The oldest place within Vancouver at the heart of its very origins, Gastown was set up in 1867 by John Deighton whose various stories and adventures garnered him the name of ‘Gassy Jack.’ Nowadays, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, and the famous steam-powered clock in Maple Tree Centre.

In Vancouver’s China Town district you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden where you can see a truly beautiful collection of plant life and ponds. There is also the Sam Kee Building which is the narrowest office building ever built, spanning barely 2 meters wide!

English Bay is a beautiful beach that is home to outstanding high-end shops and mouth watering restaurants. There are also waterfront trails to follow if you like beach walking.

Canada Place is the perfect spot to start your adventures around Vancouver as it is where you’ll first step ashore from your cruise ship. Explore the pier, and be taken back by the outstanding architecture and views. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Flyover Canada attraction. From here, you can also use Canada Place as a transit hub to other places around Vancouver.

Boasting one of the most extensive collections of original 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned Tingit settlements. Many other original Native American artefacts are displayed here, as well as traditional arts and crafts workshops being held to keep native skills and traditions alive.

Enjoy a fun-filled lumberjack show filled with tree climbing, log rolling, axe throwing and more. An exciting activity to enjoy in Ketchikan, you’ll feel fully immersed into this North American tradition.

A historic area that’s filled with pretty, stilt houses, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular place to visit whilst in Ketchikan. The perfect photo opportunity, the boardwalk is very picturesque.

Stephens Passage is a shortcut through Southeast Alaska, close by to South Juneau, therefore widely used by ships for many different reasons. Not only this, it’s a popular route for humpback whales and sea lions with plenty of opportunities to spot the mammals.

Mendenhall Glacier is 13 and a half miles of towering deeply packed ice over thousands of years. Named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an alumnus of Ohio State University, the glacier tours are available by cruise ship, tour bus and even helicopter.

At 17 million square acres, Tongass boasts being the largest national park on US soil. Perfect for exploring via hiking trail or the famous mount Roberts aerial tramway, Tongass National Park has it all when it comes to Alaskan landscapes and wildlife.

Located inside the area of the Tongass National Park and Named in honour of Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier of ice across from Stephen’s Passage is a truly breath-taking experience of nature in motion.

Cruising through the inside passage of Alaska is a simply a must to see dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords and glaciers, and whales playing in the bay right by your ship, as well as stopping off at the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a real highlight in any tour of Alaska due to its remarkable wall of ice, as well as surrounding wildlife and natural landscapes where you can see bears and eagles among the dramatic scenery.

Walk back in time to the golden age of the Klondike Gold Rush in the old White Pass & Yukon Route depot, and learn all about this unique era that captures the intrigue of all who discover it with presentations, artefact exhibits and even a film.

Housed within a building dating back to 1898, the Skagway Museum is a fascinating attraction showcasing an array of exhibits that showcase the history of Skagway.

This fun and exciting attraction gives you the chance to enjoy Alaskan-caught food over a wood fire, before heading out to explore the old trail camp- where there is an array of vintage clothing and antiques. Within the trail there’s also the opportunity to explore picturesque fields and waterfalls, as well as being able to enjoy some good old fashioned gold panning!

College Fjord, Alaska, boasts five glaciers facing the Prince William Sound Bay. Funding the first expedition mapping the area, the eight glaciers in total you’ll see from your cruise ship are all named in honour of Ivy League universities such as Harvard Glacier.

If you’re looking for a unique activity during your time in Whittier, head on the Emerald Cove Trail. Spanning 6.1 km, this breathtaking trail takes just over 1 hour 30 to complete. The ultimate hiking experience, along the way you’ll discover picturesque landscapes, including snow capped mountains, wildlife and more.

Discover the fascinating history of Whittier at the Prince William Sound Museum. Opened in 2003, it has over 30 captivating exhibits showcasing the history of Whittier during World War II and the Cold War.

The Turnagain Arm is a rather rugged waterway into the northwestern part of the Gulf of Alaska, boasting dramatic landscapes on either side of this widening waterway. Among other things, it’s known for being home to remarkably wide tides – the largest in the United States – and being home to an endangered population of Beluga Whales, among other wildlife.

An impressive mountain range stretching around 250 miles along the Gulf of Alaska, the Chugach Mountains are a stunning sight to behold when travelling through this part of Alaska. Despite the peaks here not being exceptionally tall, in comparison to other Alaskan mountain ranges and indeed mountain ranges around the world, their location means they enjoy more snowfall than anywhere else in the world – a fact that means they always look spectacular.

