North Vancouver Island
Meander through the Broughton Archipelago, a labyrinth of islands and islets that make up the largest marine provincial park in British Columbia
View ItineraryMeet the Island’s Wild Side
Witness Vancouver Island From a Whole New Lens
Don’t let the proximity to Vancouver lead you astray – this itinerary showcases all that the marine world and coastline of British Columbia has to offer. Orcas, whales, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, and porpoises abound, North Vancouver Island allows you a glimpse of the world that lies below our cruising ships. In addition to spectacular marine mammal viewing is a rich and vibrant First Nations culture, showcased by a visit to U’Mista Cultural Centre and the bygone village site of ʼMimkwa̱mlis. With lots of opportunities to explore both the land and sea of this area, this eco-tour is guaranteed to put all of British Columbia’s highlights on display.
Orcas
The waters of the Johnstone Strait are considered one of the best places in the world to observe Northern Resident killer whales, as well as Transient, or Bigg’s, killer whales. While Northern Resident’s eat exclusively fish, with salmon making up the majority of their diet, Transient’s eat primarily marine mammals including seals, sea lions and porpoises.
Marine Mammals
Though the orcas may be the star of the show, the supporting cast of breaching humpback whales, bullet speed Dall’s porpoises, leaping Pacific white-sided dolphins, and noisy Steller sea lions play a pivotal and spectacular role in showcasing the plethora of marine wildlife these rich waters have to offer.
First Nations History
The Kwakwaka’wakw people have inhabited this area of the coast for thousands of years. We make efforts to visit ʼMimkwa̱mlis, also known as Village Island, to see the remains of long houses and totem poles left by the Kwakwaka’wakw people when they left the island around the mid 1900s. Along our route is the U’Mista Cultural Centre, Canada’s longest running First Nations museum & cultural centre, which ensures the survival of all aspects of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples cultural heritage and also houses most of the sacred potlatch regalia that was confiscated from the Kwakwaka’wakw people during an illegal potlatch in 1921.
Sailing
Though very protected by the islands we travel around and between, the North Vancouver Island itinerary has plenty of prime conditions for us to unfurl the sails and let the wind take us. Watch, or help out, as our crew prepare the boat to set sail and then relax in the silent tranquility that is traveling under sail.
Current North Vancouver Island Sailings
Running from the end of July to mid-August, this trip has limited sailings. Browse our current date offerings to find a date that works best for you.
Schedules & PricingVisiting Responsibly
How We Tour Sustainably in North Vancouver Island
Bluewater Adventures is happy to be a member of North Island Marine Mammals Stewardship Association (NIMMSA). As a member of NIMMSA, we are required to have crew onboard trained and educated in marine mammal identification and behaviour allowing us to conduct our wildlife viewing responsibly.
In addition to NIMMSA, Bluewater Adventures follows all Quiet Ships guidelines and policies as outlined by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Quiet Ships’ main focus is on Southern Resident Killer Whale protection and conservation which includes slow travel and no travel zones to help safeguard their hunting and eating areas.
We acknowledge that this itinerary travels through the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, and as such, we have established a protocol agreement with them to establish, and adhere to, responsible visiting practices.