Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Sit back, strap yourself in,and hit the accelerator for the off-road adventure of a lifetime! Mountain trails through a timber harvested area offer the perfect venue for off-road challenges. Learn about the history and culture of Ketchikan as you are transported by motorcoach to this rainforest wilderness. At the Adventure Kart base camp, you’ll receive a safety briefing and gear up in preparation for the exciting, 1 1/2 hour guided trek. Your caravan of karts sets out to explore the remote back country along several miles of forest trail, with your guide in the lead ATV. Feel the rush of adrenaline at the start of your journey as you navigate an obstacle course in a custom designed Tomcar that tests your ability to traverse through the remaining wilderness. A comfortable pace is maintained as you thread your way around steep curves, climbing to reveal unparalleled views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal and Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage. Stops are made along the way to soak up the grandeur and beauty of this lush land. Enjoy a snack and beverage, then drivers and passengers have the opportunity to switch positions for the return trip. Be prepared to watch for wildlife along the way where eagles, deer or bears are frequently sighted. Note: Participants must be at least 50" tall and weigh between 40 and 300 lbs. All drivers must provide a valid driver’s license. Karts accommodate two guests. Not recommended for guests with neck or back problems or expectant mothers. A damage deposit will be collected at the beginning of the tour by way of credit card or automobile insurance. less

Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach for a ride through the historic streets of downtown Skagway to the Klondike Gold Fields. Once there, meet your guide and watch a video presentation introducing you to the dogs of the Klondike Gold Rush and highlights of what winter dog sledding is like today. Meet and interact with the Iditarod sled dogs and their puppies, stopping first by the checkpoint tent with your musher. Here you’ll be introduced to all the gear a musher and dog team takes with them on a long distance race. Your musher introduces you to the team and then hooks the dogs to a sled to demonstrate a run for you. After layering up step into the cold chamber and experience the cold of an Iditarod race in a 40° degree below zero room!

Afterwards, get ready to warm up with a little gold fever! Learn the art of panning for gold and practice your technique in warm water troughs. Gold is guaranteed! After you've hit pay dirt, weigh your fortune in The Gold Parlor. Use your free time to visit The Gold Shack and The Unexpected for Alaskan gifts and souvenirs. Take in a brief film of the northern lights, our dredge or Charlie Chaplin in The Gold Rush. Stroll the grounds and enjoy the interactive displays and surrounding scenery.

Note: Stay past your departure time, and Klondike Gold Fields will provide you a ticket for a shuttle ride back to your ship or town. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Klondike Gold Fields.

Take a scenic drive up the spectacular Klondike Highway and into Canada’s historic and beautiful Yukon Territory. Your mountain guide and mini bus with big windows will transport you up the original White Pass “Trail of ’98.” Along the way, you’ll be greeted by the rugged expanse of land that both Infuriated and enchanted gold seekers over 100 years ago. Pass waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks before crossing the mountain cradling the 3,292 ft. summit and following a jewel-like string of lakes that feed the Yukon River.

In the Yukon, you’ll visit the village of Carcross. Rich in history, you’ll be charmed by its picturesque log cabins, hotel and General Store. Further north, see the “smallest desert in the world,” and then continue to Emerald Lake, truly a gem in its green valley setting. Lunch is a home-style affair at the Spirit Lake Lodge, famous throughout the Yukon for its wonderful pies. You’ll then return to Skagway with plenty of time left for exploring the historic downtown or shopping.

Note: This excursion enters Canada, all participants are required to carry a valid passport.

Experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers! A short drive brings you to the heliport where, following a safety video, you’ll be outfitted with boots and vests. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you’ll encounter.

Upon arrival at glacial destination you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work.

Note: Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily based on the weather forecast to ensure that you will see the best sights that the area has to offer. Tour includes approximately 40 minutes of helicopter time and 40 minutes on the glacier. Glacier boots, trekking pole and safety vest are provided. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled and can’t be made online, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations.

The grandeur of Alaska’s epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau’s only 5 glacier flightseeing tour. Seeing glaciers from the air is an Alaskan must do, and doing so by authentic Alaskan bush plane is the quintessential Alaskan experience! Your seaplane exploration begins as your aircraft gently takes off from the historic downtown waterfront carrying you over Juneau’s mining past. En route you will soar over lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest until your first glimpse of five distinctly different majestic glaciers making up the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Glide over the deep crevasses and azure blue melt water pools of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, plus the famous five mile wide Taku Glacier. Of the 36 named glaciers comprising the Juneau Icefield the Taku Glacier is the only glacier that is actually advancing, not retreating - one of only a few in the world. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the magical memories this trip is sure to provide. Note: Flight time is approximately 40 minutes. All participants enjoy a window seat for enhanced viewing and a headset for continuous narration. Weight surcharge does not apply. This tour is non-refundable. For more details about this tour please visit: www.alaskaglacierflightseeing.com
less