Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship the 100-guest National Geographic Venture floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the 4th ship in the Lindblad fleet built at this storied PNW shipyard.
Day 1 Seattle
Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.
Day 2 Victoria, B.C.
British culture and island informality collide in Victoria. This sophisticated seaside city is full of historic sites, parks and gardens. Take a walking tour - many of which begin at Parliament Buildings at Victoria's Inner Harbor. Combined with majestic Empress Hotel, these monumental buildings give the city a regal European feel. See equally impressive modern structures, such as Royal British Columbia History Museum, or replicas of large, native Northwest Indian houses at Thunderbird Park. Unique attractions include Undersea Gardens, Miniature World, Maritime Museum, Chinatown and Royal London Wax Museum. A memorable places to visit is world-famous Butchart Gardens, with 5,000 fauna varieties. The dazzling gardens on Saanich Inlet are beautiful at night, when hundreds of lights sparkle along winding paths. Additional gardens in Victoria include Crystal Garden and the gardens surrounding Government House and near Craigdarroch Castle, a towering Victorian mansion complete with a tower and turrets. Tour this city in a horse-drawn carriage.
Day 3 Desolation Sound
Day 4 Johnstone Strait
Johnstone Strait is a deep glacier-carved passage off the east coat of Vancouver Island, British Colombia. The strait is home to the largest resident pod of killer whales in the world, and there is no better place for visitors to view these amazing creatures. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park. The park is a maze of small islands, and a superb destination for sea kayaking.
Day 5 Gulf Islands
Between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island, 30 mi/50 km southwest of Vancouver, lies the Gulf Islands, a cluster of pastoral islands, much like the San Juan Islands in neighboring Washington. The largest of these islands, Saltspring Island, is only 20 mi/30 km long and about 10 mi/16 km wide. It has a thriving arts community that boasts best-selling authors and galleries with national reputations. Mayne Island was once a stopover for prospectors heading to the Klondike Gold Rush. It has several charming turn-of-the-century buildings.
All of the Gulf Islands are very laid-back and great to discover by bicycle, car or on foot. Hop between islands on the frequent boats run by B.C. Ferries, or consider a sea kayak excursion—a popular way to see this area.
Day 6 Friday Harbor
Day 7 San Juan Islands
A collection of beautiful, scenic islands off the Washington coast. Explore quaint Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, or venture to Orcas island and explore!
Day 8 Seattle
Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.