Alaska Explorer

Nestled between the rugged Cascade Mountains and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, Seattle beckons with its dynamic blend of natural beauty, innovative spirit and vibrant culture.

Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Alaskan Panhandle, Juneau stands as a vibrant gateway to the Last Frontier.

The ports of Alaska inspire visions of remote wilderness outposts, legendary gold-rush towns and Native Alaskan villages, all set amid lush forests and frigid, glacier-flanked waters. And while you’ll certainly find these things in and around Sitka, you’ll witness a unique slice of Alaskan history not found anywhere else. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, and Sitka was settled as the capital of Russian America under the name New Archangel. Sailing into Sitka today, you’ll still see vestiges of Russia’s influence, including the unmistakable onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. Stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical Park to peruse its interesting collections of Russian and Native Alaskan artifacts, and then join a ranger-led tour of the battlefield where Russia defeated the native Tlingit people. Sitka also boasts an abundance of epic natural scenery and wildlife. Take a walk up Castle Hill to enjoy an ideal vantage point across the water to the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe, and trips to the nearby Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center offer up-close encounters with some of Alaska’s most captivating creatures.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan emerges as a vibrant hub of culture, adventure and natural beauty.

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Nestled between the rugged Cascade Mountains and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, Seattle beckons with its dynamic blend of natural beauty, innovative spirit and vibrant culture.