» Vancouver Island & Broughton Archipelago http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:19:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= How a “life wake-up call” lead an Alberta couple to unexpected insights on the BC coast http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/how-a-life-wake-up-call-lead-an-alberta-couple-to-unexpected-insights-on-the-bc-coast http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/how-a-life-wake-up-call-lead-an-alberta-couple-to-unexpected-insights-on-the-bc-coast#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:47:48 +0000 admin http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/?p=1516 Continue reading →]]> We came across this wonderful story recently, and wanted to share it again with the Maple Leaf community. It was originally published in our newsletter in the spring of 2008. – eds.
We’re Janice McDougall and Gervais Goodman and we live and work at in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains southwest of Calgary Alberta. We first learned of the Maple Leaf and her story through the June 2006 edition of “Westworld” magazine, the Alberta Motor Association publication.We kept the article, showing it to friends and family, saying “one day … one day”.

That summer Janice became ill with a rogue virus which necessitated surgery and a week long stay in hospital. Having had this little wake-up call, one of the first things she did upon being released was call up Louise and book a trip on the Maple Leaf for the fall of 2007. Time enough to get well and something to look forward to!

Sunset on deck Louise listened to our stories, graciously put up with our “land lubber” questions and overt enthusiasm for months in preparation for the trip.

We chose the Whales and Totems journey in order to gain an appreciation of the historical and current interdependence of the human and non-human systems in a part of the world that was distinctly different than the foothills in which we live, work and play. The fact that the trip would be on the historic Maple Leaf was the clincher.

The voyage was so much more than gaining an appreciation.

As partial “hermits” out here in the country, we were in close quarters with a group of people we had never met before. The trip made us stretch in terms of defining our personal space and, here we are, just 6 months later, about to spend a four day Easter weekend with new shipboard friends from San Diego – eagle watching, what else!

We saw things we had never seen before. We did things we never did before. We ate like we never had before. We were able to stretch in as many directions as we wanted with the total support and encouragement of the crew and fellow passengers.

Sunset on deckIn our part of the world, an encounter with a grizzly is something we had taken courses on how to avoid – in this new ecosystem, with ample food supplies and no human habituation, we watched a grizzly mom salmon fish for her cub. We wondered, “if our previous perception of grizzlies that we held so firmly was inappropriate in this context, what other perceptions might we hold dearly that aren’t appropriate in all situations?”

We got to “meet our bookshelf” – Alexandra Morton and Billy Proctor, and after the trip, we forwarded Gervais’ amazing pictures of the elusive offshore Orca pod to one of Canada’s pre-eminent whale researchers, Graeme Ellis.

Sunset on deck We gained a deep appreciation of the interconnectedness of the entities of that particular ecosystem. Our crew was immensely knowledgeable and shared that knowledge in entertaining and passionate ways.

You cannot help but be transformed by a voyage on the Maple Leaf – she has been transformed herself and touches everyone with her grace.

A trip on the Maple Leaf is truly a trip of a lifetime. Do whatever you have to do to join her, breathe her magic and see how she brings wondrous things out of the mist.

Read about the Whales & Totems trip.
]]> http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/how-a-life-wake-up-call-lead-an-alberta-couple-to-unexpected-insights-on-the-bc-coast/feed 0 The Year in Photos: 2011 Cruises Along the Inside Passage by Maple Leaf http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/the-year-in-photos-2011 http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/the-year-in-photos-2011#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:30:07 +0000 admin http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/?p=1440 Continue reading →]]>

The year – from winter shipyard near Vancouver, BC, to Alaska’s glaciers – aboard the SV Maple Leaf and her inside passage small ship cruises. Photos by Maple Leaf’s talented crew and guests in 2011. Enjoy!
(Click the Play button above.)

Read about the inside passage small ship cruises and Haida Gwaii tours.

]]> http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/the-year-in-photos-2011/feed 0 The Inside Passage gets wild: Maple Leaf Adventures’ 2012 trips of a lifetime http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/the-inside-passage-gets-wild-maple-leaf-adventures%e2%80%99-2012-trips-of-a-lifetime http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/the-inside-passage-gets-wild-maple-leaf-adventures%e2%80%99-2012-trips-of-a-lifetime#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:53:46 +0000 admin http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/?p=1434 Continue reading →]]> Dec. 7, 2011, Victoria, BC – Launching their 26th season in 2012, the owners of Maple Leaf Adventures understand that the wild coasts of British Columbia and Alaska, including the magical worlds of Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest, are even more mystical when explored aboard a century-old, fully restored and beautifully appointed classic tall ship.

