Day 1 (AUG 12): Vancouver, British Columbia

This gleaming city in the midst of natural splendor has its origins in a saloon built for miners on their way to the Yukon. Walk the cobblestone streets of Gastown for a sense of Vancouver’s frontier history in what’s become one of the city’s most vibrant and unique areas. Explore the second largest Chinatown in North America on your way to Stanley Park, home to soaring old-growth trees and a spectacular collection of First Nation totem poles. Breathtaking views abound: Travel to ‘Vancouver’s Peak’ on the Grouse Mountain skyride and walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure.

Day 2 (AUG 13): Cruising the Inside Passage

Day 3 (AUG 14): Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew up around salmon canneries and sawmills. Ketchikan's name supposedly comes from the native term "Katch Kanna", which roughly translates: "spread wings of a thundering eagle." At one time Ketchikan was proclaimed the “Salmon Capital of the World.” An outstanding collection of totem poles make a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers flock to Ketchikan for their first look at the North Country, and are rarely disappointed.

Day 4 (AUG 15): Juneau, Alaska

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Indian guides. Here they discovered nuggets “as large as beans” at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined. Juneau’s surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880’s.

Day 5 (AUG 16): Skagway, Alaska

Beginning in 1897, this frontier town at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage was the starting place for more than 40,000 gold-rush stampeders who headed to the Yukon primarily by way of the Chilkoot Trail. Immerse yourself in the colorful history and characters of the Klondike Gold Rush era in downtown Skagway, where over 20 historic buildings have been preserved and locals in period costumes detail the town’s bawdy history. Ride the historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway as it climbs 3,000 feet high into immensely picturesque mountains, taking in views of Bridal Veil Falls and the peaks of Inspiration Point.

Day 6 (AUG 17): Icy Strait (Hoonah), Alaska

With pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, waters teeming with humpback whales and bald eagles soaring in the sky, this is the epitome of the Alaskan hinterland. Visit the Native Theater and Heritage Center to see Tlinglit tribal members enact their history through song and dance, followed by a sumptuous meal of classic Alaskan seafood dishes. Take in breathtaking views while riding a gondola up Hoonah Mountain, watching for Sitka black-tailed deer among towering spruce and western hemlock trees. Drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for grizzly bears.

Day 7 (AUG 18): Cruising Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Viewing the magnificent grandeur of immense glaciers is surely one of the highlights of a journey to Alaska. Sail along a cliff face over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from peak to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. As Hubbard Glacier advances, listen to the symphony of creaks and groans as it moves and calves. This makes for some exciting moments when the huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called 'white thunder' by the Tlingit people. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Day 8 (AUG 19): Whittier, Alaska

Keep your binoculars handy to spot seals, otters and whales. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where you can experience incredible glacier cruises and kayak in serene waters. Its unique "one-way-in" tunnel adds to the adventure. The town also provides access to nearby hiking trails and a fascinating WWII history, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Day 9 (AUG 20): Cruising Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Day 10 (AUG 21): Sitka, Alaska

Founded by Russian fur traders as New Archangel in 1799, Sitka was the historic center of Russia’s Alaskan empire. The Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased the Alaska territory in 1867. Today, picturesque Sitka, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.

Day 11 (AUG 22): Cruising Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords

Day 12 (AUG 23): Klawock, Alaska

Nestled amongst lush rainforest typical of the Inside Passage, Klawock is an authentic pioneer town on the rugged central-western coast of Prince of Wales Island. Thriving wildlife that includes bears drawn to the salmon-rich Klawock River and extensive collections of totem poles promise a genuine Alaskan experience at this newly constructed port. Besides jaw-dropping wilderness, Klawock boasts an abundance of Tlingit cultural practices. At a carving shed, watch expert Tlingit artisans demonstrate the skills that have made their totem poles legendary.

Day 13 (AUG 24): Cruising the Inside Passage

Day 14 (AUG 25): Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is a picture-perfect city exuding old-world charm, with fragrant and colorful flowers everywhere. Founded in 1843 by James Douglas of the Hudson’s Bay Company, it was first known as Fort Victoria. By 1848, Vancouver Island was made a British colony. In 1868, Vancouver Island was incorporated with mainland British Columbia. Although it is a port city, Victoria is not as industrially oriented as Vancouver. The harbors, especially Inner Harbour, are dotted with pleasure crafts, ferries, and floatplanes.

Day 15 (AUG 26): Vancouver, British Columbia