the serene waters and quiet woods of the Pacific Northwest while traveling aboard the comfortable M.V. Yorktown Clipper.
among the dramatic San Juan Islands keeping
for orcas, seals, and the many species of birds that inhabit this area.
the spectacular 50-acre Butchart Gardens in Victoria, and
the resort town of Whistler and the city of Vancouver—sites of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
ITINERARY: 8 DAYS
Day 1—Vancouver, British Columbia
the M.V. Yorktown Clipper. (D)
Day 2—Vancouver
Vancouver is nestled
the ocean and the Coast Mountains. Visit Gastown, home
many of the city's oldest buildings; Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks
North America; and Queen Elizabeth Park, a former rock quarry converted to sunken gardens. (B, L, D)
Day 3—Squamish/Whistler Village
Howe Sound is North America's southern-most fjord.
its head lies the picturesque community of Squamish. Visit the Squamish Valley museum to see its Native American artifact collection, then drive into the mountains to Whistler, site
the Alpine and Nordic events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. There's time to explore the town
your own, take advantage of the hiking trails, or take the optional Whistler Mountain gondola
to 6,000 feet above sea level for epic views
forests and alpine lakes. (B, L, D)
Day 4—Jervis Inlet
Jervis Inlet features the magnificent scenery
which the Pacific Northwest is known—mountainous landscape, precipitous cliffs, lush flora, beautiful waterfalls, and plentiful marine life. Today is spent searching for whales and other wildlife
ship. (B, L, D)
Day 5—Victoria
Victoria is British Columbia's provincial capital. Explore the Butchart Gardens,
the finest landscaped gardens in the world. Also visit the Royal British Columbia Museum with exhibits recalling 12,000 years of the area's history. (B, L, D)
Day 6—Friday Harbour, San Juan Island
Explore the quaint seaport town of Friday Harbour and visit the Whale Museum to learn about the natural history of marine mammals, especially orcas. Visit Roche Harbor and learn about the history of the limestone quarries. Then visit San Juan Island National Historical Park and walk
the restored English Camp, where British soldiers established a garrison after the Pig War of 1859. (B, L, D)
Day 7—Sucia Island and Matia Island
Cruise through the unspoiled northern San Juan Islands looking
eagles and seals. Later, enjoy guided nature walks on remote Sucia and Matia Islands. (B, L, D)
Day 8—Seattle
This morning, depart for your flight home. (B)
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Our Expert: Filip Nicklin
Filip Nicklin National Geographic photographer Filip Nicklin is widely regarded
one of the world's leading photographers of whales. His majestic photos and amazing audio tracks of humpbacks and killer whales have been featured in numerous National Geographic magazines and television specials. Flip migrates with the humpbacks, spending summers in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Alaska, and winters off Maui in Hawaii. A resident of the San Juan Islands for many years, Flip knows these waters and their abundant wildlife intimately.
Filip will accompany the September 27 departure.