Prince Rupert, 9/10/2024, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Alaska
Our first day aboard National Geographic Venture was spent in Prince Rupert, Canada. We got to explore the small coastal town of British Columbia before starting our adventure into the wilderness. Walking along the Rushbrook Trail, visiting the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site, or listening to Cassidy, a local First Nations guide speak about the Tsimshian culture for the “Echoes of Time Tour”, were some of the wonderful options for today.
Emily proudly grew up in the state of Michigan, doing whatever she could to experience and get to know our natural world. She carries a degree in zoology and public policy and worked in an agroecology lab throughout her time in school. Discovering th...
This morning, we realized we were on a true expedition. Our Expedition and Bridge teams worked together to find an area that National Geographic Venture , or any of our vessels for that matter, had never been. Therefore, every hike we did this morning was exploratory. We found beaches where the intertidal was explored, beds of rivers and streams to trudge through, and sharp inclines perfectly suited for bushwhacking. In the afternoon, we took all our guests on a 2-hour long Zodiac ride through an unbelievably stunning salmon river. We were surrounded by lush forest, ice capped mountains, and dramatic waterfalls. A truly spectacular day.
Today, National Geographic Venture docked in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, offering guests a choice of engaging activities throughout the day. Guests had the flexibility to choose their preferred activities, ensuring a day tailored to their interests and preferences. On the North Pacific Cannery tour guests explored this historic site, gaining insights into the salmon canning industry’s impact on the region through guided tours of preserved machinery and exhibits. While on the Echoes of Time tour, participants visited a local Tsimshian longhouse, where they learned about the rich traditions, art, and cultural heritage of the Tsimshian people through interactive storytelling, elaborate song, and dance displays. On this guided tour, guests also visited the Museum of British Columbia. The museum provided a comprehensive look at the province’s natural and cultural history, featuring exhibits on indigenous cultures, maritime heritage, and environmental aspects of British Columbia. Those that wanted a bit of movement in the day, a walk along the Rushbrook Trail offered scenic waterfront views and a peaceful experience amidst the natural beauty of the area.
Our Expedition Leader woke us all up at 2:16am for the most spectacular Northern Lights show that many of us had ever seen. Green and red danced across the sky above our heads for hours – an amazing way to start the day! After a few hours of sleep, we awoke to a stunning day. The sun burned off what little cloud cover there was in the early part of the morning, giving us a perfect opportunity to explore the tidal meadow and nearby rivers. Some brave souls bushwhacked up the side of a waterfall, while others went kayaking in a river full of salmon. The tidal meadow was an ideal spot for a forest foray for those who did not wish to bushwhack. In the afternoon, we found ourselves exploring places National Geographic Venture had never been! We spotted many seabirds, harbor seals, and even glaciers high in the nearby mountains! This day had something for everyone.
