Seward, Alaska to Vancouver

Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay, the SeaLife Center research aquarium, not to mention the charm of the town itself, all conspire to make Seward one of the most appealing destinations in Alaska. Seward began inconspicuously enough as a fishing village and point of arrival for those visiting Alaska. Now locals and visitors alike have discovered that there is enough to see and do here to merit a multi-day, if not indefinite, stay. You might paddle a kayak on the lookout for sea otters, hike one of the many beautiful hiking trails near town, embark on a fishing expedition or ride a wheeled sled pulled by a team of 12 spry and intelligent dogs. In town, visit the aforementioned SeaLife Center, where you can hold starfish and view puffins, seabirds, harbor seals and sea lions. Also investigate the Iditarod Trailhead and explore the quaint Seward Museum where you will learn the history of Seward as told by bits of memorabilia.

Hubbard Glacier is a glacier located in eastern Alaska and part of Yukon, Canada, and named after Gardiner Hubbard.

Discover the flavor of the gold rush era in Skagway. In its heyday, this atmospheric frontier town was the largest in Alaska. During the height of the gold boom, Skagway was known as the gateway to the goldfields, and its population went from 2 to 10,000 in a single year. At one time it boasted 80 saloons and was known as the “roughest town on earth.” Although its population is now less than 1,000, its rip-roaring past will come alive as you stroll along Broadway or browse through the Trail of ’98 Museum’s outstanding collection of memorabilia.

The symmetrical cone of Mount Edgecumbe and countless green-tufted islands welcome Crystal Symphony to picturesque Sitka. In its heyday, it was referred to as the “Paris of the Pacific” and knew great prosperity. Although founded by Alexander Baranof in 1799, it wasn’t until 1867, when Alaska was purchased by the United States, that the Stars and Stripes replaced the Russian flag. As Russia’s former capital in the New World, Sitka still retains its exotic heritage, boasting proud architecture and unique historical sites.

Paddle a kayak on sheltered waters, take a floatplane to a remote mountain lake or try your hand at sportfishing in Ketchikan, salmon capital of the world and a paradise for fishermen and nature-lovers alike. A quiet city with rich Indian heritage, it hosts the world’s largest collection of authentic totem poles at Totem Bight as well as a rustic boardwalk, quaint restaurants perched on stilts above the water, and scores of fascinating shops and spectacular views from every vantage point.

Discover the vibrancy of this British Columbia cosmopolitan. Vancouver has eclectic neighbors to explore, exquisite seafood, and the largest natural park in North America.