A glacial lake just outside of Whittier, Alaska, Portage Lake is a stunning expanse of water surrounded by breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Interestingly, this lake has only become visible since around 1914, due to the continued retreat of the Portage Glacier. Almost five kilometres in length at the moment, this lake could continue to grow in the coming decades.

For those of you looking for a comprehensive look at the art, history, culture, and ecology of Anchorage and Alaska, the Anchorage Museum is the perfect place to spend some time. Established in 1968 as a museum dedicated to researching the land, peoples, culture, and history of Alaska, this museum is home to hundreds of thousands of historically significant objects, historic photographs, and more. Boasting an impressive collection of Alaskan artwork, the museum also has seven galleries dedicated to its Art of the North exhibition.

An educational and cultural centre for all Alaskans, the Alaska Native Heritage Museum explores the heritage of Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups, offering a fascinating look at the diversity found within the Alaska Native peoples and what makes each one unique and special. Founded in 1999, you’ll have the chance to learn about Alaska Native dancing, games, traditional storytelling, and more; this museum is also home to several life-sized Alaska Native dwellings, offering you an insight into the unique living practices of these Alaska Native peoples. A nonprofit, this is one of the few tribally-unaffiliated arts organisations run by indigenous people in America.

The Alaska Botanical Garden is an impressive 110-acre botanical garden boasting eight demonstration gardens featuring hundreds of species native to Alaska and hundreds more types of alpine plants. You’ll also find an interesting herb garden, a rock garden, and a wildflower walk here.

An impressive steel arch railroad bridge that stretches across the dramatic Hurricane Gulch in Alaska, the aptly-named Hurricane Gulch Bridge is the longest and tallest railroad bridge along the Alaska Railroad route. Opened in 1921, both ends of the bridge were constructed simultaneously using an aerial tram system – something that made it the most difficult and expensive bridge project in the United States’ history at the time. From this bridge, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of Hurricane Gulch, the wider Hurricane Creek region, and beyond.

A wide valley through the Alaska Range that acts as a key transportation route between Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Broad Pass is somewhere where you’ll have the chance to marvel at breathtaking views of the Alaska Range mountains, admire serene lakes stretching miles across, and maybe even spot some moose or a brown bear.

Home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount McKinley truly is a sight to behold. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the world on pure elevation, it’s estimated to be the tallest mountain in the world on land when measured from base to peak. Part of the Alaska Range, one of the world’s highest mountain ranges and a relatively narrow stretch of rugged peaks, this is one part of the world you’ll want to take your time admiring.

Part of the stunning Holland America Denali Lodge complex, Denali Square is somewhere where you’ll find several restaurants, fire pits for sharing stories with fellow like-minded travellers, and daily entertainment during your stay. It’s a fantastic place that will further immerse you in Alaskan culture, beyond what you’ll experience in the wilderness of Denali National Park, and the perfect accompaniment to your stay in Denali Lodge.

Boasting six million acres of wild Alaskan land, which is bisected by just one major road, Denali National Park and Preserve is simply astounding; it’s a remarkable place to visit, where every moment is an unforgettable adventure. It’s also so much more than just Mount McKinley (formerly Denali), which sits at the centre of this remarkable region. With everything from tundra and forests to glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, you’ll remember every visit here for a long time to come.

Situated in the heart of Denali Canyon, on the banks of the Nenana River, Holland America’s Denali Lodge is located in the perfect place for adventures into the Denali National Park. Here, you’ll find several dining venues to choose from, a fire pit for sharing stories with like-minded travellers, and daily entertainment from local musicians, artists, and experts. On the edge of the wilderness, you’ll enjoy unrivalled comfort and all the modern amenities you might need in Denali Lodge, while still being a stone’s throw from the forests and mountains that make the Last Frontier so legendary.

Boasting six million acres of wild Alaskan land, which is bisected by just one major road, Denali National Park and Preserve is simply astounding; it’s a remarkable place to visit, where every moment is an unforgettable adventure. It’s also so much more than just Mount McKinley (formerly Denali), which sits at the centre of this remarkable region. With everything from tundra and forests to glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, you’ll remember every visit here for a long time to come.

Home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount McKinley truly is a sight to behold. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the world on pure elevation, it’s estimated to be the tallest mountain in the world on land when measured from base to peak. Part of the Alaska Range, one of the world’s highest mountain ranges and a relatively narrow stretch of rugged peaks, this is one part of the world you’ll want to take your time admiring.

