Can boutique small-ship cruising and expedition-style sailing go hand in hand? Surely then can. And they do at Maple Leaf Adventures. 

I’m already smitten with coastal British Columbia and Alaska and the fantastic outdoor adventures on tap there, and Maple Leaf sums it all up beautifully with their offerings. This small Canadian company sails just three, low-capacity ships to such dreamy destinations as Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest, Gulf Islands National Park, and Southeast Alaska. 


I could chat endlessly about these destinations, so perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers. These are places reached best (or only) by water, where you’ll reach shore as people have done for millennia. Maple Leaf’s protocols and permits allow them to access a world closed to bigger ships and the crew’s local knowledge ensures exclusive reach into special wilderness areas and the people who reside there.


As much as Maple Leaf Adventures delves into their destinations, they understand that the journey is part of the experience. They’ve curated their shipboard amenities and provide thoughtful touches throughout sailings on their boutique ships. 

A few of my favorite things about sailing with Maple Leaf: 

  • Personal and enriching travel, with just 8, 12 or 24 guests per trip.
  • No lining up for disembarkation with hordes of travelers. Instead, with Maple Leaf, you’ll feel like a welcomed guest, exploring new areas of the world with like-minded folks who quickly become life-long friends. Together, you’ll watch whales breach, taste huckleberries for the first time and even get a chance to steer the ship under the crew’s guidance. 
  • Handpicked, local guides. 
  • Learn to make nettle tea or get to know the hows and whys of humpback whales behavior, thanks to Maple Leaf’s well-chosen guides. From the naturalist to the chef onboard, these are local people chosen for their mastery and expertise, as well as their eagerness to share their knowledge with you. 

Eye-Opening Activities 

Every day is an adventure, from rain forest walks to beachcombing, kayaking to hiking. Explore the shoreline by small watercraft. Watch for wildlife. Sit around a beach campfire and stargaze. Visit a coastal village and get a natural history lesson. Go foraging for berries and sea asparagus.  

Independent Itineraries 

No trip with Maple Leaf is exactly the same. They offer typical routes and events for each of their journeys, with the understanding that all itineraries are flexible to accommodate the actions of wildlife, weather and special events. The expert crew is adept at combining the right destination highlights, in the right order, to make for an incredible trip each and every time. 


Please take a look at the Haida Gwaii experience along with some images of the ships.

Ships  

A power catamaran, a historic sailing schooner and a lovingly restored tugboat comprise the Maple Leaf vessel collection. (Hint: You’re going to want to experience all of them!)

Cascadia 

The 24-guest MV Cascadia takes you anywhere you care to adventure. The bright and spacious catamaran offers comfort and solitude in 12 private cabins, convivial gatherings in the interior or outdoor lounges, and exhilarating moments on the “open” bridge. She boasts a spectacular aft deck lounge and dining area, huge windows in all public areas and many cabins and a 360-degree view from the rooftop spa. 


Maple Leaf

This historic sailing schooner is Maple Leaf’s flagship vessel. She was built in Vancouver in 1904 as a luxury racing yacht and today takes curious adventurers into the coast’s wildest, remotest corners in comfort and safety. The camaraderie between guests and crew aboard the Maple Leaf is often referred to as summer camp for sophisticated adults! 


Swell 

This handsome, coastal tugboat is small in stature but generous in rewarding experiences. Stay in authentic boat cabins that feel like you’re sailing aboard a real heritage ship - because you are! Sip coffee in the salon, where you’ll later join guests for dinner. Learn about navigation in the wheelhouse. Or, sit under a cozy blanket on the open-air, partially covered deck. 


All Maple Leaf ships come equipped with everything you might need for immersive outdoor adventures, including rugged shore boats, kayaks, hydrophones (for listening to whales!), fishing gear and more. 

Ready to experience British Columbia and Alaska the Maple Leaf way? Let’s chat.  Please sign up for my weekly small ship inspirational newsletter if you haven't already.