The great white north

Posted 3 May, 2024 Sasha Oelsner. This content is sponsored by APT.

With fast-raging waterfalls on one side of the continent, inching glacial channels on the other and a plethora of stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife in between, there’s so much beauty to discover across Canada and Alaska.

Here are our favourite breathtaking experiences that you need on your bucket list.

1. Feel the mist

What makes Niagara Falls (pictured above) so impressive is the sheer volume of crystal-clear water that cascades over the crestline. In fact, around 190,000 tonnes of water flows over the edge every minute. The roaring falls form the border between the United States and Canada, which by popular opinion provides the most impressive view. Get up close and personal – and very, very wet – on a cruise to the base of the falls to experience the power and magnitude of this natural wonder. On a bright sunny day, look out for the magnificent rainbow that forms in the mist-laden air.

→ On tour: Try the 10-day Discover Eastern Canada tour.

2. Be awestruck by mighty glaciers

Glaciers are impossibly slow-moving rivers of ice carving their way through landscapes over time, and seeing these brilliant blue giants with your own eyes will take your breath away. Alaska’s aptly named Glacier Bay (pictured above) and surrounding national park is home to 1045 of these powerful earthmovers. Listen as the landscape creaks and groans, warning that a glacial carving, an icefall, is imminent. Glacier Bay National Park is also a wildlife sanctuary where, if you’re lucky, you may spot rare blue-grey glacier bears, humpback and orca whales, and sure-footed mountain goats.

→ On tour: Try the 15-day Alaska by sea and land

3. Marvel at postcard perfection