OVERVIEW

Travel along a wonderfully scenic highway to the historical George Inlet Lodge, where a chef will demonstrate how best to prepare crab cakes, which you will later enjoy for lunch. The road to the lodge winds through the wilds of Revillagigedo Island and passes an old sawmill and several salmon canneries that will offer a glimpse into the area's past. Once you reach the waterfront lodge - which was originally a cannery bunkhouse - the attention will turn to food, especially seafood caught in the chilly depths of the surrounding sea. While the chef prepares your crab cakes according to a classic local recipe and recounts entertaining stories about Alaskan fishing and crabbing, you will be served a garden-fresh salad and half a Dungeness crab as an appetizer. The crab cakes will be served hot off the griddle and followed by a slice of creamy cheesecake topped with blueberries, another Alaska specialty.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch the chef at the George Inlet Lodge prepare crab cakes for your lunch.
• Dine on appetizers, including half a Dungeness crab, during the demonstration.
• Enjoy the waterfront setting of the remote lodge and learn a bit about its history.
• Drive along a coastal road and admire the stunning natural beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the ultimate treetop adventure and come away with a newfound confidence in your physical abilities, mental fortitude and sheer willpower to push yourself to new heights. Unlike a conventional zipline, this aerial adventure involves swinging ropes, balance bridges and daring climbs into the tree canopy. An orientation and practice run on the ground will help prepare you for the fun and challenges that lie ahead. Afterwards, you will warm up on the easy Squirrel Course, move on to the moderate Fox Course and then pull yourself along a rope while hanging upside-down high above the forest floor on a Tyrolean Traverse. That's the Bear Course. With your confidence now soaring, you will be ready for the high-flying Eagle Course, which ends in the treetops 50 feet above the ground. The descent will be just as exhilarating as you soar down at a goose bump-producing speed on a "quick flight" cable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Different than zipline experiences, this aerial adventure will have you swinging, scrambling, and climbing through multiple elements.
• Climb high into the tree canopy by negotiating a series of aerial courses.
• Prepare for the ultimate challenge by warming up on easier aerial courses.
• Learn to increase your balance, climb more confidently and use a Tyrolean Traverse.
• Enjoy literal bird’s-eye views of the forest from high above.
• Gain newfound confidence in your abilities to meet new challenges.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Paddle a two-person kayak around the sheltered waters of Sitka Sound, an area teeming with wildlife. After an orientation and a few minutes to practice paddling, you will skirt along the stunningly beautiful coastline. The guide will lead the way and acquaint you with the marine environment. The backdrop of towering forest-blanketed mountains will be absolutely inspiring, much like it was when the indigenous Tlingits first settled this area about 10,000 years ago. If the weather is clear, you will see Mount Edgecumbe, a massive but dormant volcano that dominates Kruzof Island. While scanning the water's surface, you may spot Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and porpoise. Humpback whales voraciously feed in the sound before migrating to Hawaii to breed and calve, and the sight of one breaching the water is a mesmerizing spectacle. Be sure to look skyward as bald eagles and tufted puffins are commonly sighted.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a two-person kayak through the sheltered bays and inlets along Sitka Sound.
• Paddle a two-person kayak through the sheltered bays and inlets along Sitka Sound.
• Enjoy the inspiring scenery and, if the day is clear, the volcano Mount Edgecumbe.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Hike through the rainforest that blankets America's largest national forest and toast your accomplishment with a beer at a local pub. It won't take long to reach the trailhead, yet the setting is still remote and teeming with wildlife. As you follow the challenging two-mile route, the only sounds will be those of nature until the guide pauses to comment on the indigenous flora and fauna. There will be plenty to discuss as the trail meanders through giant cedar, hemlock and spruce trees with an understory that includes a plethora of berry bushes. Although there is no telling what types of wildlife you may encounter, the three viewing platforms along the trail provide the best opportunities to observe black bears feasting on ripe berries. Following this invigorating hike, you will stop at a pub that locals often frequent and quench your thirst with a cold beer or a different beverage if you prefer

