VANCOUVER ISLAND AND SAN JUAN ISLANDS - SEATTLE TO SEATTLE
Departures April, September and October
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Ships which operate this route: | Spirit of Columbia - 78 guests |
This intimate, up-close exploration is only possible by small ship. One day, you are cruising entirely alone in Princess Louisa Inlet. The next, you are welcomed ashore in Nanaimo by red-uniformed constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In the San Juan Islands, listen to a piano concerto in Rosario Resort’s century-old mansion library on Orcas Island, and peruse the exhibits of the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Wherever you go, you enjoy an insider’s perspective on this beautiful and fascinating region.
Autumn in the Pacific Northwest frequently offers the gentle beauty of Indian summer, when the sun shines on the sparkling waters, the air is crisp and clean, and fall foliage mingles with the evergreens along the island shores.
| Day 1 | Sail from Seattle Arrive in Seattle and transfer from the Hospitality Suite to your ship. Once you have settled in your comfortable stateroom, step out on deck as you cruise through the Ballard Locks to Elliott Bay and a delightful view of Seattle’s skyline. (Dinner) |
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| Day 2 | Vancouver – Granville Island Arrive at Granville Island, where attractions include a huge marketplace and shops. An included tour highlights Stanley Park, a lovely old-growth forest that boasts an impressive collection of totem poles, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Have time to explore on your own. Reboard the ship to sail under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, in the shadow of the city’s gleaming glass towers. This evening you’ll pass through Howe Sound. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner) |
| Day 3 | Princess Louisa Inlet Today’s exploration will be wilderness cruising at its best, in waters usually accessible only by private yachtsmen. Princess Louisa Inlet, streaming with waterfalls and encircled by cliffs, is more than 1,000 feet deep, five miles long and 1/2 mile wide at its broadest point. After leaving Princess Louisa Inlet, you will have time for Captain’s Choice cruising, exploring wildlife and beautiful, remote nooks. (B L D) |
| Day 4 | Nanaimo, Gulf Islands Nanaimo is surrounded by astonishing views. A cannon booms from the Bastion, an 1853 Hudson’s Bay Company fort. Traditionally-dressed constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police welcome you from the pier. An included walking tour will show you the Cameron Island Promenade, the Old City Quarter, and the Nanaimo District Museum. Afternoon cruising is through the remote and lovely Gulf Islands. (B L D) |
| Day 5 | Sidney – Burchart Gardens – Victoria Dock in Sidney and transfer by motorcoach to the famous Butchart Gardens to walk the lovely pathways that thread around this quarry-turned-world-class showplace. Then to Victoria where you may choose to experience such civilized amenities as High Tea at the very-British Empress Hotel, or stout and a game of darts at an English pub. The shopping is particularly diverse and inviting and your ship is docked within convenient walking distance of all the major downtown attractions. (B L D) |
| Day 6 | Friday Harbor – San Juan Islands Your Friday Harbor visit includes an island excursion that takes you to the English campsite of the Pig War and the marine resort at Roche Harbor. This evening, enjoy an organ recital at Rosario Resort, in the lavish library of the original mansion. (B L D) |
| Day 7 | Captain's Choice Cruising – Port Townsend Our Captain will get you up-close to such places as Deception Pass, a narrow band of water, or possibly Protection Island, an untouched private island, Swinomish Channel, the entrance to the San Juan Islands, or other cruising at the Captain’s discretion. Arrive in Port Townsend for an included walking tour along the waterfront street of this nationally recognized city presented with a National Preservation Award in 2000 for their demonstrated excellence in historic preservation. (B L D) |
| Day 8 | Disembark in Seattle Transfer from your ship to the airport or extend your stay at the Westin Hotel, in the heart of downtown Seattle. (B) |
| Departure Dates | Prices From |
| Please ask us for details | |
