Pacific Coast Cruise: Vancouver, Seattle & San Francisco

Snow-capped mountains peak out from behind tall glass skyscrapers on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled somewhere between eastern culture and western tradition, Vancouver is a study in nature and urbanity coexisting peacefully.

Hip, trendy, and perpetually green, Seattle is tucked into the Puget Sound on the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Founded in 1851, the city gained notoriety as a boomtown during the Yukon Gold Rush. Flanked by water on one side and mountains to the other—and evergreens as far as the eye can see—Seattle is equal parts exciting urban center and outdoor adventure hub, known as much for its cloudy skies and rainy days as it is for its other attractions. It does seem to rain a lot here, but that has little impact on how bright this city shines.

Sitting at Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway, Victoria is your entrance way to the beautiful province of British Columbia. Located on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula, this picturesque city framed by the Olympic Mountains offers quaint, English architecture fringed by some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world.

One of the great cities of the world, San Francisco is a must visit for every traveler. With its year-round fresh produce and seafood, the city is a food lovers delight, featuring hundreds of international restaurants to choose from, while its destination neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown are equally renowned for their culinary options, cultural offerings and outstanding shopping. Take a ride on one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars over Nob Hill to Ghiradelli Square for fantastic views of the city and some world-famous chocolate, cruise out to Alcatraz, take a day trip to the award-winning wineries of Sonoma and Napa, or visit Golden Gate Park, and be sure to include a walk (or run) across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

In addition to being home to a world-class zoo and aquarium, San Diego is a laid-back navy town that is the closest U.S. city to Mexico. Great Mexican/American cuisine, Spanish-inspired architecture and what some consider the best weather in North America, make San Diego a destination unto itself.