EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Hop aboard the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for an immensely picturesque train ride high into the mountains, following a path blasted out of the rocks in 1898, during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. As soon as the narrow-gauge train begins its ascent, you will understand why the beloved WP&YR is known as “The Scenic Railway of the World.” The train will climb almost 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and present one breathtaking view after another, from thundering Bridal Veil Falls to the rugged peaks at Inspiration Point. You will also pass over the soaring bridge that spans precipitous Dead Horse Gulch, named for pack animals loaded with prospecting gear that fell to the bottom of the gorge. It will be an exhilarating ride on a railway so ingeniously constructed that it is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a narrow-gauge train on a route used during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• Climb high into the mountains and behold Alaska’s majestic scenery.
• Admire the ingenious engineering behind the railway’s construction.
• Receive a collectible magazine that details the railway’s history.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Look for whales and other marine life while cruising through the pristine waters not far off from port, a luxury that most other destinations can’t offer. The bays, channels and passages within just minutes of Juneau are teeming with marine life, none more spectacular to watch than humpback whales. They put on quite the show while feeding on massive amounts of shrimp-like krill, their favorite food. A single humpback whale can eat a literal ton of these tiny creatures in one day using its baleen – a sort of strainer attached to its upper jaw – to separate the krill from the water. Sometimes, several humpback whales work together in a behavior known as bubble-net feeding to push the krill into a giant ball before consuming them from underneath right before breaching the water’s surface. It is a spectacular display of the power, beauty and ingenuity of these extraordinary marine mammals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into the waters just off Juneau and look for marine life, especially humpback whales.
• Hear commentary about the animals that inhabit the waters surrounding Juneau.
• Enjoy whale watching in a time frame that allows for exploration of other areas in Juneau.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly high above the Alaskan wilderness in a helicopter and then cruise to Taku Glacier and walk across its ancient frozen surface. Few outdoor adventures offer such diverse opportunities and spectacular panoramic views. Moments after boarding the helicopter, you will soar above the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. You will pass over the Juneau Ice Field, Gastineau Channel, and the Taku River on the way to Taku Point, where you will touch down. You will then board a covered airboat and cruise several miles up the river to the Taku Glacier, where you will behold its sheer face from a unique water perspective. The airboat Captain will help you board the covered airboat as you cruise the 5-mile terminus of the only advancing glacier of the Juneau Ice Field. You’ll come within arm’s reach of the ice, and you’ll understand the immense size of this glacier as you stare up at it from the river. The captain will stop in various locations for photos, and to talk about the glacier and the river basin that it has been carved by nature over the years. Back at Taku Point, you’ll again board the helicopter that will take you up, up, up to the top of the Taku Glacier. Step out onto the amazing 4,500-foot-thick ice for a brief glacier landing. You’ll have time for more photos, and your pilot will give you details about the ice field and Taku Glacier. The helicopter will then return you to the airport and the van will return you to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly in a helicopter over some of Alaska’s most spectacular wilderness.
• Cruise up the Taku River in an airboat for an up-close view of Taku Glacier.
• Touch down in the helicopter on the glacier and walk across its ancient icy surface.
• You’ll have a chance to take pictures of the pristine Taku River basin, and the Taku Glacier spread before you.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience Alaska from every angle—gliding across glacier‑fed waters and trekking near ancient ice. Your journey begins at breathtaking Mendenhall Lake, where towering cliffs, floating blue icebergs, and the thunderous Nugget Falls create a dramatic natural backdrop. After a full safety briefing, paddle your canoe toward the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, keeping watch for Arctic terns nesting along the cliffs, mountain goats navigating rocky outcroppings, and the occasional black bear in the brush. Upon reaching the glacier beach, hike across the rugged terrain sculpted by centuries of ice. Standing at the glacier’s edge offers a powerful, up‑close perspective of this constantly evolving natural wonder—an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle past icebergs, waterfalls and arctic tern nesting cliffs.
• Step out of the canoe and hike over the rock terrain carved out by the glacier.
