Day One - Seward (Anchorage, Alaska), UNITED STATES
In this secluded corner of the world, you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, where glaciers calve and whales glide through dark waters, set against the backdrop of towering mountains. Almost entirely enveloped by the immense landscapes, Seward and the wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park present some of Alaska's most stunning vistas. Nestled within a deep cut of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a destination to fully embrace nature's grandeur. Fjords carve into the terrain, while the Harding Icefield, which caps Kenai Fjords National Park, extends its icy reach, with glaciers cascading down between the peaks. Visit Holgate Glacier for an up-close encounter with striking blue and white ice formations. You can navigate through the scattered ice chunks on a kayak or boat ride, and perhaps witness the dramatic moment when an ice ledge creaks and crashes into the water below. The city of Anchorage is conveniently accessible from this stunning location, presenting an intriguing contrast to Alaska's wild beauty. Here, deep-sea fishermen mingle with business professionals, creating a captivating, remote urban environment. Anchorage, home to nearly half of Alaska's population, features a modest skyline that is overshadowed by the snowy wilderness surrounding it. Be sure to take the opportunity to explore the rich culture, traditions, and heritage of the First Nation peoples of this region as well.
Day Two - Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, UNITED STATES
Hubbard Glacier, located off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, holds the title of the largest glacier in North America, boasting a calving front that spans over six miles wide. Its primary source is situated 76 miles inland. This glacier has shown significant activity, having undergone two major surges in the last 30 years. It is named in honour of Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a U.S. lawyer, financier, and philanthropist, who was also the inaugural president of the National Geographic Society.
Day Three - Juneau (Alaska), UNITED STATES
Remarkable adventures in nature's most dramatic setting await you in Juneau. The awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier extends from the Juneau Icefield, which crowns the area's breathtaking scenery. Few state capitals are as striking as this secluded city, nestled deep within the Alaskan wilderness. Here, even the roads fade away, overtaken by dense forests and scenic vistas, emphasising its remote location, concealed behind a formidable wall of rugged mountains. Ascend to the viewpoint of Mount Roberts Tramway to witness the city engulfed by this monumental backdrop. This is true glacier territory, with 38 ice flows branching from the main Juneau Icefield, gradually sculpting valleys in their path. Taku Glacier, one of the world's thickest glaciers, cuts deep into the mountains, reaching nearly a mile in depth. Just 12 miles from downtown, Mendenhall Glacier flows down to its own lake and visitor centre. With an expansive 1,500 square miles of ice field to explore, one of the best ways to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of this frozen masterpiece is to take an exhilarating sightseeing flight, where you can soar high above the icy landscape nestled among jagged mountain peaks—a truly unforgettable experience. The wildlife in Southeast Alaska is as captivating as the scenery, with bear families roaming the riverbanks, vigilant bald eagles surveying their territory, and Pacific humpbacks journeying from Hawaii’s waters to feast on the krill-rich, icy depths. Whether you choose to fish for large catches, glide across the ice on a snow sledge, or kayak near the glaciers, Juneau's breathtaking outdoor adventures are sure to impress.
Included Shore Excursions
Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens
Mendenhall Glacier Guides Choice Trail Hike
Juneau Gold – Underground Mining Heritage
Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre & Goldbelt Tram
Day Four - Skagway (Alaska), UNITED STATES
Experience the same exhilarating thrill that the gold rush seekers felt when they first arrived in Skagway, eager to strike it rich. Although the gold may be long gone, a wealth of natural beauty awaits your discovery. The spirit of America’s iconic gold rush continues to resonate throughout Skagway's streets, particularly in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the historic downtown area, which flourished during the vibrant 1890s gold rush. The striking mountain ridges, capped with white snow above towering pine forests, offer breathtaking views. Relive the sense of adventure as you board one of the world’s most breathtaking railroads. Feel the steam rise as your engine chugs through the dramatic landscape, with vintage carriages winding along the White Pass & Yukon Route next to cascading waterfalls and deep gorges.
Located at the northern tip of the Inside Passage, Skagway basks in an incredibly beautiful and dramatic environment. Discover mighty rivers filled with salmon leaping over rapids, and watch brown bears emerge from the cover of the trees. Vast forests stretch endlessly, while bald eagles perch atop treetops, surveying their domain. Whales swim just offshore, and glaciers crack and calve nearby, creating a truly enchanting natural kingdom.
