Hiking at Bow Lake, Icefields Parkway
North America Travel Memories
Our North America travel guide follows two unforgettable adventures: exploring Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage by ferry and discovering the magnificent Canadian Rockies on an independent road trip through British Columbia and Canada’s national parks.
Our journey through North America had been in the planning for a long time. We flew from Australia to Hawaii for a few relaxing days before continuing to Seattle. From there, we boarded the ferry in Bellingham for one of the most memorable journeys of our travels—a voyage through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage to Juneau.
Travelling on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry was a completely different experience from taking a large cruise ship. Instead of sailing far offshore, the ferry weaved through narrow channels, passed remote coastal communities, and stayed close to towering mountains, ancient forests, glaciers, and waterfalls. We spent hours on the observation deck watching humpback whales, dolphins, bald eagles, and the ever-changing scenery that makes the Inside Passage so famous.
Our original plan was to spend a week exploring Juneau, including Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Bay, and several wildlife excursions. Unfortunately, we had to return home unexpectedly after only a few days. Even so, we were fortunate to visit Mendenhall Glacier and watch black bears catching salmon, leaving us with unforgettable memories of this remarkable corner of Alaska.
Two years later, we returned to continue the second part of our adventure, travelling independently through British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies in a motorhome. We explored the magnificent national parks of Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, drove the breathtaking Icefields Parkway, and hiked some of Canada’s most spectacular mountain trails.
Some of our fondest North America Travel Memories come from our journey to Vancouver and Vancouver Island, where we discovered vibrant waterfronts, rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and incredible wildlife. An exhilarating Zodiac tour to watch orcas in the Salish Sea became another unforgettable highlight.
From Alaska’s Inside Passage to the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, North America has provided some of our favourite independent travel experiences, combining spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable hiking adventures.
Best Time to Visit North America
Create unforgettable North America Travel Memories by combining a trip to Canada and Alaska between mid-June and mid-August. During these months, you can expect the most reliable weather, exceptionally long daylight hours (often more than 20 hours in Alaska), and full access to national parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and cruise operations.
We visited Juneau, Alaska at the end of August, and the timing was perfect. The town was wonderfully peaceful in the early morning before the cruise ships arrived. Even later in the day, the crowds at Mendenhall Glacier were quite manageable, making it an enjoyable visit.
For our British Columbia road trip, we deliberately chose September, after the school holidays had ended. There was an excellent choice of RVs at reasonable prices, campgrounds were easy to book, and the national parks felt wonderfully uncrowded. We were rewarded with spectacular autumn colours, pleasant daytime temperatures, and were fortunate to avoid any snow or icy conditions—a perfect Indian summer to end our North American adventure.
Driving & Safety in British Columbia
After adjusting to driving on the right-hand side of the road, we found driving in British Columbia easy and enjoyable. Most roads are in excellent condition, and traffic is generally light outside the major cities.
Avoid driving at night whenever possible, as wildlife such as deer, elk, and bears are most active after dark.
If you’re travelling later in the season, always check road conditions for snow, flooding, or temporary closures before setting out. We always felt safe staying in British Columbia’s outstanding national and provincial parks, but it’s wise to check park alerts for trail closures, wildfire activity, and possible wildlife encounters. The BC Parks website provides the latest updates before you visit.
Looking for more independent travel inspiration? Return to our Senior Independent Travel Guide for practical travel tips, destination guides, and adventures from around the world.