A Personal Note from Kevin Smith and Maureen Gordon, Co-owners and Operators of Maple Leaf Adventures
For Canadians looking for a made-in-Canada holiday this year, we’ve put together a local’s guide to our all-inclusive, boutique expedition cruises along Canada’s breathtaking west coast.
We welcome guests from around the world, unified by the idea of exploring this beautiful place and its stories with a light footprint, a rich experience, and the guidance of locals.
One of those countries is our own country, Canada. This past week, we noticed a surge of interest among Canadians in travelling within their own country. If you’re among those seeking a remarkable adventure at home, we’ve compiled this post for you.
Of course, we continue to warmly welcome guests from all countries. If you’re joining us from outside Canada, feel free to skip ahead to our trip descriptions below.
Why Local Travel Matters
Photo: Kevin Smith
Maple Leaf Adventures’ co-owners Maureen Gordon and Kevin Smith have dedicated their lives to sustainable tourism, leading expeditions that connect guests with the wild beauty of Canada’s west coast.
As Kevin likes to say, we get to vote for our leaders every four years or so, but we can vote for the world we want every day by choosing how and where we spend our money. Right now, many Canadians are embracing that power.
We find ourselves in a moment of deep reflection about our economy, our communities, and our way of life. We are allowing our often-understated patriotism to flare. Some may see it as a kinder, gentler patriotism but it’s beautiful and strong. We should be proud we have risen to the challenge of an existential threat. We should be proud that we understand as a country that you can think globally and make change locally. Canadian adventures and celebrating what makes our country special is one way we can contribute.
So, if you are looking for an extraordinary travel experience inside Canada, we invite you to explore these journeys along the west coast. Our trips take place in the territories of many Indigenous Nations, and we have spent decades building respectful relationships and agreements that recognize traditional territories, rights and title while supporting conservation-based tourism.
Canadian Alternatives for Your Next Vacation
Photo: Simon Ager
Explore Canada’s hard-to-reach bays and inlets with immersive, small-ship adventures that take you beyond the ordinary.
The Inside Passage
When people think of exploring the Inside Passage, it’s often just the Alaskan part they are aware of. In fact, Alaska cruise ships go past the Canadian part in the night. But there’s incredible places to visit …our trips here have won many awards.
Dramatic fjords, thousands of islands, and the serene waterways that wend between them. Ancient rainforests echo with the footsteps of wolves and bears, while whales and other marine mammals feast in the cold, rich waters. This is the stunning natural setting of Desolation Sound and Great Bear Rainforest expeditions, where our local guides let you experience up close the natural and cultural wonders here.
Haida Gwaii
A cultural holiday in a nature-rich archipelago on the continental shelf. This wedge-shaped island group off the coast is famed for ancient rainforests, marine life, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay in Gwaii Haanas. This Haida Gwaii expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore the traditional lands of the Haida people, with Haida guides, where monumental art and Indigenous history meet lush rainforest. Covers the islands from north to south.
Vancouver Island
Perennially voted one of the world’s best islands to visit, Vancouver Island offers everything from dramatic shorelines and wildlife. Our Vancouver Island expeditions take you beyond the road-accessible areas to explore the island’s hidden gems—whether its the rugged northwest coast (think a temperate Napali Coast) or the serene southern archipelago (like a verdant Greek Islands, but with more wildlife than people).
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and Salish Sea
If your dream getaway includes sailing between green-gold islands in calm blue waters, catching the sight of seabirds and marine mammals, and stepping ashore to explore scenic trails and rugged beaches, then this is the place for you. The national park reserve protects Canada’s most endangered landscape — desirable oak woodland, wildflowe meadows, bluffs and beaches. Learn about the Gulf Islands and Salish Sea trips.
Wine, Beer and Culinary Adventures in Nature
If a Napa or a European wine tour isn’t in the cards this year, consider our Wines and Islands Cruise, an island-hopping exploration of British Columbia’s best wines, flavours and natural beauty. Shore trips to explore nature, visits and meals with winemakers, kayaking calm bays and fabulous tasting dinners with our guides are just some of the highlights. Or opt for our Craft Beer Cruise, celebrating the region’s thriving craft brewing scene.
The Style of Travel: Proudly Canadian, Wildly Beautiful
Photo: Tavish Campbell
Set sail on an authentic journey through Canada’s breathtaking coastal wilderness, where you’ll forge connections with the people, nature, and wildlife.
Guests who seek a locally guided, immersive adventure often describe our small-ship expeditions as one of the most enriching travel experiences they’ve ever had.
For about a week, with just a small group of other likeminded guests (8 to 24 people), you’ll explore the wild and remote coast alongside expert local guides and crew. Cruising aboard a locally owned, boutique expedition yacht, you’ll experience the best of this region—rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, fjords, whales, sea stars, and bears—all while enjoying fresh, local cuisine and a deeply personal connection to the landscape and culture. You’ll go ashore frequently (approx 2 times per day) to fully explore and experience all the coast has to offer.
Since these remote areas have no roads (which keeps their incredible natural ecosystems intact), we travel by small expedition yacht. The experience is intimate, comfortable, and full of breathtaking moments. The waters are protected almost completely from ocean swells so, unlike most other coastlines in the world, this is an easy place to explore.
Your journey will feel like a private expedition with friends—relaxed, personalized, and fun. You’ll be well taken care of and yet also fully connected to the place, its wildlife, and its cultural history, having a wonderful sense of adventure.
If you’d like guidance in choosing the perfect trip, we’d be happy to help.
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