Seattle, Washington
Seattle is often characterized by its laid-back attitude and rainy climate, but this thriving metropolis also offers one-of-a-kind architecture, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and a unique urban sophistication.

• Woodland Park Zoo is a conservation and education institution demonstrating the value, beauty and interdependence of all living things.
• See, touch and explore our amazing underwater world at the Seattle Aquarium. Get face-to-fin with marine life and discover the natural wonders of the Puget Sound.
• The Space Needle is located at Seattle Center. That's an apt description of where we are: the center of Seattle.
• The Washington Park Arboretum is a spectacular urban green space on the shores of Lake Washington.
• Check out the Experience Music Project, a rock-n-roll museum known not only for its contents, but for its architectural design.
• Stroll through the historic district of Pioneer Square, filled with art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of bookstores and boutiques.
• Gain some historical insight at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan originated as an Indian fish saltery, but the town's major growth began when it became a supply base and entry port for miners during the 1898 Gold Rush to the Klondike. Much of the town's colorful past is still in evidence, especially in the nearby Indian villages, where you'll see colorfully carved totem poles and hear the fascinating legends that surround them.

While fishing is by far the most popular sport in Ketchikan, there are a lot of other activities for people to take part in. In fact, one of the best ways to see the area and enjoy the scenery is simply to take a walk through town and to the Totem Heritage Center. There, you can explore the history of totem poles and see some terrific examples.

• Experience the sheer granite cliffs, plunging 1,000-foot waterfalls, crystalline lakes and low-hanging mists of Misty Fjords from the air on a seaplane.
• Fill your senses with excitement and adventure as you take the wheel of a four-wheel-drive vehicle and wend your way through a lush rain forest.

Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

When you're in Juneau, you shouldn't miss the amazing glacial landscape. The best view available is from the seat of a helicopter on one of our shore excursions, where you can watch for bear, mountain goats, and moose. Then, once you've landed, we'll take you on a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled ride.

• Relive Juneau's gold-rush history and pan for gold in the authentic setting of Gold Creek.
• Fly in a floatplane over five breathtaking glaciers to the Taku Glacier Lodge for a king salmon feast. And don't be surprised if a black bear wanders into the yard.
• Take a fully narrated helicopter flight over four translucent glaciers within the Juneau Ice Field. You'll soar past towering peaks and picturesque alpine lakes on this exciting adventure.
• Explore Juneau on foot. With more trails than roads, Alaska's capital features world-class hiking - through glacial waterfalls and the largest temperate rain forest in the state.

Skagway, Alaska
When gold was discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon Territory (just across the border from Alaska), it resulted in the historic Gold Rush of 1898. As thousands of gold-crazed adventurers sought the best starting point for their arduous trek, they found the deepest penetration possible by boat was at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. This is how Skagway was born.

A century ago, Skagway was a thriving community of 10,000 gold stampeders heading up the Chilkoot Trail to the Klondike. Now, nature has reclaimed the land. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you on a 1 1/2 hour ride on flat, dirt roads around the historic site of Skagway. You'll ride through the rain forest, visit historic ruins and the Chilkoot trail-head. Then you'll head out on the coastal tidal flats, where you'll view eagles, spectacular wildflowers and gorgeous mountain scenery. Enjoy the exercise and fresh Alaskan air.

• Ride the world-famous White Pass and Yukon Railroad and then visit a historic gold-rush camp, where you can browse through cabins and tents that were once used as a bakery and a saloon.
• Take a helicopter ride away from civilization to the Chilkat Glacier system, where frozen rivers of ice surge between high mountain peaks.

Victoria, British Columbia
British, and darn proud of it. The shops are stocked with Harris tweeds, Irish linens and Scottish woollens. The locals play croquet, double-decker buses wend their way through the well-kept streets, and afternoon tea is served daily at the Empress Hotel.

In fact, genteel Victoria, British Columbia so closely resembles an English seaside town that it almost seems out of place among the majestic snow manteled mountains and cedar forests that surround it. This juxtaposition, of course, only adds to its charm.