Exploring the Best of the Pacific Northwest: A Seattle to Alaska Itinerary

The Pacific Northwest is an adventurer’s playground, an amazing corner of the globe filled with dramatic landscapes, vibrant urban metropolises, and an extraordinary amount of pristine, untamed wilderness to explore.

A journey from Seattle to Alaska lets you discover the full might and majesty of this epic space and offers an amazing opportunity to dive into the rugged natural beauty of one of the finest backcountry destinations in the world.

So if you’ve always wanted to see the glories of Alaska, here’s an itinerary that lets you explore the best of the Pacific Northwest.

Day 1-2: Seattle, Washington

The Emerald City offers a unique and delightful blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

The logical place to start in Seattle is the iconic Pike Place Market. The sights, sounds, and flavours of this bustling marketplace are a feast for the senses, and the fish toss is a wonderful highlight of the experience.

The Pioneer District is a great place to explore the history of this fascinating city. Its charming red-brick buildings house a plethora of museums, art galleries, and historic houses, and it is a superb spot for culture vultures.

It is worth heading to the Seattle Center to check out the Museum of Pop Culture, as well as the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.

No visit to Seattle would be complete without ascending the Space Needle. This is best done in the evening, for remarkable sunset and night-time views of the skyline and Puget Sound.

Day 3-4: Vancouver, Canada

After Seattle, it’s time to head north over the border into Canada. You can drive, or take a wonderfully scenic train ride to the beautiful city of Vancouver.

Here, your adventure starts in Stanley Park, one of the greatest city parks in North America. Don’t miss out on the chance to rent bikes and cycle along the seawall, for truly spectacular ocean views.

Gastown is the perfect spot for drinks and dinner. This historic district has retained its old-fashioned charm and is full of excellent eateries and exciting nightspots.

When in Vancouver it would be a shame to miss out on the great outdoors, so head out of the city to Grouse Mountain and try your hand at skiing, hiking, or zip-lining, depending on the season.

Depending on your timeframe you can begin your Alaska adventure by sailing from Vancouver, or head up through Canada along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway to enjoy the delights of the renowned mountain resort of Whistler.

Day 6: Whistler, British Columbia

A quick stop in Whistler gives you the chance to take the gondola to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain, for some truly breathtaking panoramic vistas. There’s plenty to do in the town for an evening, with some delightfully quaint and charming restaurants to choose from.

Day 7-9: Anchorage, Alaska

Your final stop is the Last Frontier, the last great wilderness in North America. Your cruise or flight from Vancouver lands you in Anchorage, where you can begin to explore the history and culture of the state at the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a great place to start exploring the 49th state’s extraordinary landscapes, with its wonderful views of the mountains that surround the city, as well as Cook Inlet.

From Anchorage, your adventure takes you out into the wilderness, to Denali National Park. Here you’ll get up close to the rugged natural beauty of the state, and encounter some of Alaska’s spectacular wildlife including bears, moose, and eagles.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest from Seattle to Alaska is an exhilarating experience and one that provides thrills for all sorts of travellers. Whether you are looking for urban elegance or backcountry adventure, the Pacific Northwest will provide!

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