Late in the previous evening, the National Geographic Sea Lion crossed into Canadian waters, leaving the richness of Southeast Alaska behind. In the distance to the north, some lucky guests were greeted to the Aurora Borealis as a farewell from the Last Frontier. Early the next day, we awoke to a beautiful sky full of sun shining down as we began to traverse the Canadian waterways. Docking in Prince Rupert, guests were greeted by some Mounties in full regalia, and the mayor of the city, adorned in robes. Clearing customs, we headed to the local museum for a full lesson on the history of the new lands we had come into.
Inside, an array of native artifacts awaited us, complete with stunning examples of craftsmanship and a tracing history that led up to the modern day. Expertly carved masks, finely woven ceremonial garments, and all other manner of items, large and small, were exampled for our guests to view, complete with a local guide to deliver the intricacies of the local history. Afterwards, the guests were invited into a native long house by the tribal chief and bore witness to the intricacies of customs still very much alive in the modern day. The headdress of the chief was filled with the downy feathers of the bald eagle, a symbol of peace and welcome to the guest. Their ceremonial dancing commenced, the men adorned in raven masks and the women beating the rhythm on the stretched hide drums. Guests were treated to a local delicacy of soapberries and sugar, and stories were shared showing how hospitality and honorable practice were among the highest practices of the tribes.
Left to wander the town, our guests explored the quaint coffee shops and local artisans along the waterfront, before embarking again and heading south down the Grenville Channel in search of more wildlife and adventure. With Alaska behind us, and Seattle ahead, we journey through these waters, still surrounded by the temperate rainforest that define the area. With every cove and inlet we turn into, we dream of what is to come, for these waters are rich and the chance to encounter what is wild is never ending.
