Transpacific: Ketchikan, Sitka & Hakodate from Vancouver, British Columbia

Positioned between the snow-dusted North Shore Mountains and the rich, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver blends big-city sophistication with small-town charm. Don’t miss Queen Elizabeth Park – a 130-acre civic arboretum accented with sculptures by modern artist Henry Moore.

Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you’ll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world’s most lush wilderness.

Sitka is a charming island community surrounded with stunning mountain and seaside panoramic views. The vast and rich wildlife boasts sightings of whales, brown bears, deers, sea otters, and various birds flock here. This destination offers superb fishing, and plentiful historical attractions.

Hubbard Glacier is a glacier located in eastern Alaska and part of Yukon, Canada, and named after Gardiner Hubbard.

Whittier is a city in Southern California in Los Angeles County, part of the Gateway Cities. The 14.7-square-mile city had 85,331 residents as of the 2010 United States Census, an increase of 1,631 from the 2000 Census figure. Whittier was incorporated in February 1898 and became a charter city in 1955.

The best view of Hakodate is seen from high atop its namesake mountain. Ride the gondola to the observation deck and gaze down at the spectacular vista below. Immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan. Work up an appetite strolling along the city’s sloping streets and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Yokohama is now one of Japan’s largest ports and your gateway to Tokyo. Ancient traditions and historic sites blend into modern culture, crafting a city unlike anywhere else. In Tokyo, you can walk among both neon-glowing skyscrapers and regal temples. Browse stores showcasing the latest advances in technology or retreat to one of the tranquil gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. Savour traditional cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant and witness the centuries-old sport of sumo wrestling. This cosmopolitan hub offers a vast selection of attractions and activities and a wealth of culturally and historic sites. Whether this is your first or fifth visit to the city, Tokyo will captivate your imagination.