This five-kilometer waterway between British Columbia and Vancouver Island is a small section of the bigger Discovery Passage strait. Named after the Royal Navy officer George Seymour, the strait is known for its narrowness and intense tidal currents.

This tiny hamlet (population: 710) on rugged Prince of Wales Island was first settled by the Tlingit people, who used the site as a summer fishing camp. The impressive totem park, set on a hill overlooking the harbor, houses one of the largest collections in Alaska. Gaze skywards at skilfully carved replicas of the original poles that marked the village of Tukekan, as well as poles chiselled in recent decades. The heritage center, longhouse, and carving shed on the edge of town are well worth a visit to see the masterful craftsmen at work.

Paddle a kayak on sheltered waters, take a floatplane to a remote mountain lake or try your hand at sportfishing in Ketchikan, salmon capital of the world and a paradise for fishermen and nature-lovers alike. A quiet city with rich Native American heritage, it hosts the world's largest collection of authentic totem poles at Totem Bight as well as a rustic boardwalk, quaint restaurants perched on stilts above the water, and scores of fascinating shops and spectacular views from every vantage point.

Nature is at its most dramatic in this 30-mile fjord, where the sheer scale of the wilderness is enough to render you speechless. But there's more. Boats glide along an icy corridor between sheer 1,000-foot granite cliffs that are awash with waterfalls, following a series of small icebergs scattered like a trail of breadcrumbs. They lead to the twin Sawyer Glaciers, rivers of electric-blue ice that plunge into the water. Seals lounge on the floes and mountain goats cling to impossibly high rocky ledges. There's a unique soundtrack to this untamed world, too – when the glaciers calve, they let out a thunderous crack.

The native Tlingit people might run the port of Icy Strait Point on Chichagof Island, but this is a place where wildlife reigns supreme. The Spasski River Valley has one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world, while the waters surrounding the island teem with humpback whales as well as sea otters and sea lions. If the abundance of wildlife doesn't take your breath away, try the six-person zipwire running down from Hoonah Mountain at speeds of up to 60mph, some 300 feet above the rainforest. And don't leave port without a look at the salmon cannery turned museum.

Arrive at Russia's former New World capital. This historic island chain features Sitka Historic National Park, green-tufted landscapes, and St. Michael's Cathedral, built in the 1800's. This is an unusual stop for travelers, so enjoy a rare and unforgettable experience.

The vast and wild landscapes of the Hubbard Glacier offer breathtaking scenery. Located in the south central region of Alaska, these icy waters offer opportunities to catch sight of the regional humpback whales.

Embark on a journey to the breathtaking wilderness of Seward, Alaska. This charming coastal town, nestled at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, offers a rare and unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park, featuring towering glaciers, and pristine coastal fjords. Explore the rich history of the area, including the legacy of the indigenous Alutiiq people, and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to witness the abundance of marine life in the Gulf of Alaska.