Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

Coastal expedition on a small ship through the wild islands and fjords of Desolation Sound

ON A SAILBOAT, TUGBOAT, OR CATAMARAN

from/to Campbell River

5 days (4 nights)

Maximum 8, 12, or 24 passengers

Sailing ship Maple Leaf/Tugboat Swell/Catamaran Cascadia

5-day coastal expedition through Desolation Sound in British Columbia from/to Campbell River on the Maple Leaf sailing ship (max. 8 passengers), the Swell tugboat (max. 12 guests), or the Cascadia catamaran (max. 24 passengers)

+++ Single cabin at no extra charge for trips in 2027 +++ Limited availability ++++
+++ Up to 280 EUR off trips in 2027 for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 +++

 

We offer this ship expedition into the untouched wilderness of Desolation Sound on the small sailing ship Maple Leaf with a maximum of 8 passengers, the lovingly restored tugboat Swell with a maximum of 12 passengers, and the comfortable catamaran Cascadia with a maximum of 24 guests. For five days, these small ships will take you to crystal-clear fjords, hidden bays, majestic waterfalls, and secluded islands.

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You hike through dense rainforests with mighty cedars, Douglas firs, and Sitka spruces over 1,000 years old to idyllic lakes, paddle Kayaking between fjords and cliffs and experience the untamed coastal landscape up close. You will also observe Whales, seals, seabirds and with a little luck, even Bears searching for foodDuring the spring travel season, Desolation Sound is even more deserted and lonely than usual before the start of the main boating season, and you can enjoy complete tranquility at your evening anchorages in sheltered bays.

For a deeper understanding of the wild coastal landscape and the region's ecosystem, travel in the company of experienced naturalists.

Stephanie Gräf

Stephanie Gräf

Owner & Founder

Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.

We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.

Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.

Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:

Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.

Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges. On the Maple Leaf, solo travelers share one of the semi-private sleeping areas with a person of the same gender or are given a berth in the comfortable accommodations in the wheelhouse. Again, there are no single cabin surcharges.

Entry requirements: Current information from the State Department regarding entry into Canada can be found here.

Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Colorful spring in the rainforests of British Columbia with arbutus trees and lush salmonberry bushes in bloom
  • Close-up wildlife viewing of whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and, with a little luck, even bears searching for food
  • Water and coastline within easy reach on kayak tours through hidden bays, fjords, and to secluded beaches
  • Impressive 35-kilometer-long Toba Inlet surrounded by snow-capped coastal mountains
  • Walks through the untouched coastal rainforest accompanied by natural science experts

Your travel region

Map of the Desolation Sound region
Map showing the location of Desolation Sound in British Columbia

itinerary

Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Campbell River are not included in your tour price.

Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Campbell River to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.

A hall-like house with colorful paintings reminiscent of a face.

Day 1: Cast off from Campbell River & Cortez Island

You will begin your journey in Campbell River, where you will be warmly welcomed aboard your ship. Your first stop will take you directly to Cortez Island. There, you will enjoy a walk through the lush rainforests accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Afterwards, you will visit a charming little island community and gain insights into local life. The convivial conclusion to this first day is a welcome dinner, where you can share your first impressions of your ship expedition through Desolation Sound with your fellow travelers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2: West Redonda Island & Roscoe Bay

Today, your route takes you to Teakerne Arm off West Redonda Island, where impressive waterfalls plunge steeply from the cliffs into the sea.

You will take a walk through the dry rainforest and over rocky hills to an idyllic lake, where a picnic lunch awaits you. Afterwards, enjoy a ride through the picturesque waterways between West Redonda and the mainland.

In the afternoon, you will explore a small fjord near Roscoe Bay, anchor in a sheltered bay, and take a walk on the beach. If you wish, you can end the day with an optional evening kayak trip on the calm waters.

Several kayakers on calm coastal waters
Snow-covered mountain peaks

Day 3: Toba Inlet & Prideaux Haven

Today, you will sail or cruise into the impressive Toba Inlet, a 35 km long fjord surrounded by coastal mountains. As you traverse the calm waters, the snow-capped peaks rise majestically above you. In addition to seabirds, with a little luck you may also spot seals and sea lions.

In the evening, you will reach Prideaux Haven, idyllically located at the mouth of Malaspina Inlet in Homfray Channel. Here you will anchor overnight.

