The Alaska Railroad route spans more than 500 miles from the coastal community of Seward, to the wilderness of Denali National Park before reaching its terminus in the Interior city of Fairbanks. Travelers on this journey pass through alpine forests, coastal regions, and traverse two major mountain ranges. On board the train, local guides provide informative and interesting commentary.
The Alaska Zoo is located on 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside. The zoo has the widest variety of animals native to the state of Alaska as well as some exotics such as Siberian Tiger, Amur tigers, Bactrian Camels, and yaks. Many of the animals currently in the zoo were found orphaned or injured.
Travel by jet boat to Anan Bear Sanctuary, which is located 35 miles southeast from the town of Wrangell. After arriving at Anan Island you will be guided on an informative 15 minute walk, learning about local and native history on your way to the observation decks. This tour is available from early July through until the end of the August when the salmon run finishes for the year
Anchorage began as a tent city during the building of the Alaska Railroad in 1914. It is located in a valley at the base of the Chugach Mountains. During the summer months, the streets are filled with brightly coloured hanging flower baskets.
Baddeck is considered to be the beginning and end of the world famous “CABOT TRAIL” and is situated in the heart of Cape Breton Island. Stretching along the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes, it is a village in full bloom from spring to autumn with a kaleidoscope of colours displayed in baskets, boxes and gardens along its downtown shopping core.
Banff is the perfect base for exploring the snow capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and alpine meadows which can be found in Banff National Park. Nearby attractions include: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Johnston Canyon and Sunshine Meadows.
BC ferries operates a series of 37 vessels along the coastal waters of British Columbia. These vessels provide transportation for both passengers and vehicles. A variety of services are available on-board the ferry including cafes, gift shop and observation lounges.
The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, located 25 miles north of Seattle in Everett, Wash., showcase The Boeing Company and the Everett product line, the 747, 767, 777 and 787. You will tour the largest building in the world by volume (472,000,000 cubic feet).
The City of Boston is so compact and walk-able that you can see and do most everything you want on foot. Some attractions in Boston are the MIT Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, New England Aquarium and Arnold Arboretum.
Calgary is a cosmopolitan city of nearly one million people. It provides outstanding outdoor adventure and pristine wilderness only an hour away in the Canadian Rockies. Put on your western hat and visit the Calgary Stampede to watch live music, bull riding, roping and the well know chuckwagon races.
In early July, enjoy the excitement of Calgary Stampede, as you take in world-class rodeo action with saddle bronco and bareback riding and heart-stopping bull riding. After dinner (cost not included), return to the grandstand for an evening of world championship chuckwagon racing and entertainment. After the races, you can enjoy some of the non-stop musical performances and fireworks display.
Charlottetown, the Capital City of Prince Edward Island, is the perfect blend of urban excitement, country living and some of the cleanest air in Canada. Enjoy a stroll on National Historic Great George Street; sit amongst the trees on Victoria Row or shop on Queen Street.
Largest of all icefields in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield is guarded by 11 of the Rockies’ 22 highest peaks. We will also take an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca glacier to see its raw beauty.
Nestled peacefully at the head of Orca Inlet in Prince William Sound, Cordova, Alaska has glacier carved mountains, wildlife rich wetlands, lush forests, and countless waterways. Optional activities such as hiking, wildlife photography, boating, sport fishing, and flightseeing are available in Cordova.
More than one hundred years ago, Dawson City was the center of “the largest gold rush the world has ever known”. Today it is one of the best preserved frontier towns in Canada. Wandering the dirt streets and boardwalks, past historic sites and brightly colored wooden buildings gives you a glimpse of the past. Attractions are the Midnight Dome, Dredge #4, Discovery Claim, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s and Author’s Corner with Jack London’s cabin.
This 7-8 hour narrated tour takes you approximately 53 miles into the heart of Denali National Park. Denali National Park has a spectacular centerpiece, Mt McKinley or Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan), the highest mountain in North America. Clear views of this impressive mountain are seldom seen so it’s a special occasion when it comes out on display.
Digby is a town where history and natural beauty come together. With museums, historic cemeteries, the beauty of the Annapolis Valley and the North Mountain Coastal Range, Digby lives up to its reputation as one of Canada’s most romantic towns.
This truly Alaskan adventure gives you the rare opportunity to mush your own sled team across a snow capped glacier. Learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned veterans of the legendary Alaskan Iditarod Race. This exclusive dog sled camp is located on the picturesque middle branch of the Norris Glacier. On the way there, enjoy a flightseeing trip over the Juneau Icefield. You will get to see some of nature’s most beautiful landscapes in areas that are accessible by air only.
