Hurtigruten Expeditions Alaska & British Colombia - Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture (Northbound)

14-day itinerary

Day 1: Vibrant Vancouver

Your exhilarating expedition cruise will commence in the bustling city of Vancouver. There is something for everyone in one of Canada’s youngest cities. Indulge in the city’s global cuisine as you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy as you immerse yourself in the region’s wonderful atmosphere.

Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, is certainly worth experiencing, with a hike up the Vancouver Lookout uncovering some of the best views of the city, including the picturesque Stanley Park, Granville Street, as well as the beautiful West End beaches.

Day 2: Your expedition begins

Following your excellent hotel breakfast, you’ll then be taken on a guided tour of the city, unearthing the gems of Vancouver. Once your exciting tour has concluded, you will then climb abord the MS Roald Amundsen ahead of your adventure.

Take this opportunity to familiarise yourself with the ship’s layout and facilities, before meeting your Expedition Team who will be guiding you through your experience. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner as you prepare to enter full adventure mode – your Alaskan expedition starts here!

Day 3: Canada’s Inside Passage

The expedition will then sail through Canada’s iconic Inside Passage on your third day. The coastal route will take you through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected waterway being over 930 miles long, with its outstanding scenery on display during your transit.

You’ll be exploring secluded channels which are rarely visited while on your journey, soaking up the breathtaking settings as you scan for the wide variety of wildlife in the region.

Day 4: Serene Misty Fjords

Misty Fjords is an idyllic wilderness of evergreens, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Found within the Tongass National Forest, the Fjords were described by famous writer, John Muir, as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.

If the weather is suitable, the onboard team will take you out on small expedition boats to search for mountain goats, moose and bears, whilst passing the plethora of marine life inhabiting the waters including, otters, sea lions, orcas and harbour seals.

Day 5: Wrangell’s Petroglyphs

The cruise will continue on the tenth day to Wrangell and Petroglyph beach, which is located around a mile outside of town. While at the beach, admire the ancient rock carvings among the sand.

Gain insights into Wrangell’s extensively historic past by visiting the local museum, with information about its unique culture after previously being governed by Britain, Russia and the Tlingit people. Cross to Shakes Island, where the Chief Shakes Tribal House and totem poles tell the story of the Indigenous Tlingit people.

Immerse yourself in the alluring scenery by taking a scenic hike to the mouth of Stikine River, whilst also paying a visit to Mount Dewey at the edge of the rainforest.

Day 6: The wonders of the southeast

Prepare for an exploration of even more natural beauty as you discover Southeast Alaska’s fabled waterways within the Inside Passage.

Depending on suitable weather conditions, the Expedition Team will take you on small expedition boats to witness isolated coves, iceberg-filled bays, as well as shorelines with dense forests and vegetation. Keep a keen eye out for the bountiful wildlife in the area, including whales, bears, otters, and bald eagles.

Day 7: Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm

Located in the heart of Holkham Bay, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are two stunning fjords which are lesser-known to many people. Huge icebergs plunge deep into the icy waters at the end of each fjord, set against a breathtaking backdrop of rugged cliffs. Due to its specific climate, the region creates a perfect habitat for a plethora of wildlife including harbour seals, whales, bears and mountain goats, so be sure to keep a lookout to experience this unique ecosystem.

As ever, your onboard Captain will be guided by the interchangeable conditions, and they will decide on the most suitable areas for exploration, along with the Expedition Team.

Day 8: Tlingit crafts in Haines

Described by many as the ‘Valley of the Eagles’, your expedition will be heading to the frontier town of Haines, located at the head of the Lynn Canal. Originally referred to as Deishu, meaning ‘end of the trail’ by the native Chilkat Tlingit people, Haines is now an exciting hub for arts and design work. In particular, weaving is a popular practice in the region, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark being beautifully woven into intricate designs for you to marvel at.

