The Majesty of the Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage

Day 1 - Juneau

Juneau, Alaska, United States: Juneau, Alaska's capital and third-largest city, is nestled on the North American mainland yet cannot be reached by road. Surrounded by steep mountains and water, Juneau shares more characteristics with an island community like Sitka than with other larger Alaskan cities like Fairbanks or Anchorage. The city is full of contrasts, with dramatic hillside locations and historic downtown buildings that provide a frontier feeling. Yet, its cosmopolitan nature shines through in fine museums, noteworthy restaurants, and a literate and outdoorsy populace. The Alaska State Museum, reopening in May 2016 as the Alaska State Library, Archives, and Museum (SLAM), is a highlight along with the Walter Soboleff Center, which offers insights into the indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska—Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Visitors can also explore the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the densely forested wilderness areas, quiet bays for sea kayaking, and the famous drive-up Mendenhall Glacier.

Day 2 - Tracy Arm

Tracy Arm, Alaska, United States: Part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, Tracy Arm lies within the expanse of the Tongass National Forest. This fjord, stretching nearly 50 km, is a classic representation of Alaska's majestic fjords. Navigators will pass breathtaking mountains, towering cliffs, and majestic waterfalls to reach the impressive twin Sawyer Glaciers—South Sawyer and North Sawyer. These active tidewater glaciers are nestled within a habitat teeming with wildlife, including whales, harbour seals, eagles, kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, and Pigeon Guillemots.

Day 3 - Wrangell

Wrangell, Alaska, United States: Wrangell is a quaint, unassuming timber and fishing community located at the northern tip of Wrangell Island near the mouth of the Stikine River—North America's largest undammed river. Locals, who often grew up homesteading on nearby islands, benefit from trips along the river with local guides, offering an insider's perspective on the Stikine and an authentic Alaskan lifestyle. Despite the challenges of a declining resource-based economy, the community is actively working toward fostering tourism, celebrating events like Bearfest, which began in 2010. The town has a unique history, having flown under three different national flags, and is void of the souvenir shops dominating nearby towns. Instead, visitors will find locally crafted items in gift shops and galleries, making it a welcoming stop for independent travellers exploring Southeast Alaska.

Day 4 - Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska, United States: Rudyerd Bay is a picturesque highlight of the Misty Fjords, located 40 miles east of Ketchikan along the Inside Passage. This fjord cuts through steep-sided mountainous terrain and extends deep into the mainland. Visitors are treated to stunning scenery, characterised by dramatic thousand-foot waterfalls tumbling down rainforest-covered cliffs into the waters below.

Day 5 - Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada: Situated just 40 miles south of the Alaskan border, Prince Rupert is the largest community on British Columbia's northern coast. Positioned on Kaien Island at the mouth of the Skeena River, the town is rich in Tsimshian culture, a community dating back thousands of years. In 1910, Prince Rupert aimed to rival Vancouver as a hub for trans-Pacific trade, but plans shifted after the passing of a key visionary, Charles Hays, aboard the Titanic. The town instead embraced fishing and forestry and, as a port of call for both BC and Alaska ferries, maintains a laid-back, small-town charm despite being new to cruise ships.

Day 6 - At Sea

At Sea: Spend a relaxing day cruising through the picturesque Inside Passage, taking in the magnificent coastal scenery and keeping an eye out for marine wildlife such as whales and dolphin sightings.

Day 7 - Alert Bay

Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada: Alert Bay is a small village on Cormorant Island, with approximately 1,300 residents, over half of whom are First Nations people. The settlement was named in 1860 after HMS Alert, a Royal Navy ship that conducted survey operations in the region. The Kwakwaka’wakw people have endured significant historical challenges yet are experiencing a resurgence in their traditions. One of Alert Bay’s prominent features is its 173-foot wooden totem pole, claimed by some to be the tallest in the world.

Day 8 - Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Vancouver is an exquisite blend of urban sophistication intertwined with readily accessible wilderness adventures. The city's stunning mountains and seascapes make it an ideal playground for outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing. Complimented by diverse cuisine and arts scenes that echo the cultural mosaic of predominantly Asian influence, Vancouver is regularly ranked among the most liveable cities worldwide. Whether enjoying fresh seafood, meandering through museums, shopping, or nightlife, the city has a relaxed West Coast vibe to offer its 8 million annual visitors. With convenient walking access in the downtown core and a rapid-transit system, visitors can easily explore the beauty and vitality Vancouver has to offer.