Fairbanks was originally a trading post when gold was found in 1902. Today the city is a blend of old and new; modern shopping strips stand beside log cabins and historic buildings. A popular highlight is the Riverboat Discovery; a sternwheeler ride down the Tanana River and Eldorado Gold Mine. During certain months, Fairbanks has some of the best northern lights viewing in the world.
Girdwood began as a gold rush town, and was originally called Glacier City. It was founded by James Girwood who had four gold claims on Crow Creek. It also served as a stopover point on the trek from Seward to Ship Creek (now Anchorage) for tired miners.
Glacier Bay National Park is a wildlife lover's dream. Humpback and killer whales patrol the waters and the five species of Pacific salmon swim through. The shoreline is busy with migrating birds, bears, moose, Sitka deer and wolves. From Glacier Bay you can go kayaking, hiking, fishing or take a cruise into the bay.
Visitors come to Glacier Bay for a variety of reasons. For example, research, inspiration, to see glaciers, for adventure, family time or solitude. A full day cruise through Glacier Bay on a high speed catamaran is a popular way to see the park. A Park Ranger will accompany the tour and is available for you to ask questions.
Dredge No. 4 was built in 1912 for the Canadian Klondike Mining Company in Dawson City, and was the largest wooden hulled bucket lined dredge in North America. It worked in the Klondike Valley on the "Boyle Concession" until 1940 and then was relocated to Bonanza Creek and worked this valley until 1959.
Great Bear Lodge is located 50 air miles from Port Hardy, British Columbia. The self-contained floating lodge is situated near the mouth of a major salmon river. It is a place of spectacular beauty where one can still find the silence and solitude of a long gone era.
Originally a Russian and Native American trading post, this town provides beautiful views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord. With only a few small cruise ships docking each summer, Haines has retained its local identity as a quiet South East Alaskan town. Walk the un-crowded streets, explore the shops and quiet cafes, or purchase a bear watching tour or river float trip from local guides. There are regular water taxi services to the nearby town of Skagway.
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and is situated on one of the world’s largest deep water ports. This historic city is dominated by the Citadel, a star shaped fortification built by the British Empire in the 1740’s.
The Happy Trails Kennel were established in 1982 with the express purpose to raise and train happy, fast long distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. The owner of the kennels is Martin Buser a 4 time Iditarod Champion and 4 time Leonard Seppala Humanitarian Award winner. Martin is one of the best sporting figures in Alaska.
The Iditarod is an annual sled dog team race across Alaska. Mushers and teams ranging between 12 and 16 dogs cover over 1,049 miles in the race from Anchorage to Nome. Teams frequently race through blizzards causing whiteout conditions, sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds which can cause the wind chill to reach −100 °F (−73 °C).
Local residents use the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries (AMHS) as means of transportation between the towns along the Inside Passage. The ferries can navigate their way through narrow stretches of the Inside Passage that cannot be accessed by larger cruise ships.
Jasper is situated deep in the Alberta Rockies, mountain peaks can be seen on the horizon in every direction. Local attractions are Maligne Lake, the Jasper Tramway, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Miette Hotsprings, golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and lovely alpine walks. Jasper has a lot to offer for both summer and winter travellers.
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska with a population of 30,000 people. The area became popular during the Gold Rush of 1880 and is attractively situated on the Gastineau Channel at the foot of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts. Attractions are the Mendenhall Glacier, Mt Roberts Tramway or day trip to Tracy Arm.
Kamloops is a typical Canadian town of 83,000, set in wilderness, but with all the amenities of a modern city. There is urban entertainment with an art gallery, a professional theatre company and two museums. Other activities include walking nature trails, fishing, kayaking or day trip up to the mountain village of Sun Peaks.
Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay are abundant in marine wildlife and ice-blue tidewater glaciers. See harbor seals, otters, puffins and possibly Orca or Grey whales. There are over 100 species of birds flourishing in the area and a Steller Sea Lion colony.
Visiting Kennicott and McCarthy is like stepping back in time into less travelled country that is just opening its doors to tourism. McCarthy still has its pioneering-heyday boisterousness. Kennicott, the once-staid mining camp just five miles away, is now Alaska's most fascinating ghost town.
This small South East Alaskan town is situated on Revillagigedo Island. Tourists and Alaskan locals come to the island for its beautiful scenery, totem pole carving and plentiful salmon runs. Attractions are day tours to Misty Fjords National Monument, Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Park, charter fishing for salmon and halibut, cannery tours and walking amongst the shops of Creek Street.
