Alaska & British Columbia: Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands | Southbound
An Audubon Voyage
Cruise Overview
Alaska Cruise | Alaska and British Columbia—Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands (Southbound) 2025/2026
Experience Alaska's wild nature and rich culture as you cruise from Nome to Vancouver, exploring the remote Aleutian Islands and towns of the Inside Passage.
Scout for bears in Katmai National Park and Kodiak Island, and look out for whales, seals, sea otters and rare birds like the red-legged kittiwake.
Discover the untouched scenery, fascinating history and wild atmosphere of the remote, isolated islands of St. Paul and St. Matthew.
Wild Pacific coastal beauty
Discover the pristine beauty of Alaska’s rugged coast, as well as Canada’s Inside Passage and the Aleutian Islands. In Misty Fjords National Monument and on remote islands you’ll visit where nature reigns free. As we go, keep an eye out for brown bears on Kodiak Island and in Katmai National Park, and scout for whales, fur seals, birds like bald eagles and rarities like the Kittlitz’s murrelet as we voyage north.
Discover a living history
Meet people belonging to Indigenous Tlingit and Unangan cultures, hunt for petroglyphs in Wrangell, and follow in the footsteps of gold prospectors and explorers on your expedition cruise. You’ll visit the picturesque ghost town of Unga and uncover ancient stories on mossy totem poles at Chief Shakes Tribal House, and you’ll go home with a profound sense of knowing the culture, ecology and history of this beautiful region.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
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Itinerary
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Scenic Seattle
Day 1
Scenic Seattle
Begin your adventure in the Emerald City
Your expedition cruise starts with an overnight stay in Seattle.
If you can, why not arrive early and see what the Emerald City has to offer? Head to the Seattle Aquarium to see sea otters and a giant Pacific octopus. Or for incredible views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, take a stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park, admiring the work of renowned artists as you go.
For a feast of the senses, visit the famous Pike Place Market. Operating for over a century, this lively farmer’s market boasts everything from buskers and bars to salmon-throwing fishmongers!
If you have the time to go farther afield, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of the region’s natural highlights.
Your Expedition Begins
Day 2
Your Expedition Begins
Launch your adventure in historical Nome
Today, we’ll fly you from Seattle to Nome for the start of your expedition cruise.
Set at the tip of the Seward Peninsula and overlooking the Bering Sea, Nome is perhaps the most famous Gold-Rush town in Alaskan history. There are artifacts from this era to be seen everywhere, including abandoned dredges, turn-of-the-century steam engines, and old railroad tracks.
Nome was also the end point of three of Roald Amundsen’s great polar expeditions, including an attempt to reach the North Pole by air in 1926. It’s a fitting place to launch your grand Alaska adventure.
Crossing the Bering Sea
Day 3
Crossing the Bering Sea
Get ready for adventure and watch for wildlife at sea
Spend your first day at sea chatting with fellow explorers or just watching the world sail by out on deck. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know your expedition ship, so perhaps now’s the time to take advantage of its facilities as you settle into expedition mode.
Along with talks by the Expedition Team about what to expect on the voyage ahead, delve into the books in the onboard library and get to know the Science Center. Natural wonders abound here, so keep an eye out for humpback whales and seabirds wheeling through the skies.
Wild St. Matthew
Day 4
Wild St. Matthew
Experience this wild, remote and isolated island
Part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and 200 miles from the nearest village, St. Matthew Island is wild, remote, and isolated. You’ll see traces of abandoned buildings between black sand beaches and wildflower-dotted tundra. A few hardy souls have tried—and failed—to make a home here.
Today, the only inhabitants are birds, including thousands of puffins, murres, and cormorants. On our nature landing, if we’re lucky, we’ll see the rare McKay’s bunting, which breeds almost exclusively here—and listen out for the sound of the singing vole, which was named after its unusual warning cry.
Unangan Life in St. Paul
Day 5
Unangan Life in St. Paul
Look out for wildlife on the largest of the Pribilof Islands
The windswept island of St. Paul is home to the largest Unangan community in the US, numbering around 480. You can visit the historical remains of barabaras here—traditional dwellings built halfway underground to protect against the sea winds.
