Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Soar over the massive Juneau Icefield on this signature tour, the Glacier Adventure by Helicopter. Visit a landscape from another world. Experience the spectacular icefalls and rock formations of the Juneau Icefield from the air and on foot. Accessible only by air, the region is filled with lush forests, glassy alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and awe inspiring glaciers. On this unforgettable journey you may find Alaska’s unique glaciers in differing stages: advancing, retreating, cascading, or a one-of-a-kind floating glacier. After flightseeing over these amazing glaciers, your pilot will gently land on one of these ancient "rivers of ice". Under your pilot’s expert guidance you'll get the chance to walk on an Alaskan glacier, explore the ancient landscape, and experience the otherworldly blue of Alaska's glacial ice! Note: Participants must be at least 2 years of age. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes, with an approximate 20-25 minutes landing on a glacier. Although the glacier landing is not ADA accessible, guest will remain on board the aircraft with the doors opens to enjoy a scenic view of the glacier. Wheelchair access may be limited, for details please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. Guests weighing 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. This tour is non-refundable once booked. less

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
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Board a high speed vessel for a Gastineau Channel crossing passing Mayflower Island and Suicide Falls, with a beach landing at the remote Treadwell mine site on Douglas Island, with direct access to the forest outfitting base camp. Your professionally trained guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment and provide a detailed safety briefing, before transporting in a 4 x 4 Unimog all-terrain vehicle up the densely forested hillside to the first zip line tree platform. This is your introduction to nearly a mile of high tension cables linking a network of platforms mounted high in carefully selected old growth spruce trees. Your guides will progressively ease you into the forest canopy. Cross aerial suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of spectacular Bullion Creek, and enjoy towering views of Juneau from the tree tops. Discover hidden ruins of the historic Treadwell Mine (1881-1917), once one of the world’s largest gold mines and zip over a 150 foot deep “glory hole”. You'll have an opportunity to explore the ruins of the original mine refinery, where millions of dollars of molten gold was poured into ingot molds. The last zip line transports you to the base camp, where each participant receives a light snack and is presented with a custom cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal, in recognition of their achievement. An informative narration is provided on the channel crossing. Throughout this nature based adventure you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Alaska’s rainforest. Note: Participants must be at least 5 feet tall and weigh at least 80 lbs and no more than 250 lbs. Guests must be in good overall physical condition with full use of limbs and be able to follow instructions in English. All guests must wear closed-toe shoes. No video cameras allowed while zipping. less