Voyage to Alaska: Culture, Cuisine, & Conservation

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.

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.

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.

Aside from its eclectic history, Sitka offers a fantastic variety of outdoor adventures for the nature lover. Its narrow passages and broad bays are a haven for an incredible array of marine life that includes humpback whales, sea lions, and of course, salmon. Take a boat cruise around Sitka’s coast, or rent a kayak to experience each rocky nook and cranny. On land, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to bike, hike, and explore the beautiful mountains and tall spruce of the Tongass National Forest. 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. With so much to see and do, the only thing you have to worry about is taking it all in.

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.

Encounter the 350-foot-tall blue-lit wall of ice, and watch the mighty glacier calving giant icebergs into the icy waters below. Known as “white thunder” to the Tlingit, witnessing these icy chunks crash into the water from the glacier’s face is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cruise alongside the longest tidewater glacier in the world, watch as seals use the ice floats to hide from predatory whales, and spot brown bears and Sitka deer in the distance as they roam ashore near the snowy mountains framing the glacier. This is the Alaskan adventure you’ve been dreaming of.

Travel to the Kenai Fjords National Park to hike or ski amongst its beautiful mountains. Kayak the tide pools along the fjords, and explore the Exit Glacier while mushing your own dog sledding team. A boat excursion or flightseeing tours offer an up close glimpse of the Harding Icefield’s glaciers, the majesty of the dramatic Kenai Fjords, and the dense greenery of the Chugach National Forest. Tour the rich waters of Resurrection Bay, join local anglers to fish for Coho salmon and halibut, or keep a look out for bright-billed puffins, friendly otters, sea lions, humpback whales, and much more. Take a coffee break in Seward’s quaint downtown, or find a mount and explore areas of the shoreline only accessible on horseback, including the old town of Seward, which was leveled by the Good Friday Earthquake. Shaped by time, earthquakes, and ocean storms, Seward’s unfolding beauty is yours to explore, any way you choose.