Emblematic Alaska

Formerly a Russian colony located on Baranof island, to the west of the Alexander archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range around the port. In the distance, the snow-peaked Edgecumbe volcano stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.

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 

Kake, a small Tlingit village on Kupreanof Island in Southeast Alaska, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The village is home to one of the world's tallest totem poles, standing at 132 feet, which represents the rich traditions and artistry of the Tlingit people. Visitors can explore the Kake Tribal Heritage Center to learn more about the local culture and history.

The surrounding wilderness is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching are popular activities, with opportunities to see bald eagles, black bears, and humpback whales. The tranquil environment and friendly community make Kake a delightful and enriching destination.

Endicott Arm, a narrow fjord 80km/50mi southeast of Juneau, sits within the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area and spans over 48km/30mi in length, with one-fifth of it draped in ice.

Witness the grandeur of tidewater glaciers, including the Dawes Glacier, at the fjord's head, where colossal ice chunks calve into the waters during the summer. Ships gracefully navigate this glacial wonderland, surrounded by icebergs of various sizes.

Protected by the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm shelters diverse wildlife, from bears and deer to seals and seabirds. Glide through the fjord, encountering lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains, offering an immersive snapshot of Alaska's untamed beauty.

Petersburg, located on Mitkof Island in southeastern Alaska, is a charming fishing town known for its Scandinavian heritage and stunning natural beauty. The town's vibrant harbour is a hub of activity, reflecting its strong ties to the fishing industry. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area, which features colorful murals and unique shops.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby LeConte Glacier, one of the most active tidewater glaciers in North America, accessible by boat tours offering close-up views of calving icebergs. The surrounding waters are ideal for kayaking and wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of whales, seals, and eagles.

Painstakingly sculpted by the slow grind of colossal glaciers, the fjords of Rudyerd Bay are some of the Inside Passage’s most spectacular and humbling. Gouged to the south-east of Alaska, just 40 miles from Ketchikan, hordes of salmon splash in the region’s streams, while basalt pillars - left behind by ancient volcanoes - puncture the slow flow of the waters. A litany of plunging waterfalls gives sheer, monolithic cliff faces added life and vitality.

With crowds of pine trees and snow-tipped mountains surrounding you everywhere you look, Rudyerd Bay is one of the Misty Fjords' most precious and inspiring locations. One of the best ways to survey this magnificent landscape is to take to the skies in a floatplane. Look down as you skim just below the clouds, over an immense scene of snow-coated mountain peaks, and deeply etched fjords.

If you’d rather stay grounded, cruise through the majestic setting on a boat journey, to be dwarfed by the gigantic granite walls and cascading waterfalls. The abrupt cliffs of Punchbowl Cove rocket upwards, 900 metres above sea level, with forest clinging on desperately and smudging various shades of green across them. Cloudy-blue glacier lakes add to the spectacular palette of natural colours. Be sure to keep an eye out for the area’s majestic wildlife - as orcas surface, and black bears and wolves slip between the dense banks of forest on the shore.

Metlakatla, located on Annette Island in southeastern Alaska, is the only settlement of the Tsimshian people in the United States. Known for its rich indigenous culture and picturesque surroundings, Metlakatla offers a unique glimpse into the Tsimshian way of life. The town’s longhouse and cultural centre showcase traditional art, dance, and crafts, providing visitors with an immersive cultural experience.

The area around Metlakatla is renowned for its natural beauty, with lush forests, pristine waters, and abundant wildlife. Local fauna includes bald eagles, black bears, and various species of salmon, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking are popular, offering opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes and observe these animals in their natural habitat.

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.

Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island in British Columbia, Canada, is a culturally rich destination known for its deep indigenous roots, specifically those of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. The U'mista Cultural Centre is a highlight, showcasing potlatch artifacts and masks reclaimed from museums and private collections worldwide, providing insights into the vibrant traditions and history of the First Nations.

Cruise ships anchor nearby, and passengers can easily walk or take a short ride to explore the community's totem poles, traditional big houses, and local art galleries. Alert Bay is not just a place to visit but an opportunity to experience the living culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw, set against the backdrop of the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

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.