North America

The last frontier

A mysterious corner of the globe stalked by bears and bathed in midnight summer sun; venture to Alaska and beautifully uncanny landscapes lie in wait. With more coastline to explore than the rest of the US combined, the agenda when sailing these parts is plentiful. Wildlife spotting and Zodiac boat tours are a given, while the more off-the-beaten-track experiences provide a unique insight. In Sitka, close to the State Capitol in Juneau, it’s all about the foodie scene. Start at a local tap room before getting a taste of Sitka’s heritage with delicacies like Russian peleminis, going on to discover why this area is so renowned for its seafood.

Into the concrete jungle

Outdoorsy households are in their element here, but since outstanding nature is a given, the best way to mix things up is by heading away from the dense forests and vast glassy lakes to more urban territory. Saguenay is known for its beautiful fjord, but venture into the town and a world of bygone artisans is unveiled. Glass blowing is the first stop at the Touverre Workshop, where an expert demonstrates the technique, before stone shaping (or lapidary work) artists showcase unique handmade jewellery. An alpaca farm is the final stop, where visitors are let into the secrets of how their wool is expertly turned into garments like hats, jumpers and mittens.  

A mosaic of mansions

New England may have a perennial appeal, but with landscapes that change with the seasons, each state has its own draw. Like wandering the coastlines of Maine, the urban adventures in Boston, Massachusetts, and peeking into the lives of America’s elite of the past in Rhode Island. Docking in Newport, a scenic car journey along the famous Ocean Drive passes the opulent villas of the families who turned the city into an architecture hotspot. Stop in at The Breakers and Marble House, 19th-century mansions that rival some of the most impressive stately homes across the pond.