…continued below video

“Our 2012 schedule is not designed for someone seeking your basic inside passage cruise. Our sailing cruises are for travellers who wish to sail deep into fjords for days and encounter wildlife and people on their own turf,” said Kevin Smith, president of Maple Leaf Adventures. “There are trips for natural and cultural history buffs, artists, families and even those with a taste for fine ale.”

Recognized by National Geographic and Frommer’s for gently exploring remote coasts while enabling exceptional wildlife viewing, Maple Leaf Adventures carefully designs each trip with the knowledge that marine adventures to far-off and sometimes uncharted destinations are on many people’s bucket lists.

Experiences offered include walking grizzly bear trails and viewing rare spirit bears with an expert guide; sailing to and landing at a remote and ancient Haida village in the rainforest; and visiting whale researchers on a small island after viewing different species of cetaceans. Laughter abounds on the trips, whether it is when guests are climbing to the tip of the schooner’s bowsprit, steering her under sail or tasting some of the coast’s finest craft beer.

The Victoria, BC-based business takes up to eight people at a time aboard a classic 28-metre (92-foot) schooner for its multi-day expeditions. Setting an example for authentic and responsible tourism, Maple Leaf Adventures has pioneered ecotourism on Canada’s West Coast and fully committed to social and environmental sustainability.

“Our trips leave no trace on the planet, yet also give back to it through donations and education,” said Smith. “Maple Leaf Adventures has also piloted economic protocol agreements with the coastal First Nations that provide income from our presence, employment for guides and recognition of the traditional territories.”

The team at Maple Leaf Adventures also hosts naturalists and environmental researchers aboard the schooner to teach guests about coastal and ocean ecosystems. Maple Leaf Adventures donates one per cent of all cruise revenues to conservation projects through the organization 1% for the Planet. Last month, the international Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards gave a commendation to Maple Leaf Adventures, which was one of three finalists in the category of tourism in a marine environment at the 2011 awards.

To book a tour or learn more about Maple Leaf Adventures, visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com , call 1-888-599-5323 or 250-386-7245.

Maple Leaf Adventures’ sailing cruise lineup for 2012

§ Great Bear Rainforest Tours by Sail – Discover British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, a pristine land of fjords, mountains, rainforests and great river estuaries and the perfect place to view grizzly bears, the mysterious white Spirit Bear and whales. Maple Leaf Adventures offers spring (Apr. 27 – May 5), summer (Jun. 24 – 29 and Jun. 30 – Jul. 5) and fall (Aug. 29 – Sep. 8, Sep. 10 – 18 and Sep. 20 – 28) cruises. In addition, Maple Leaf Adventures offers one photography trip in the Great Bear Rainforest, slotted for Sep. 30 – Oct. 5. Price: starts at $2,860.00 Cdn per passenger (all inclusive except airfare. Keep your wallet packed away – relax and enjoy!).

§ Gulf Islands, BC, Cruise – Join the team aboard SV Maple Leaf for a six-day sailing exploration of the protected islands between Vancouver Island and Vancouver, BC. Guests will visit wildlife colonies, walk through west coast forests and land at remote beaches and islands. In 2012, sail away on Apr. 5 – 10, Apr. 11 – 16 or Oct. 18 – 23. Join a special Tall Sails & Ales beer and culinary-themed tour on Oct. 25 – 30, or a Vancouver Island cruise Apr. 18 – 25. Price: starts at $2,225.00 Cdn per passenger (all inclusive except airfare. Keep your wallet packed away – relax and enjoy!).

§ Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands Tour – With rich intertidal life, concentrations of humpback whales, Haida village sites and hot springs, Haida Gwaii is a must-see destination for those who love wildlife, far-flung places and/or northwest coast First Nations culture. On many Canadians’ bucket lists, these islands are known as “the Canadian Galapagos.” Sailing dates are slotted for May 7 – 15, May 16 – 24, May 25 – Jun. 2, Jun. 4 – 12 and Jun. 13 – 21, 2012. Price: $4,640.00 Cdn per passenger (all inclusive except airfare. Keep your wallet packed away – relax and enjoy!).

§ Art at Sea on the Maple Leaf Among BC’s Whales and First Nations Culture – Combine two loves, painting and the natural world, on this tour. Join Karin Richter, talented artist and teacher, and embark on a voyage aboard the classic schooner Maple Leaf for focused lessons in painting nature and coastal scenes. This tour is offered on Aug. 22 – 27, 2012. Price: $2,825.00 Cdn per passenger (all inclusive except airfare. Keep your wallet packed away – relax and enjoy!).