St. Paul is also designated an Important Bird Area, and around 300 species of migrating birds use it as a resting point. Scan for horned and tufted puffins, the Pribilof sandpiper and the rare red-legged kittiwake.
On the shore, you may find northern fur seals waddling and playing—half the world's population of these charming animals lives on these islands.
Learning and Leisure
Day 6
Learning and Leisure
Relax and reflect as we cruise along the coast
We’ll continue south through the Bering Sea from the Aleutian Islands toward our next stop of Dutch Harbor. The Expedition Team will prepare you for our upcoming destinations and continue their lecture series.
Keep scanning the seas and skies for puffins, auklets, and murrelets, especially closer to the coast. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse the red-legged kittiwake, which is only found in this part of the world.
If you’d like to take it easy, you can take in the panoramic views from our Explorer Lounge & Bar, from the infinity pool or the outdoor hot tubs.
Discover Dutch Harbor
Day 7
Discover Dutch Harbor
Learn the fascinating history of America’s biggest fishing port
America's largest fishing port, Dutch Harbor, is a fascinating place to visit. As we sail toward it you may see Mount Makushin, an occasionally steaming volcano that reaches almost 6,000 ft.
Here, you’ll learn about the local Indigenous Unungan people at the Museum of the Aleutians. Visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, or tour the WWII museum commemorating the battle that took place here in 1942.
Scout for bald eagles and puffins. Foxes, lemmings and wild horses thrive on land, while whales, sea lions and porpoises command the waters. Dutch Harbor was the filming location of the reality television series The Deadliest Catch, which follows crab fishermen at work under extreme conditions.
The Ghost Town of Unga
Day 8
The Ghost Town of Unga
Experience a deserted Alaskan town
Wild and deserted, Unga Village is an abandoned yet picturesque settlement on the southern end of Unga Island.
It was settled by the Unangax̂ people in 1833 but was abandoned in 1969 as subsistence fishing proved insufficient to support living here. Today, the few wooden buildings that remain are the only evidence that people once lived here.
A carpet of pink lousewort, fireweed and other wildflowers surrounds the abandoned shacks as nature has gradually taken over. Experience the eerie beauty of this place during a nature landing with our small expedition boats.
The Remote Bays of the Alaska Peninsula
Day 9
The Remote Bays of the Alaska Peninsula
Explore rugged scenery in an untamed wilderness
The Alaska Peninsula is an untamed wilderness and a haven for wildlife. The region is characterized by its raw coastal landscapes, towering mountains and secluded bays.
Join your Expedition Team for close exploration of hidden bays and inlets along the shoreline, offering the opportunity to scout for bears, bald eagles, and marine species like sea otters and humpback whales. Learn about the geological evolution of the region, appreciating how natural forces have sculpted the unique topography around you.
Brown Bears in Katmai
Day 10
Brown Bears in Katmai
Spot brown bears in Katmai National Park
Your adventure continues in the four-million-acre Katmai National Park, which has over a dozen active volcanoes. Katmai is also home to more than 2,000 protected brown bears—the largest concentration in the world.
Accompanied by an experienced bear guard, we’ll safely scout for bears from the deck or in our small boats (RIBs). They might be foraging for berries, digging for clams or catching fish in the stream.
Depending on conditions, we might visit either Geographic Harbor, Kinak Bay or Kukak Bay.
Kodiak’s Brown Bears
Day 11
Kodiak’s Brown Bears
Explore the home of the Alutiiq people
Kodiak Island got its nickname, the “Emerald Isle,” due to its spruce forests and grasslands, and it's the second largest island in the US.
The island’s most famous inhabitants are Kodiak brown bears. Around 3,500 of them live in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which covers two thirds of the island.
We’ll search for these powerful creatures in their natural habitat, marveling at their size and grace from the safety of our small expedition boat. This perspective offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these bears against the backdrop of Alaska’s breathtakingly rugged landscape.
Across the Gulf of Alaska
Day 12
Across the Gulf of Alaska
Enjoy a day of relaxation and birdwatching at sea
Your cruise continues across the Gulf of Alaska. It’s the ideal time to enjoy onboard facilities such as the infinity pool, hot tubs, and sauna. Go for a run, hit the gym, or enjoy a massage in the spa.