Established in 2005, the Denali Visitor Center is the main visitor centre for Denali National Park and is somewhere worth a visit when you’re exploring this remarkable region. Home to several interesting exhibits, showings of a film highlighting useful information about what you can expect from Denali National Park, and welcoming park rangers ready to answer any questions you might have, it certainly serves to enhance your experience here. Only open during the summer months, the nearby Murie Science and Learning Centre acts as the visitor centre for Denali National Park during autumn, winter, and spring.

Home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount McKinley truly is a sight to behold. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the world on pure elevation, it’s estimated to be the tallest mountain in the world on land when measured from base to peak. Part of the Alaska Range, one of the world’s highest mountain ranges and a relatively narrow stretch of rugged peaks, this is one part of the world you’ll want to take your time admiring.

Characterised by a distinctive hump on their shoulders, long claws on their front paws, and brown fur that’s lighter in colour than that of black bears, grizzly bears are among the animals you’ll have the chance to see when exploring Denali National Park. Stunning creatures that live solitary lives, save for mated females and their cubs, you’re likely to find them around abundant food sources – be those fruitful berry patches or salmon runs in rushing rivers. It’s important to note that these bears hibernate between October and April, so you’ll want to travel between May and September if you’re specifically looking to spot grizzly bears in the wilderness.

Impressive animals that travel in small groups or isolation, Moose are among the animals you’ll have a chance at seeing in the wild when exploring Denali National Park. Often standing between five and six feet at the shoulder, with long legs that make them excellent swimmers, Moose are a sight to behold. When exploring, you’ll find Moose tend to live in forested areas close to lakes and marshes.

Boasting six million acres of wild Alaskan land, which is bisected by just one major road, Denali National Park and Preserve is simply astounding; it’s a remarkable place to visit, where every moment is an unforgettable adventure. It’s also so much more than just Mount McKinley (formerly Denali), which sits at the centre of this remarkable region. With everything from tundra and forests to glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, you’ll remember every visit here for a long time to come.

Home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount McKinley truly is a sight to behold. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the world on pure elevation, it’s estimated to be the tallest mountain in the world on land when measured from base to peak. Part of the Alaska Range, one of the world’s highest mountain ranges and a relatively narrow stretch of rugged peaks, this is one part of the world you’ll want to take your time admiring.

Established in 2005, the Denali Visitor Center is the main visitor centre for Denali National Park and is somewhere worth a visit when you’re exploring this remarkable region. Home to several interesting exhibits, showings of a film highlighting useful information about what you can expect from Denali National Park, and welcoming park rangers ready to answer any questions you might have, it certainly serves to enhance your experience here. Only open during the summer months, the nearby Murie Science and Learning Centre acts as the visitor centre for Denali National Park during autumn, winter, and spring.

Boasting six million acres of wild Alaskan land, which is bisected by just one major road, Denali National Park and Preserve is simply astounding; it’s a remarkable place to visit, where every moment is an unforgettable adventure. It’s also so much more than just Mount McKinley (formerly Denali), which sits at the centre of this remarkable region. With everything from tundra and forests to glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, you’ll remember every visit here for a long time to come.

Home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount McKinley truly is a sight to behold. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the world on pure elevation, it’s estimated to be the tallest mountain in the world on land when measured from base to peak. Part of the Alaska Range, one of the world’s highest mountain ranges and a relatively narrow stretch of rugged peaks, this is one part of the world you’ll want to take your time admiring.

Established in 2005, the Denali Visitor Center is the main visitor centre for Denali National Park and is somewhere worth a visit when you’re exploring this remarkable region. Home to several interesting exhibits, showings of a film highlighting useful information about what you can expect from Denali National Park, and welcoming park rangers ready to answer any questions you might have, it certainly serves to enhance your experience here. Only open during the summer months, the nearby Murie Science and Learning Centre acts as the visitor centre for Denali National Park during autumn, winter, and spring.

An impressive ladder-operated dredge that was utilised from 1928 to 1959, Gold Dredge 8 offers visitors a fascinating insight into the unique mining history of Alaska’s interior region and the gold rushes that brought so many settlers to this remote part of the Americas. Cutting a 4.5-mile track, around 7.5 million ounces of gold were produced here, which equates to roughly 212,621 kilograms.

