From the Rocky Mountains, with its snow-capped peaks and dense forests, to the glaciers and fiords of Alaska's Inside Passage, North America offers endless monumental landscapes that are just waiting to be discovered. Where else can you spot grizzly bears and wild moose, hike around glacial lakes or thrill to the power of one of the world's mightiest waterfalls? And there are plenty of opportunities to explore in comfort, whether you are cruising the seas of Alaska or riding the rails through the Rockies.

Blue River Safari, British Columbia, Canada

WHY WE LOVE IT Ever dreamed of seeing a bear in the wild? Then head for British Columbia, home to half of Canada's grizzly bears, as well as a quarter of the country's black bears. If you love the thought of watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, but hate the thought of roughing it, then the Blue River Safari is for you. Relax as this 60-minute cruise takes you through prime bear habitat, where an abundance of wild berries draw large numbers of the beasts.

DON'T MISS Following a glacier-fed river, revel in the lush rainforest, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and studded with magnificent waterfalls.

INSIDER TIP Bears aren't the only wildlife you may encounter in this temperate rainforest. Keep an eye out for moose and deer on shore, and keep an eye on the skies above your boat for the occasional soaring eagle.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada

WHY WE LOVE IT It's the lake that launched a thousand postcards. Even in Canada, a country blessed with an overabundance of breathtaking beauty, Lake Louise is something special, scoring a UNESCO World Heritage Listing for its natural beauty. There are plenty of ways to explore the lake and its surrounds. Try one of the hiking trails (stop at one of the teahouses for a break along the way) or hire a canoe to see the lake from a different perspective. If you come in winter, activities include skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, sleigh rides and ice fishing.

DON'T MISS Even in summer, the lake's icy waters are too chilly for swimming. However, whatever the weather, the hot springs at Banff are a tempting alternative.

INSIDER TIP Keep your eyes peeled for those famous red serge jackets: Banff National Park is one of the places in Canada where you can still meet a Mountie as part of an APT Signature Experience.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

WHY WE LOVE IT More water pours through Niagara Falls than through any other cascade in the world, so you will want to admire this astonishing sight from more than one angle. Get up close with a boat tour (rain jacket provided), or enjoy a bird's eye view, from an antique cable car or from a helicopter. Once you have admired the falls from every angle, visit the largest indoor aviary in the world, or view some of the 2000 butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory.

DON'T MISS If you like a drop of wine, you will be pleased to learn that Niagara is also a burgeoning wine region. A number of wineries, including Peller Estates and Inniskillen, are open to visitors.

INSIDER TIP APT guests can enjoy an exclusive dinner overlooking the falls, before visiting the Illumination Tower, where they can create their very own light display on the falls.

Denali National Park, Alaska

WHY WE LOVE IT It doesn't get much wilder than this. Denali National Park covers an astonishing 24,000 square km, with just one road traversing that vastness, winding up through low-level taiga forest, into alpine tundra and snow-covered mountains. In a land barely touched by the hand of humans, visitors can truly escape from it all, spotting wildlife along the way such as moose and caribou, grizzly bears, foxes or even a wolf or two.

DON'T MISS Ever seen a dog sled in action? When you take the Husky Homestead Tour, you will meet one of the world's best mushers, who will share his insights into this Alaskan tradition and put on a sledding demonstration.

INSIDER TIP You haven't seen Alaska until you have seen it from the water. APT partners with the region's most experienced cruise lines to get you there and give guests a unique perspective on this amazing wilderness.

Rocky Mountains, Canada

WHY WE LOVE IT If you are looking for a luxurious rail journey, it is hard to beat travel by the Rocky Mountaineer or Via Rail. Outside the panoramic windows, one spectacular vista after another unfolds: snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, turquoise lakes and raging rivers. Keep your camera ready to capture the dramatic gorges, abandoned lumber towns, and perhaps even the odd bear.

DON'T MISS Meals are a real highlight on these train journeys, think seared albacore tuna with peppers, fennel, tomato, olives and capers on the Rocky Mountaineer, or pan-seared duck breast with rosemary, maple and soy aboard Via Rail's Canadian train.

INSIDER TIP APT guests are guaranteed prime seats in the glass-domed GoldLeaf carriage on Rocky Mountaineer where you can admire the scenery from every angle. On Via Rail, the overnight trip in premium Sleeper Plus Class includes access to the Upper Dome observation deck.

The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada

WHY WE LOVE IT These 20 hectares of manicured gardens have become one of Vancouver Island's most popular attractions. Whether you visit in spring, when 30,000 bulbs burst into glorious bloom, or in autumn, when the trees blaze with autumn colours, you will be enchanted by the garden's remarkable beauty. The gardens, which are over 100 years old, were created by Jenny Butchart, who rehabilitated the quarry which had supplied her husband's cement plant. The Sunken Garden was merely her first garden; she later added others, including the Italian Garden, on the spot where her tennis court once was.

DON'T MISS The waterfront Japanese Garden, complete with streams, ponds and bridges, is a remarkably tranquil retreat.

INSIDER TIP APT Signature Experience gives you exclusive access to the gardens before they open. Enjoy a bountiful breakfast at the Butchart family home before exploring the gardens without the crowds.

UNFORGETTABLE PEOPLE

MOUNTIE PAT KAMENKA

With their red serge jackets and riding pants, felt hats and boots, and their reputation for always getting their man, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – better known as the Mounties – are instantly recognizable around the world.

The force played an integral role in the country's early days, based out of frontier forts and helping settle much of the remote Northwestern Territories. These days, the Mounties are Canada's federal police force, and are rarely seen in their famous dress uniforms.

But if you are hankering for an old-school Mountie encounter, head to Banff National Park, where retired officers such as Pat Kamenka (left) don the red serge to share stories about the Mounties' traditions and experiences. Like many Mounties, Pat is a true outdoorsman. After a youth spent trapping and tracking, he worked in western Canada, having a go at everything from tree-felling to wrangling grizzly bears for movies before joining the revered and much-loved Royal Canadian Mountain Police.

This article produced in association with APT. In 2017 discover the inspiring landscapes of Canada & Alaska - from iconic hotels in the heart of the Rockies to breathtaking journeys by land, rail and sea, everything is taken care on an unforgettable journey with APT.

For more information visit www.aptouring.com.au/traveller, call 1300 202 192 or contact your local travel agent.

See also: Six of Europe's most spectacular castles and palaces you can visit