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.

Famous for its numerous totem poles scattered among the trees of the scenic woodland, often with your cruise ship visible out in the bay, Sitka National Historical Park is a must for lovers of nature and indigenous history of Alaska alike, complete with woodcarving studio and experts talks.

This wildlife sanctuary helps Alaska’s most beautiful birdlife such as owls, golden eagles and the iconic bald eagles as they are rescued and reared back to full rehabilitation. Here, experts give talks and educate visitors all about these impressive animals with flights displays and talks.

If you had tour heart set on seeing an Alaskan brown bear but didn’t manage to spot one on any tours so far, a trip to this bear sanctuary is a sure way to see some of the state’s most popular wildlife up close and personal.

The original orthodox cathedral in America, St Michael’s cathedral is a testament to Alaska’s original colonisation by Russia. With classic orthodox architecture typical of the Old Russian Empire, the cathedral displays typical triple crosses, domed roofs and interior artworks.

Only for the brave, Icy Strait Point’s Ziprider is over 6,500 feet of thrilling fun. At 1,320 feet high, you’ll reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour and witness the unrivalled views across the cliffs and canopies. Your cruise ship will be just a small speck on the horizon from here!

With a team of guides born and raised around the waters of Icy Strait Point, you’re guaranteed to spot the majestic whales that reside here. Visiting the most active site of humpback whale activity in Southeast Alaska, this is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

Learn more about the fascinating culture of the Hoonah tribes, from exhibits to stories at the Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center in Icy Strait Point. Taking 1-2 hours to walk around, it’s one of the main attractions in the cruise port.

Whilst sailing to the Hubbard Glacier, make sure to have your camera at the ready to take some unforgettable photos of the local wildlife, from whales to sea lions and sea birds, the wildlife surrounding the glacier will take your breath away.

If your cruise offers it, and you have the time whilst stopping at the Hubbard Glacier, a wilderness exploration tour is well worth it. Giving you the chase to get up close to the glacier, you’ll be surrounded by towering icebergs and be able to see the calving displays from the comfort of a boat.

Whilst in Hubbard Glacier, you’ll most likely see ice breaking off the side of it. This is because it’s a calving glacier, which creates icebergs that then float off around the fjord. An impressive sight to see and to hear, watching the icebergs calve off of the glacier will make you feel like you’re in another world.

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.

One of the largest aquariums in the country, Asamushi Aquarium is home to 400 species and over 10,000 different aquatic animals. Popular with children and adults alike, one of the standout attractions within the aquarium is the viewing tunnel that takes you under the animals, along with the dolphin shows and petting area.

Opened in 2006, the Aomori Museum of Art is home to an array of different exhibits and collections and is situated near to the history site of Sannai-Maruyama Site. A popular attraction with locals and tourists, it’s perfect for that culture fix.

Alternatively, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the picturesque Gappo Park. Located on a bay, it has a beach, various animal enclosures and a stadium. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, including blooming seasonal cherry blossoms, it’s a must see when in Aomori.

Shinjuku Gyoen was built on the foundations of Lord Naito's private residence. A mixture of a few different gardens, including French, English and Japanese, the park's varied and well-kept gardens are ideal for strolling around, photographing or even enjoying an afternoon picnic.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a portal to the past with its exhibitions describing both visually and through historical text, the history of Edo (now known as Toyko). Here visitors can learn about and experience numerous aspects of Edo, such as people's daily lives, Edo Period architecture, cultural heritage, political climate and much more. 

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, houses a statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. Sensoji is a must-see location in Japan, surrounded by imposing gates, a five-storey pagoda and the vibrant market of Nakamise Dori.

Connecting Sounzan with Togendai via the stunning Owakudani Valley, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, and a unique perspective on the luscious landscape littered with hot springs surrounding the mountain, on this scenic cable car ride.

Marvel at this iconic landmark from the skies over the Owakudani Valley as you experience the Hakone Ropeway and from the serene waters of Lake Ashi as you cruise through this crater lake, both offering awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji and the stunning scenery surrounding it.

High in Japan’s Hakone region, Owakudani Valley is a remarkable area formed over 3,000 years ago; characterised by a unique blend of rugged terrain and bubbling hot springs, this otherworldly landscape is as beautiful as it is intriguing.

Famed for its serene beauty and scenic views of Mount Fuji, this 3,000 year-old caldera-born lake is surrounded by luscious mountainscapes and home to historic sites like the Hakone Shrine, whose iconic red torii gate sits on the water’s edge.

A true marvel of modern engineering, you’ll get glimpses of Japan’s scenic countryside as you relish in the modern comforts and efficiency of this world-famous high-speed railway from Odawara Station back to Tokyo proper.