§ Alaska Adventure by Sail – Each year, millions of people visit southeast Alaska for its grandeur and frontier history – only a fraction of these people will actually experience Alaska’s remote wilderness. On this adventure, get close to wild Alaska’s tidewater glaciers, humpback whales and brown bears, and enter the ancient rainforests. Sailing dates include Jul. 7 – 19 and Jul. 19 – 31. Price: $6,780.00 Cdn per passenger (all inclusive except airfare. Keep your wallet packed away – relax and enjoy!).

§ Whales and Totems of the Great Bear Rainforest – Northern Vancouver Island and the Broughton Archipelago of British Columbia are known as the “Serengeti of the sea”. Experience this diverse marine environment on a five-night, educational whale watching cruise that takes you beyond the spectacle of just seeing whales, and lets you live among their communities, and natural and human history of the entire area they inhabit. Trip dates are scheduled from Aug. 15-20, Aug.22-27 and Oct. 8 – 13. Price: from $2,700.00 Cdn per passenger (all inclusive except airfare. Keep your wallet packed away – relax and enjoy!).

About Maple Leaf Adventures

Maple Leaf Adventures has offered natural and cultural history cruises aboard a classic tall ship, in Alaska and Canada’s Inside Passage, since 1986. With a reputation as one of Canada’s top sustainable tour operators, the multi-day excursions give guests one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the most beautiful places in the world. As a longtime practitioner of ecotourism, Maple Leaf Adventures pioneered travel in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and northwestern Vancouver Island and continues to make significant contributions to coastal conservation efforts. For more information, visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com .

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Media Contacts: Maureen Gordon, Maple Leaf Adventures: 250 386-7245, 250-881-6143 (cell) or Maureen@MapleLeafAdventures.com Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199 (cell) or deirdre@tartangroup.ca

]]> http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/the-inside-passage-gets-wild-maple-leaf-adventures%e2%80%99-2012-trips-of-a-lifetime/feed 0 Share What Inspired You to Make a Difference and, on World Oceans Day, You Could Win a $3800 BC Whales & Totems Cruise on the Schooner Maple Leaf http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/share-what-inspired-you-to-make-a-difference-and-on-world-oceans-day-you-could-win-a-3800-bc-whales-totems-cruise-on-the-schooner-maple-leaf http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/share-what-inspired-you-to-make-a-difference-and-on-world-oceans-day-you-could-win-a-3800-bc-whales-totems-cruise-on-the-schooner-maple-leaf#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 21:34:50 +0000 admin http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/?p=1307 Continue reading →]]> Deadline is June 5 for the Canada-wide “The Way I Sea It” contest by Living Oceans Society

The Maple Leaf, sailing in the company of killer whales, BC. Photo (c) Jose Larochelle / Maple Leaf Adventures

From a chance turn off a New Zealand highway, to a community choir performance, to an encounter with beach garbage …unexpected aha! moments have inspired travelers to make a difference.

Now, on World Oceans Day, if you’ve shared your story about such a pivotal moment, you could make a difference for yourself, too: by winning a spectacular multi-day Whales and Totems adventure cruise in the Broughton Archipelago, off northern Vancouver Island, and the opportunity to blog about it.

Just head to the Living Oceans Society’s website, find the “The Way I Sea It” contest, and write up to 300 words on what inspired you to make a difference in the world.

The examples above are real-life moments shared by participants in this Canada-wide contest, organized and sponsored by Living Oceans Society, and co-sponsored by Victoria-based adventure cruise company Maple Leaf Adventures. Entry deadline is June 5 and the winner will be announced June 8, 2011.

“All across Canada, many people are working to make a difference, big and small,” says Jennifer Lash, Executive Director of Living Oceans Society, a BC marine conservation organization. “We wanted to acknowledge and reward people with a chance to win an ocean adventure in our own backyard.” Living Oceans Society is based in Sointula, a tiny fishing village on Malcolm Island in the Broughton Archipelago.

The prize trip includes cruising and sailing the islands of the Broughton Archipelago, viewing killer whales, humpback whales, sea lions and other wildlife, visits to Alert Bay, and explorations of remote beaches and rainforest. A gourmet chef prepares all meals and snacks, the onboard naturalist makes the world come alive, and the classic schooner Maple Leaf provides warmth, comfort and excellent access to the natural world. Maple Leaf’s trips are rated a “Best Travel Experience” by Frommer’s Canada.

“As an ecotourism business, we make our living from strong communities and healthy ecosystems on the BC/Alaska coast,” said Maple Leaf Adventures president Kevin Smith. “We believe strongly in giving back and we love the idea of a website where people share their inspiring stories.”

