Juneau

This exciting tour combines a “whales guaranteed” cruise with Alaska’s finest wilderness salmon bake. Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a waterjet-powered vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as you ply the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. This area is world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, as these graceful giants slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. Don’t forget your camera, and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. The whales are often close enough to hear them breathe! An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore at Orca Point Lodge on beautiful Colt Island, to enjoy a feast that includes fresh grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken kabobs, corn on the cob, rice pilaf, cole slaw, fresh hot rolls and desserts. The lodge offers peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before reboarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay. Note: Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the vessel observation deck and for enjoying the natural environment at Orca Point Lodge. Complimentary-use binoculars and souvenir route guides are provided. Must be able to walk 40 to 50 feet to embark and disembark the vessel. less

Glacier Gardens Rainforest, nestled alongside Thunder Mountain, is a stunning combination of flowered pathways and temperate rainforest. Enjoy a guided tour from your covered transportation into the rainforest. Your guide will provide a narrative through the mile-long journey to the 580-foot level. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mendenhall wetlands, Gastineau Channel, and Admiralty Island from the viewpoint on Thunder Mountain. Next, it’s off to the Mendenhall Glacier. Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

Head out with a prospector/guide in authentic 19th century dress for a historical tour of Juneau including the state capitol. Then, turn up the road to Gold Creek and “Last Chance Basin”, where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a secluded setting alongside Gold Creek your prospector shows you how gold panning is done. Then, it’s your turn, as you learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice. You’re guaranteed to find gold! And, all that glitters is yours to keep. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company. You’ll learn about the mining techniques that were used and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what it was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago. The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an all-you-can-eat adventure in a unique outdoor setting that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood while enjoying entertainment provided by local musicians. The sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from salmon, chicken, baked beans, wild rice pilaf, potatoes and other sides, salads, beverages and desert. After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through forest to Salmon Creek waterfall. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir. 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

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