Canada & Alaska: My Unforgettable Journey From Mountain Peaks To Glaciers

Whistler: Mountain Air & Alpine Adventures

Our adventure began with three nights in Whistler, and from the moment we arrived it felt like stepping into an alpine postcard. Surrounded by rugged peaks and evergreen forests, Whistler is an outdoor lover’s dream in summer: fresh mountain air, endless trails and a relaxed, friendly village atmosphere.

Soaring Between Peaks: Blackcomb & The Peak 2 Peak

One of the absolute highlights was taking the cable car up Blackcomb Mountain. As we ascended, the village fell away beneath us and the views opened up into a panorama of glaciers, jagged peaks and deep green valleys. At the top, the air was cooler and crisper, with that wonderful sense of being a world away from everyday life.

From there, we rode the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola, gliding between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Suspended high above the valley, it feels both peaceful and thrilling at the same time: glass windows framing towering mountains, dense forests and tiny lakes sparkling far below. It is one of those experiences that really makes you appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of British Columbia.

Hiking The Lost Lake Loop

Back at village level, we explored the Lost Lake Loop, a gorgeous hiking trail through the forest that leads to the tranquil shores of Lost Lake. The path winds between tall trees and wildflowers, with dappled sunlight breaking through the canopy. It is an easy, accessible walk but still feels wonderfully wild and peaceful.

Reaching the lake itself is a reward in its own right: calm water, mountain views and a sense of stillness that makes you want to linger. It is the perfect place to catch your breath and soak it all in.

The Scenic Journey Between Vancouver & Whistler

Even the transfer between Vancouver and Whistler was a standout part of the trip. The route follows the Sea to Sky corridor, where the road clings to the coastline and then climbs into the mountains. Think ocean views, dramatic cliffs, sparkling inlets and forested slopes: a constantly changing landscape that makes the journey feel like an experience in its own right, not just a transfer.

Setting Sail For Alaska With Celebrity Cruises

After our stay in Whistler, we returned to Vancouver to embark on the next chapter: a cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises. There is something magical about sailing out of Vancouver, gliding past the harbour and watching the city skyline fade into a backdrop of misty mountains.

From the moment we boarded, the ship felt like a luxurious floating hotel: elegant spaces, beautiful views from almost everywhere on board and that lovely sense of anticipation that only a cruise can bring.

The Spellbinding Hubbard Glacier

The absolute highlight of the cruise was the Hubbard Glacier. Nothing quite prepares you for the scale of it: an immense wall of blue-tinged ice, serrated and ancient, stretching across the horizon. As the ship edged closer, we could hear the deep, echoing cracks and groans of the glacier, and occasionally see chunks of ice calving into the water below.

It was a spine-tingling moment: cold air on our faces, the stillness of the bay, and this incredible, living river of ice right in front of us. It is one of those travel experiences that stays with you long after you have returned home.

Juneau: Capital With A Wild Side

In Juneau, Alaska’s capital, you are always aware of how close you are to nature. Surrounded by mountains, forest and water, it feels like a frontier town edged by pure wilderness. From here, many visitors take the opportunity to head out on whale-watching trips, glacier excursions or scenic hikes, and the atmosphere in town has a wonderful mix of local life and adventure.

Skagway: A Glimpse Into The Gold Rush

Skagway is full of character, with its wooden boardwalks, historic buildings and stories of the Gold Rush era. It is easy to imagine fortune-seekers arriving here, heading off into the mountains in search of their dreams. Today, it is a charming place to wander, with the mountains rising up sharply behind the town and the harbour full of life.

Ketchikan: Totem Poles & Misty Coastlines

Ketchikan, often draped in a gentle mist, has a unique charm all of its own. Known for its totem poles and deep-rooted Indigenous culture, it offers a fascinating mix of history, art and coastal scenery. The colourful buildings along the waterfront and creeks add to its photogenic appeal, and there is a real sense of connection to the sea and to tradition.

Returning To Vancouver: Harbourside Stays & Sky-High Views

On our return to Vancouver after the cruise, we spent three nights staying close to the harbour. This was the perfect base to enjoy the city: waking up to views of the water, watching sea planes come and go, and feeling that lively yet relaxed harbourfront buzz.

A Sea Plane To Lake Lovely Water

One of the standout experiences of the entire trip was taking a sea plane to Lake Lovely Water. Taking off from the water is a thrill in itself, and the journey offers breathtaking aerial views of the coastline, islands and mountain ranges.

Arriving at Lake Lovely Water felt like stepping into another world: a pristine alpine lake, cradled by craggy peaks and dense forest, with a wonderful feeling of remoteness. The water was still and mirror-like, reflecting the mountains and sky. It was peaceful, beautiful and utterly unforgettable.

Butchart Gardens & Victoria: Blooms, Beauty & Coastal Charm

We also took the opportunity to explore more of British Columbia by visiting Butchart Gardens and the city of Victoria.

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is a feast for the senses, with every turn revealing another perfectly manicured viewpoint: vibrant flower beds, sunken gardens, fragrant rose walks and serene ponds. The colours, scents and careful design make it a truly enchanting place to wander. It is easy to spend hours just strolling, taking photos and simply enjoying the tranquillity.

Victoria

Victoria, on Vancouver Island, has a refined, graceful feel with its waterfront promenades, grand architecture and lovely harbour views. Cafés and restaurants spill onto pavements, and there is a relaxed, almost European atmosphere combined with the wild beauty of the Canadian coastline. It is a wonderful complement to the more rugged adventures of Whistler and Alaska.

Walking The Stanley Park Seawall

Back in Vancouver, another highlight was walking the Stanley Park Seawall. This scenic path encircles one of the world’s great urban parks, hugging the shoreline with continuous views of the city skyline, harbour, mountains and open ocean.

As you walk, you are surrounded by towering trees on one side and the water on the other. It is a beautiful way to experience Vancouver’s unique blend of nature and city life: calm, restorative and endlessly photogenic.

A Journey That Has It All

Looking back, this trip truly had everything:

• Alpine adventures in Whistler
• Incredible scenic drives between mountains and sea
• A luxurious cruise to Alaska with unforgettable glacier moments
• Charming Alaskan ports in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan
• Harbourside elegance and urban energy in Vancouver
• The thrill of a sea plane to Lake Lovely Water
• The beauty of Butchart Gardens and the character of Victoria
• Gentle coastal walks along the Stanley Park Seawall

It was, quite simply, the most amazing trip.

If this has sparked ideas for your own Canada and Alaska adventure, I would love to help you bring it to life. From tailoring the perfect route to choosing the right cruise and handpicking unforgettable experiences along the way, I can design a journey that feels every bit as special and unique as this one.