North to Alaska along fiords of Canada

Press, 7 September 1976, Page 31

North to Alaska along fiords of Canada

Cruises in Canada are different. There are no tropical islands, no coral reefs, or palm-shaded lagoons. Instead there are the fiords of the British Columbia coast. Discover the tall, silent country. Cruise the “Inside Passage” up the Pacific coast of Canada to Alaska, gateway' to the Yukon. It’s a trip through some of the loveliest country anywhere, past coastal fiords where mountains plunge deep into glassy waters and where, occasionally, a fishing village or lumber camp appears over the starboard bow.

The Canadian Pacific steamship Company operates a pleasure cruise ship from Vancouver to Skagway, the Princess Patrica, a luxury liner which includes cocktail lounge, deluxe suites, games rooms, nightly dancing and a heated swimming pool. Costs vary according to the accommodation and the season. This year fares range from

approximately SNZS2O for a round-trip cruise. Alternatively, you can travel by bus along the Inside Passage from Victoria, on Vancouver Island, to Kelsey Bay, boarding the Queen of Prince Rupert at 1.30 p.m., overnight on board, and arriving in Prince Rupert the following morning the cost is SNZS6, plus berth rates from $6. At Prince Rupert there is a connection with the Alaskan State ferry to Skagway — the cost for the overnight voyage is $5O, including berth. Although there are many channels through the Inside Passage, most ships follow approximately the same route as they head northward to the land of the midnight sun. By the time passengers reach the “Trail of 98” into the Yukon, there is no darkness at all in summer — only a warm twilight. Winds warmed by the Japan current give the Pacific North-west a particularly favourable climate from mid-April to October. Days are warm; nights refreshingly' tool. Further information available from the Canadian Government office of Tourism, Ninth Floor, A.M.P. Centre, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia 2000.