british columbia overview

George Vancouver, an English sea captain and well-known explorer, arrived to beautiful British Columbia in the early 1790's. After weeks of sailing in the open ocean he entered Puget Sound, an area of pristine coastal wilderness and waters perfect for small ship and yacht adventure cruising.

Today, we find the same mountains, inlets and islands that so inspired Captain Vancouver. British Columbia small ship and yacht cruises travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Experience mist-shrouded fjords, coastal wilderness, and unique ports of call. These waters are among the best for whale watching, with good chances of finding humpback and orca whales. Kayak, beachcomb and explore forest trails under the guidance of expert naturalists. Seals and sea lions lounge on rocky islets, and black bears and deer flourish in the deep, evergreen forests. Spectacular snow-capped mountains fall steeply to the waters of the Sound.

British Columbia awaits the adventurous traveler seeking everything from sandy beaches offering silence and solitude to the charming and welcoming towns and cities such as Friday Harbor in Washington's San Juan Islands, and Victoria, British Columbia. Experience a destination rich in Native American and exploration history and culture. Only a few of these beautiful islands are accessible by ferry. The rest are reserved for adventurous souls who long to leave civilization and all its trappings far behind.