Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Coast Mountains, Vancouver is equal parts urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. The city is one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse, reflecting Asian, Latin American and Aboriginal traditions in its rich cultural tapestry. A national historic site, Gastown is a lovely neighborhood of Victorian architecture, local boutiques, art galleries and world-class restaurants, while nearby Granville Island offers an eclectic mix of farmer’s markets, artisanal shops and street performances.
Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Prince Rupert is a vibrant coastal city located on Kaien Island at the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. The area is steeped in native history, having served as the traditional territory of the Tsimshian Nation for thousands of years, and the Museum of Northern British Columbia showcases this heritage in a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibits. More recent history is revealed on a tour of the restored North Pacific Cannery, a world leader in the sockeye salmon industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Wrangell, Alaska
Situated on its namesake island, Wrangell is a charming and historic town surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage. The area has been home to the Tlingit people for thousands of years, and their influence is evident in the town's art, traditions, and ancient petroglyphs found along the shoreline. Wrangell’s layered history includes time as a Russian and British outpost, as well as a boom during the Gold Rush era, and the Wrangell Museum offers a glimpse into this storied past.
Whittier, Alaska
Set amid dramatic mountains and glaciers at the head of Prince William Sound, Whittier is an excellent launching point for exploring Alaska’s pristine beauty. A boating or kayaking expedition through the icy fjords provides scenic views of the glaciated inlets and may also offer glimpses of sea otters, seals and breaching whales. Hikes along the local trails lead into the surrounding mountains and to waterfalls cascading from the icefields into the sound.