On the Trail of the Gold Prospectors: Juneau to Vancouver

Gold diggers flocked here in 1880 and it didn't take long before Juneau was singled out, gaining a solid reputation and becoming the capital of Alaska. Along the Gastineau Strait, in the heart of the spectacular Inside Passage, the 31,000 or so inhabitants of Juneau enjoy some of the world’s most incredible fauna and scenery every day of their lives. Watch for the antics of humpback whales against a backdrop of majestic glaciers. Culture and shopping are certainly not lacking; the city is full of places to experience, enjoy and relax.

*Included: Flight Seattle / Juneau + transfer

In the heart of the Alexander Archipelago, Endicott Arm fjord is a short inlet on the southern coast of Alaska that boasts spectacular views of virgin wilderness. The azure-blue waters, snow-capped mountains, and lush forest are incredible but the main attraction is the Dawes glacier, whose vast, bluish back snakes down the mountain’s flank. Weather permitting, observe how icebergs are formed by getting a closer look at the white cliff where the glacier meets water, or just enjoy watching the resident harbor seals frolicking in the icy waters.

When you reach Tracy Arm Fjord, 80 kilometers south-east of Juneau, sail into the middle of the inlet, surrounded by waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs into the sea. A few seals guarding their spur of ice may add unexpected entertainment to the expedition. This is your opportunity to see the Sawyer glacier close up. Majestic and otherworldly, it spans the whole length of the mountain in shades of crystalline blue: without a doubt, this is one of the most breath-taking wonders of Alaska.

In the 19th century, it was through Skagway, a small town in the south-east of Alaska, that swarms of gold seekers passed in their quest for gold. Get a sense of these pioneers while wandering along the main street, Broadway, edged with the painted houses typical of this region. From White Pass & Yukon Route station, trains across pristine landscapes over the Alaskan border. All around the town, a handful of paths taken by the seekers of the precious metal fan out into the superb natural surroundings offering a glorious scenery of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Chilkoot Trail Hike & Taiya River, Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure, Skagway Streetcar City Tour, and White Pass Railroad & Klondike Highway.

Hidden in the heart of this spectacular wilderness, between jagged peaks and a sapphire ocean, the legendary small port of Haines lays out all the richness of its traditions. Founded by the Tlingit Indians, peopled by the pioneers of the famous gold rush, the village is now a rallying point for modern-day adventurers. Visit its streets trimmed with colorful houses, soak up local history at Fort Seward, or visit the Indian art museums before an excursion into the nearby wilderness. The beautiful Chilkat river is especially worth a visit.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Adventure To Glacier Point, Wilderness River Adventure, Kayak At Chilkoot Lake, Haines Highlights, Haines Nature Walk, and Eagle Preserve Float Adventure.

The most southern town in the State is called Ketchikan. This spectacular doorway into the Inside Passage, the glory of Alaska cruises and the old world capital of salmon will blow you away. It takes no time at all to realize how deeply peaceful this port and its surrounding wilderness is. Nearby, you can delve more deeply into the rich indigenous culture in the Totem Heritage Center, which houses one of the largest totem pole collections in the world. The town also offers several charming art galleries. Ketchikan’s richness resides in its hospitality and sense of adventure.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Alaska Fishing & Lunch At Campground.

Rain forest, hypnotic blue lakes, snowy peaks, glacier valleys, waterfalls... behold a heavenly vision of preserved wilderness. This United States monument covering some 8,600 square kilometers is a designated Wilderness Area. This awesome countryside rolls out its majestic carpet of cedars, fir spruces, and hemlocks. Here, you can feel nature’s throbbing heartbeat. Watch for the many animal inhabitants, such as black bears, mountain goats, black-tail deer, as well as river otters, sea lions, seals, and porpoises.

Along the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100 km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife. Indeed, blue whales, humpback whales and the world’s largest population of orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck.

Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada's most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada's west coast, it's surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market Indian district and explore the historic area of Gastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for the works of regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections.  Granville Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalized industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants, and a huge produce market.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark in Vancouver.