Gold Rush & Glaciers

Vancouver is the ideal home port to begin or end an Alaskan adventure. Blessed with stunning vistas and exciting activities, Vancouver offers the perfect blend of urban and natural experiences. Vancouver is a must for any cruise itinerary, and because it's a compact, walkable city right on the edge of nature, adding on just a couple of extra days to explore will give you an authentic taste of what makes this place so attractive to visitors.

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront, 'Canada Place' (cruise terminal) can service up to three luxury cruise ships at any given time.

Alaska's Inside Passage offers breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife , making it one of the most scenic cruises in the world and one of the few locations where deep-draft ships can sail close to steep mountain walls. Stretching from Puget Sound in Washington to the Alaskan Panhandle, this coastal route provides stunning natural scenery. Expect to see orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions from the deck, while eagles soar overhead.

Massive tidewater glaciers, forest-clad islands, ice-carved fjords, and charming coastal towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines and Skagway await you here. On small ship cruises, you’ll visit even more intimate ports of call. Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier are highlights.

Ketchikan sits at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage -  the canned salmon capital of the world, it’s a hub for fishing and outdoor sports. It’s also home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians, making it a great place to get a taste for the local culture.

Top Things to Do in Ketchikan:

• visit Totem Bight State Park
• venture past the town limits into Tongass National Forest
• visit Ketchikan's own Saxman Native Village
• a myriad of outdoor adventures from fishing to zip-lining!
  

Sitka is nestled on the west side of Baranof Island. As the east is covered with snowcapped mountains and the west is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, recreational fishing and hiking have become what Sitka is most famous for. As well as their historical landmarks, picturesque views and authentic dining experiences.

Top Things to Do in Sitka:

• visit Sitka Totem Park, home to authentic Tlingit and Haida totem poles nestled in a rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees 
• hike through the Starrigavan with plenty of bird and wildlife viewing opportunities
• explore Sitka via kayak 

Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000 during the gold rush in 1898. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold dwindled, so did the population.

Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents and it still retains the flavor of the gold rush era.

Top Things to Do in and around Skagway:

• steam train from Skagway aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World"
  
• excursion to the Klondike Summit
  
• gold panning & dog sledding

Juno, commonly known as Juneau, is the capital city of Alaska. Only accessible by sea or air, Juneau's history, culture, and topography have resulted in many interesting activities for visitors to enjoy, all in the heart of Alaska's majestic mountains, rivers, glaciers, and forests.

Top Things to Do in and around Juneau:

• dog sledding
  
• explore the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier
  
• whale watching
• Alaskan Halibut fishing
  

Wrangell offers a unique glimpse into the rugged beauty and rich history of the Alaskan wilderness. As a smaller, less frequented destination, it provides a more intimate connection with nature. Visitors can explore the striking Anan Wildlife Observatory, known for its up-close views of wild bears and bald eagles, or delve into the area’s past at the intriguing Wrangell Museum.

For a truly memorable experience, take a boat tour to the nearby Stikine River, a stunning natural wonder that boasts some of the most scenic views in Alaska. Alternatively, the Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site offers a fascinating look at ancient rock carvings right by the water’s edge, easily accessible and perfect for a leisurely morning exploration.

Victoria, capital of British Columbia, sits on the southern end of Vancouver Island, framed by an attractive harbour and surrounded by grand buildings.

With abundant parkland, it’s known for outdoor activities. The city's British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion. Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of vivid floral displays, plus statuary, water features and a carousel, is one of many formal gardens in the city.

Seattle is a dynamic, urban city, located in the Northwest region of the United States on Puget Sound. Being surrounded by water and unmatched natural beauty, outdoor activities have become a popular aspect of this area. This city is also home to modern architecture, captivating art, and their famously prominent coffee culture.

Top Things to Do in Seattle:

• shop at the longest-running farmers markets in the US, the Pike Place Market
• visit ‘The Seattle Spheres’, an indoor rainforest
• explore the Starbucks Reserve and Tasting Room
• visit the iconic ‘Space Needle’