Distinctive Voyage 10- Night ALASKA Showcase Voyage

As host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, snowy adventure is never far away. In fact, you can hit the slopes in the morning and be on the beach by afternoon. Bus to the Whistler Valley on the scenic Sea to Sky Trail and mountain hop via PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, taking the time to ski, ATV, snowmobile, zipline, or wildlife watch along the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Tour Whistler Village—a distinctly European looking alpine town—and browse local shops, the Olympic grounds, and hike nearby forest trails. Immerse yourself in the areas rich aboriginal heritage at the Aboriginal Cultural Center and Museum before heading back to lower altitudes in Vancouver’s North Shore. Here you’ll find warmer outdoor adventure at Stanley Park, a vast 1000 acres of urban-greenspace that includes ancient cedar rainforest, sandy beaches, and lush flora and fauna. Bike along the 17-mile long Vancouver Seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, or peruse the park’s many monuments and totem art.

Home to a large community of Asian immigrants and Asian-Canadians, Vancouver’s dining scene is bursting with Eastern influence, from Japanese pubs and Chinese fine dining to fragrant Indian cuisine. The culinary capital of Canada, this claim is bolstered by an unending supply of fresh, locally sourced seafood, a strong farm-to-table movement, and a booming craft beer scene. Tool around North America’s largest Chinatown, discover the indie bars and restaurants of the Gastown neighborhood, or grab a bite in one of the trendy shopping areas like Yaletown, Robson Street, or Kitsilano. Tucked between mountains, sea, and cool eateries, you’ll find the mid-century inspired Museum of Vancouver and an impressive collection of classic and contemporary art at the Vancouver Art Gallery—including permanent collections by Emily Carr and the Group of Seven. The Museum of Anthropology offers an in-depth look at Aboriginal and Asian culture, while the city’s many conservatories and botanical gardens offer a peaceful respite from a busy day of sightseeing.

Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams, the “Salmon Capital of the World” is an angler’s paradise. Cast a line on your own, or hop on a charter to reel in salmon, halibut, red snapper, even trout. Keep an eye out for Ketchikan’s other marine residents, which include orca and humpback whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and porpoises. Zipline between cedars over a lush forest of Sitka spruce, hike Married Man’s Trail to surrounding waterfalls, kayak the twist of waterways along the Misty Fjords, or board a seaplane for a bird’s eye view of it all.

The city’s downtown is built around a network of waterways and includes the infamous Creek Street. Once a red-light district during the area’s logging days, this waterfront promenade built high on pilings is now a bustling commercial area filled with quaint restaurants, bars, gift shops, and incredible scenic views. Home to 350 registered artists—including many native Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian artists—Ketchikan also boasts a number of galleries. Visit the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center, or immerse yourself in native culture and art at the Saxman Native Village Totem Park. After an exciting day of taking in Ketchikan’s beauty, head back to the boardwalk, grab a beverage and catch some live music.

Historic South Franklin Street offers plenty of spots to cozy up with a cup of locally roasted coffee or cheers over a pint of local brew. Visit the Juneau Douglas City Museum and Last Chance Mining Museum to learn about the city’s gold mining history. Watch salmon climb upstream to spawn at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, or soak up the sun at Marine Park. For the best view of downtown Juneau, board the Mount Roberts Tramway and ride to the top for great dining, shopping, native art, and easy access to premium hiking trails.

Sitting at the edge of a residential neighborhood is the famous Mendenhall Glacier and the Tongass National Forest. Watch a glacier calve into the water below, hike sprawling forest trails, or catch a helicopter tour and glacier trek or dog sled. By boat or kayak, you’re guaranteed a sighting of one of the 60 humpback whales that frequent the waters, or Juneau’s other marine residents including Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, orcas, and salmon. For a real feast for the senses, paddle the calm waters of Mendenhall Lake and feel the icy rush of paddling amongst icebergs. It’s hard to believe you can experience so much in one place.

For a more detailed account, head to the Corrington Museum of Alaska History and the Skagway Museum to see every aspect of local history from mastodon fossils and native handwoven baskets to the pistol of Skagway’s official bad boy, Soapy Smith.

At Icy Strait Point, there’s no need to fight between your inner adventurer and laid-back vacationer. You can experience the heart-pumping heights of the world’s largest zipline or sit-back with an Alaska Crabby Bloody Mary, garnished with a fresh-caught snow crab leg. Take a chartered boat ride to see the region’s magnificent marine life, including orcas, Steller’s sea lions, seals, and porpoises. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in the region’s favorite pastime—fishing. Try your hand at catching the five species of salmon that frequent these rivers and streams, as well halibut and the other saltwater varieties.

Just beyond Icy Strait Point, the rest of Chichagof Island offers an abundance of things to see and do. From birding to kayaking, four-wheeling down old logging trails to hiking amongst tall Sitka spruce, you’ll be sure to have more than a few bucket-list worthy moments on your trip to Icy Strait Point.

Visit the Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center to get an up-close look at orphaned brown bear cubs, injured bald eagles, and other birds, and learn about both centers’ commitment to serving Alaska’s wildlife.

An exciting city in beautiful natural surroundings, Seattle is an alluring destination. Rain or shine.