ALAS

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 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.

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.

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.

Valdez is nestled on the shores of Prince William Sound, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains. Known for its dramatic landscapes and vibrant history, Valdez is both a gateway to outdoor adventure and a testament to resilience. The town’s history is shaped by its role in the Gold Rush, its recovery following a catastrophic earthquake in 1964, and its importance as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The Valdez Museum provides insight into these events, highlighting the community’s pioneering spirit.

Sitka's history is deeply rooted in its Alaska Native heritage and influenced by its time as a Russian colonial outpost. The two stories meet in Sitka National Historical Park, where you can explore the restored 19th-century Russian Bishop’s House and walk a scenic coastal trail lined with Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Other notable landmarks include St. Michael’s Cathedral, an outstanding example of Russian Orthodox architecture, and the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867.

Positioned on narrow Frederick Sound and accessible only to small yachts and fishing vessels, Petersburg is truly one of Alaska’s hidden gems. Known as “Little Norway,” the town was founded in the early 1900s by Norwegian immigrants who established a thriving fishing industry here, and Peterburg’s rich Scandinavian heritage is evident in its architecture, cultural festivals and time-honored traditions.

A tiny community on the rugged west coast of Prince of Wales Island, Klawock offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the remote Alaskan wilderness while also getting an authentic glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle of the locals that make their homes here. Klawock Totem Park is renowned for its collection of totem poles that reflect the artistry and culture of the Tlingit people, and you may have the opportunity to watch a master carver demonstrate the techniques used by local artisans to keep this ancient art form alive.