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Outer Shores Expeditions

Small-ship expeditions exploring the ancient cultures and stunning wildlife of the BC Coast

Outer Shores’ small-ship expeditions provide extraordinary and intimate opportunities for being immersed in the ancient cultures and stunning wildlife of Canada’s Pacific Coast. Guided by a crew of professional mariners, scientists, and expert naturalists, small groups of 6-8 guests explore the incredible coastline of British Columbia while living aboard the 70’ classic wooden schooner, Passing Cl

oud. President and Captain Russell Markel holds a PhD in marine biology and is dedicated to hosting travellers from around the world while fostering stewardship and supporting conservation-based research in the areas where Outer Shores travels.

16/01/2025

Dive into the world of killer whales with us on Saturday, Jan 25th, at 10 AM PT for our webinar, “Anything But Black & White: Killer Whales in BC’s Inshore Waters,” hosted by marine mammal researcher and Outer Shores expedition specialist, Dr. Volker Deecke.

From their vocal dialects and hunting strategies to the challenges they face, Dr. Deecke will share fascinating insights into the lives of these iconic animals. With decades of experience and groundbreaking research, he’s one of the leading experts in killer whale behaviour. This is your chance to learn from a true luminary on BC’s coastal ecosystems. Don’t miss out—register now at the link below!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHuL0LA3SoTKl3iN1xnf_7dAU0dLB2WbMJQF6i-S1-xijRoA/viewform?usp=sf_link

📸: Killer whale photo by James Thompson Photography

14/01/2025

Ideal for first-time guests and those thinking about taking a longer voyage with Outer Shores in the future, our 5-night Gulf Islands & Salish Sea expeditions offer a taste of life aboard the Passing Cloud—complete with world-class sailing, stunning wilderness, and up-close encounters with marine and coastal wildlife.If you’re looking for an adventure that’s easy to reach yet full of discovery then our Gulf Islands expeditions are the perfect choice this spring. With simple travel logistics, these journeys make it simple to embark on an unforgettable exploration of Canada’s wild Pacific Coast. 📸: in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

10/01/2025

Nestled in the Salish Sea, British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands Archipelago is a natural treasure unlike any other.

Thanks to its unique Mediterranean climate, this region is home to a stunning diversity of ecosystems that are as rare as they are breathtaking.
Remarkably, this archipelago boasts more plant species than any other terrestrial ecosystem in British Columbia. From the intricate mosses carpeting forest floors to the coastal meadows bursting with spring blooms, every corner of these islands tells a story of resilience and beauty.Join us on a Gulf Islands expedition this May 6-11 (5 nights) and May 12-17 (5 nights) to explore this incredible biodiversity up close and witness the delicate balance of life that makes this archipelago so extraordinary.
📸: in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

09/01/2025

Nestled in the Salish Sea, British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands Archipelago is a natural treasure unlike any other. Thanks to its unique Mediterranean climate, this region is home to a stunning diversity of ecosystems that are as rare as they are breathtaking.

Remarkably, this archipelago boasts more plant species than any other terrestrial ecosystem in British Columbia. From the intricate mosses carpeting forest floors to the coastal meadows bursting with spring blooms, every corner of these islands tells a story of resilience and beauty.

Join us on a Gulf Islands expedition this May 6-11 (5 nights) and May 12-17 (5 nights) to explore this incredible biodiversity up close and witness the delicate balance of life that makes this archipelago so extraordinary.

📸: Convergence Studio in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

08/01/2025

In a place as breathtaking as Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Salish Sea, where every glance reveals a new wonder—a soaring eagle, a harbour seal basking on the rocks, or the ever-changing hues of the ocean—it might seem impossible to draw your attention away.Yet, aboard Passing Cloud, there’s a moment when even the most awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife take second place. It happens when our chefs unveil their creations—meals crafted with care and inspired by the bounty of the West Coast. Fresh, local ingredients are transformed into dishes that rival the scenery in their ability to delight and captivate.📸: aboard Passing Cloud in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

08/01/2025

In a place as breathtaking as Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Salish Sea, where every glance reveals a new wonder—a soaring eagle, a harbour seal basking on the rocks, or the ever-changing hues of the ocean—it might seem impossible to draw your attention away.