Day 4: Copeland Islands

Today, you will glide along the mainland coast to the Copeland Islands. Accompanied by your experienced naturalist, you will have the opportunity to observe the wildlife of these small islands up close during shore excursions. Experience birds, seals, and other inhabitants of this unique ecosystem in their natural habitat and gain insight into the wilderness of British Columbia.

Coastal landscape with forest and rocks in front of snow-covered mountains, where sea lions bask on a rock.
A bald eagle circles in the sky.

Day 5: Back through the Strait of Georgie to Campbell River

Today, your journey takes you back through the Strait of Georgia to Campbell River. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife native to these waters, including bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and numerous seabirds. On this peaceful journey, you will once again be surrounded by the beauty of British Columbia's coastal region before finally arriving back at the starting point of your boat expedition through Desolation Sound.

PLEASE NOTE: The daily programs described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary may vary due to local weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and organizational requirements. The expedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

 

DATES & PRICES

Request your trip here!

October 19, 2026 – October 23, 2026

from €3,050 per person

5 days/4 nights

SV Maple Leaf (Maximum occupancy: 8)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

About the cabins and prices

April 15, 2027 – April 19, 2027

Starting at €4,786 €4,506 per person

5 days/4 nights

Cascadia (Maximum occupancy: 24)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

Single occupancy at no extra charge when booking a Cat. I cabin +++ Limited availability +++ Cannot be combined with other offers +++

Up to 280 EUR off for new bookings made by September 30, 2026

About the cabins and prices

April 19, 2027 – April 23, 2027

Starting at €3,652 €3,372 per person

5 days/4 nights

Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

Up to 280 EUR off for new bookings made by September 30, 2026

About the cabins and prices

April 23, 2027 – April 27, 2027

Starting at €3,320 per person

5 days/4 nights

SV Maple Leaf (Maximum occupancy: 8)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

About the cabins and prices

April 24, 2027 – April 28, 2027

Starting at €3,652 per person

5 days/4 nights

Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

Single occupancy at no extra charge when booking a Cat. I or Cat. 2 cabin +++ Limited availability +++

About the cabins and prices

April 28, 2027 – May 2, 2027

Starting at €3,326 €3,046 per person

5 days/4 nights

SV Maple Leaf (Maximum occupancy: 8)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

Up to 280 EUR off for new bookings made by September 30, 2026

About the cabins and prices

April 29, 2027 – May 3, 2027

Starting at €3,652 €3,372 per person

5 days/4 nights

Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

Single occupancy at no extra charge when booking a Cat. I or Cat. 2 cabin +++ Limited availability +++ Cannot be combined with other offers +++

Up to a 280 EUR discount for new bookings made by July 31, 2026

About the cabins and prices

October 17, 2027 – October 21, 2027

Starting at €3,320 per person

5 days/4 nights

SV Maple Leaf (Maximum occupancy: 8)

Campbell River, Canada Campbell River, Canada

About the cabins and prices

Selected date

October 19, 2026 – October 23, 2026 (5 days/4 nights)

SV Maple Leaf | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

main cabin

Maximum occupancy: 8 persons
Outside cabin with 4 sleeping areas for 2 people each, comfortable beds approx. 2 m long, storage space for personal items, brass reading lamps, fluffy blankets and duvets, charging stations, towels, shared bathrooms with hot water and shower
$3,050 per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

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single cabin supplement
shared cabin
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personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

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German-speaking
1xcabin

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Selected date

April 15, 2027 – April 19, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

Cascadia | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

Category 1

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with window (on the lower deck with 2 large portholes) on the main deck or lower deck, 15 m², one queen-size double bed or two single beds, private bathroom with shower and heated slate floor, bathrobe, individually adjustable air conditioning, power outlets, direct access to the hallway
4,786 € €4,506 per person
Inquire now

Category 2

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with large window on the main deck, 18 m², one queen-size double bed or two single beds, desk with chair, private bathroom with shower and heated slate floor, bathrobe, individually adjustable air conditioning, power outlets, direct access to the deck and hallway.
€5,558 €5,278 per person
Inquire now

Category 3

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with exterior door and porthole (can be opened) on the main deck or upper deck, 11 m², queen-size bed, large private bathroom with shower/toilet and sink, plenty of natural light, ample storage space, e.g., under the bed
6,342 € 6,062 € per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
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Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

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Selected date

April 19, 2027 – April 23, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

Swell | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

Category 1

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with portholes (can be opened) on the upper deck, skylight and outside door to the surrounding deck, one bunk bed with two single beds (2 m long), private bathroom with shower/WC, separate washbasin in the cabin, wardrobe, storage space under the bed
3,652 € €3,372 per person
Inquire now

