Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage

From Vancouver to Sitka Aboard the 264-guest Le Soléal

9 Days from $6,330*

Includes one-way air from Sitka to Vancouver

July 5–13, July 20–28, 2024

Against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks and steep-sided fjords, discover a wealth of wildlife and a unique cultural heritage as you sail the fabled Inside Passage from Vancouver to Sitka, Alaska. Transit British Columbia’s stunning Johnstone Strait, where orcas and dolphins teem, and watch for brown bears and bald eagles on the lush, wooded islands of the Tongass National Forest. Following a flexible schedule, take advantage of opportunities that arise, whether you’re navigating spectacular icebergs at the foot of Dawes Glacier, following a pod of dolphins, or watching humpbacks breach off Chichagof Island. In remote outposts and coastal towns, delve into the region’s diverse cultural heritage, getting acquainted with the traditions of the native Tsimshian and Tlingit peoples as well as local fishermen, and discovering the Norwegian and Russian roots of Petersburg and Sitka.

Highlights Include

Majestic Scenery: Immerse yourself in Alaska’s splendor, encountering soaring cliffs laced with waterfalls at Misty Fjords, and a labyrinth of serene waterways and lush islands backed by snowcapped mountains. Hike through temperate rainforest on the lookout for wildlife, and listen to the thunder of Dawes Glacier calving icebergs into Endicott Arm.

Wildlife: Discover the astonishing flora and fauna of the Inside Passage, gaining insights into the region’s biodiversity from naturalists and two Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Search for humpback whales feeding off the ship’s bow, orca and dolphins swimming in pods, Steller sea lions and sea otters frolicking in and out of the water, and brown bears foraging for their next meal. Look to the sky to watch for bald eagles soaring overhead, as well as herons, guillemots, Arctic terns, and much more.

Cultural Experiences: Learn about the native Tsimshian and Tlingit cultures during visits with community members in Metlakatla, Kake, and Sitka. View one of the world’s largest totem poles, witness traditional Tsimshian dances, and stroll through Sitka National Historical Park, where trails are lined with intricately carved totem poles. Hear firsthand about life in a remote fishing community from a local resident, and encounter Scandinavian customs in Petersburg and Russian Orthodox icons in Sitka’s onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on the July 5 departure are natural history filmmaker John Grabowska and Scott Burns, an environmental and engineering geologist.

A Voyage Along the Great Lakes

From Toronto to Milwaukee Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville or Le Champlain

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $6,980*

Oct. 9–16, 2023 & Aug. 28–Sept. 4, Oct. 11–18,† 2024

Straddling the shores of the United States and Canada, the Great Lakes are a freshwater treasure trove of wild islands, unusual geology, and legendary waterfalls. Cruise four of the five Great Lakes, discovering a wealth of natural wonders and historic sites and getting to know an intriguing cultural heritage.

Highlights Include

Niagara Falls: Cross Lake Ontario and travel to the Welland Canal, known for its 1,377-foot lock, one of the world’s longest. Enjoy a scenic drive to legendary Niagara Falls, then take a thrilling boat right up to the spray of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of Niagara’s three falls.

Georgian Bay: Navigate the bays, islets, and inlets of “The Ten Thousand Islands” on a local cruise on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay. Or venture into Killbear Provincial Park, a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, and discover the beaches, lush forests, and unusual geology.

Manitoulin Island: On the world’s largest freshwater island, learn about the local First Nations traditions at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, take part in a cleansing ceremony, and witness a typical pow-wow. Alternatively, hike the Cup and Saucer Trail or kayak on the Kagawong River.

Sault Ste. Marie: Visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park and trace maritime history at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Or experience the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, explore an authentic freighter at the Valley Camp Museum Ship, and navigate the locks on a local cruise.

Mackinac Island: Tour this timeless island in a horsedrawn carriage, viewing the iconic Grand Hotel and visiting Fort Mackinac, a 19th-century army outpost; then cruise Lake Michigan to Milwaukee.

Add a one-night extension in Toronto.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys

Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on the August departure are maritime history author Frederick Stonehouse and geology and oceanography professor Katryn Wiese.

Voyage Along the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes

From Toronto to Boston Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

12 days from $10,860* Oct. 18–29, 2024

Experience the beauty of Québec and Canada’s Atlantic seaboard when autumn colors are at their finest. Immerse yourself in unique cultures that have evolved from strong European roots, and see evidence of the tug of war between the British and the French that led to the creation of Canada. Revel in the charms of Montréal and Québec City and explore stunning landscapes including the red cliffs of the Îles de la Madeleine. Visit centuries-old fishing towns on Nova Scotia before ending your voyage in the historic fishing town of Eastport, Maine.