Kodiak Island is famous for huge Kodiak brown bears, world-class sport fishing and the magnificent green that the island turns into during the summer. Kodiak is also one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the nation.
Lac Le Jeune is a lake and provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located approximately 37 kilometers south of Kamloops. The lake is located within a 213-hectare provincial park run by the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment and is a popular fishing spot for "fighting" Rainbow Trout.
Lake Louise is located in the heart of Banff National Park and is a World Heritage Site. Known at the “Jewel of the Rockies”, it is one of the most photographed places in Canada. The lake is about 2.5km long and 90m deep. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooks paddlers on the sparkling lake in summer and skaters on ice in winter.
Depart on LeConte Glacier and Petersburg tour visiting the southernmost active glacier in the northern hemisphere. This glacier calves quite frequently and fills the bay with several miles of icebergs. LeConte Bay boasts a large population of harbor seals and their pups. After leaving Le Conte Glacier we visit the community of Petersburg ‘Alaska’s Little Norway’.
The diversity of Los Angeles makes it difficult to describe. The 9,000,000 + residents social and economic profile contains some of the wealthiest and poorest groups in the US. Los Angeles has the largest civic center in the country, outside of Washington DC. There are also beaches (Venice and Muscle Beach), each with their own unique culture. It is a unique place in that the temperature is sub-tropical, yet snow-covered mountains are less than 70 miles away. Of course, LA is home to Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
The Ice Fall Trek is a popular hike, featuring close-up views of crevasses, seracs and unique ice formations as well as getting up to a high point on the glacier overlooking the ice fall.
Experience America’s dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument firsthand on this 65-foot high-speed jet catamaran. Cruise to the heart of the 3570 square-mile Monument which provides an opportunity to view Misty Fjords from a dramatic perspective. Cruise beneath towering 3000-foot high cliffs, where you might spot mountain goats at dizzying heights or notice a brown bear on the shore.
Moncton is located in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. The city has gained the nickname "Hub City" because of its central location and also because Moncton has historically been the railway and land transportation hub for the Maritime Provinces.
Montréal is Canada's second-largest city. It is a unique blend of French and English history, language and culture. Located in southwestern Quebec, Montréal is actually on an island in the St Lawrence River. Access from the south is by one of three bridges while traffic from the east and west arrives by a number of different highway systems. Surrounded by water, with a wide variety of architecture from the past and the present, Montréal is a very attractive and fun city.
New York, “The Big Apple”, is one of the biggest, most diverse cities in America. Attractions are Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Broadway.
Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural miracles of the North American continent. These voluminous waterfalls are situated on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario and forms the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York and forms the southern end of the Niagara Gorge.
Departing on a full day scheduled sightseeing excursion we leave on a return trip from Toronto to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls. This tour includes a ticket for the “Maids of the Mist’ boat tour where the boat starts in the calm waters and moves over to the thick mist from the waterfalls. 1846 saw the first Maid of the Mist which was a ferry service between the two sides Canada and America. After the suspension bridge was opened the ferry lost business and was reopened as a tourist attraction.
Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Ottawa is rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages. The city’s residents enjoy an enviable quality of life that is recognised around the world.
Petersburg, known as ‘Alaska’s little Norway’, was founded by a Norwegian fisherman in the late 1890’s. True to its heritage, Petersburg is a working town, not a cruise ship destination, with four major fish canneries still in operation. The town provides a nice stop for those travelers interested in beautiful scenery and colourful Norwegian architecture. Attractions are flight-seeing over LeConte Glacier and whale watching in Frederick Sound.
With a population exceeding 5,000, this turn of the century fishing village is the largest community in the region. It is the bustling terminal for B.C. Ferries’ service to Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands, via the Inside and Discovery Coast Passage sailing routes.
Prince George is a modern city surrounded by natural beauty. It is the regional center for health, education and government services. The town has over 120 parks and museums. Ask a local guide to point out any wild edible fruit in season like huckleberries or gooseberries.
Prince Rupert is located at the end of the Yellowhead Highway at the mouth of the Skeena River. A bustling port city, Prince Rupert is the cultural centre of the First Nations People. You will find totem poles scattered throughout parks in the city. The city’s heritage has been preserved at the Cow Bay waterfront area, built in 1905.
Climb aboard the Klondike Explorer for an unforgettable cruise to the most spectacular glaciers in Prince William Sound. Look forward to breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wildlife such as eagles, harbour seals, otters and bird rookeries. Take photos from the viewing decks as glaciers calve or you are welcome to relax in the comfort of the heated cabin.
