Wilderness escape: cruise on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a jewel where nature and culture meet in an exceptional ecosystem.

From Victoria, a small historic city, to isolated landscapes dating back to the last Ice Age, this destination offers a unique diversity. Flower meadows, cactus islands, majestic cedars and sandy beaches washed by the Pacific Ocean will amaze travellers.

The itinerary will lead you to discover the wild archipelagos of the east coast, including Desolation Sound, the Discovery Islands and the Broughton Archipelago. Waterfalls, seabirds, marine mammals and lush forests are all on offer.

Thanks to special permits and collaborations with First Nations, you can access unspoilt areas and share unique moments with the locals.

If you’re looking for an immersive experience off the beaten track, let our passionate team guide you on an adventure that combines exploration, discovery and respect for nature.

DAY 1

• Forest hike to panoramic view.
• Visit to beaches, historic farmstead and wildlife islets (seabirds, sea lions).

DAY 2-3

• Cruising Georgia Strait, Explore ashore in the Discovery Islands beaches.
• Whale watching.
• Seymour Narrows, historic Ripple Rock, whales and porpoises, rainforest shore excursion, Port Neville.
• DétrJohnstone Strait and the steep-sided islands of the Broughton Archipelago.
• Look for bears.

DAY 4-5

• Coastal villages, Alert Bay’s U’mista cultural centre, marine mammals.

DAY 5-6

• Intertidal exploration ashore – the wondrous world of creatures that live where the tide comes in and out.
• Cruise to next anchorage and watch for killer whales and porpoises.

DAY 7

• Broughton Archipelago, visit with researchers, visit to historic boardwalk village Telegraph Cove.
• Wildlife viewing.
• Optional evening kayak.
• Celebration dinner.

DAY 8

• Cruise to port, watching for whales.

THE BOAT

Built in Vancouver in 1912, the Swell faithfully served the community as a tugboat for 92 years before undergoing a spectacular metamorphosis. Today, this exceptional vessel can accommodate up to 12 passengers in absolute comfort, with 6 private cabins equipped with modern bathrooms and showers.

Thanks to a refit, the Swell has been transformed from a powerhouse working tugboat into an elegant passenger vessel, combining classic charm with top-of-the-range facilities. The spacious interior, clad in natural wood, retains the warm authenticity of its original construction, while offering a level of service unrivalled on the coast.

The Swell is much more than a ship: it’s an invitation to escape, combining history, comfort and elegance.