Yet, aboard Passing Cloud, there’s a moment when even the most awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife take second place. It happens when our chefs unveil their creations—meals crafted with care and inspired by the bounty of the West Coast. Fresh, local ingredients are transformed into dishes that rival the scenery in their ability to delight and captivate.

📸: Convergence Studio aboard Passing Cloud in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

06/01/2025

With abundant marine life, towering forests, and plenty of time spent under sail aboard the Passing Cloud, our Gulf Islands National Park Reserve & Salish Sea expeditions are as inspiring as they are accessible. Whether you’re testing the waters for a longer expedition or simply seeking a few days to reconnect with nature, the Gulf Islands deliver. Join us this spring, May 6-11 or May 12-17, 2025. 📸: in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

03/01/2025

For the new year, set your sites on a new adventure that stays with you long after it's over. In 2025, we invite you to join us for unforgettable adventure through Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Salish Sea, where the natural beauty meets the quiet power of discovery. From May 6-11 or May 12-17, join us aboard the Passing Cloud to explore this extraordinary coastal region.Wander through ancient forests, witness marine life thriving in pristine waters, and immerse yourself in the stories and history of these unceded Indigenous lands. The Gulf Islands are a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

📸: in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve For the new year, set your sites on a new adventure that stays with you long after it's over. In 2025, we invite you to join us for unforgettable adventure through Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Salish Sea, where the natural beauty meets the quiet power of discovery. From May 6-11 or May 12-17, join us aboard the Passing Cloud to explore this extraordinary coastal region.Wander through ancient forests, witness marine life thriving in pristine waters, and immerse yourself in the stories and history of these unceded Indigenous lands. The Gulf Islands are a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

31/12/2024

From our crew to you, Happy New Year! ⚓️

As we sail into 2025, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible team behind Outer Shores Expeditions.

Their dedication, expertise, and passion made 2024 unforgettable, not just for us, but for all who joined us aboard Passing Cloud. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And to our community of adventurers, thank you for being part of the journey. Here’s to a New Year filled with discovery, connection, and the extraordinary beauty of the BC coast.

Happy New Year from all of us at Outer Shores!

24/12/2024

As we slow down over the holiday season, we’re filled with gratitude for the extraordinary moments and connections we shared aboard Passing Cloud this past year.

From exploring the beauty of Haida Gwaii to uncovering the wonders of the Great Bear Rainforest, witnessing breathtaking wildlife off Northern Vancouver Island, and creating lasting memories in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Salish Sea, it’s you—our amazing guests—who made this year so special.

Thank you for your curiosity, laughter, and passion for exploring these extraordinary places. Every adventure, connection, and shared story reminds us why we love what we do here at Outer Shores Expedition.

Share your favourite moments from this year with us below! We’d love to relive the journey with you ⚓

19/12/2024

SV Passing Cloud in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve ⚓

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve benefits from a unique microclimate, with mild temperatures and dry conditions that create the ideal growing environment for arbutus trees, Garry oaks, and a variety of wildflowers. This distinct ecosystem thrives in the sheltered coastal landscape, offering a rich diversity of plant life found in few other places in Canada.

📷 - on IG

18/12/2024

Beautiful images by our friend Owen Perry () aboard our fall Great Bear Rainforest expedition in 2022

Traditional territories of the Gitga'at, Heiltsuk and Kitasoo / Xai'xais, whose archeological records date back over 10,000 years in the region (about the end of the last ice age).

📷 - on IG

12/12/2024

Only 2 Days to Go! Join us for our free Haida Gwaii Webinar ⚓

DETAILS:
📅 Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
⏰ Time: 10-11 AM Pacific

Outer Shores’ owner, founder, and captain Russell Markel will take you on a virtual journey through this incredible archipelago to explore the cultural and ecological wonders of Haida Gwaii.

