Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Learn to handle a kayak from an expert then put your new skills to use with an unforgettable seaborne adventure. Glide through the waters native-style, get up-close looks at wildlife and enjoy ever changing views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Start with a narrated tour through a historic part of Juneau on your way to North Douglas Island. Don protective raingear, boots and lifejackets, and learn the paddling techniques you’ll need to handle your kayak. Then join a friend or new traveling companion in your two-person craft and you’re off to explore! Against a backdrop of forested slopes, nearby peaks and the spectacular Mendenhall, you’re on course for an informative and memorable tour of Fritz Cove. In small groups of six kayaks, you’re able to stealthily approach wildlife. Bald eagles and their nests, herons, shorebirds and waterfowl are all common sights. Porpoises and even humpback whales occasionally surface for air. If you’re lucky, you might see a humpback’s enormous tail fluke. You’ll also visit the Mendenhall Wetlands, a protected habitat teeming with more than 140 species of birds, nearly a dozen different mammals and an abundance of marine life. Along the way, your guide will satisfy your curiosity about local flora and fauna, and explain the history behind landmarks such as Smuggler’s Cove. Note: Participants must weigh between 40 and 260 lbs. and be in good physical condition. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. For more details about these tours please visit http://www.bestofalaskatours.com/NCL/
less

On this amazing adventure you’ll walk on raised balance beams, cross exciting suspension bridges, and fly through the air on a series of ziplines! Join expert guides for the ride of a lifetime! Your adventure begins with a narrated drive through historic downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the highway, a short nature hike brings you to the spectacular Adventure Park where expert guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment.

First you’ll enter an incredible series of ropes course crossings including burma loops, suspended bridges and raised balance beams. Next up is a fantastic series of six ziplines through the lush Alaskan canopy. Zoom from platform to platform while your friends and family cheer you on! Your heart will be pumping as you get ready for the “Walk the Plank” zip that soars high above the ground through the treetops! This adventure is perfect for all abilities and everyone will enjoy the amazing mountain views and excitement of effortlessly soaring through the air!

Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Maximum weight allowed is 300 lbs.

This fully guided wilderness hike begins with a brief 20 minute train ride aboard the Historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. You’ll ride through the wilderness to the Denver Valley trailhead located in the Tongass National Forest. Your hiking guide will accompany you through the dense coastal rainforest filled with old-growth trees, moss beds, and other flora. On your 3 to 5 mile hike, the trail occasionally intersects with the raging Skagway River and lookout points provide spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.

The hike can be done as a casual stroll through the forest or as a more aggressive hike, depending on your preference. There’s plenty of opportunity for photography and there is potential for wildlife sightings. Bear, moose, and mountain goats all call this valley home. Guides will provide information about the region’s natural and gold rush history. Enjoy a refreshment before boarding the train for your return trip to town.

Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age and in good physical condition. Dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. The train returns from Canada, all participants are required to carry a valid passport. Tour duration includes approximately three hours (3 to 5 miles) on the trail.

This trip combines a train ride aboard the Historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway with a wilderness trek to the magnificent Laughton Glacier. You’ll board the train for a one hour scenic journey filled with spectacular waterfalls, rushing rivers and jagged mountain peaks. At Glacier Station begin your fully guided round-trip hike of up to 8 miles, in the wilds of Alaska. The magnificent sub-Alpine rainforest valley is home to moose, bear, mountain goats and other wildlife.

The spectacular trail winds along the raging Skagway River to the majestic Laughton Glacier. The terrain changes dramatically as you leave the rocky riverbed and climb over a boulder field and onto the glacier. Enjoy the breathtaking views and exposed crevasses of the frozen river of ice. Upon your return to the trailhead, you’ll be greeted with a traditional “Bush Buffet”. Relax and enjoy the ride back to town on 'The Scenic Railway of the World.

Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age, in good physical condition and able to walk over uneven and sometimes difficult terrain. Dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. Train returns from Canada, all participants are required to carry a valid passport.

This trip combines a 27.7 mile White Pass Railway ride with a 4 to 6 mile round-trip wilderness hike toward Denver Falls, in lush old growth forest. After a 22 mile bus ride, your rail journey will be broken into two parts, before and after the hike. This world renowned railway adventure carries you through the scenic White Pass complete with waterfalls, rushing rivers, trestles, and tunnels as you trace the trail of '98. This southbound trip offers outstanding views from Inspiration Point and other locations along the route. After disembarking at Denver Station, your professional guides will lead you through the glacially carved valley full of dense, old growth forest.

The trail traces the raging East Fork of the Skagway River, meeting it intermittently and providing excellent photo opportunities. Be alert, and keep your camera close, as the remote valley is home to bears and other wildlife. From the depths of the river valley, gaze at the magnificent craggy peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains that make this valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. Your narrated hike will introduce you to the flora, fauna and history that make the region unique. Hiking through the pristine Tongass National Forest with 1,000 year old trees with photo stops by the river and Denver Falls will highlight this perfect mix of exercise and natural beauty. After the hike, continue with your return train ride to Skagway.

Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age. Dress in layers and wear walking or athletic shoes. Lunch and snacks provided.

Be among the select few, under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit, to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience near the face of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns nest in the towering cliffs and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. Then refuel with a snack of Alaskan-style fare for the return. You’ll make your trip in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28 foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the U.S. Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants. Be one of the lucky few to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must weigh at least 40 lbs. All guests must be able to participate in paddling the canoe. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. Outerwear is provided at the site. less