Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Whittier, Kodiak, Hakodate, Tokyo

Cosmopolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, a natural harbour at the most southern part of Canada on the Atlantic, near the Coast Mountains, is the capital of the verdant British Columbia, characterized as the most livable city for 2014. It spreads along a peninsula and is divided in 3 zones: Downtown commercial and financial district, including the historic area of Gastown, Stanley Park, with 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, lakes and lawns and vibrant Chinatown), Westside Vancouver (which includes Kitsilano and South Vancouver) and East Vancouver, with the Punjabi Market. Enjoy one of the mildest climates in Canada, pass a day strolling in the amazing Butchart Gardens near Victoria or do some winetasting at the province's wine country Okanagan Valley. Last but not least, follow in the footsteps of the millions of visitors who have crossed Capilano Suspension Bridge since 1889, the biggest suspending pedestrian bridge which connects the two sides of Capilano bridge, in North Vancouver.

Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World, clutches the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with many shops and houses, which are built on stilts, right out over the water. The main attractions are Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Native Village. Of the popular activities is the flightseeing trip to Misty Fjords National Monument, home of the indigenous Tlingit Indians and the largest totem collection in the world. In the land of the legends, you can watch totem pole carvers and get an idea of their rich culture.

Sitka, one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Alaska, was once capital, cultural and political hub of Russian America, seat of the bishop of Kamchatka and the most important port on the West Coast for the first half of the 19th century. A living proof of the town's key position as a Russian settlement, is St. Michael's Cathedral, an active Russian Orthodox Church with the distinctive onion- shaped domes. You will be greeted by native Tlingit people, who have lived continuously in Sitka for over 50 centuries, you will see totems carved by the masterful hands of Tlingit and Haida Indians at Sitka National Historical Park and you can enjoy a performance by the New Archangel Dancers, who preserve the heritage by delivering spirited dance renditions that represent the cultures of Russia and surrounding areas.

Kodiak island is the largest in Kodiak Island Archipelago, a large group of islands about 30 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and 158 miles across the Gulf of Alaska from Homer, Alaska. Downtown, picturesque St. Paul Harbor is active with fishing and sightseeing boats. Three museums, the Baranov Museum, a history museum with emphasis on southwest Alaska’s Russian era (1741-1867) and early American era (1867-1912), the Alutiiq Museum, dedicated to exploring 7500 years of Kodiak's cultural history and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which provides habitat for brown bear, salmon and other wildlife, are also in the heart of downtown Kodiak. The shopping square is lively with visitors looking for treasures at Kodiak’s unique gift shops or dining at one of Kodiak’s great restaurants.

Tokyo is a huge city and is both the capital and largest city of Japan. The city could be described as a natural park itself since a major part of the area is designated as Natural Park. The Chichibu Tama Kai, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu, and the Ogasawara National Parks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Others attractions include many of the city’s museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science as well as its Zoo. Tokyo is also known for its many restaurants, luxurious hotels and its wonderful  and vibrant nightlife.