Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a day in the countryside, while visiting vineyards and tasting locally produced wine. Cowichan Valley proudly promotes sustainable local wineries and vineyards that produce quality wines, using no pesticides, herbicides and little or no sulfites. You'll visit three different vineyards, all are owner operated. Your guide will provide an informative narrative during the one hour drive to Cowichan Valley.

First you’ll visit Farm Gate Estate Winery, one of the most award-winning wineries in the valley. Here you'll meet the owners and enjoy a tasting of their red and white releases, finishing with a blackberry dessert wine. Next, you'll tour one the newest vineyards and learn about the growing conditions, types of vines, and wine making, followed by a tasting of their red and white wines. Your last stop is at one of the largest vineyards situated on the slopes of Mt. Provost. After your wine tasting, enjoy a treat of wild Pacific smoked salmon, local cheeses, crackers and a glass of wine out on the patio. Departing back to Nanaimo there will be optional drop off downtown, before returning to the cruise ship pier.

Meet your local guide at the Welcome Center and then head to the bike staging area. After you're fitted for your bicycle and helmet and receive a safety briefing, you'll begin your eight-mile cycling tour. Learn what day to day life is like for the residents of this small coastal village during this intimate bike ride through Alaska's largest Tlingit settlement. Your guide will lead you along the scenic coastline of this fishing community, which is home to less than 800 residents. Along the way you'll see a working harbor, hear stories and learn about the meaning behind totem poles, and find out how to "drive" the Alaskan Marine Highway. Upon your return to Icy Strait Point, you'll board a bus for the scenic drive to the ZipRider launch tower. You'll then fly back to Icy Strait Point via the world's largest zip line, starting from 1300' and ending at 0' with a brake-activated landing on the beach in approximately 90 seconds. You can then walk into the Zip Shop to view and purchase a photograph of your just completed ZipRider before heading next door to the Landing Zone Bar and Restaurant to be welcomed back to earth by your fellow cruisers. Note: Guests must wear closed-toed shoes. Participants must be at least 10 years of age, have a minimum height of 4’6” with a minimum weight of 90 lbs and maximum of 275 lbs. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or neck problems. less

Don’t miss this highlight of your Alaskan Cruise. Come fishing with us! Experiencing a narrated tour of the city and outlying areas, learning about the history and lifestyle of Ketchikan from a seasoned and knowledgeable charter Captain, snacking on a seafood treat while you fish for wild Alaskan salmon – what better way to spend your time in the “Salmon Capital of the World”? We at Knudson Cove Marina relish the opportunity to show you, your family, and friends the charm and majestic beauty of Southeast Alaska. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Ketchikan, Knudson Cove Marina boasts a locale on prime fishing grounds. And due to its convenient location, you'll only be a few minutes from the dock before your lines hit the water. With only 4-6 passengers assigned to each fishing boat, our fleet offers you the chance for some truly individualized attention. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice to the fishing world, your Coast Guard-licensed Captain will treat you to a memorable excursion as he shows you the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of fishing in Alaska. In between reeling in your catch, you can marvel at the wildlife – seals, sea lions, otter, porpoise, and even whales might treat you to a show, while bald eagles will offer you a superb photo opportunity as they swoop down to grasp their own “catch of the day.” Note: Please bring cash for fishing license - $20.00 plus $10.00 for King Salmon tag (May - July)and a credit card for fish processing. This tour is not recommended for infants and toddlers. less

Imagine the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy along a series of dual cable zip lines and aerial bridges suspended between tall spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. Your professionally trained guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment and provide a detailed orientation, prior to mounting the first platform. Your rainforest canopy challenge features a flight over 8 zip lines and 3 suspension bridges. Progressively ease into the forest canopy along cables ranging from a short 100 feet to the 800 foot pulse pounding “Ben’s Revenge”. Discover Eagle Creek falls and cross 3 hanging sky bridges offering views of the virgin forest below. You'll be up to 135 feet above the forest floor offering fantastic wildlife viewing chances. Gear down at base camp and receive a custom cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal, in recognition of your achievement. Upon completion of this once in a lifetime experience, enjoy a complimentary snack, view your photograph, shop in the General Store and take the opportunity to visit Alaska Wildlife's Reindeer and Raptor Center Exhibits before returning to town. Note: Participants must weigh at least 90 lbs. and no more than 250 lbs. Minimum height is 5 feet. All guests must be in general good health and have full use of their limbs. Pregnant women and those with a history of seizure disorders should not participate. All guests must wear closed toe shoes. No video cameras allowed while zipping. less

Your adventure begins at the pier, travels through Astoria and crosses Young Bay Bridge. Sit back and marvel at the impressive views of Saddle Mountain, one of Oregon's highest peaks; the city views of Astoria, and the Astoria Megler Bridge, noted as the longest bridge in Oregon and at almost four miles, it has a distinction of being the world's longest continuous truss bridge. As your motorcoach winds its way along the 110-mile section of the Pacific Coast Highway, you'll travel through the Oregon Coast Range. This lush mountain range of sitka spruce, western red cedar, douglas fir,and hemlock march down to the sea and its powder soft beaches. Along your journey, be on the lookout for wildlife such as elks, bears, rabbits, eagles and blue herons. One of the first coastal villages you'll pass is Seaside. Popular for over a century, this charming resort offers boutiques, art galleries, miles of beach and not a single parking meter. Continuing southward, you'll pass Cannon Beach, famous for the natural phenomenon known as Haystack Rock. Composed of basalt, this 235 foot tall rock formation is the home to puffins, sea gulls cormorants. As you get closer to Tillamook, you'll drive over Neahkahnie Mountain. Rising over 1,590 feet above sea level, legend has it that buried deep somewhere in the mountain is a lost treasure, hidden by Spanish sailors in the late 16th century. Your first stop is the Tillamook Air Museum, which is housed in a rare World War II blimp hangar. Reaching over 15 stories high and stretching over seven acres, it's the world's largest wooden structure. Not only can you see 30 U.S. warplanes but actually climb into a jet simulator, and explore the exhibit hall that features historical wartime and aviation artifacts. During your visit, you will have a buffet lunch and refreshment. Your next destination is the legendary Tillamook Ice Creamery and Cheese Factory. Here, you can watch the cheese makers at work, enjoy a sample or two and indulge in ice cream and fudge. Reboard your motorcoach for a quick visit to Cannon Beach. less