Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Victoria is one of the most picturesque cities in North America, and exudes Old World charm and a distinctively British flair. This tour will show you the heart and soul of why so many visitors from around the world come each year to the City of Gardens. Starting at Ogden Point you’ll head into the residential neighborhoods, complete with manicured lawns, abundant flowers of all shapes and sizes, and million dollar views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountain range. Pass some of the highlights of Victoria, including views of Craigdarroch Castle, all that remains of the stately Dunsmuir estate. The tour will conclude at the Inner Harbor, the centerpiece of Victoria. This is the home of the Royal BC Museum, numerous street performers, craft vendors, food stalls, the BC Parliament Buildings, and the world famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. Note: Order of sights may vary. less

You'll be escorted to the tender dock to board your whale boat for this 2-1/2 hour tour. Your journey will take you to Point Adolphus, one of Alaska's premier humpback whale watching destinations. You'll be travelling through waters that support a wide array of marine life including orca, Steller's sea lions, seal, Dall's porpoise and of course the magnificent humpback whale. Along the shore keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles in the evergreen treetops. Your onboard naturalist will describe the biology and behavior of the diverse species that gather here every summer to indulge in the nutrient-rich waters, fueled by the long Alaska summer days. The whale population at Point Adolphus is so plentiful that the tour operator will refund you $100 ($50 per child) if a whale is not spotted on the trip. less

A feast as grand as Alaska itself! The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an event that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor an all-you-can-eat adventure, in a unique outdoor environment you’ll find nowhere else. Arrive at a beautiful setting, in a lush rain forest alongside a creek, under translucent domes that protect you from the elements, rain or shine. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood. This sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from grilled salmon, Cheechako Chicken, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild Rice Pilaf, Gold Rush Potatoes and a robust selection of other sides, salads and beverages. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Vegetarians, take note that there’s plenty to tempt your palate! Come back for seconds, or thirds, while a local musician sets a festive mood. And, just when you think you’ve had enough — bring on the blueberry cake for dessert! After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through the forest to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall. View the remains of the Wagner Mine and try your hand at panning for gold. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir gold pan or other memento. There’s plenty to do, and shuttle buses run regularly, so your visit can last as long as you like. Don’t return until your tastes have been satisfied and you’re filled with great memories! less

Experience a true Alaskan adventure while supporting the official state sport! Take an exhilarating sled ride and play with our husky puppies, all in the heart of the lush Alaskan rainforest. When you arrive at our authentic summer training camp for mushers and their sled dogs, you'll participate in a sled dog summer training run on our custom designed, wheeled summertime sled. Discover the power in a team of Alaskan huskies as they whisk your sled down a mile long trail through the depths of the Tongass National Rainforest! Then join one of our dog handlers and sled dogs for interactive demonstrations on mushing equipment and the impeccable care the dogs receive. Your dog handler will also entertain you with knowledge about the training, history, races, and inspiring efforts required by this sport. Marvel at the untamed beauty that has lured you to Alaska when you walk across our suspension bridge overlooking Fish Creek. Our Musher’s Camp is surrounded by moss-covered forest with huge spruce and hemlock trees. The views are simply awe-inspiring. Finally, cuddle up with our husky puppies, and take your picture with these adorable future athletes! This excursion is the perfect mix of Alaska’s culture, history, adventure, ruggedly gorgeous wilderness, and of course sled dogs and puppies! Note: All ages welcome, and most special needs may be accommodated. Complimentary refreshments are provided. less

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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Visit Saxman Native Village and experience the rich living culture of southeast Alaska’s Native Americans. In this Native community, tribal elders have worked hard to pass on the traditions that have long defined the culture of southeast Alaska. Enter the Beaver Clan House, where you’re greeted by song and dance. Then it’s on to Saxman Totem Park, one of the largest gatherings of totem poles in the world. The next stop is the Village Carving Center, where world-famous carvers work and a tour host are on hand to explain carving techniques. You may combine 'Saxman Native Village' and 'The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show' tours for a great day in Ketchikan. For more details about this tour please visit: http://saxmantour.com less