An Extended Journey through Alaska’s Wild Beauty & Remarkable Heritage

Cosmopolitan Vancouver is a city that rewards exploration, an eminently liveable place and an easy gateway to the natural beauty of British Columbia. The culinary scene here is a particular draw, with seafood galore and some fantastic Asian restaurants, and the city has also been at the forefront of the craft beer movement. Verdant Stanley Park is a favourite of locals and visitors alike, while Kitsilano's beaches and wooden houses are wonderfully picturesque. Cultural attractions tend to be on a smaller scale than you'd expect from a city of this size, but the thrill of stumbling across one of Vancouver's quirky little galleries is all part of the city's appeal.

Ketchikan is a great introduction to Alaska’s natural attractions, situated at the foot of towering Deer Mountain and within easy reach of the Misty Fjords. The colourful wooden buildings of Creek Street, the old red light district, are a reminder of Ketchikan’s former status as a rough and ready frontier town; these days, things are rather more civilised!

Klawock, on Prince of Wales Island - the USA's third-largest island home to a vast temperate rainforest and abundant wildlife include bears and whales - is known for its deep Tlingit culture embodied in the Klawock Totem Park, home to 21 carved poles representing the heritage of the Heenya Kwaan people. Visit the heritage centre and carving shed to watch local artists at work and learn about Tlingit traditions, alongside opportunities for fishing, kayaking and hiking.

Sitka was founded by Russian fur traders in 1799 as the city of New Archangel, and there is still a discernible Russian influence here, including the distinctive St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The town also enjoys spectacular natural surroundings, facing the Pacific Ocean and dramatic Mount Edgecumbe.

The tiny city of Seward, home to just 3,000 people, enjoys a spectacular setting on the edge of Resurrection Bay, on Alaska’s southern coast. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Kenai Fjords National Park, it’s a great base for exploring the Harding Ice Field and the stunning scenery of the Kenai Peninsula.

The port at Icy Strait Point was created to ensure that indigenous communities benefit from cruise tourism in Alaska, and the facility is owned by the local Tlingit people. Here you can learn about Alaska’s native culture and enjoy guided nature walks, whale watching trips or shopping for local crafts.

Situated at the northern end of the Inside Passage, Skagway is an impressively well preserved former gold rush town, with a charming historic centre that’s easy to explore on foot. Popular activities include hiking to the pristine Lower Dewey Lake and the scenic train ride along the old gold rush route.

Alaska's state capital is isolated and remote, accessible only by plane or by boat thanks to its dramatic hillside location. The wild hinterland is thick with forest, sculpted by the glaciers of the Juneau Ice Field, while down at the water's edge the harbour bustles with fishing boats and seaplanes.

Back in its 19th century heyday Wrangell was a lawless gold rush town, and it's still a little rough around the edges, but it's also a very welcoming place, ideal for exploring the surrounding Alaskan wilderness. Take a trip to the nearby Anan Wildlife Observatory for the chance to see black and brown bears at close proximity.

Cosmopolitan Vancouver is a city that rewards exploration, an eminently liveable place and an easy gateway to the natural beauty of British Columbia. The culinary scene here is a particular draw, with seafood galore and some fantastic Asian restaurants.