Alaska Cruise from Whittier to Vancouver — 10 Days

Whittier, USA

Whittier sits between the steep Chugach Mountains and the sheltered waters of Prince William Sound. Most visitors arrive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile passage shared by cars and trains. From the harbor, boats venture among tidewater glaciers, forested islands and waters frequented by sea otters, whales and seabirds. Spend time on the water, and Alaska’s scale becomes unmistakable.

Valdez, USA

Valdez sits at the head of Prince William Sound, where steep Chugach peaks rise above sheltered water. From the harbor, boat tours reach tidewater glaciers and wildlife-rich coves; on land, waterfalls line the Richardson Highway. The town is also near the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a striking feature of Alaska’s modern history. Explore by sea or road, then return to a working harbor framed by mountains.

At Sea (At Sea)

Sitka, USA

Set between forested mountains and the Pacific, Sitka occupies the west coast of Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska. Here, Tlingit history and Russian influence meet in a compact town reached chiefly by air or sea. Walk Sitka National Historical Park’s coastal trail among carved totem poles. The park interprets the 1804 conflict between Tlingit people and Russian forces. St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Sheldon Jackson Museum add depth, while nearby waters invite wildlife watching.

Haines, USA

Haines occupies a striking position on Lynn Canal, where forested mountains rise straight from the water. Its compact streets lead to Fort William H. Seward, a restored military post with galleries, shops, and local history. Beyond town, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve protects a major winter gathering place for bald eagles. Explore by road, river, or trail, with wildlife, Tlingit heritage, and expansive Alaskan scenery close at hand.

Juneau, USA

Juneau is Alaska’s capital, yet no road connects it to the rest of Alaska. Most visitors arrive by sea or air. Set between the Gastineau Channel and steep, forested mountains, the city makes an unusually compact base for exploring Southeast Alaska. From downtown, visit the Alaska State Museum, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, or travel about 12 miles to Mendenhall Glacier. Whale-watching trips can reveal humpbacks feeding in nearby waters.

Tracy Arm Fjord, USA

Tracy Arm is a 30-mile glacial fjord in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, about 45 miles south of Juneau. Its steep granite walls rise above teal water, while waterfalls stream down the cliffs in summer. At the fjord’s head, the twin Sawyer Glaciers calve ice into the water, often sending small bergs drifting past. Ships move slowly here; the best views are from deck, where wildlife may include seals and eagles.

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.

At Sea (At Sea)

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.