What you’ll experience:

- Learning about Haida Gwaii’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and cultural history
- Tips on planning your 2025 expedition, from logistics to highlights
- Behind-the-scenes stories and stunning photos from past voyages

Spaces are filling up—RSVP here to secure your spot: https://forms.gle/N6XEqBxcYGEq4nWZ9

11/12/2024

Our 2025 season is filling up fast! With our Haida Gwaii and Great Bear Rainforest expeditions almost sold out, we still have space aboard our Spring Gulf Islands, Fall Northern Vancouver Island and Fall Migration expeditions. No matter which region you choose, you’ll discover the BC coast aboard our luxury wooden ship, enjoy gourmet meals, and travel in great company. You’ll learn about the ecology, history, and culture that make these regions so extraordinary.

06/12/2024

Passing Cloud in the Gordon Group, Haida Gwaii, 2018

Join us for a free Haida Gwaii webinar on Thursday, December 14, 2024, from 10-11 AM Pacific!

Spaces are limited—RSVP via the link in bio in advance!

📷 -

03/12/2024

Last month, National Geographic released its "Best of the World 2025" list, and Haida Gwaii made the top 15!

If you’re unfamiliar, Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago situated approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) off the northwest coast of British Columbia, made up of 150 islands. Often described as “the Canadian Galapagos,” Haida Gwaii is home to endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

This remote island archipelago offers unmatched biological diversity paired with the Indigenous cultural heritage that has been stewarding these lands and waters for more than 14,000 years.

Mark your calendars and join us on December 14 for a free Haida Gwaii webinar to learn more! More information coming soon...

📷 #1 & 3 - Russ Markel
📷 #2 & 4 - on IG

26/11/2024

Did you know? Northern Vancouver Island is one of the few places where you can witness a unique feeding strategy called trap-feeding 🐋

First observed by the Marine Education and Research Society () in 2011, this newly learned feeding technique involves humpback whales holding their mouths open at the water’s surface before slowly spinning and catching prey. What’s even more remarkable? The whales are teaching each other this feeding behaviour!

Join us next fall during our NVI expeditions to witness this incredible phenomenon firsthand.

📷 - James Thompson Photography

19/11/2024

Spring in the Great Bear Rainforest. The long days of late May and early June offer ample opportunities for exploration on the central coast of British Columbia.

Highlights of our Spring Great Bear Rainforest expeditions include:

🐻 Wide variety of bear behaviour, from courting rituals and mating, to yearlings learning to forage for the first time.
🌲 Beautiful wilderness scenery for avid outdoor photographers. 🪻 Stunning wildflowers in bloom.
⚓️ Comraderie with like-minded guests, delicious meals, comfy cabins and educational evenings aboard Passing Cloud.

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Outer Shores Expeditions 2025

Spring in the Great Bear Rainforest

Spring in the Great Bear Rainforest. The long days of late May and early June offer ample opportunities for exploration on the central coast of British Columbia. Highlights of our Spring Great Bear Rainforest expeditions include: 🐻 Wide variety of bear behaviour, from courting rituals and mating, to yearlings learning to forage for the first time. 🌲 Beautiful wilderness scenery for avid outdoor photographers. 🪻 Stunning wildflowers in bloom. ⚓️ Comraderie with like-minded guests, delicious meals, comfy cabins and educational evenings aboard Passing Cloud.

Springtime in the Great Bear Rainforest

Springtime in the Great Bear Rainforest offers a rare glimpse into the lives of bears 🐻🐻 With no salmon or berries in season yet, all the bears are grazing together in the lush estuaries. The long days of late May and early June also bring ample opportunities to witness courtship and mating behaviours and mother bears with their yearling cubs, all against the stunning backdrop of colourful spring wildflowers and waterfalls. Tune into our FREE webinar next Saturday, Nov 23, at 10am PST, where owner Russell Markel will take you on a virtual journey of our Spring/Fall Great Bear Rainforest expeditions. RSVP here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1i2PO-BD1u16_RdFkUdKqRCIEfXy_zMdqMvxm9k6DrMU/edit 🎥 - Captain Ashley MacKinnon

