Whittier, at the head of Prince William Sound, is a great base for Alaska's wild beauty. Boat or kayak through icy fjords for glaciated inlets and possible sea otters, seals, and whales. Hike to nearby mountains and waterfalls. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, one of North America's longest, links the rugged wilderness to Whittier's harbor. The Prince William Sound Museum tells the town's history as a military outpost, naval port, rail terminal, and its role in WWII and the Cold War.

Valdez sits on Prince William Sound, backed by the Chugach Mountains. Its history includes the Gold Rush, the 1964 earthquake, and the southern end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, with the Valdez Museum sharing that story. Today it's a fishing hub and a base for Alaskan adventure: Solomon Gulch Hatchery, whitewater rafting in Keystone Canyon, hiking Worthington Glacier, helicopter tours over Columbia Glacier, and kayaking among Valdez Glacier icebergs.

Haines, set on an inlet ringed by snowcapped mountains, is a scenic base for outdoor adventure. Visit Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, and watch for bears, moose, and other wildlife while rafting or boating the Chilkat River. Hike or ATV to Takshanuk Mountain, kayak Lynn Canal, bike to Chilkoot Lake, or take a seaplane flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay. In town, visit the Haines Sheldon Museum and the Hammer Museum.

Icy Strait Point, built by Alaska Natives to welcome visitors to Chichagof Island, offers Tlingit culture in nearby Hoonah through music and dance. A restored cannery on the waterfront now has a museum, shops, and seafood restaurants. Enjoy fishing, ATV rainforest tours, or one of the world's longest, highest ziplines. See brown bears and birds with a guide, or watch humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions by boat, kayak, or ocean raft.

Petersburg, on narrow Frederick Sound, is a hidden Alaska gem reachable only by small yachts and fishing vessels. Known as "Little Norway," it was founded by Norwegian immigrants in the early 1900s, and its Scandinavian heritage shows in the architecture, festivals, and traditions. Explore Hammer Slough, then hike the Raven Trail in Tongass National Forest for wildlife and watch for humpback whales. Nearby LeConte Glacier offers dramatic fjords and blue icebergs by kayak or seaplane.

Sitka blends Alaska Native and Russian heritage. At Sitka National Historical Park, see the restored 19th-century Russian Bishop's House and a coastal trail lined with Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Other highlights include St. Michael's Cathedral and Baranof Castle, where Alaska was transferred from Russia to the U.S. in 1867. Beyond town, explore Tongass National Forest by hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, or boat trips to spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, bears, deer, and to fish Sitka Sound.

Klawock, on Prince of Wales Island's rugged west coast, offers a glimpse of remote Alaskan wilderness and local Tlingit culture. Visit Klawock Totem Park for its totem poles and possible master carver demos. See black bears and eagles at Dog Salmon Fish Pass, fish for salmon or halibut, and enjoy whale-watching, rainforest hikes, or kayaking on Klawock Lake.

In Ketchikan, explore Tongass National Forest's fjords and lakes by kayak, canoe, or Zodiac. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," it also offers fishing for halibut, rockfish, and Dungeness crab. Take a seaplane or helicopter for stunning views, ride an ATV to Mahoney Lake, stroll Creek Street, and visit totem poles, museums, and Saxman Native Village.

Vancouver, between the Pacific and Coast Mountains, blends urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. One of Canada's most diverse cities, it reflects Asian, Latin American and Aboriginal traditions. Highlights include historic Gastown, Granville Island, and Stanley Park's trails, totem poles and waterfront views. Nearby, Grouse Mountain offers hiking or a tram ride, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park showcases rainforest walkways and cliffside views.