• Get an up close and intimate perspective of the glacier from the edge, all while learning about the recession of the glacier and the wilderness that surrounds it.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a mountain trail that prospectors took during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush and see landmarks in Skagway that commemorate that time period. While driving through the city’s National Historic District, you will pass block after block of wooden buildings that were constructed as hotels, stores and saloons in the late 19th century. The Red Onion is the most notorious saloon as it was also a brothel during the gold rush. At the Skagway Centennial statue, you will see a representation of an indigenous Tlingit packer leading a prospector into the gold fields. You will then follow the famed Trail of ’98, which is the route countless stampeders took in search of gold. It was a longer but less treacherous path than the Chilkoot Trail, which was steeper and prone to avalanches. As you will see while pausing for photos on the way to the White Pass Summit, the scenery is majestic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Skagway’s Historic District, which dates to the late 1890s.
• See blocks of original wooden buildings, including the notorious Red Onion Saloon.
• Pause at the Centennial statue that marks the 100-year anniversary of the gold rush.
• Ascend into the mountains on the Trail of ’98 that the stampeding prospectors took.
• Snap photos of the gorgeous natural beauty on the way to the White Pass Summit.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore Kodiak's spectacular beauty and wartime history during your scenic walk through a portion of the 183-acre Ft. Abercrombie State Park. Depart the pier for the drive to the headquarters of Ft. Abercrombie State Park. With a map provided, you will walk along well-maintained trails offering breathtaking ocean views. A variety of seabirds inhabit the park's coastline, and whale sightings are frequently reported in this area throughout the season. As you explore, you will see numerous World War II bunkers from Kodiak's wartime past. Although some of the bunkers were designed for lookouts and others for storage, all are an important part of the history and growth of Kodiak. Return to the park headquarters, where you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the serenity of nature on your self-guided walk through forests and along coastal areas.
• See parts of a coastal defense system built to protect America in World War II.
• Gain an appreciation for the local flora and fauna.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the pristine natural environment of Tongass National Forest, the largest such wilderness in America. As you follow the shaded nature trail through the understory, you can expect to be enthralled by the majesty of the towering, centuries-old trees and the serenity of the forest. While pausing at a meadow, the naturalist guide will identify some of the more unusual plants and describe their characteristics. You will enjoy a different perspective of the wilderness from a viewing platform at a nearby rapids, where bald eagles are often spotted. You will also pause farther down the trail next to a crystal-clear stream where salmon spawn each year. Here, the guide will explain some of the traditions and legends of the indigenous people that lived in the forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through Tongass National Forest.
• Marvel at the serenity and towering ancient trees.
• Listen to the naturalist describe the flora and fauna.
• Look for bald eagles and spawning salmon in season.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Begin your journey with a scenic drive along the Tongass Narrows in route to Totem Bight State Park, home to one of the world’s largest stand of totems. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tongass National Rainforest as you stroll under the canopy of majestic hemlock and cedar trees. Through lively stories and narrative, you’ll learn about the culture and lifestyle practiced by the Northwest Coastal Natives. You’ll also have an opportunity to enter a traditional Native clan house to see how they lived firsthand. Prior to departing the park, you’ll have a chance to photograph a magnificent collection of totem poles located in a picturesque setting. During a brief stop at the quaint Alaska Totem Trading store, you’ll have an opportunity to shop and view beautifully carved totems along with a collection of and antique guns. While travelling to downtown Ketchikan, you will be engaged with an entertaining town overview and learn of the industries which built Ketchikan and helped to make it the “Salmon Capital of the World”. Travel along the picturesque Tongass Narrows en route to the park, taking in beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest and waterfront. Your final stop will be in downtown to explore the shops and exciting Creek Street on your own. When you are ready to return to your ship you will be taking the free shuttle to Ward Cove.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one of the world’s largest collections of standing totem poles.
