Japan Shiribeshi Cruise from Otaru to Vancouver — 21 Days

Sapporo-Otaru, Japan

Otaru rewards a slow walk, with a canal, old warehouses and sea air recalling Hokkaido’s trading past. Built in 1923, Otaru Canal once carried cargo; today, its stone storehouses frame one of Japan’s most atmospheric waterfronts. Nearby Sakaimachi Street offers glass studios, music-box shops and seafood restaurants, all within an easy stroll of the center. Come for the craftsmanship, then settle in for Hokkaido seafood and sushi.

Okushiri Island Japan (Scenic Stop)

Hakodate, Japan

Hakodate rewards travellers who look beyond the waterfront. At the morning market, vendors serve Hokkaido crab, sea urchin and squid caught in local waters. The star-shaped ramparts of Goryokaku tell a sharper story: Japan’s final years of samurai rule. Ride the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for a celebrated view of the city and its twin bays. Below, Motomachi’s churches and former consulates reflect the port’s opening to foreign trade in 1859.

Kushiro City, Japan

Kushiro is eastern Hokkaido’s working port city, known for the broad marshlands that begin just beyond its streets. At Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, boardwalks and viewpoints open onto Japan’s largest wetland, where red-crowned cranes may be seen. Back in town, browse Washo Market for crab and salmon, then cross the waterfront to Nusamai Bridge at dusk. This is a rewarding stop for wildlife, fresh seafood and a less-polished side of Japan.

At Sea (At Sea)

Aleutian Islands, USA

The Aleutian Islands arc west from Alaska toward Asia, dividing the North Pacific from the Bering Sea. Volcanic peaks rise through fog, while seabirds wheel above waters shaped by powerful currents. Unalaska, the chain’s principal community, offers a window on the region’s Russian-era history and enduring fishing culture. Expect changeable weather, immense horizons, and a sense of distance rare in modern travel. On a clear day, the islands’ stark beauty needs no introduction.

Dutch Harbor Unalaska, USA

Dutch Harbor sits on Unalaska Island, where the Aleutian chain meets the Bering Sea. It is one of America’s busiest commercial fishing ports, yet its appeal reaches beyond the waterfront. Explore the Museum of the Aleutians to learn about the region’s Indigenous history. Visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a landmark dating to the nineteenth century. World War II sites recall Unalaska’s strategic role in the Aleutian campaign. Expect steep green hills, working docks, and weather that can change quickly.

Aleutian Islands, USA

The Aleutian Islands arc west from Alaska toward Asia, dividing the North Pacific from the Bering Sea. Volcanic peaks rise through fog, while seabirds wheel above waters shaped by powerful currents. Unalaska, the chain’s principal community, offers a window on the region’s Russian-era history and enduring fishing culture. Expect changeable weather, immense horizons, and a sense of distance rare in modern travel. On a clear day, the islands’ stark beauty needs no introduction.

At Sea (At Sea)

Kodiak Island, USA

Kodiak sits on the island of the same name, where the Gulf of Alaska meets a working fishing town. Fishing boats fill the harbor, and seafood remains central to the local economy. Russian America left its mark at Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church and the Baranov Museum. Beyond town, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge protects wilderness famed for brown bears, often reached by guided air or boat trips.

At Sea (At Sea)

Wrangell AK, USA

Wrangell occupies the northern tip of Wrangell Island, where the Stikine River meets the sea. Tlingit heritage and a layered past come into focus at Chief Shakes Island and the local museum. At Petroglyph Beach, ancient carvings appear between tides. In summer, boat trips reach Anan Wildlife Observatory, where bears gather to feed on salmon. Here, Indigenous history and untamed river country remain close at hand.

Ketchikan, USA

Set on Revillagigedo Island in southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is a working fishing town framed by the Tongass National Forest. Its waterfront rises steeply above the Inside Passage, where fishing boats and floatplanes share the harbor. Walk Creek Street, a former red-light district built over Ketchikan Creek. At the Totem Heritage Center, see Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian art. For wilderness, boat or fly to Misty Fjords National Monument.

Inside Passage

Alaska’s Inside Passage is not a single port, but a sheltered coastal route threading southeastern Alaska’s islands, channels and fjords. From the ship, watch for bald eagles, whales and mountains rising straight from the water. Calls may include Juneau, Ketchikan or Skagway, each with a distinct story, from Tlingit heritage to Gold Rush history. Bring binoculars; here, the finest moments often unfold between destinations.

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver puts mountains, ocean and a working harbour within easy reach of the city centre. From the cruise terminal at Canada Place, walk to Gastown’s brick lanes, the waterfront and the shops of Robson Street. Stanley Park offers seawall views and towering cedars, while Granville Island brings a lively public market and artisan studios. Beyond downtown, ferries cross to North Vancouver, where the Capilano Suspension Bridge and mountain trails reveal the region’s wilder side.