For details and to enter the contest, go to www.livingoceans.org/thewayiseait/ and share your story in 300 words or less. Then, get friends and family to show their support by voting for your entry. Judges will choose a winner from the five contestants with the most votes. Stories will be judged based on creativity and originality, writing style, and relevance to the contest topic. Contest closes Sunday, June 5 and the winner will be announced on June 8, World Oceans Day.


Legal information: No purchase necessary. Residents of Canada excluding Quebec are eligible to enter. The prize is a trip for one person from Vancouver to Port McNeil with Maple Leaf Adventures worth approx. $3,875, and the opportunity to write two to five blog posts (possibly with photos and/or videos) for Living Oceans Society. To enter, contestants must clearly write a short story and be one of the five contestants to get the most votes. Judges will choose one contest winner from the five contestants with the most votes. The contest closes on June 5, 2011. The winner will be announced on June 8, 2011. See contest rules for details.

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About Living Oceans Society
 Living Oceans Society is a leader in the effort to protect Canada’s Pacific coast. Based in Sointula, a small fishing village on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Living Oceans Society is the largest organization in Canada focusing exclusively on marine conservation. Living Oceans Society is currently working to achieve
• A management plan that reflects the people who work and live on the coast
• A networks of marine protected areas to support abundant sea life
• Sustainable ecosystem based fisheries
• Healthy oceans free of the risk from oil spills, salmon aquaculture, and other industrial activities

About Maple Leaf Adventures
Maple Leaf Adventures has been offering boutique adventure cruises in B.C. and Alaska since 1986. Our trips are multi-day expeditions aboard the 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf in the coast’s spectacular fjords and archipelagos, most inaccessible except by water. Destinations include Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, southeast Alaska and Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands. Maple Leaf Adventures has been rated one of the top adventure travel companies on earth by National Geographic Adventure, and its trips listed as a “Best Travel Experience” by Frommer’s, and one of Canada’s top 5 guided trips by Explore. Maple Leaf Adventures is an ecotourism company and donates at least 1% of all trip sales to conservation. For more information, please call +1-250-386-7245 / 888-599-5323 or visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com.

For information on our whale watching trips in the inside passage, see these pages:

]]> http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/share-what-inspired-you-to-make-a-difference-and-on-world-oceans-day-you-could-win-a-3800-bc-whales-totems-cruise-on-the-schooner-maple-leaf/feed 0 Whale Watching on BC Reposition Cruise http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/whale-watching-on-bc-reposition-cruise http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/whale-watching-on-bc-reposition-cruise#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:59:24 +0000 admin http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/?p=215 Continue reading →]]> REPORT FROM THE SHIP

Here is an update we received via satellite from the ship. The crew and 8 guests are on a sailing cruise along the entire B.C. coast, from Prince Rupert to Comox, B.C.

This report was sent from Johnstone Strait, where the Maple Leaf and her passengers were one of the first ships to see the returning northern resident orcas this year. Not to mention a host of other cetaceans!

“We’re just now travelling west of Naka Creek with a group of 5-6.  No id’s yet though.  Nice spyhop and a drive-by from a big male!

Blackfish Sound was a treat this morning for breakfast: breaching humpbacks, Dall’s propoises, and harbour porpoises.”

- from first mate Paul Smith, via satellite

Learn more about Maple Leaf Adventures’ killer whale watching tours.

]]> http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/whale-watching-on-bc-reposition-cruise/feed 0 Recent reports from the ship: http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/recent-reports-from-the-ship http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/recent-reports-from-the-ship#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:50:54 +0000 admin http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/blog/?p=141 Continue reading →]]> BC adventure cruise

Image (c) Kevin Smith

The ship is away in the wilderness on her spring trips. We’ve received a few occasional reports from crew aboard the Maple Leaf sent in via sattelite. Hope you enjoy these small slices of their day:

“Sailed under mainsail, foresail, staysail, and jib for 2 hours with brilliant sun with a steadily increasing breeze reaching a top speed of 7.5 knots on a beam reach as we rounded the tip of North Thormanby Island!  What a day!” - Apr. 21, off Georgia Strait

“Holy! Sea otter bonanza [in a new location]! Wow…looks like somewhere between 50-80 individuals…I lost count with the binos.” - Apr. 27, off northern Vancouver Island

“Maple Leaf currently under reefed main, fore, staysail making 4.9 kts on a beam reach!  Afternoon tea is served, sun is shining, sailing our way north to Klemtu.” – Apr. 29, in the Great Bear Rainforest

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