Québec City, now more than 400 years old, is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Visitors can explore the historic downtown inside the original walled city. The famous Chateau Frontenac overlooks the St Lawrence River. Rich in Québecois culture, Québec City is known for its European flavour where treasures can be found around every corner.
The ‘Riverboat Discovery’ tour provides an interesting insight into various aspects of Alaskan rural life such as reindeer herding, dog sledding and fishing. The tour includes a visit to an Athabascan Native Village where you will learn about their traditional way of life.
The Rocky Mountaineer takes you on a two day journey from Vancouver to Banff. On the first day of the tour you will travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to the inland town of Kamloops. There are dramatic changes in scenery from the pristine forests of the Northwest to an arid desert-like interior.
Two day journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north, to the town of Prince George. Then travels east through the forests of Northern British Columbia and over the Yellowhead Pass into the resort town of Jasper and Jasper National Park.
San Francisco is often called “Everybody’s Favorite City” a title earned by its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities and world class cuisine. Measuring 49 square miles, this very walk-able city is dotted with landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz Island and the largest Chinatown in the United States. A stroll of the city’s streets can lead to Union Square, the Italian-flavored North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Castro, Japan-town and the Mission District. There are intriguing neighbourhoods to explore at every turn.
The ultimate San Francisco experience: 48 hours to enjoy all City Sightseeing San Francisco tours at your own pace. All double-deckers are open tops, providing the very best unlimited views of San Francisco. This tour package includes all tour options including: Downtown Loop (Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Financial District, Lombard Street, Civic Center, Union Square and Nob Hill) ; Golden Gate Loop (Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Marina, Pacific Heights and the Palace of Fine Arts); and the Night Loop (Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, South Beach and Bay Bridge).
Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center is celebrating ten years on the shores of Resurrection Bay.
Seattle is the largest city in Washington State. Seattle is encircled by water on every side with two massive mountain ranges, the Olympic range is to the east and Cascade to the west. The city is diverse and cosmopolitan with great restaurants, cafes and attractions such as the Seattle Art Museum, Experience Music Project and a charming waterfront area. Pike Place Market creates a colourful atmosphere with fresh fish, local produce and food booths. Interestingly Seattle is the birth place of such companies as Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing and Microsoft.
Seward is the gateway to the famous Kenai Fjords National Park. This area is home to abundant wildlife, many species of birds and beautiful glaciers. Seward offers numerous activities including wildlife and glacier cruises, hiking and the Alaska Sealife Center.
The distance between destinations in Alaska can require long hours of driving. Take a day or half a day to stretch your legs on a guided hike in the Sheep Mountain area. Options for hikes include, but are not limited to: Glacier Fan Creek Bed, Lion's Head Mountain, Sheep Mountain Ridge, Gunsight Mountain, Pinochle Trail and Caribou Creek.
Situated on the west side of Baranof Island, Sitka is one of the most beautiful towns on the Inside Passage. The town has retained much of its original architecture from the period when Russia controlled Alaska. Major highlights include the renowned Raptor Rehabilitation Center, whale watching, Saint Michael’s Cathedral and other Russian heritage sites.
Skagwayis situated at the head of the Lynn Canal and is surrounded by glacier capped mountains. The area experienced crowds of people during the summer of 1898 in search of Klondike gold. Today it remains one of the best preserved gold rush towns in America. Stroll along wooden boardwalks past colorful false fronted buildings built over 100 years ago. Attractions are a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, a visit to the ghost town of Dyea, or take a day trip to the nearby town of Haines.
Saint Andrews represents one of the best preserved examples of colonial heritage in North America. Some of these buildings were barged to the area from Castine, Maine at the end of the Revolutionary War and are listed under the New Brunswick and Canadian Registry of Historic Places. While maintaining its charm, Saint Andrews is also a dynamic, prosperous community. Small town values and friendly neighbours mix easily with a spirited business environment.
Stikine means Great River in Tlingit and as the fastest free flowing river in North America it holds up to its reputation. The mouth of the river is located near Wrangell and is fed by over 100 glaciers as it stretches all the way to British Columbia.
Talkeetna is an authentic little Alaskan town with dirt streets and log cabins. On clear days, the town has spectacular views of Mt McKinley, North America’s highest mountain. The first ascent of Mt McKinley was June 7, 1913 and since then mountain climbers have come to Talkeetna from all over the world to reach its summit. Flight-seeing tours over Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park are highly recommended. Another alternative is a scenic boat ride up the Talkeetna River or charter fishing.
