Alaska Cruise - from Whittier / Anchorage - 110443

Sitka, founded by the Russians in 1804, was the capital of Russian Alaska for a long time. A dormant volcano rises around 1,000 m over the town surrounded by small islands. Sights such as the Russian-Orthodox church and the Russian bishop's house are a reminder of the Russian influence. In the Sitka National Historical Park visitors can see a collection of totem poles, a fort and a reconstruction of the battlefield of 1904. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Centre is also situated in this park. Here you can see local artists and craftsmen at work. The Sheldon Jackson Museum provides an insight into the culture of the native peoples and how they have survived the bitter cold climate through the ages. In the Alaska Wildlife Centre meanwhile you can see many native species of animal at close quarters.

The town of Wrangell in South-East Alaska has kept its historic appearance with building facades in the original style. The port is an important centre of trade and transport and represents the gateway to Wrangell Saint Elias National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 19th century the borough was shaken by the second wave of the Gold Rush and served as a way station on the route to inland Canada. Today, the rather quiet town of Wrangell is a destination for nature lovers keen to experience first hand the Le Conte and Shakes glaciers as well as the untouched wilderness of Alaska. In April, the largest population of eagles in North America gathers at the Stikine river delta. Stone carvings (petroglyphs), some of which are around 8,000 years old, can be found not far from Wrangell. Visitors can also marvel at the six totem poles in Wrangell's Totem Park.

The "Salmon Capital of the World" is one of the towns in south-east Alaska that already existed during Russian times. As in Sitka, this Russian influence is also apparent here in the form of folk dancers and a Russian Orthodox church. In Totem Bight State Park you can view totem poles elaborately carved by the Tlingit native Americans. Ketchikan is considered to be a Mecca for salmon fishers, who already settled here hundreds of years ago.

The charming provincial capital of British Columbia is on Vancouver Island and has a very European feel to it with its narrow streets lined by stone buildings dating from the 19th century. Victorian architecture, red double-decker buses and nostalgic hackney cabs are a reminder of the colonial age of the British Empire. This is in sharp contrast to the many totem poles in the parks, which signify the amalgamation of the two cultures. Expansive parks with exotic and native plants are the perfect place to take a stroll. Sights include: Butchard Gardens, Government House, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, Helmcken House, Royal British Columbia Museum.

With a population of almost 500,000 Vancouver in British Columbia is the most important port at the Pacific. It is considered to be one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world and, on account of its sheltered location, it has a mild climate all year round. A special attraction at the northern edge of the city is Vancouver's Hausberg Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by a cable-car and has excellent facilities for winter sports and hillwalking as well as a wonderful view of the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge, measuring 137 m in length and suspended 70 m above a river gorge, which visitors can cross, is also nearby. Sights include: Gastown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Harbour Centre with its viewing platform, the waterfront with a sea bus.