fill shortly after they’re released. Plan ahead and enjoy these limited-time early bird incentives:
- Pay in Full Discount – Save 5% when you pay in full by September 30, 2025
- Spring Fling Flight Promotion – Book a qualifying nature and wildlife trip by November 30, 2025, and get a $500 credit on your fare per person
- Solo Traveller Special – Back by popular demand, discover the rich culture and natural wonder of the BC coast in the comfort of your own cabin and en-suite—without paying a single supplement
- More Offers Coming Soon – Watch this space for more flight credits and other offers. We’ll apply them retroactively for already-booked guests.
Wildly Different, Proudly Local
Photo: Tristan Wilks
Step into far-off parts of British Columbia or Alaska that are a world unto their own.
You’ll experience one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, and its friendly people, in a truly intimate way: aboard locally owned, small ships where our local knowledge, community partnerships, and a deep respect for nature, make your trip truly connected to this place. Since 1986, we’ve proudly operated as an ecotourism company, using our business as a force for good.
Our trips aren’t just low impact—they actively support the people and places we visit. From collaborating with Indigenous Nations under formal protocol agreements, to co-founding of multiple industry bodies advancing sustainability and conservation—including the Commercial Bear Viewing Association and the Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators Association, we’re helping to build a regenerative, conservation-based economy here on the coast.
Our crew and guides are locals, our ships provision in small communities, and guests from all over the world connect with local knowledge—from cultural interpreters to scientists and stewards.
Why Travel With UsWhere Will 2026 Take You?
Your next adventure begins here. Our friendly sales team will help you along the way.
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