Glittering glaciers and majestic mountains
If an escorted tour to India, a journey across the Mekong River, and a safari in Kenya haven’t been enough to entice you to enter our incredible competition, perhaps a journey across the Rocky Mountains plus an Alaska cruise holds first place on your list of dream destinations for 2019? Find out why Canada and Alaska make a great combination. The ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ is the USA’s biggest and most untamed state. With several million lakes, countless glaciers, and an incredible 17 of the USA’s 20 highest mountains to boast of, Alaska’s extraordinary natural beauty is a powerful magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Much like Alaska, Canada is brimming with huge tracts of unspoiled wilderness, from the Rockies in the south, right through to the tundra of the frozen north. The rich wildlife is also another big draw across both of these sublime destinations, with the opportunity to see whales, bears, wolves, moose, seals, caribou, and many more rare and fascinating animals. Discover the top five places to experience the natural wonders of Canada and Alaska:
1. BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. As one of the most scenic destinations in Canada, it is home to the harmonious Lake Louise. Its rich emerald green water is lined by dramatic peaks and glaciers creating a meditative experience like no other. For an incredible view across the entire park, visitors can take the cable car up Sulphur Mountain, the central core of the Canadian Rockies.
2. HUBBARD GLACIER
Hubbard Glacier is truly enormous. Its gleaming blue wall of towering ice calves daily, spitting out icebergs, so providing an unrivalled opportunity to witness the glacial process in action. A journey up to this icy paradise offers an opportunity to spot seals, otters, and whales. As you sail past the inspiring natural scenery, grizzly bears, moose, and deer could make your day with a special appearance.
3. SKAGWAY, ALASKA
Arriving in Skagway is guaranteed to transport you back in time to 1898. The very moment you step foot on its frontier territory, you can envisage the streets teeming with Gold Rush hopefuls. Once the prime destination for men and women dreaming to hiking the Chilkoot or White Pass to reach the gold fields of Klondike, this quaint town is now a cherished spot for history enthusiasts seeking to explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
4. THE FRASER VALLEY, VANCOUVER
A scenic one-hour drive from downtown Vancouver, Fraser Valley is British Columbia’s most important farming region. Often referred to as the “Berry Capital of Canada”, the valley is a luxurious blanket of verdant forest, elegantly strewn with cascading waterfalls at surprise turns. Renowned for producing a variety of different handcrafted wines, visitors can look forward to sipping a special selection of high-quality vintages.
5. MENDENHALL GLACIER, JUNEAU
Alaska’s remote capital of Juneau, only accessible by sea and air, is in a breath-taking setting. Occupying a cosy position between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau is full of attractions. Favourites include Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, the state capitol building, and historic South Franklin Street – a unique place to have a drink, dine, or shop in turn-of-the-20th-century buildings. A short drive from downtown Juneau by bus takes you to the iconic Mendenhall Glacier, which can be found within Tongass National Forest (the largest national forest in the United States) inhabited by bears.