This 4 day/3 night tour takes you 160 miles up the beautiful Stikine River by jet boat. On the first day of the tour you will travel to Glenora Guest Ranch, where you will meet the famous Nancy Ball. The second and third days of the tour will take you to the remote town of Telegraph Creek located in British Columbia.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Explore the large variety of architecturally designed buildings as you visit sights and attractions such as: famous Toronto Zoo, Yorkville Village, CN Tower, Skydome, Chinatown, Queen’s Quay, Toronto Harbour front or the many downtown parks.
Depart Juneau and cruise through Gastineau Channel and Stephen’s Passage on your way to Tracy Arm. Tracy Arm, is a narrow fjord named after a Civil War general named Benjamin Franklin Tracy. You will see massive cliffs, glaciers (Twin Sawyer) and wildlife. You may observe mountain goats on the cliffs, seals on floating icebergs and ‘calving’ glaciers.
Valdez is set on magnificent Prince William Sound. The town is located close to 5 glaciers, providing some of the best nature viewing opportunities in Alaska. Summer activities include: flight-seeing tours, fishing, historical gold rush sights and tours of Prince William Sound.
With its variety of culinary options, outdoor activities and multicultural experiences, Vancouver is considered one of the best cities to live. Skyscrapers rise from the downtown skyline and not far out of town is the vast British Columbia wilderness. Attractions include walks in Stanley Park, Chinatown, Robson Street, Gastown and the waterfront.
Experience Vancouver's charm as you take in Canada Place, Robson Street, Public Library, QE Theatre and GM Place, Chinatown and Gastown. Soak in the natural splendor of Stanley Park's Totem Poles and Prospect Point. Pass the West End high rises and the beaches of English Bay on your way to vibrant Granville Island with its public market, shops, restaurants and galleries. Visit The Lookout to take the glass elevator to see the 360° view.
Depart on a two day excursion from Prince Rupert to Jasper with an overnight stay in Prince George. This superbly restored 1950’s ‘Skeena’ train also travels in the opposite direction. On this scenic journey you will travel through national and provincial parks, lumber camps and pass beautiful alpine streams and lakes.
Victoria is a delightful harbour side town. The nearby Butchart Gardens are the best known gardens in western Canada. Thousands of flowers are displayed in the Sunken, Rose, Japanese and Italian theme gardens. Other attractions include: Inner Harbour, Royal British Columbia Museum, historic Empress Hotel, Maritime Museum and Market Square, a restored 19th-century courtyard surrounded by a jumble of shops, restaurants, and offices on three floors.
On the drive from downtown Victoria to the Butchart Gardens we pass by homes, gardens and points of historic interest. Stroll through gardens linked by spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds. Seasonal outdoor afternoon performances and the spectacular Sunken Garden highlight this tour.
Whistler began as a small skiing village and has now become a world class resort with year round activities. Set in alpine scenery, this village has something for everyone. Ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for spectacular scenery, go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or make a trip to one of the many spas. Nightlife thrives in the village, with numerous gourmet restaurants and boutique breweries to choose from.
This historic route, built during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, is known as the ‘Scenic Railway of the World’. With a lot of determination, 450 tonnes of explosives and the work of tens of thousands of men the railway was built. Out of the one hundred thousand people that headed to the Klondike gold fields only thirty to forty thousand made it all the way. A few hundred of those who found gold actually became rich.
Located on the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is the largest city in the Yukon Territory, as well as the capital. The city can be easily explored by foot. Walking along the banks of the Yukon River read interpretive signs about the Klondike Gold Rush and visit the restored SS Klondike sternwheeler.
Whittier is a small town of about 400 residents located on the western edge of Prince William Sound. The town was established during WWII as a secret submarine base and military supply port. Today Whittier’s economy is comprised mainly of shipping and port related jobs, fishing and tourism.
Wrangell is one of the most interesting small towns on the Inside Passage. The town began as a Tlingit trading post and became the site of a Russian fort built in 1834. The town has a relaxed feel that allows visitors to wander comfortably and converse with locals from the town. Local attractions are tours to the Stikine River, LeConte Glacier, Petersburg, a number of short walks and AnAn Bear Observatory.
See Livermore Valley and go over Altamont Pass en-route to Yosemite National Park arriving around noon. After a brief Yosemite sights tour including Tunnel View and the south side of Merced River in Yosemite Valley you will be dropped at Yosemite Lodge. In the afternoon you have time to take the free shuttle in the valley. Day two includes a Glacier Point Tour taking you up to about 8,000 feet in elevation. In the afternoon we depart from Yosemite Lodge and drive back to San Francisco.