Alaska's inside Passage – Wilderness & Culture (Southbound)

Embarking from Sitka

After an early-morning flight into Sitka from Vancouver, you’ll arrive in a city set in the heart of Tongass National Forest. This has been the ancestral homeland of the Łingít people for 10,000 years. Russian explorers settled here at the turn of the 19th century, and Russia, weakened by the Crimean War, sold the territory to the United States in 1867.

Today, those layers of history remain visible: at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Russian Bishop's House, and in the Łingít and Haida totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park.

Your ship is waiting at the pier. It’s time to settle into your cabin, meet the Expedition Team, listen to the safety briefing, and take your seat for a welcome dinner.

Remote Islands of Alaska’s Wild Coast

Today we’ll make the most of our Zodiacs to explore the rugged coastline where Alaska’s Inside Passage meets the Pacific Ocean. Keep your binoculars in hand: this is an area where you’re very likely to see sea lions and sea otters, along with whales and nesting seabirds.

We may also step ashore in a small, remote fishing community, where boardwalks replace roads and daily life unfolds at a gentle pace, surrounded by wilderness. Take time to wander, visit a local museum, or simply watch the water—whales are sometimes known to venture close to shore.

Watch for sea lions, sea otters, and orcas where the Inside Passage meets the open Pacific Ocean, and step ashore in a fishing village.

Discover a flourishing artistic heritage

Near the head of the Lynn Canal lies the frontier town of Haines, which was originally home to the Chilkat Łingít people. They are renowned for their weaving skills, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark woven into intricate designs, and here, you’ll see excellent examples of their work.

Haines has a flourishing art scene, with galleries and workshops showcasing totem carvings, silverwork, and sculptures. Taking home some Alaskan arts and crafts is a great way to support local creators. The beautiful landscapes here are also ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Spend time with the local community

We’ll spend the day exploring this deep, narrow section of the Chatham Strait, perhaps heading out on Zodiacs to explore the waters, where you should keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales. You may have the chance to see them work harmoniously to adopt a method of ‘bubble net feeding’, a rare sight that is often only seen in these parts of the world. 

We also hope to visit a remote community and pause for a storytelling session with a community elder, hearing about daily life in these quiet, rarely seen regions. We also might hike through Tongass National Forest, America’s largest temperate rainforest, with local guides, and you may take a self-guided stroll through the village, learning about the local history.  

Learn about Haida culture

The coastline of Prince of Wales Island is best explored by Zodiac or kayak. If conditions allow, choose your favourite of the two, gliding alongside the forested coastline and gulping in the sea air.  Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, sea otters, and humpback whales are just some of the wildlife that call America’s fourth-largest island home. 

During our time here, we’ll take the opportunity to meet one of the two remaining Haida communities in Alaska. Hear firsthand about their history and deep spiritual connection to the land and sea, and witness the art of totem pole carving, with historical legends skilfully depicted on the wood.

Gain insight into Tsimshian culture

Today, we’ll be heading on shore to learn about Metlakatla from the indigenous community that calls it home. Our Tsimshian hosts will tell us about their culture, seafaring traditions, and intricate art. Here, stories are often told by the medium of dance, and we’ll have a chance to witness a dance demonstration that will remain a highlight of your expedition. Explore more of the island with local guides, and try the traditional foods, such as salmon, berries, and seaweed.

Marine life along the Pacific coast

This coastal route takes us through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long.

We’ll be sailing outside of the protected fjords into open waters, up Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait. This is a day at sea, and our passage is somewhat protected from the open ocean by the island of Haida Gwaii. As we sail, look out for wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, fin whales, minke whales, and Pacific white-sided dolphins.

Back where it all began

Your expedition ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver, a Pacific seaport framed by steep mountains and dense coastal forest. Wander the Victorian streets of Gastown, or walk the seawall past the towering cedar groves of Stanley Park, a first taste of the wilderness ahead. The seafood and farm-to-table dining here is exceptional.

Perhaps cross to Granville Island for the public market, hire a bike along the seawall, or head up Grouse Mountain for a panoramic farewell view of the city, ocean, and peaks you've explored on your voyage.