Old Chena Indian Village is a small settlement where you’ll have the chance to learn more about the native Athabaskan people, including their history, how they have adapted to harsh weather conditions and the influence of Western culture over the last century, the sort of food they eat, and traditional Athabaskan clothing. You’ll also find a herd of reindeer and sled dogs here.

A major tributary of the Yukon River, the Tanana River is one of the world’s greatest glacial rivers, carrying an impressive amount of glacial silt from the Alaska Range each year. With the surrounding Tanana Valley an important gold-producing region throughout the early 20th century, it’s remarkable that so much of the landscape on either side of the river remains untouched.

An exciting historical theme park in the heart of Fairbanks, Pioneer Park is a free-to-enter tourist attraction boasting an impressive range of museums, boutique shopping experiences, local arts galleries, and restaurants – not to mention the grounds of Pioneer Park itself. While some experiences and activities here will require a nominal fee, you’ll find that this is a fun way to learn more about the history and culture of Alaska. And, you can break up your museum visits with a round of mini golf or a bite to eat!

Aurora Borealis is a fascinating natural light display caused by changing interactions between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s atmosphere. A bright show of colourful wisps and spiral patterns covering the sky, witnessing this first-hand is always a stunning experience. With Fairbanks being one of the most popular places in Alaska to witness this incredible phenomenon, you’re in for a treat if you’re travelling at the right time of year.

A fascinating museum featuring a wide variety of locally-produced ice sculptures and structures, the Fairbanks Ice Museum is unlike anything else; you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a nightly aurora show in a vintage theatre, should you stick around long enough. In the heart of downtown Fairbanks, you’ll be a stone’s throw from a whole host of restaurants, shopping experiences, and more.

A rather unassuming mining claim at Bonanza Creek, Discovery Claim is the site where prospectors found the first piece of gold in August 1896 – making it the place where the Klondike Gold Rush effectively started. Then-called Rabbit Creek, the finding of the first piece of gold was attributed to American prospector George Carmack, despite it being uncertain whether George, his Tagish wife Kate (birthname Shaaw Tláa), or her brother Skookum Jim (birthname Keish) found the gold. Some accounts claim it was actually Kate who made the initial discovery. This was primarily due to the trio being unsure as to whether the current mining authority would recognise the claim of an indigenous claimant.

A large wooden-hulled bucketline sluice dredge that was used to mine gold on the Yukon River from 1913 to 1959, Gold Dredge 4 is the largest surviving wooden-hulled dredge in North America and a testament to the engineering that went into mining gold during the Klondike Gold Rush. Estimates suggest it captured around nine tons of gold during its operational lifetime.

Among the simplest, yet most time-consuming, ways of extracting gold from placer deposits, gold panning has proven historically to be one of the most popular ways to mine for gold along riverbeds; this is due to its low cost and relative simplicity compared to other methods. Using a small town, prospectors and geologists would agitate a batch of wet deposit, a process that would allow heavier materials like gold to sink to the bottom of the mixture. Then, when the rest of the deposit is removed, this would make it easier to retrieve the gold.

First opened in 1971, and the only active casino in northern Canada, Diamond Tooth Gerties is the oldest casino in Canada and an entertainment venue reminiscent of the region’s rich history. Alongside a variety of casino games and slot machines, you’ll also find a daily vaudeville show here during tourist season; the show itself is inspired by one of this town’s most famous dancehall stars from the Gold Rush era, Gertie Lovejoy.

A famous modern hotel built to emulate the architecture and atmosphere of Dawson City’s Gold Rush era, Downtown Hotel is a landmark in the centre of town for a rather unusual reason. A fantastic place to stay, this hotel is actually famous for its Sourtoe cocktail: a cocktail that involves a real mummified human toe. If you want to be in the Sourtoe cocktail drinkers club, your lips actually have to touch the toe – and over 100,000 people have tried this concoction since the tradition began in 1973.

A historic sternwheel paddle steamer berthed in the Yukon River, and the last of the Yukon sternwheeler steamers to navigate this waterway under their own power, S.S. Keno offers visitors to Dawson City a fascinating insight into an important part of this region’s history. Designed specifically to navigate the narrow fast-flowing rivers of the region, where sandbars and shallow rocks could change position dramatically throughout the year, the S.S. Keno has been sunk, smashed, and broken over the decades – but now sits in a permanent dry dock. While this particular sternwheel steamer was constructed in 1922, S.S. Keno serves as a memorial to roughly 250 sternwheel steamers that provided vital transport services throughout the Yukon territory during the late-19th and 20th centuries; it’s one of three survivors of this fleet.