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the scenic waters of the Inside Passage to Sentinel Island, whose iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1902. Although you may spot harbor seals and Stellar sea lions along the shore and bald eagles soaring overhead, the star attractions are the humpback whales that spend their summers in the nutrient rich waters. You may witness these incredible creatures breach and splash their flukes as they dive and feed to prepare for their winter migration. Few sights are quite so mesmerizing as adult humpbacks that can grow to be 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons. Upon reaching Sentinel Island, you will follow the boardwalk to the unusual Art Deco-style lighthouse. Immerse yourself in its history, with the option to ascend the tower or explore the first floor and peruse the captivating black-and-white photos of the beacon and the "wickies" - an affectionate term for the lighthouse keepers - that once operated it.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the waters north of Juneau in search of humpback whales.
• Keep an eye out for other marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions and bald eagles.
• Explore Sentinel Island and the lighthouse that was built there more than a century ago.
• Stop at Brotherhood Bridge for a spectacular photo-opportunity of *Mendenhall Glacier in the distance.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Create your own metal sculpture of a halibut or salmon in a hands-on art class at the Salty Sitkan workshop. The fun will begin with the instructor demonstrating how to use the computer-controlled plasma cutter to precisely cut through metal - with sparks flying - so that the finished product looks just like the pre-programed fish design. Then, it will be your turn to get creative. You will learn to use a die grinder to smooth and texture the raw steel. The next step will be to hammer away with a tear-drop mallet to shape the metal fish into a 3D form with a flapping tail, if you like. To make your fish sculpture more lifelike, you can use a propane torch to draw out deep hues of bronze, purple and blue. By the end of the class, you will have created a beautiful fish sculpture as a souvenir to take home.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a computer-controlled plasma cutter create a basic metal fish as a starting point.
• Learn to grind, shine and hammer the raw metal into a beautiful fish sculpture.
• Highlight certain colors in the metal with a propane torch.
• Take your finished fish sculpture home as a souvenir.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a winding trail through the gorgeous wilderness that surrounds Sitka with a local guide that will describe the flora, fauna and natural beauty in fascinating detail. The guide will select a trail that is ideally suited to your group so everyone can enjoy the experience. You can expect to hike six to 10 miles, mostly likely through the Tongass National Forest, a massive protected woodlands that covers most of southeast Alaska. After considering the weather conditions, the sights that would be most appealing to the group and all the possible trails, the guide will choose one that will best present the pristine wilderness. Many of the trails rim crystal-clear mountain lakes, others such as the Indian River Trail follow salmon streams, while still others offer views of Sitka Sound and the islands just off shore. Every trail has unique attributes that will make for a memorable, immensely scenic hike.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike along a scenic trail that the guide selects specifically for your group.
• Enjoy the serenity of the wilderness and one gorgeous view after another.
• Gain an understanding of the flora and fauna as the guide describes them.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ride through downtown on an electric-enhanced bicycle that will boost your pedal power and reduce the physical demands. After a brief orientation on how best to maximize the experience, you will ride off caravan-style on your e-bike through various urban landscapes that will reveal the true character of Victoria. The city is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada, a title that Queen Elizabeth II first bestowed more than 20 years ago in recognition of Victoria's "network of urban and wilderness trails and dedicated cycling corridors." You will follow the guide into areas of great historical and cultural significance, including the Inner Harbour. Its architectural treasures include the neo-baroque, blue-dome Parliament Buildings and the grand château-style Fairmont Empress hotel. You will also pedal through the beautifully landscaped Beacon Hill Park, a waterfront urban oasis that is the western terminus or Mile 0 of the nearly 5,000-mile Trans-Canada Highway.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride an electric-enhanced bicycle that will make pedaling through downtown easier than ever.
• Gain an understanding of why Victoria is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada.
• Pass architecturally and historically important buildings such as the Parliament Buildings.
• Pedal through the serene Beacon Hill Park.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Hike though America's largest national forest at a leisurely pace that will allow you to truly appreciate the serenity and majesty of the woods. It won't take long to reach the trail, yet it is still remote enough where you will feel as if the wilderness is yours alone. The hike is about two miles long without any steep inclines or stairs so it will be a relatively easy and thoroughly enjoyable walk. Along the way, the naturalist guide will describe the various ecosystems, the diversity of flora and fauna perhaps how the rainforest sequesters carbon to help reduce climate change. Animals are abundant. Sitka black-tailed deer are frequently spotted, bald eagles can often be seen in the tree canopy and if the salmon are spawning black bears will be gathered around the waterfalls. It is always quite the sight to see a bear snatching a salmon in mid-air as it leaps upstream.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely hike through the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest such landscape.
• Follow the trail to a waterfall where bears often gather to feast on spawning salmon.
• Learn about the forest’s ecosystems and biodiversity from the naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise the sheltered waters of the Tongass Narrows and observe the boundless natural beauty on the way back to your ship. This alternative means of reaching Ward Cove offers express boarding, allowing you to bypass the long lines often associated with other modes of transportation. Ambient music on board will set the mood while you sample locally crafted beer or champagne, but majestic scenery is the real attraction of cruising versus driving from downtown to Ward Cove. Along the way, you will pass uninhabited islands, densely forested shorelines, and countless boats - both recreational and commercial - as the waterway is part of the Alaska Marine Highway and the Inside Passage. You may even see floatplanes taking off and landing with splash in the harbor. Be sure to look for wildlife such as sea lions and bald eagles. You may even spot a humpback whale breaching the water's surface.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise to Ward Cove instead of driving and enjoy spectacular scenery along the way.
• Admire the natural beauty that comes right to the edge of Ketchikan’s city limits.
• Look for wildlife such as sea lions in the Tongass Narrows and bald eagles overhead.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Trace Russia's influence on Sitka in the 19th century and tour a raptor center that rescues injured birds in hopes of returning them to the wild. The Russians first gained a foothold in Alaska in 1804 by overpowering the indigenous Tlingits. That battlefield is now part of the Sitka National Historical Park, where you will browse exhibits explaining the conflict. Here you can walk the forest trail lined with totems, view cultural exhibits or talk with local native artists. This tour also presents the chance to see Alaskan wildlife up close at the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for birds of prey. This Bald Eagle Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.

OVERVIEW

Create the adventure of your choosing on Danger Island and settle in for a leisurely cruise along the coast while looking for iconic Alaskan wildlife. As preparation for the island adventure, you will first dine on a hearty buffet much like the ones served in logging camps. The remaining time on this forested private island can be spent however you please. There are a variety of optional activities ranging from learning survival skills to participating in a cooking class to strolling along the beach that rims the island. That is the beauty of this experience - you can join in whatever activities suit your mood and abilities. Or do nothing more ambitious than relaxing around the campfire while making s'mores. On the return cruise, the on-board naturalist will describe the wildlife that you may encounter. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and porpoises are just of few of the marine creatures that inhabit these waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a short but spectacularly scenic cruise to Danger Island.
• Feast on a delicious Alaskan-inspired meal featuring locally sourced ingredients.
• Join interactive activities such as culinary workshops and wilderness survival skill-building, if you choose.
• Opt for more leisurely activities, including a scenic boardwalk stroll, relaxing around a campfire and lounging in a hammock.
• Look for wildlife while cruising along the coast with an on-board naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.