• Stroll beneath the towering hemlock and cedar trees of the Tongass National Rainforest.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride the Sky Peak gondola to the summit of Hoonah Mountain as many times as you like and enjoy a flight of locally brewed beers at the top. The thrills will begin the moment the window-walled gondola starts ascending, and the views will only get better the higher you go. You will gaze out over the dense forest that blankets the mountain, across Glacier Bay and beyond to the northernmost point of Chichagof Island. Upon reaching the summit, you will drop by a brewery outpost for a sampling of its most popular beers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. You will be free to descend on the gondola whenever you wish, but there is no need to rush. If you would like to stretch your legs, you could wander along the spectacularly scenic half-mile trail that winds through the Tongass National Forest. Keep an eye out for eagles and deer along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy unlimited rides up and down Hoonah Mountain on the Sky Peak gondola.
• Admire the surrounding natural beauty, which is breathtaking in every direction.
• Sample a flight of Alaskan beers at the microbrewery on the mountaintop.
• Follow a short trail through the Tongass National Forest on the summit if you wish.
• Descend on the gondola whenever you are ready.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise into the pristine waters off Auke Bay in a yacht that combines pure luxury with the chance to spot humpback whales. It will be a first-class experience as this yacht is reserved for a maximum of only eight guests. As you cruise along – enjoying the all-inclusive drinks and local specialties on the charcuterie board – be sure to scan the shoreline for harbor seals and Stellar sea lions, species that use the land as haul-out sites where they can rest on the rocks and interact with each other. If you spot humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters, it will make for even more spectacular memories. The most vocal of all whales, humpbacks make a variety of sounds, which they string together to make songs that last as long as 30 minutes. A naturalist will accompany you on the yacht to answer any questions you may have about humpbacks and the other marine animals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in luxury aboard a yacht reserved for a maximum of 8 guests.
• Scan the waters of the Inside Passage for massive humpback whales feeding.
• Look for other marine creatures such as seals, sea lions and orcas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your tour begins with a transfer to the Alaska Raptor Center, where you’ll encounter the swamp-like muskeg soil and alpine meadow where most of Alaska's bird, plant and wild berries thrive. Then explore and photograph the Raptor Center's open bird habitat and new Eagle Flight Center, home to bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey. During your visit, the staff will explain the Raptor Center's mission and answer questions. Next, you’ll proceed for a visit to Sitka National Historical Park, where walking trails lined with authentic totem poles will guide you through the lush Tongass National Forest. As you cross the bridge at Indian River, you’ll learn about the rain forest’s ecosystem, local plant, and animal life and your guide will share stories of the history of the towering totems. Afterward, you’ll walk along the harbor's shoreline and pass by many Victorian-style homes and ornate churches. Your guide will also point out iconic landmarks such as Sheldon Jackson College and the Russian Bishop's House, although visits inside are not included in the walk.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch birds of prey being rehabilitated for possible release into the wild.
• Walk a nature trail lined with hand-crafted totem poles.
• Admire Sitka’s lovely Victorian homes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered weather-appropriate clothing.
• • Wear flat closed-toe walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a true Alaskan adventure that seamlessly blends air, water, and ice. Begin with a thrilling floatplane flight over dense forests, rugged mountains, and the spectacular Taku Inlet, gateway to the vast Juneau Icefield. Touch down on a pristine, glacier‑fed lake and transition into a lightweight, one‑person packraft—an agile vessel designed for exploration. Paddle confidently among floating icebergs as your guide shares expert instruction and insights into the surrounding wilderness. Keep watch for bald eagles and sea lions along the way. Upon reaching Norris Glacier, strap on micro‑spikes and step onto the ice itself, hiking across a dramatic frozen landscape few travelers ever experience. This rare combination of aerial views, paddling, and glacier hiking delivers an adventure that is as exhilarating as it is unforgettable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane made for adventure.
• Land in a glacially fed lake and paddle across it in a kayak-like packcraft.
• Hike across the icy terrain of Norris Glacier, a part of the massive Juneau Icefield.
• Marvel at the majestic scenery and look for wildlife such as bald eagles and sealions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.