British Columbia Bears & Whales

• GO ANYWHERE EXPEDITION VESSELS. SAIL INTO BRITISH COLUMBIA’S WILD SIDE, ONE SERENE BAY AT A TIME.

Set sail on small-group adventures through Canada’s Pacific paradise, where untouched nature meets pure tranquility. Maple Leaf Adventures operates coastal expeditions through British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, taking guests to Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the Great Bear Rainforest.

Maple Leaf Adventures offers a private-yacht feel, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Their vessels are fully certified passenger ships, though they are far from conventional cruise liners. Each one is purpose-built, distinctive, and handcrafted, carrying between 8 and 24 guests at most.

Although there is ample room for everyone on board, the cabins on Maple Leaf and Swell are more compact than those found on large cruise ships. Guests typically spend their time out on deck, ashore exploring, in the wheelhouse, in shared lounges, or riding in the small tenders.

The surrounding wilderness, fascinating wildlife, shore excursions, engaging people they encounter, and the chef’s exceptional meals and snacks keep guests delighted throughout the day. And with such small groups, there’s never a need for anyone to retreat or disappear.

Ideal profile of passengers.

Their travellers tend to be nature-minded explorers who want to experience the rugged beauty of the West Coast.

Their vessels.

Their vessels are certified passenger ships, though they are not traditional cruise liners. Each one is distinct, purpose-built, and handcrafted, carrying between 8 and 24 guests at most.

Although there is ample room on board, the cabins on Maple Leaf and Swell are more compact than those on large cruise ships. Guests typically spend much of their time out on deck, exploring ashore, relaxing in the wheelhouse or lounges, or heading out in the small boats.

The surrounding scenery, engaging wildlife, shoreline excursions, the people encountered along the journey, and the chef’s excellent meals and treats offer constant interest throughout the day. And with so few guests, there’s never any need for anyone to retreat or keep to themselves.

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CASCADIA: 138-Foot Expedition Catamaran. Bright, comfortable, and designed to venture into the coast’s most untouched corners.

Cascadia is a versatile expedition catamaran built to travel virtually anywhere. She hosts up to 24 guests in 12 elegant cabins and is staffed by a crew of 9–11.

Purpose-built for intimate, premium voyages, she stands apart from any other vessel operating on the BC coast. Bright, roomy, and refined, she’s engineered to reach the coast’s most remote and wildlife-rich areas.

Her modest scale and limited guest capacity create a genuine, personal experience that aligns with the natural limits of coastal inlets and local communities.

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SWELL: 88-Foot Former Tugboat.
Originally built in Vancouver in 1912, Swell spent 92 years serving local communities as a hardworking vessel. Now transformed to host 12 guests across 6 private cabins, each featuring its own bathroom with shower. Stylish, inviting, and boutique in character.

Step aboard this stunning wooden tug and experience the timeless strength of her classic craftsmanship. As the crew releases the lines, you’ll navigate coastal waters she has been charting for over a century.

The beautiful Swell offers spacious accommodations and features unmatched by any other vessel of her kind along the coast. Her transformation from workboat to passenger ship preserves the hearty charm of her original design, while introducing a new level of comfort and refinement.

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MAPLE LEAF: 92-Foot Schooner.
Launched in Vancouver in 1904, Maple Leaf boasts a history as both a luxury yacht and a rugged long-liner. She hosts 8 guests in semi-private double sleeping areas, with 3 shared bathrooms featuring showers. Cozy, yet imbued with a true sense of adventure.

Designed for Immersion in Nature
Maple Leaf is a legendary coastal schooner. From her origins as a luxury racing yacht to her time as a rugged highliner in the Prince Rupert halibut fishery, she remains one of the coast’s most capable and graceful vessels. Sailing aboard her is like joining a famed explorer as a guest, hearing remarkable stories few ever experience firsthand.

At 92 feet in length, she welcomes up to 8 guests in 4 semi-private sleeping areas, with 3 shared bathrooms, served by a crew of 4 or 5.

A sea-kindly vessel with impressive range, Maple Leaf can carry you to the wildest, most remote corners of the coast with comfort and safety. Her sails and 40,000-pound keel provide steady passage, while the warmth of her crew and their culinary offerings ensure your spirit soars throughout the journey.

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* British Columbia Active Sailing holidays 2026 & 2027*

Starting point

Canada, Bella Bella, British Columbia (short flight from Vancouver)

General overview

Remarkable Journeys. Engaging People. Wild Spaces.