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Canada from coast to coast
From the wind- and wave-carved cliffs of the Maritime regions to the rainforests of the western shores, Canada dazzles with its trove of natural riches. Our voyages cover each of the country’s coastal regions to provide a range of perspectives on the Great White North. Sail to festive fishing villages on the east coast, through a misty maze of coves and inlets on the west coast, or across the icy channels of the High Arctic, and gain new perspectives from our experts on a part of the world that is at once familiar and filled with wild surprises.
(0) Canada Itineraries
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Expedition Highlights
Our small expedition ships take you into the most remote corners of Canada’s coastline so you can get up close to incredible wildlife, visit secluded villages that celebrate centuries-old traditions, and witness pristine nature in its wildest form. Each vessel is stocked with a fleet of Zodiacs that allow us to sail without being dependent on ports or piers, while our kayaks and paddleboards let you glide into secluded inlets for a closer look at sea lions, or safely observe a bear feeding in a quiet cove.
Throughout your expedition in Canada, National Geographic Explorer provides an atmosphere of casual comfort as well as intellectual stimulation and sociability. After an active session of exploring, it’s always rewarding to return to Explorer—to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.
Savoring the Seafood of a Storied Region
This region has a rich fishing and marine history, much of which infuses itself into the world-famous mussels, cod tongue, and smoked herring which the locals pride themselves on.
Spectacular Ancient Landscapes of Newfoundland’s Gros Morne
Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park is one of the few places where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle and also cruise glacially carved freshwater fjords.
The earliest known European structures in North America are the Viking buildings in the stunning setting of Newfoundland’s L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.
The ancient village of SGang Gwaay Llnagaay, on the eastern edge of SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), is the most remote place in Canada’s most remote archipelago, some 160 miles south-west of Prince Rupert.
Wildlife & Natural Wonders in the Pacific Northwest
From killer whales frolicking in the waters around the densely forested San Juan Islands to bighorn sheep climbing along the sheer rock faces of Hells Canyon, the wildlife and scenery of the Pacific Northwest are vastly varied.
Absolutely astounding! We were continuously engaged and learned so much.
Lynne F.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, certified photo instructors, and more.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.
Our historians will share the stories, tumults, and triumphs of the people and places we explore. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel tour guides and companions.
Travel and shoot with a bona fide National Geographic photographer. These top pros are at your side and at your service—providing advice, tips, and slideshows. Access to photographers of this caliber will help you improve your skills and ensure you’ll go home with incredible photos.
Certified Photo Instructor
Every Canada expedition also offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to help you become a better, more confident photographer—and to help you understand the movements of wildlife so you can create top shots.
National Geographic Quest dropped anchor just after breakfast at Hanus Bay in Peril Strait. Not far behind the thick forest that welcomed us at the beach, was a beautiful lagoon with a large stream leading up to Lake Eva. Every level of hiker was able to enjoy the beauty of the flowing water and varied bird life. An ambitious few made it a mile in, halfway through the temperate rain forest to Lake Eva. There, we were able to take in the stunning views among the 500-year-old hemlocks and spruce, the largest trees of our trip by far. After the hikes, it was time for our final sail to Sitka. On our way, we had a surprising final farewell from some grey whales. A rather improbable sighting that capped off an amazing trip.
As we made our way out of Glacier Bay, we turned towards the mouth of the Inside Passage to take in the splendor of the Icy Strait. First, we Zodiac cruised around the Inian Islands, one of the most spectacular cruises in Southeast Alaska. Then we turned into Port Althorp where we made landfall to hike and kayak in the protected arm outside the massive tidal swings.
Glacier Bay National Park pulled out all the stops for the guests of National Geographic Quest today. We started our day with four brown bears before enjoying a fantastic brunch. As the day went on, we were treated with calving glaciers, fantastic terns, brilliantly sunny skies for a watercolor workshop on the sun deck, and more animals than we could count. 10/10 expedition day!
This morning, we awoke nestled in the deep fjords of Tracy Arm, National Geographic Quest a tiny miniature in this land of geological and frozen giants. Specks of white ice drifted by, floating on water teal and discolored by the glacial till. We made our way towards the glaciers and into the ice field which welcomed us coldly. After Zodiac cruising, a number of brave souls lept into the icy waters, defiant in the face of the freezing cold as they polar plunged into the brackish waters. In the afternoon we left the fjord, heading north when we encountered killer whales who crossed our bow and boisterously led us to a breaching humpback. It was just another glorious afternoon in the majestic waters of the Inside Passage.
Today we awoke as we passed through Wrangell Narrows and docked at Petersburg. The day was eventful, as guests and staff biked, hiked, and strolled around the island while learning about its culture, beauty, and ecosystem. Many saw their first muskeg, a bog with specially adapted plants, as they braved the rain. Once back onboard, we were greeted by a group of playful killer whales, including at least one calf. We witnessed tail slaps and even a few spy hops! After a lively crab feast, we all joined Luke as he led a rowdy game of trivia. The lounge was full of belly laughter until after 10pm.
It is fascinating to call at each island and see how their lives are inextricably tied to the seas through trade and fisheries—and it is just as fascinating to explore the ancient human history of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.
