Alaska
America's true wilderness. The scenery of Alaska is as impressive and iconic as the wildlife, indigenous communities and culture that call this part of the world home.
A land of staggering beauty
With its dramatic fjords, forests, mountains, bays and glaciers, Alaska is truly breathtaking. You’ll visit historic towns and meet indigenous communities, where you’ll learn about Alaska’s fascinating history and uniquely blended cultures, guided by our Expedition Team.
Explore the wild nature of Alaska on an expedition cruise packed with activities. Enjoy whale watching or bear watching as you experience Alaska up close on excursions, hikes, expedition boat cruising or in kayaks.
Our small expedition ships make it possible to venture beyond the more popular routes into Alaska's unspoiled wilds. Discover more in daily lectures and get wildlife photography tips. Choose from expedition cruises from Vancouver to Seward or Nome, northbound or southbound, taking in Canada’s Inside Passage and also the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.
Top experiences
September to October. Later in the season is the best time for visitors to see the Northern Lights as increased darkness improves their visibility.
When to see
Warmer weather
The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer. The summer season is short, but temperatures can reach 65°F or 19°C. The relatively mild climate is caused by proximity to the ocean. This period is also the driest. The sun is also up most of the time, providing glorious daylight for exciting activities and wildlife spotting. Summer is also a good time to observe Glacier calving, when great hunks of ice spill from the glaciers shattering into the sea.
Birds nesting
Alaska’s vast stretches of intact habitat attract birds from far away, and provide important habitats to more than 500 birds, including four different types of eagles. Different species of geese, ducks, gulls and puffins are probably expected, but even tiny hummingbirds have been seen here. On the larger end of the scale, there are albatrosses, pelicans, falcons and not to forget majestic eagles. If you want to photograph nests, think June. That's when birds in Southeast Alaska build nests (and sing) the most.
Whale watching
Spring and summer are ideal times for whale watching in Alaska, particularly from the months of May through September. Eight species frequent the waters along the Alaskan coastline: beluga, humpback, grey, orca, bowhead, blue, right and minke whales.
Bears
Alaska is bear country and all species of North American bears flourish here: grizzly, brown and black bears. It is not uncommon for visitors to see bears, usually from a safe distance. The brown bear is common in the coastal areas, and inland they are called grizzly bears. From July through early September, bears appear near the mouth of streams and rivers to feast on spawning salmon, increasing viewing opportunities
Typical best value
Typical best value indicates typical times where prices are on average lower. They do not take into account offers or guarantee prices.