Cape St. James, Haida Gwaii

Rounding Cape St. James ⛵ 📍51.9358° N, 131.0156° W When the stars align and the weather complies, we can attempt to round Cape St. James at the southernmost tip of Haida Gwaii ⚓️ With rugged cliffs plunging into the sea and waves crashing below, it’s one of the most exhilarating stretches of the expedition. The exposure of this remote cape, combined with the wide-open expanse of the Pacific Ocean, creates the most stunning backdrop for spotting seabirds, sea lions, and sometimes even whales breaching in the distance. 📷 - @stay.wildlife on IG Go Haida Gwaii Destination British Columbia Pacific Yachting

Fll Migration Tour of the Inside Passage and Salish Sea

That’s a wrap on our Fall Migration Tour of the Inside Passage & Salish Sea, marking the end of our 2024 expedition season! ⚓ From bow-riding Dall's porpoise to killer whale sightings and stunning coastal landscapes, this journey home for the winter was full of unforgettable moments. A huge thank you to our crew, amazing guests, and partners for making this season so special. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. 🎥 - Crew Member Emma Lafontain (@stay.wildlife on IG)

Where will your 2025 adventures take you? ⚓ Join us for the trip of a lifetime next season! While we're already around 75% sold out for 2025, we still have available spaces on our early Haida Gwaii, Spring Great Bear Rainforest, and Fall Northern Vancouver expeditions. 📷 - @stay.wildlife on IG #OuterShoresExpeditions #ExploreBC #PNW #Sail #Sailboat #Sailing

2024 Great Bear Rainforest Recap

The Great Bear Rainforest never ceases to amaze! 🐻 The past few weeks here have been nothing short of magical. Salmon, bears, wolves, and whales. Stunning granite fjords that transform from exposed rock to walls of cascading waterfalls in minutes. We’ve been lucky enough to watch coastal grizzlies thrive, humpback whales bubble net feeding, and the elusive white spirit bear, which is found nowhere else on Earth. 📷 - Em LaFontaine . . . . . #OuterShoresExpeditions #GreatBearRainforest #Bear #Bears #GrizzlyBears #ExploreBC #PNW #Sailing #Sailboat

2025 Sailing BC Expeditions

Our 2025 expeditions are filling up fast! ⚓ While our 2025 Haida Gwaii and Great Bear Rainforest expeditions are around 50%, we still have several available spaces. If either of these regions are on your bucket list, call or email us to join us for the trip of a lifetime. Learn more at outershores.ca 🎥 - @stay.wildlife & Russ Markel aboard our Gulf Islands, Haida Gwaii and Great Bear Rainforest expeditions

Humpback Whale Watching

A humpback whale visited our anchorage! 🐋📷 - @stay.wildlife

Sailing Haida Gwaii 2024

Blue skies and sunshine at our peaceful anchorage in Haida Gwaii, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve ⚓️☀️ 🎥 - @stay.wildlife #HaidaGwaii #GwaiiHaanas #NorthwestCoast #OuterShoresExpeditions #ExploreBC #PNW #Sailing #Sailboat

2024 Haida Gwaii Sailing Expedition

Magical moments from our Haida Gwaii expeditions ⚓️⛵️✨ 🎥 - @stay.wildlife #HaidaGwaii #GwaiiHaanas #NorthwestCoast #OuterShoresExpeditions #ExploreBC #PNW #Sailing #Sailboat

Sailing Passing Cloud

Among Passing Cloud’s many appealing features is her exceptional sailing abilities ⛵️ Since her launching in 1974, Passing Cloud has cruised the South Pacific, weathered hurricanes, won many sailing races, worked as a sail training vessel, and explored the far reaches of the BC coast. She is now established as an expedition sailing vessel by her current owner, Russell Markel. “The Cloud” has a rich history that we are proud to share with you — visit our website to learn more. 🎥 - @stay.wildlife aboard our 2024 Haida Gwaii Expeditions #OuterShoresExpeditions #50yearsold #woodenboat #woodensailboat #schooner #schooners #schoonerlovers #schoonerpassingcloud #sailboat #sail #sailing #pnw #pnwsailing #pnwboating

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