The area’s excellent galleries and workshops encapsulate the vibrant art scene, with authentic totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures being available to purchase while on your visit. Be sure to also take advantage of the stunning landscapes round here by enjoying a hike or by scanning for wildlife, immersing yourself in the region’s sheer natural beauty.

Day 9: William Henry Bay

On the morning of day five, the cruise will pass Point Adolphus, located on the northern tip of Chichagof Island across from Glacier Bay National Park. The nutrient-rich waters around here provides an excellent ecosystem for an abundance of marine life, most notably the humpback whale. With the help of the professional onboard photographer, practice your photography skills by capturing the peace and serenity of your surroundings.

William Henry Bay itself is located at the edge of the Chilkat Range mountains, and is also home to a bustling array of iconic wildlife. Black bears, brown bears and moose roam around the rugged landscape, with passengers being able to witness these impressive animals from a safe distance with the help of an expert local guide.

Day 10: Blended Cultures of Sitka

Due to its geographical position being surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the remote region of Sitka is only accessible by sea or air travel. Immerse yourself in the incredible views of Sisters Mountains and Mount Edgecumbe volcano while out on the ship’s deck, experiencing more of Alaska’s beauty.

In the modern day, Sitka still displays remnants of three separate influences which makes up its rich cultural heritage. Initially being inhabited by the native Tlingit people for 10,000 years, Russian explorers then settled in the town before the turn of the 19^th century. Following Russia’s loss during the Crimean war however, the region was sold to the United States and has been recognised as being American ever since.

Due to the city’s varied cultural history, there are plenty of landmarks and areas which are worth visiting. Take a trip to the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Russian Bishop’s House, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk on walking trail towards the ocean through the beautiful Sitka National Historical Park.

Day 11: Glaciers of Icy Bay

Icy Bay is home to three titanic glaciers: Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall, which regularly plunge deep into the freezing waters below. The Captain and onboard Expedition Team will continually monitor conditions and if they are acceptable, you’ll be able to explore more in small expedition boats and kayaks, drinking in the breathtaking natural beauty of this vast landscape.

Practice your photography skills by capturing images of the abundant wildlife in the area, including humpback whales, orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and harbour seals lazing on floating chunks of ice are often seen in these waters.

Day 12: Secluded Cordova

Cordova is a small-town located in the Chugach National Forest, and is only accessible to visitors by boat or plane. The historic town has maintained much of its cultural authenticity over the years, with the region being rarely visited due to its remote geographical location. However, you will have the privilege of immersing yourself in the town’s stunning setting between Orca Inlet, Hawkins Island, Mount Eccles, Eyak Lake and the Copper River Delta.

Back in 1989, Cordova was devastated by the catastrophic Exxon Valdez oil spill which has a seriously negative impact on the local coastlines and ecosystems. However, in the modern day, the commendable spirit and effort of this small town can be displayed through their tremendous clean-up acts to restore the coastline to its previous state. As a result of this, wildlife is able to thrive again in the area, with sea otters, eagles, Tundra Swans, beavers, moose and bears occasionally being visible for you to try and spot.

Day 13: Ivy League glaciers

On your thirteenth day of Alaskan exploration, you will be visiting College Fjord, featuring five tidewater glaciers and five valley glaciers.

With the region boasting an important cultural historical significance, many past expedition teams have sailed through these famed waters. Most notably, the 1899 Harriman expedition team named the glaciers after their alma maters, including Vassar, Harvard and Yale, following a full charter of the area.

Due to the tricky conditions, the expedition will aim to get you as close as possible to the glaciers, taking small expedition boats into the fjord or even exploring by kayak depending on suitable weather.

Day 14: Seward’s natural beauty

The only deep-water ice-free port with road, rail and air connections to Alaska’s interior, Seward will be the final destination on your journey. Maintain a lookout for the abundance of wildlife in the nearby waters as you cruise into Resurrection Bay, with the area well known for its significant population of beluga whales.

Hotel

• Overnight in Vancouver, including breakfast, before the expedition cruise

Transfers

• Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Vancouver, including a city tour

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

What’s not included

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

MS Roald Amundsen