North Pacific Cruise - from Otaru - 126529

The old harbour town of Otaru is on the west coast of Hokkaido, the most northerly of the four Japanese islands. With a population of 170,000 the town is fairly small by Japanese standards, but is nonetheless one of the most important tourist attractions in the country with more than five million visitors a year. In economic terms, fishing and international sea trade are also important. The town made a great historical and economic contribution to the development of Hokkaido. The legacy and proof of its colourful past are the architecture and the interesting port area. The liveliness of the port is in harmonious contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of this small town. Otaru has a canal area, which used to be highly polluted due to nearby businesses. Today this area is not in use and visitors can stroll at leisure through the streets that date back to the turn of the century and were shaped both by the Japanese style and Western influences.

Hakodate, with a population of 320,000 lies at the southern point of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 1859 it was among the five Japanese towns first opened for outside trade, representing the gateway to the outside world. Hakodate is also the traditional starting point for trips to Hokkaido, which can be reached either by ferry or by train through the underwater tunnel constructed in 1988. This Japanese port is also famous for its star-shaped fort.

Hakodate, with a population of 320,000 lies at the southern point of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 1859 it was among the five Japanese towns first opened for outside trade, representing the gateway to the outside world. Hakodate is also the traditional starting point for trips to Hokkaido, which can be reached either by ferry or by train through the underwater tunnel constructed in 1988. This Japanese port is also famous for its star-shaped fort.

Hakodate, with a population of 320,000 lies at the southern point of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 1859 it was among the five Japanese towns first opened for outside trade, representing the gateway to the outside world. Hakodate is also the traditional starting point for trips to Hokkaido, which can be reached either by ferry or by train through the underwater tunnel constructed in 1988. This Japanese port is also famous for its star-shaped fort.

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.

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.