This five-kilometer (three-mile) waterway between British Columbia and Vancouver Island is a small section of the bigger Discovery Passage strait. Named after the Royal Navy officer George Seymour, the strait is known for its narrowness and intense tidal currents.

Paddle a kayak on sheltered waters, take a floatplane to a remote mountain lake or try your hand at sportfishing in Ketchikan, salmon capital of the world and a paradise for fishermen and nature-lovers alike. A quiet city with rich Native American heritage, it hosts the world's largest collection of authentic totem poles at Totem Bight as well as a rustic boardwalk, quaint restaurants perched on stilts above the water, and scores of fascinating shops and spectacular views from every vantage point.

Situated at the northwest edge of Wrangell Island in the south of Alaska, Wrangell lies 155 miles south of Juneau and 89 miles northwest of Ketchikan. This charming harbor town, nestled in the Inside Passage, is not only scenically stunning – think snow-capped mountains, lush forests, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife – but it is also renowned for its Tlingit heritage, rich wildlife encounters, adventures along the scenic Stikine River, not to mention its 40 petroglyphs that are an estimated 8,000 years old. For millennia, the Tlingit people have inhabited this region, leaving a rich tapestry of their culture and history woven into Wrangell. The town boasts a remarkable array of totems, with over a dozen dispersed throughout, offering visitors a varied and interesting walk through stunning scenery as well as a chance to imbibe local stories and heritage.

The native Tlingit people might run the port of Icy Strait Point on Chichagof Island, but this is a place where wildlife reigns supreme. The Spasski River Valley has one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world, while the waters surrounding the island teem with humpback whales as well as sea otters and sea lions. If the abundance of wildlife doesn't take your breath away, try the six-person zipwire running down from Hoonah Mountain at speeds of up to 60mph, some 300 feet above the rainforest. And don't leave port without a look at the salmon cannery turned museum.

Arrive at Russia's former New World capital. This historic island chain features Sitka Historic National Park, green-tufted landscapes, and St. Michael's Cathedral, built in the 1800's. This is an unusual stop for travelers, so enjoy a rare and unforgettable experience.

The vast and wild landscapes of the Hubbard Glacier offer breathtaking scenery. Located in the south central region of Alaska, these icy waters offer opportunities to catch sight of the regional humpback whales.