Adventures in USA, Canada and Alaska with Steph

Recently, Stephanie enjoyed an incredible journey through the USA, Canada and Alaska – a mix of family discoveries, iconic cities and stunning landscapes.

The trip began in San Francisco, where Steph and her mum picked up a rental car and headed south to Monterey for two nights. This wasn’t just a scenic coastal getaway – the pair were on a mission to uncover family history. Their time in Monterey included visiting a local cemetery and, in a truly special moment, located the resting place of Stephanie’s great uncle and aunt.

After their meaningful detour, they returned to San Francisco for three nights of classic sightseeing.

Highlights included:

• A Hop-On Hop-Off city tour
• Lunch at the ever-popular Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
• A fascinating Chinatown walking food tour
• And of course, a visit to the infamous Alcatraz Island

 

After a quick overnight in Vancouver, Stephanie and her mum boarded the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer. Their route from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops delivered exactly what the train is known for – spectacular mountain ranges, river canyons, wildlife sightings, and incredible onboard service.

 

From Banff, the continued to Calgary, then South to Seattle to meet Steph’s husband and son. Together, they all boarded the Royal Princess for a 7-night Alaskan cruise. Before reaching their first port, Stephanie celebrated her birthday at sea, surrounded by dramatic ocean views and crisp Alaskan air – a truly memorable way to mark the occasion.

Ports of call included:

• Juneau
• Skagway
• Glacier Bay
• Ketchikan

The combination of towering fjords, icy blue glaciers and pristine wilderness made this an unforgettable leg of the trip.

 

Vancouver Finale: Food, Flowers & Fresh Air

The holiday wrapped up with four nights back in Vancouver, giving plenty of time to enjoy the best of the city.

Their itinerary included:

• A Hop-On Hop-Off city tour
• Browsing artisan markets on Granville Island
• A horse-drawn carriage ride through stunning Stanley Park
• A full-day tour to Vancouver Island and the world-famous Butchart Gardens
• A delicious Gastown walking food tour
• And the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

 

 

Steph and family travelled in comfort – they flew both ways with Air New Zealand, enjoying the comfort and extra space of a Sky Couch – a welcome treat on long-haul flights.

We asked Steph about her must do activities/must go places, she had plenty to share for those looking to visit Vancouver or San Francisco:

San Francisco:

• Hop on, Hop off bus – the best way to get an overview of any city (and in San Fran you get to go over the Golden Gate Bridge!)
• Chinatown Walking food tour – a great way to learn the history of Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America, as well as tasting many, many delicious foods.
• Alcatraz – this was a must do for Steph, especially after watching “The Rock”.
• American Diners – they ate at 2 different diners in the neighbourhood where we were staying. Good food at decent prices. Pinecrest Diner is a traditional diner where you can see the food being made in front of you.

Vancouver:

• Granville Island – got there on the Hop on Hop off Bus. This is a peninsula which has been created into a Shopping district. Boutiques, artisans, food shops, fruit and veg market, kids area; there is something for everyone.
• Vancouver Island: Butchart Gardens – again, a must do for. Steph is not a gardener but she loved this… could have spent longer there.
• Spend time walking and dining you way through Gastown. Lots of souvenir shops and plenty of eateries to choose from.
• You must try Poutine while in Canada – fries with cheese curds and gravy. Quite tasty!