Canada and Alaska luxury Cruise

This gleaming city in the midst of natural splendour has its origins in a saloon built for miners on their way to the Yukon. Walk the cobblestone streets of Gastown for a sense of Vancouver’s frontier history in what’s become one of the city’s most vibrant and unique areas. Explore Stanley Park, home to soaring old-growth trees and a spectacular collection of First Nation totem poles. Breathtaking views abound: Travel to ‘Vancouver’s Peak’ on the Grouse Mountain sky ride and walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure.

Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew up around salmon canneries and sawmills. Ketchikan’s name supposedly comes from the native term “Katch Kanna”, which roughly translates: “spread wings of a thundering eagle.” At one time Ketchikan was proclaimed the “Salmon Capital of the World.” An outstanding collection of totem poles make a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers flock to Ketchikan for their first look at the North Country, and are rarely disappointed.

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Indian guides. Here they discovered nuggets “as large as beans” at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined. Juneau’s surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travellers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880’s.

Beginning in 1897, this frontier town at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage was the starting place for more than 40,000 gold-rush stampeders who headed to the Yukon primarily by way of the Chilkoot Trail. Immerse yourself in the colorful history and characters of the Klondike Gold Rush era in downtown Skagway, where over 20 historic buildings have been preserved and locals in period costumes detail the town’s bawdy history. Ride the historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway as it climbs 3,000 feet high into immensely picturesque mountains, taking in views of Bridal Veil Falls and the peaks of Inspiration Point.

With pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, waters teeming with humpback whales and bald eagles soaring in the sky, this is the epitome of the Alaskan hinterland. Visit the Native Theater and Heritage Center to see Tlinglit tribal members enact their history through song and dance, followed by a sumptuous meal of classic Alaskan seafood dishes. Take in breathtaking views while riding a gondola up Hoonah Mountain, watching for Sitka black-tailed deer among towering spruce and western hemlock trees. Drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for grizzly bears.

Viewing the magnificent grandeur of immense glaciers is surely one of the highlights of a journey to Alaska. Sail along a cliff face over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from peak to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. As Hubbard Glacier advances, listen to the symphony of creaks and groans as it moves and calves. Watch in awe as  huge chunks of ice crash into the bay. The wonderful sound this creates is called ‘white thunder’ by the Tlingit people. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Keep your binoculars handy to spot seals, otters and whales. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where you can experience incredible glacier cruises and kayak in serene waters. Its unique “one-way-in” tunnel adds to the adventure. The town also provides access to nearby hiking trails and a fascinating WWII history, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.