Highlights Include

Montréal and Québec City: In Montréal, an effervescent hub of culture and cuisine with a distinctly French character, take a walking tour and enjoy a choice of excursions. Stroll cobbled lanes steeped in Old World charm on a guided tour of Québec City. Then explore Battlefields Park or choose to see the impressive Montmorency Falls.

Whale-watching: Go whale-watching in the rich waters off Tadoussac. The salty, rich waters here draw 13 cetacean species that come to feed from May to October, including minkes, belugas, humpbacks, and blue whales.

Canadian Maritimes: Get acquainted with French-derived Acadian culture in Cap-aux-Meules on the remote Îles de la Madeleine.

Nova Scotia: Spend a day in lovely Lunenburg, a World Heritage site and home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

Eastport, Maine: Explore the quaint shops and colorful galleries of historic Eastport. Visit the Tides Institute & Museum of Art and chat with an artist-in-residence, or admirefall foliage on a scenic hike at Shackford Head State Park.

Add a one-night extension in Toronto.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys

Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. The experts on this cruise include naturalist and educator David Catlin. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Symphony on the St. Lawrence

15 days from $13,810* / Oct. 16–30, 2023

On this special cruise, attend intimate concerts curated by Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart.

Alaska’s Natural Wonders: Denali to Kenai Fjords

11 days from $8,197

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees June 4–14, July 9–19, Aug. 6–16, Aug. 25–Sept. 4, 2024

Experience the natural wonders of Alaska in three national parks—featuring plentiful wildlife, majestic snow-covered mountains, and dramatic glistening glaciers—and gain a better understanding of the Alaskan way of life.

Highlights Include

Denali National Park: Traveling into the park to Eielson Visitor Center, listen to your expert ranger talk about the forests, alpine tundra, and snow-covered Denali mountain, as well as wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou, which you’ll likely see along the road. Plus, enjoy an easy walk through the tundra.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Journey by coach to remote Chitina, then board a plane for a scenic flight to Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest park in the U.S. and a World Heritage site. Take a half-day hike out to icefields, cascading waterfalls, and deep canyons, and spend time exploring Kennecott, once a bustling copper mine.

Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park: An exciting day cruise features close-up views of this park’s glaciers and pristine fjords, along with plenty of marine wildlife such as whales, harbor seals, and sea lions; memorable puffins and other bird species; as well as bears, mountain goats, and moose along the shore.

Anchorage: Learn more about the Alaskan experience at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum with its Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, and the Wildlife Conservation Center, plus a tour of the historic downtown. Limited to 23 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

John Grabowska (June)–natural history filmmaker.

Allen Glazer (Aug. 6)–geologist. Carola Sterns (Aug. 25)–field geologist and geophysicist.

The Northern Rockies

Featuring Glacier, Banff, and Jasper National Parks

11 days from $6,851

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

June 15–25, July 3–13, Aug. 24–Sept. 3, 2024

Discover the spectacular landscapes of the Northern Rocky Mountains during leisurely hikes and drives through Glacier, Banff, and Jasper National Parks—all World Heritage sites.

Highlights Include

Waterton Lakes National Park: Surround yourself with dramatic peaks on a drive through Waterton Lakes, and stop for lunch at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

Glacier National Park: Hike along St. Mary Lake before a lake cruise. Ride a historic “Red Jammer” up the Goingto-the-Sun Road and go for a hike in Whitefish, Montana. Banff National Park: Hike along emerald Lake Louise and rise early to see the lake in the morning light. Then explore the southern reaches of the park: ride a gondola up 8,000-foot Sulphur Mountain and drive Tunnel Mountain Road to the Hoodoos and Bow Falls. At the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, take a painting lesson from a local artist.

Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield: Take an “ice coach” tour of Athabasca Glacier and venture out onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, an observation deck with a transparent floor suspended nearly 1,000 feet above the valley.

Jasper National Park: Discover the fascinating geology of Maligne Canyon and cruise past Spirit Island. Soar into the peaks on the Jasper Skytram, and drive along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, watching for bears, moose, elk, and mountain goats.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Howard Topoff and Carol Simon (June)–biologists. Allen Glazner (Aug.)–geologist and author.