Alaska Cruises: Excursions

No trip to Alaska is complete without a ride on the White Pass & Yukon route narrow-gauge railroad. Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass, a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride 40 miles round-trip in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. This fully narrated tour features panoramas of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands that took this route during their quest for gold. This narrow-gauge railroad is a designated International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, shared with the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, Alaskan reindeer, a Native totem carver, raptor center and a historic sawmill at an exclusive reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. This pristine natural environment is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals and a variety of birds and other species attracted by the major salmon runs in the abundant marine estuary. A naturalist will guide you along a trail through the heart of the dense forest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce and Alaska cedar, stopping at strategically located viewing areas. At a protected, open estuary, you’ll follow Eagle Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. Major runs of salmon return to spawn here. Listen to the symphony of bird activity in this spectacular setting. Seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity. After a mile trail walk you'll have a chance to feed reindeer, see the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, visit birds of prey up-close at the Alaska Wildlife Foundation’s Raptor Center, and observe a master Native totem pole carver at work. Snacks and beverages are provided and shopping opportunities await in the general store. Note: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Tour operates in all weather conditions. Rain ponchos provided. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing. less

You'll be met at the Fish House Excursion Lounge to begin the first portion of your combination tour. On a high-speed catamaran, travel just 17 miles to Point Adolphus, one of Alaska's premier humpback feeding grounds and whale watching destinations. These nutrient-rich waters support a wide array of other marine life including orca, Steller's sea lion, and Dall's Porpoise to name a few. Head back to Icy Strait Point, board a bus and hear about the Tlingit village of Hoonah by your local guide while en route to the Spasski River. After a beautiful drive through the interior forests and muskegs of Chicagof Island where you can watch for wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer, woodpeckers, bald eagles and coastal brown bear, you arrive at your destination. Enjoy a short walk on a boardwalk over the muskeg and arrive at three viewing platforms overlooking the river. Have your camera ready in case the bears happen to be out feeding. Note: We recommend you wear warm layered clothing and a waterproof jacket. Participants must be at least 8 years of age. less

Seaplane only access to Alaska’s famous Taku Glacier Lodge combines classic powerful aircraft, true wilderness, 5-massive glaciers, bears, vivid history with dog sledding roots, seafood and exclusive glacier view dining! You're in for the journey of a lifetime. Fly in a classic de Havilland seaplane over 5 breathtaking glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield, deep blue crevasses, snow-capped mountains, and the lush Tongass National Forest. Seeing glaciers from the air is an Alaskan must, and doing so by authentic Alaskan bush plane is the quintessential Alaskan experience! The Taku River will be your "runway" as you land at the elegantly rustic historic Taku Lodge, built in 1923 and located across the river from the 5 mile wide Taku Glacier, Juneau’s largest glacier and one of only a few advancing glaciers in the world. Savor an all-you-can eat feast of Fresh Wild Alaska King Salmon grilled to perfection, a chicken alternative, Taku baked beans, coleslaw, pioneer fruit compote, fresh herb biscuits and sourdough bread, all made from scratch. Drinks are chilled and served with actual glacier ice and special recipe ginger cookies complete the meal. The scrumptious aroma of the alderwood grill attracts not only visitors daily, but also wild black bears. Take a guided interpretative nature walk, stroll the trails or soak in the serenity of a place barely touched by time before your return flight to Juneau. You can do it all with this exclusive combination tour of Alaska’s premier attractions! Note: Flight time is approximately 50 minutes. All participants enjoy a window seat for enhanced viewing and a headset for continuous narration. The Taku Glacier Lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places. Weight surcharge does not apply. This tour is non-refundable. For more details about this tour please visit: www.alaskaglacierflightseeing.com
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