In the Science Center, the Expedition Team invite you to join lectures about subjects such as Alaska’s wildlife, geology, glaciology, history and culture.
Relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and share a drink with your fellow guests, or just sit back and enjoy the view. See if you can spot all three species of North Pacific albatross. The Laysan and black-footed albatross are often sighted, but the short-tailed albatross is harder to spot.
Glaciers of Icy Bay
Day 13
Glaciers of Icy Bay
Spot wildlife in these glacier-fed waters
Today is an exploration day in Icy Bay. Three glaciers—Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall—regularly calve into this bay. If conditions allow, you’ll explore in our small expedition boats or by kayak, immersing you in the remarkable beauty of this icy landscape.
Wildlife abounds in the Gulf of Alaska, offering unrivaled photography opportunities. Humpback whales, orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and harbor seals lazing on floating chunks of ice are often seen in these waters.
Blended Cultures of Sitka
Day 14
Blended Cultures of Sitka
Take in Sitka’s views and a unique mix of cultures.
Surrounded by Tongass National Forest, Sitka is only accessible by sea or air. Get out on deck for stunning views of the Sisters Mountains and Mount Edgecumbe volcano.
Inhabited by the Łingít people for 10,000 years, the town was settled by Russian explorers around the turn of the 19th century before being sold to the United States after Russia lost the Crimean War. Today, Sitka has roots in all three cultures.
A visit to the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Russian Bishop's House is recommended. Admire ornate Haida and Łingít totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park and enjoy a walking trail through the forest to the ocean.
Wrangell's Petroglyphs
Day 15
Wrangell's Petroglyphs
Visit one of Alaska’s oldest harbor towns
We continue cruising the Alaskan islands toward Wrangell. Only a mile outside of town, Petroglyph Beach is where you'll see ancient rock carvings among the sand.
Visit the local museum to learn more about Wrangell's fascinating past. Now part of the United States, it was once governed by Britain, Russia and the Łingít people. Cross to Shakes Island, where the Chief Shakes Tribal House and totem poles tell the story of the Indigenous Łingít people.
Hikers will enjoy the nature trails surrounded by alluring scenery at the mouth of Stikine River, and the foot of Mount Dewey at the edge of the rainforest.
Unspoiled Misty Fjords
Day 16
Unspoiled Misty Fjords
Revel in a wilderness where wildlife thrives
Part of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreens, waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. The revered naturalist writer John Muir described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.
Weather permitting, you'll join the Expedition Team to tour Misty Fjords in our small expedition boats or take kayaks out.
Misty Fjords is rich in wildlife. You’ll scan for mountain goats, black and brown bears and moose as you explore. The waters are home to Pacific salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Skyward, you might spot herons and bald eagles.
Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 17
Canada’s Inside Passage
See sublime scenery as we sail the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage coastal route takes us through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long. Unlike other cruises, which pass through at night, you’ll be able to view the sublime scenery in all its glory during the day.
Our smaller expedition ship allows us to reach areas that larger vessels can’t, meaning you’ll get to explore lesser-traveled channels with breathtaking scenery. Keep your cameras and binoculars at the ready to catch sight of whales, including humpback, fin, minke and perhaps even orca.
A Taste of Vancouver
Day 18
A Taste of Vancouver
Disembark in British Columbia’s iconic city
Your expedition cruise ends in Vancouver, a beautiful city at the foot of the Rockies. Visit Gastown, the city's oldest neighborhood, and climb Vancouver Lookout for a citywide view overlooking neon-lit Granville Street, the West End beaches, and the towering cedars of Stanley Park.
Vancouver has a flavor all its own—and so does its global cuisine. Before your onward journey, we recommend you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy for a taste of the city's buzzing atmosphere.
What's included
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Seattle to Nome before the expedition cruise.
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Seattle before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nome before the expedition cruise
Hotel
- Overnight in Seattle, including breakfast, before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Meals and takeout available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX gear
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to the timing of international flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the on-board wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise