15 minute read
Yukon & Alaska
To many people Alaska and the Yukon can only be described as the ‘Top of the World’ and although they are in separate countries, both are lands filled with glaciers, raging rivers, towering mountains and dense forest.
The Yukon & Alaska
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Lying at the northernmost tip of the USA, Alaska – which is actually the USA’s largest state – encompasses great tracts of Arctic tundra and huge tidewater glaciers that calve into the chilly waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Inland, you will find the mighty Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, and the impressive centrepiece of the spectacular Denali National Park!
Crossing the border into Canada, the Yukon is a very special place to visit and has so much to offer those willing to venture further North than most people do on a trip to Canada. Home to vast numbers of moose, caribou and bears, The Yukon provides magnificent wildlife viewing opportunities set against breath-taking backdrops of pristine mountains and tranquil lakes! For those more into their culture and history, Yukon is home to The Klondike Goldrush and a visit to Dawson City makes for a very entertaining stop on your trip. To this day, the town is still a lively place, bursting with heritage sites and attractions. Visitors take pleasure in enjoying a stroll on the boardwalks with characters straight out of history, touring historic buildings, attending shows and whooping it up like a stampeder.
Anchorage Yellowknife
Inuvik
Seward
Kluane National Park
Denali National Park Churchill
Highlights
• Bear watching
Alaska has some of the best grizzly bear viewing in the world. – See Page 72. • Alaska cruises
The breath-taking scenery and tiny settlements of Alaska’s coast are best viewed from the water. – See Page 69. • Denali National Park
Home to mighty Mount McKinley and prolific wildlife. – See Page 67.
Emerald Lake
Yukon
This exhilarating and varied region is truly bear country: 34,000 people live in the Yukon alongside ten thousand black bears and seven thousand grizzlies. The promise of gold is what called Canada’s Yukon Territory to the worlds attention with the Klondike gold rush of 1897-98. As many as 100,000 people set off for the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike rivers, on the promise of nuggets the size of basketballs just waiting to be picked up. In the end, roughly a dozen of them went home rich in gold, but all who returned did so rich in memories and stories that are still being told. This vast and thinly populated wilderness, where wildlife far outnumber humans, has a grandeur and beauty only appreciated by experience. Few places in the world today have been so unchanged over the course of time. Aboriginal people, having seeked out survival for thousands of years, hunt and trap as they always have. Any visit will mean much time outdoors: Canada’s five tallest mountains and the world’s largest ice fields below the Arctic are all within Kluane National Park, while canoe expeditions down the Yukon River are epic. See the bears’ migration route, canoe Seal River or take guided walks to areas the bears frequent. Even though the autumn is the busiest time of the year for this frontier town, winter and summer are also becoming popular with travellers returning to see the northern lights and the amazing diversity of the Arctic summer.
Kluane National Park
Set like a jewel in the southwestern corner of the Yukon, Kluane National Park contains some of the territories greatest but most inaccessible scenery within its 21,980 square kilometres, and for the most part, you’ll only see and walk the easterly margins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from points along the Alaska Highway (no road runs into the park). Together with the neighbouring Wrangell-St Elias National Park in Alaska, the park protects the St Elias Mountains, though from the highway, the peaks you see rearing up to the south are part of the subsidiary Kluane Range. Beyond them, largely invisible from the road, are St Elias’s monumental Icefield Ranges, which contain Mount St Elias (5488m) and Mount Logan (5950m) – Canada’s highest point – as well as the mighty Denali (6193m), part of the Alaska Range and the highest point in North
America; these form the world’s second highest coastal range, after the Andes. Below them, and covering more than half the park, is a huge base of mile-deep glaciers and ice fields, the world’s second largest non-polar ice field (after Greenland) and just one permanent resident, the legendary ice worm. Yet global warming is taking its toll on the ice fields, with levels dropping by approximately 1.8m a year. At the edge of the ice fields a drier, warmer range encourages a green belt of meadow, marsh, forest and fen providing sanctuary for a huge variety of wildlife, including grizzlies, moose, mountain goats and a four thousand strong population of white Dall sheep. These margins also support the widest spectrum of birds in the far North, some 150 species in all, including easily seen raptors such as peregrine falcons, bald and golden eagles, together with smaller birds like arctic terns, mountain bluebirds, tattlers and hawk owls.
Dawson City
Beautiful Dawson City is the prime specimen of a Yukon gold-rush town. Since the first swell of hopeful migrants more than 100 years ago, many of the original buildings have disappeared or were victims of fire, flood and weathering. Plenty remain though, and it’s easy to step back in time, going to a performance at the Palace Theatre, erected in 1899, or stepping into a shop whose building originally served stampeders. If you didn’t know its history, Dawson City would be an atmospheric place to pause for a while. It’s one of the most historic and evocative towns in Canada, set on a narrow shelf at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers, a mere 240km south of the Arctic Circle. Dawson was the centre of the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, you can wander the dirt streets of town, passing old buildings with dubious permafrost foundations and discover Dawson’s rich cultural life – it’s a thriving centre for the arts – the yearly summer music festival is one of Canada’s biggest – and as the last touch of civilization before the deep wild, it’s where hikers share tables with hard-core miners at quirky local restaurants. Dawson can be busy in the summer, especially during its festivals. By September the days are getting short, the seasonal workers have fled south and the 1400 year-round residents are settling in for another long, dark winter.
Skagway
Skagway was the gateway to the Klondike gold rush in 1898 and the glory days still resound through the town. Stroll through Skagway and browse the restored buildings and wooden boardwalks at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon narrow-gaugerailway and finish up in the Red Onion Saloon!
Ketchikan
With shops and houses built out over the water, Ketchikan clings to the shoreline of the Tongass Narrows. The stairways are weathered and the vibe is cheerful in the town that calls itself the Salmon Capital of the World. Besides the main attractions – Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village – try a flight sightseeing trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. These deep-water fjords were gouged out by retreating glaciers, leaving granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls plunging into placid waters.
Tracy Arm
The narrow Tracy Arm Fjord twists is way through the Tongass National Forest, surrounded by 300 foot high granite walls! The melting snowcaps create waterfalls which dot the shoreline, along with trees growing at odd angles from the rocky outcroppings. Catch a glimpse of the varied wildlife that make their home in and around the fjord’s icy waters, including black & brown bears, wolves, deer, moose, seals and whales At the end of the Fjord, view the dramatic Sawyer glaciers which are framed by the mountains. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, has an air of mystique – a town you cannot reach by road, you need to fly or come by sea!
Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, has an air of mystique – a town you cannot reach by road, you need to fly or come by sea! Juneau delights with an abundance of water, forests and mountains. Situated between the Coast Mountains and the Gastineau Channel, Juneau offers a lot of variety, with the immense Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefields at its back door and the Tongass National Forest stretching out to the northeast. Juneau offers a variety of activities from shopping downtown to dogsledding, hiking, whalewatching and so much more.
Icy Strait Point
An incredible opportunity to view wildlife in their natural environment, including eagles, brown bears and humpback whales. Icy Strait Point, a uniquely Alaskan place, is home to Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, the place the Tlingit people have called home for thousands of years. Take this incredible opportunity to view eagles, brown bears and humpback whales at home in their natural habitat. Nearby Alaska’s largest Tlingit village exists a uniquely Alaskan place - lcy Strait Point. The island on which Icy Strait Point is located is home to one of the largest concentrations of brown bears in the world.
Sitka
Located east by majestic snow-capped mountains, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Explore this Russian-influenced fishing village with a tour of the onion domed cathedral perched atop Castle Hill. Alternatively venture out on sea excursion and even try your hand at catching halibut.
Hubbard Glacier & Glacier Bay
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska: The Hubbard Glacier is located about 30 miles north off the coast of Yakutat and is by far one of Alaska’s most spectacular natural gems. Expect awe-inspiring picture-perfect views of this glorious mount of ice from about every angle on your ship. Named after Gardiner Hubbard, the founder and president of the National Geographic Society, Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world. Dramatically massive at around 7-miles wide, 76-miles long and as tall as a 30-story building above the waterline, it’s the largest river of ice in North America. While most of the world’s glaciers are retreating, the Hubbard Glacier has continued to thicken over the years and on rare occasion will partially block Russell Fjord, temporarily damming its passage.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay is located in Southeast Alaska west of Juneau. Glacier Bay is for a must see on any trip to Alaska. Marvel at the ever-changing glacial seascape of this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site where the silence is punctuated by the thunderous sound of ice splitting and crashing, in great chunks, into the water. Nothing will come close to the wilderness and scenery of Glacier Bay.
Denali National Park & Lodges
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is Alaska’s most popular land attraction. For many travellers, it’s the beginning and end of their Alaskan adventure. Here is probably the best chance in the interior (if not in the entire state) of seeing a grizzly bear, moose or caribou and maybe even a fox or a wolf. Unlike most wilderness areas in the country, you don’t have to be a hiker to view this wildlife – the window of the park bus will do just fine for a close look at these magnificent creatures, roaming free in their natural habitat.
For those with a bit more time and the desire to get further into the wild, there are vast expanses of untracked country to explore – more than six million acres of it, to be exact. That’s more landmass than the US state of Massachusetts. At the centre of it all is the icy behemoth of Mt McKinley, known to most Alaskans as Denali and to native Athabascans as the Great One. This is North America’s highest peak and rightly celebrated as an icon of all that is awesome and wild in the state. There’s only one road through the park: the 92-mile unpaved Park Rd, which is closed to private vehicles after Mile 14. The park entrance area, where most visitors congregate, extends a scant 4 miles up Park Rd. It’s here you’ll find the park headquarters, visitor centre and main campground, as well as the Wilderness Access Centre (WAC), where you pay your park entrance fee and arrange campground and shuttle-bus bookings to take you further into the park. In a trailer across the lot from the WAC sits the Backcountry Information Centre (BIC), where backpackers get backcountry permits and bear-proof food containers. Although much of Canada still has the flavour of the “last frontier”, it’s only when you set off north to the Yukon, Northwest Territories or to Nunavut that you know for certain you’ve left mainstream North American life behind. In the popular imagination, the North figures as a perpetually frozen wasteland blasted by ferocious gloomy winters, inhabited – if at all – by hardened characters living outside the bounds of civilization. In truth, it’s a region where months of summer sunshine offer almost limitless opportunities for outdoor activities and an incredible profusion of flora and fauna; a country within a country, the character of whose settlements has often been forged by the mingling of white settlers and Aboriginal peoples. Most visitors come to the North West Territories to fish, canoe, hunt, hike, watch wildlife or to experience Aboriginal cultures and ethereal landscapes.
Coppers, purples, reds, browns, golds and blacks streaked across the earth violently, sweeping up and over, a kaleidoscope of dirt and rock that challenges even the most jaded of hearts to not fall under her spell
Glacier Bay
The 49th State, the largest in the U.S., is perfect for cruisers, with numerous opportunities to appreciate its vast natural beauty. Sail along the Inside Passage to visit the immense ice formations of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, as well as popular ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, the only U.S. state capital that’s not accessible by car. Travel further north to the Kenai Peninsula and nearby Anchorage, a perfect jumping off point for cruisetours to Denali, Fairbanks and Canada’s Yukon.
On an Alaska cruise, you’ll encounter massive tidewater glaciers, iconic wildlife, Klondike Gold Rush history and fascinating Native Alaskan cultures. No matter which cruise to Alaska you choose, you’ll travel to the best places for viewing wildlife and experience scenic cruising along Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay, your Alaska cruise is a pleasure from start to finish. One of the finest ways to experience all the splendour of Alaska is on one of the many cruises that sail the magnificent waters of North America. At the end of each exciting adventure, you’ll return to the elegant comfort of your ship. There is so much to do and see on board – from refreshing spa treatments and video-editing workshops to live music and a wide variety of entertainment each evening – your cruise ship is a destination in her own right. We feature many cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Celebrity, Cunard, Princess, Oceania, Norwegian Cruise Lines as well as ultra-luxurious Silversea and Regent Seven Seas. We can amend our itineraries to a cruise line of your choice.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers a traditional cruising experience with a modern twist. On board their elegant mid-sized cruise ships, you will enjoy an inviting atmosphere in comfortable and stylish surroundings.
Celebrity
Each Celebrity cruise ship offers a unique experience whilst delivering Celebrity’s high standards. Expect spacious modern accommodations, exceptional service and a brilliant range of amenities and activities on board.
Cunard
Cunard Line is a name synonymous with quality and sophistication which maintains the British traditions of luxury cruising. Cunard’s dedication to excellence and quality shows throughout their elegant ships.
Princess
Princess Cruises offer an American style cruising experience and are known for their relaxed atmosphere, impeccable service and delicious food. They are one of the largest cruise lines at sea, comprising of large and mid-sized ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line take pride in their freestyle cruising concept which is designed to deliver the ultimate in flexibility. You can enjoy the informal and relaxed atmosphere and experience a range of restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities.
Oceania
Oceania Cruises offer a luxury cruising experience with a warm and inviting country club atmosphere. With a high staff to guest ratio, you can expect impeccable service and attention to detail.
Silversea
Silversea offer an ultra-luxury cruising experience for those who enjoy cruising the world in the most sumptuous surroundings. Silversea’s small ships have an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere and their highly trained staff provide friendly and attentive service.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruises for those who enjoy the finer things in life. A cruise with Regent Seven Seas cruises is a sumptuous and personal cruising experience where your every need and want is catered for.
My Canada Trips Staff Pick
By Richard
Alaska Cruising
On your Alaska Cruise a whale watching trip is an absolute must. If you are celebrating a special occasion I highly recommend a meal in the Pinnacle Grill on any of Holland America Line ships, the food is outstanding!
