Alaska trip | Expedition Cruise National Geographic Expeditions: Alaska's Inside Passage

The Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness is located in Alaska, west of the Canadian border and north of the Chuck River Wilderness. This enchanting landscape is characterised by its two impressive fjords, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, surrounded by steep cliffs of rugged mountains and immense glaciers, respectively. The 'terror' part of the name is earned by the danger caused by huge floating ice blocks, while the extreme, perpendicular cliffaces next to Tracy Arm have been compared to those in Yosemite. Experienced kayakers unperturbed by passing cruise ships can enjoy the waterfall-strewn, whirlpool-adorned fjords, where harbour seals, sea lions and whales delight. Hikers can look out for the rich young spruce and hemlock forest on land, where brown and black bears, mountain goats, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer and American bald eagles await.

Situated at the northern tip of Mitkof Island in Alaska, Petersburg is a small island community on Frederick Sound. The town boasts a strong Norwegian heritage, an abundance of marine life and breathtaking natural scenery. Petersburg is an excellent base from which to explore the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness Area, home to the world-famous LeConte Glacier, known for calving tonnes of blue ice.
Petersburg boasts three picturesque harbours which attract a steady stream of yachts, pleasure craft and cruise ships during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy spotting humpback whales feeding just off the coast, take part in a glacier excursion, hike along the many picturesque trails, observe a variety of bird species or go sport fishing. Don’t miss the chance to admire the spectacular landscape from the air during a breathtaking sightseeing flight.

Tongass stretches across most of southern Alaska and is the country's largest national forest. It borders the famous Inside Passage and offers unique opportunities to watch spawning salmon, eagles, bears and the stunning vistas of wild Alaska. Visitors can look forward to walking on hiking trails, hiking through Alaskan wilderness, dog sledding on a glacier, fishing in fresh streams or relaxing in a remote forest cabin. Don't miss a visit to the Anan Wildlife Observatory in Wrangell, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre and the Steep Creek Bear Viewing Area in Juneau, or immerse yourself in native culture at the beautiful Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre, in downtown Ketchikan. Other highlights include the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island and the Fish Creek Bear Viewing Area in Hyder.

Glacier Bay National Park, located in southeastern Alaska, is the undeniable highlight of Alaska's popular Inside Passage. This World Heritage Site is one of the world's largest internationally protected areas. The park features vast rugged snow-capped mountains, wild pristine coastlines, freshwater streams, glaciers, lush rainforest and deeply protected fjords. This glistening bay full of icebergs is flanked by the craggy peaks of Mount Fairweather and the massive Grand Pacific Glacier. The park offers visitors a fantastic selection of exciting wilderness adventures and activities, including kayaking, whale watching, sport fishing, golfing, beachcombing, flying tours, camping and hiking. Common wildlife species include humpback whales, orcas, seals, porpoises, sea otter, brown bears, wolves, moose, mountain goats and more than 200 bird species.

Baranof Island, also known as Baranov, Sitka or Shee Island, is an enchanting natural paradise in Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago. Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy outdoor activities amidst breathtaking landscapes featuring vast forests, towering snow-capped mountains and azure seas and rivers. The area, which is largely part of the Tongass National Forest, is renowned for its population of brown bears and is also home to bald eagles, humpback whales, river otters and owls.
Far off the beaten track, you’ll discover the most beautiful spots via walking trails, bays, channels and islets, ideally by small boat or kayak. It’s a perfect place for fishing and whale-watching. Be sure to explore the rich culture of the Tlingit people on the island, evident in their impressive totem poles, silverwork and basket weaving. The town of Sitka and its marina offer good facilities and restaurants.

In the Gulf of Alaska lies the picturesque town of Sitka, located on part of Baranof Island and Chichagof Island. This coastal community is known for its eclectic cultural heritage, incredibly scenic natural landscape and abundant flora and fauna. Sitka belonged to Russia until 1867, which explains its rich Russian heritage, and it also flaunts a rich mix of American and indigenous Tlingit influences. Visitors can watch traditional dance, walk along the totem pole-lined rainforest trail and observe various animals, such as sea lions, sea otters and humpback whales, as well as bald-headed eagles and coastal brown bears. Other highlights include enjoying views of the impressive Mt Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano; visiting the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world; and exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape with snow-capped mountains and forested islands. Other popular activities include kayaking, quad biking and fishing.

Southeast Alaska spills over into the majestic Alexander Archipelago, which is largely part of the Alaskan Peninsula and runs parallel to the Coastal Mountains on the mainland. The group of more than 1,000 islands is covered in lush temperate rainforests, consisting mainly of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, most of which are part of the incredibly rugged landscape of the Tongass National Forest. Here you will find Glacier Bay National Park, which is home to beautiful, protected wilderness inhabited by abundant wildlife, notably the famous Alexander Archipelago wolf. Visitors can cruise narrow fjords, marvel at the immense LeConte Glacier, hike through dense rainforest, observe hundreds of feeding humpback whales and anchor in quiet, secluded bays.

Alaska lies north-west of Canada and is the largest and least densely populated state in the United States. This wild landscape is known as America’s last frontier and boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Famous for its varied terrain, Alaska boasts endless open spaces, volcanic valleys, majestic snow-capped mountains, charming small towns, remote indigenous communities and alpine forests teeming with wildlife.
Explore the vast, flat tundra in the north and catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights, kayak amongst icebergs and spot playful humpback whales, or visit Anchorage, home to Alaska’s finest art and indigenous culture museums. This state is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, skiing and much more. Don’t miss the impressive Denali, North America’s highest mountain and the jewel in Alaska’s crown.

From the skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country roads of New England, The United States of America is a place of beauty and of unprecedented diversity. Visit the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Empire State Building, the Iconic Statue of Liberty and catch a glimpse of the lights of Las Vegas! Not to mention the country's natural treasures: the many national parks with beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The beaches on both the east and west coasts are also well worth a visit. The United States is a country of such vast dimensions that a lifetime in the United States can still feel like you have barely seen any of the country.

Situated on Chichagof Island, Hoonah is the largest Tlingit community set on Alaska's panhandle in the southeastern region of the state. It is known for its authentic cultural heritage as well as its beautiful and vast landscape, which has provided for Hoonah's people for centuries. This charming town offers an array of exceptional opportunities such as enjoying world-class dishes, learning about the local Native Tlingit culture, and spotting one of the many brown bears which make up the largest population of brown bears on earth. Other highlights include browsing the locally-owned collection of shops, visiting the inviting cafes and restaurants, and exploring the incredibly scenic surrounding landscapes. Don't miss the opportunity to try the longest zipline in North America.

Located in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago in the Alaska Panhandle, Chichagof Island is the fifth-largest island in the United States. It is home to the highest population of coastal brown bears per square mile of any place on Earth. Visitors can look forward to an arrya of tours on the island such as the Chichagof Island Arctic Cat Tour, the Chichagof Island Jeep Adventure, the Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search. Other highlights include: visiting the city of Hoonah, sampling Alaskan beer and locally sourced seafood, and spotting an array of wildlife. Other popular activities include: salmon fishing, learning about local Tlingit cultures, and enjoying a seaplane adventure.