About Maple Leaf Adventures
Leaders in Regenerative Travel on the Coast
Maple Leaf Adventures has operated big adventures aboard small ships in BC and Alaska since 1986.
Our Company
Coastal Expedition Travel Since 1986
With a reputation as one of Canada’s top operators of small ship cruises, our multi-day excursions give guests one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the most beautiful and rare places in the world, including the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, Vancouver Island, the Salish Sea, and Southeast Alaska.
A pioneer of ecotourism on the BC coast, Maple Leaf Adventures helped establish expedition travel in the Great Bear Rainforest and northwestern Vancouver Island while contributing to conservation efforts along the way. Our small expedition ships—heritage pieces of the coast—bring guests into places inaccessible to larger ships.
National Geographic Adventure named Maple Leaf Adventures one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth,” and Parks Canada honoured the company with its Sustainable Tourism Award for advancing appreciation and protection of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
We are a family-and friends-owned company based on the BC coast. We own and maintain our ships locally, and our crew and guides are people who live and work on these waters.
Our Vision
Tourism That Supports People, Place, and Ecosystems
Maple Leaf Adventures is dedicated to helping build a regenerative tourism economy on the coast of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska—one that supports ecosystems, communities, culture, and long-term stewardship. Everything we do reflects our core values of:
- Environmental stewardship
- Connection to coastal communities and cultures
- Science, discovery, and learning
- Warm, personal hospitality
- Support for local economies
- Excellence in expedition travel
With an all-local crew and guides who know these coastlines intimately, we share the places, wildlife, stories, and traditions that make this region extraordinary.
Why Travel with Maple Leaf Adventures?
Travel With Purpose
Learn about our conservation-based economy, and how we operate in symbiosis with the environment and Indigenous communities.
Learn MoreKevin’s Story
A Life Shaped by the Coast
Kevin Smith, president of Maple Leaf Adventures, has explored the coast by boat since before he could ride a bike. As a young marine park ranger travelling remote inlets and anchorages, he experienced firsthand the scale, beauty, and solitude of the coast—and wanted to share it with others.
A geographer by training, Kevin believes the best experiences lie beyond roads and beyond crowds. Exploring the coast properly means travelling by water, aboard a small ship, with the flexibility to follow wildlife, weather, and curiosity.
That philosophy became Maple Leaf Adventures: expedition travel designed to connect people more deeply to the coast, its ecosystems, and the communities that call it home.
Every Crew Member has a Breadth of Experience to Share
They are leaders in their fields who share a common love of the coast’s natural and cultural history.
Naturalists
Storytellers, interpreters, and field educators who help bring the coast to life.
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Crew
Talented guides and capable mariners dedicated to thoughtful, small-scale expedition travel.
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Management & HQ Team
The shoreside team supporting operations, logistics, guest experience, and conservation initiatives.
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Special Resource People
Scientists, artists, historians, and cultural experts who deepen the experience on select departures.
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Safety & Expertise
When we do something, we do it right.
Experience the beauty of the Canadian wilderness with Maple Leaf Adventures, where safety is our number one priority. Our expert guides and crew members are equipped to provide you with a thrilling and safe experience. You’ll explore remote coastal regions, encounter stunning wildlife, and discover the magic of our coast in a responsible way.
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Awards & Accolades
Maple Leaf Adventures has won multiple awards for its commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation, and outstanding travel experiences.
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Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2026
Recognising travellers’ favourite businesses worldwide based on reviews and ratings.
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Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025
This award recognises travellers’ favourite businesses around the world, based on reviews and ratings.
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Inaugural Culinary & Agritourism Experience Award
Honoured at the BC Tourism Industry Conference for excellence in local sourcing, sustainability, and taste-of-place expeditions.
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Canada’s Signature Experiences
Chosen by the Canadian Tourism Commission as one of Canada’s top experiences. Perennial.
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Gold Sustainable Tourism Certification
Certified at the top-level for sustainable tourism by Green Tourism Canada.
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Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2023
The award celebrates our exceptional experiences and unwavering commitment to outstanding travel.
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Safe Travels Certification
The specially designed stamp recognizes the standard of our health and hygiene protocols.
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Business Of The Year – Chamber Of Commerce, Greater Victoria
Awarded in 2020 for our fundamentals, excellence and engagement in the community.
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Best Boutique Cruise Line Winner, USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards
Top boutique cruise lines in the world as chosen by readers. 2020.
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Premier’s Award – Regional Impact
The Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative created to fund our marine debris removal initiative, won this award for incredible regional impact. 2021.
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Adventure Green Alaska
Sustainable tourism certification for Alaska.
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Remarkable Experience Award – Tourism Vancouver Island
Awarded in honour of our Salish Sea with Canadian Geographic expedition.
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Best Travel Experience & Trip of a Lifetime
1 of 7 of the best travel experiences in Canada, according to Frommer’s.
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Canada’s Absolute Best Eco-Adventure Tours
The best adventures selected for both quality and environmental ethics by Flight Centre.
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Fodor’s World’s Best Cruises
1 of 15 of the best boat-based adventures in the world.
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World’s Best Adventure Cruise Holidays
As chosen by AOL UK Travel.
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Top 15 Eco-Adventures in Canada
As selected by Expedia.
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Best of the World
As awarded by National Geographic Traveler for our Great Bear Rainforest trip.
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10 Notable Ships Built in BC
As featured by the Vancouver Sun.
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Outside Travel Award – Best Islands
Awarded to Haida Gwaii, a Maple Leaf Adventure.
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Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award – National Winner
Chosen by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
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50 Tours of a Lifetime
Awarded to our Great Bear Rainforest Trip by National Geographic Traveler.
Our Photographers
Capturing the Essence of Your Adventure
Our multi-talented crew includes some excellent photographers, not only experienced in the technical aspects of photography but the natural world around you. There are no fancy set-ups, no waiting for days for the perfect conditions. With their knowledge and guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to capture incredible moments too.
Careers
Take on new challenges, work alongside a capable crew who become like family at sea, and soak up the best of the BC and Alaskan coast—with a constantly changing office view.
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Emailed Newsletter
Subscribe to our occasional enewsletter and look forward to doses of inspiration including photos, videos, webinars and special offers.
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Printed Newsletter
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Request Brochure
Order your free travel guide to the best of our wild west coast, including the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, Alaska, and more.
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