Included Shore Excursions
Skagway Streetcar City Tour
White Pass Scenic Railway
Day Five - Sitka (Alaska), UNITED STATES
In a remote realm of bears, untamed landscapes, and frosty adventures, journey through magnificent islands and observe the rich wildlife of the Inside Passage. Eagles soar above the breathtaking views, while whales and sea lions contribute to the vibrant marine life thriving in these chilly waters. With five species of Pacific salmon enlivening the lush rivers and waterways, sit back and enjoy the spectacle as Sitka's grand vistas unfold before you. You may spot the onion-shaped dome of St. Michael’s Church, a reminder of the region's Russian heritage. Sitka was once part of the Russian Empire until 1867, when it was sold to the United States, with the transfer ceremony occurring right here in Sitka. The native Tlingit culture remains a significant influence, with intricate totem poles standing tall in Sitka National Historical Park, marking the site of the fierce 1804 conflict between the indigenous people and the Russians. The snow-capped summit of the dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, evokes comparisons to the symmetrical cone of Mount Fuji. Ascend to exhilarating heights on Kruzof Island and soak in the mesmerising views of the scattered Pacific islands while hiking. Whether you prefer soaring above snow-covered mountain ridges, fishing for enormous King salmon, or indulging in Northwest frontier cuisine at waterfront eateries, Sitka offers endless opportunities to revel in its natural splendour.
Included Shore Excursions
Taste of Sitka
Sitka's Culinary Adventure
Raptors and Ravens: Discovering Sitka
Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest
Sitka Walking Tour
Day Six - Ketchikan, Alaska, UNITED STATES
Ketchikan - known as the Salmon Capital of the World - is the perfect introduction to the wild and wonderful land of Alaska. It sits at the southern gateway to the Inside Passage’s famous route. This remarkable area is home to both grizzly and black bears, along with cruising whales and swimming seals, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Ketchikan's ocean inlet is framed by steep banks and valley walls, dotted with impressive granite stacks rising from the sea. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes by visiting the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, a vibrant habitat for bald eagles, black bears, and the unusual, thick yellow banana slugs!
Explore Ketchikan's Heritage Centre, where a stunning array of intricately carved totem poles stand tall, preserving the rich heritage of the indigenous Tlingit and Haida peoples. Ketchikan boasts the largest collection in the world, featuring some of the oldest and most treasured totems that exist today.
Included Shore Excursions
Saxman Native Village & City Tour
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Ketchikan Cultural Discovery
Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary
Day Seven - Cruise Inside Passage, UNITED STATES
Explore the captivating landscapes of Alaska's stunning winter scenery, weaving through rugged, snow-covered islands and majestic glacial giants. Cruising along this 500-mile stretch promises elegantly sculpted mountains rising from the shore and clusters of islands thoughtfully scattered across the dark waters. This route is popular for its calm, sheltered waters, where amazing natural spectacles unfold – from killer whales swimming alongside you to harbour seals lounging on floating icebergs.
While the awe-inspiring power of nature captivates, it’s the serene beauty of this passage that leaves a lasting impression. A journey through glaciers, secluded villages, and sculpted fjords, the Inside Passage offers an unforgettable voyage through the intricate tapestry of Alaska’s stunning and wild coastal landscapes.
Day Eight - Vancouver, CANADA
With its stunning mountains, sea, art, and so much more, many cities claim to offer everything, but few can truly deliver like Vancouver. Renowned for its liveability, even a short visit to this high-rise city is an exhilarating experience. Vancouver provides all the comforts of a modern, global metropolis, with even its downtown air carrying a hint of freshness from the mountains. One of the city's charms is the ease with which you can transition from towering skyscrapers to ocean vistas filled with whales and skies punctuated by mountains. For the best 360-degree views, head up to the Vancouver Lookout Tower, where the city sparkles against the backdrop of the inviting wilderness. But where to start your adventure?
Art enthusiasts may opt for the Vancouver Art Gallery or the Contemporary Art Gallery. Nature lovers might rush to catch a ferry to Vancouver Island, hoping to see grizzly bears, whales, and orcas. Meanwhile, culture seekers will likely gravitate toward the vibrant sights and sounds of Canada's largest Chinatown. Here, you can savor steaming dim sum for lunch or visit Chinese apothecaries stocked with herbs to remedy ailments, a nod to the contributions of 19th-century migrant workers.
The unique gem of Stanley Park offers wild wonder and natural beauty right at the city's edge, with its pine-tree-covered trails and spectacular views. Stroll along the Seawall, a 20-mile coastal path bustling with joggers, skaters, and couples. Rent a bike and cruise between Coal Harbour and Kitsilano Beach, where you can bask in the sun while enjoying the stunning sights of the mountains and cityscape from the sandy shore.