Category 2

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with 2 door accesses to the surrounding main deck, 7.4 m², one bunk bed with two single beds, private bathroom with shower/WC, separate sink in the cabin, closet, storage space under the bed, desk
4,131 € 3,851 € per person
Inquire now

Category 3

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with exterior door and porthole (can be opened) on the main deck or upper deck, 11 m², queen-size bed, large private bathroom with shower/toilet and sink, plenty of natural light, ample storage space, e.g., under the bed
4,876 € €4,596 per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
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1xcabin

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Selected date

April 23, 2027 – April 27, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

SV Maple Leaf | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

main cabin

Maximum occupancy: 8 persons
Outside cabin with 4 sleeping areas for 2 people each, comfortable beds approx. 2 m long, storage space for personal items, brass reading lamps, fluffy blankets and duvets, charging stations, towels, shared bathrooms with hot water and shower
3,320 € per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
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Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

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Selected date

April 24, 2027 – April 28, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

Swell | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

Category 1

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with portholes (can be opened) on the upper deck, skylight and outside door to the surrounding deck, one bunk bed with two single beds (2 m long), private bathroom with shower/WC, separate washbasin in the cabin, wardrobe, storage space under the bed
3,652 € per person
Inquire now

Category 2

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with 2 door accesses to the surrounding main deck, 7.4 m², one bunk bed with two single beds, private bathroom with shower/WC, separate sink in the cabin, closet, storage space under the bed, desk
4,131 € per person
Inquire now

Category 3

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with exterior door and porthole (can be opened) on the main deck or upper deck, 11 m², queen-size bed, large private bathroom with shower/toilet and sink, plenty of natural light, ample storage space, e.g., under the bed
4,876 € per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
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Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Selected date

April 28, 2027 – May 2, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

SV Maple Leaf | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

main cabin

Maximum occupancy: 8 persons
Outside cabin with 4 sleeping areas for 2 people each, comfortable beds approx. 2 m long, storage space for personal items, brass reading lamps, fluffy blankets and duvets, charging stations, towels, shared bathrooms with hot water and shower
3,326 € €3,046 per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
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Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Selected date

April 29, 2027 – May 3, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

Swell | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

Category 1

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with portholes (can be opened) on the upper deck, skylight and outside door to the surrounding deck, one bunk bed with two single beds (2 m long), private bathroom with shower/WC, separate washbasin in the cabin, wardrobe, storage space under the bed
3,652 € €3,372 per person
Inquire now

Category 2

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with 2 door accesses to the surrounding main deck, 7.4 m², one bunk bed with two single beds, private bathroom with shower/WC, separate sink in the cabin, closet, storage space under the bed, desk
4,131 € 3,851 € per person
Inquire now

Category 3

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with exterior door and porthole (can be opened) on the main deck or upper deck, 11 m², queen-size bed, large private bathroom with shower/toilet and sink, plenty of natural light, ample storage space, e.g., under the bed
4,876 € €4,596 per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
X

Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Selected date

October 17, 2027 – October 21, 2027 (5 days/4 nights)

SV Maple Leaf | Where sea eagles circle above whales and bears

main cabin

Maximum occupancy: 8 persons
Outside cabin with 4 sleeping areas for 2 people each, comfortable beds approx. 2 m long, storage space for personal items, brass reading lamps, fluffy blankets and duvets, charging stations, towels, shared bathrooms with hot water and shower
3,320 € per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
X

Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Information

Included services:

  • Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
  • All meals and snacks throughout the trip on board the ship
  • Selected wines for dinner and a limited selection of craft beers
  • Support from an experienced naturalist and professional crew
  • shore excursions
  • Rental equipment on board such as rubber boots, kayaks, and fishing gear

Not included in the price:

  • Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Arrival and departure taxes
  • private transfer
  • Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
  • Tips for service personnel on board and guides (guidelines available on request)
  • Fishing licenses

Important:

  • Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
  • Onboard currency: CAD or US dollars, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
  • Medical care: Provision of emergency systems, first aid and rescue equipment, and various communication options

Your ship during the voyage

A sailing ship on the water

Your ship: SV Maple Leaf

Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
> View here

The expedition ship Swell off a rocky coast

Your ship: Swell

Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
> View here

An expedition catamaran off a mountainous coast

Your ship: MS Cascadia

Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
> View here

Sounds interesting?

You can book your trip here

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