OVERVIEW

Watch Alaska’s lumberjacks battle British Columbia’s premier woodsmen in an axe-wielding, chainsaw-cutting competition to determine who will claim the title “Bull of the Woods.” You will see the mighty lumberjacks test their prodigious strength and agility in more than a dozen events that include chopping, sawing, speed climbing and log rolling. The entertaining events recognize Alaska’s rich logging history, and these world-class athletes do justice to that proud past. Many of them have competed in these sorts of lumberjack events on ESPN, so you can imagine the level of their skills. The competitors encourage rowdy crowds, so feel free to cheer as loudly as you want for the next Paul Bunyan to be.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch lumberjacks go head-to-head in a fun-filled competition.
• See highly entertaining events like pole climbing and log rolling.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride an amphibious vehicle known as the Duck through the historical streets of Ketchikan and out into the harbor, while the guide entertains you with tales of the city’s past. Being the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan still revolves around fishing, as you will see at the city salmon ladder and spawning grounds. During the land-based half of the tour, you will see the former red-light district along Creek Street, a curious downtown tunnel and beautiful Whale Park, which is dominated by the Chief Kyan Totem Pole. The scenery will change dramatically as the Duck drives straight into the harbor and becomes a seaworthy boat. As you cruise through the Tongass Narrows, you will pass fishing boats, pleasure boats and perhaps even seaplanes. You will discover Ketchikan’s waterfront community and several canneries tucked along the forested shore. You might also catch sight of marine life and bald eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the amphibious Duck on land and through the harbor.
• See city landmarks and learn their often-notorious history.
• Cruise past coastal canneries while looking for wildlife.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, a Native Totem Park and a historic sawmill at an exclusive reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. A pristine natural environment, it is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals and a variety of birds and other species attracted by the major salmon runs in the abundant marine estuary. A naturalist will guide you along an improved trail through the heart of the dense forest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar, stopping at strategically located viewing areas. At a protected, open estuary, you'll follow Herring Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. Major runs of salmon return to spawn here. Listen to the symphony of bird activity in this spectacular setting. Seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity. A mile trail walk brings you to the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill. Stop at Tsimshian totem park, see a master carver working, check out our historic sawmill and watch our local blacksmiths at work. Check out the amazing collection of totems in the courtyard. Shopping opportunities await you in the General Store before the scenic drive back to the ship.

Explore Alaska's wilderness by boat and enjoy a crab feast at George Inlet Lodge. As you leave the cruise ship dock your motorcoach driver will narrate as you pass an old sawmill, totem poles and scenic waterfalls. Arrive at the lodge and meet your Captain and crew as you board the boat. Big windows and a heated cabin will ensure your comfort. Cruise up the inlet while exploring the history and natural beauty of the region. View an old fish cannery, the site of an old gold mine, snowcapped mountains, and 2,000-foot waterfalls. Wildlife often visits the area in search of food. Make sure to volunteer to help pull crab pots, see them up close, and learn about their anatomy and life cycle before returning them to the ocean. Return to the lodge to enjoy a tasty Dungeness crab feast! Be sure to save some room for Cheesecake with blueberry toppings! Following your meal, your tour wraps up with a scenic motorcoach trip in route to the cruise ship dock. Tour may run in reverse order.

OVERVIEW

Become absorbed in the rich culture of Southeast Alaska’s Native Americans and witness a rip-roaring lumberjack competition on this comprehensive tour of Ketchikan. Your first stop will be a visit to Saxman Native Village. For generations, Tlingit villages have maintained a tradition of welcoming visitors in regal style. In this Native community, tribal elders and others have worked hard to pass on many of the traditions that have long defined their culture. As you enter the Beaver Clan House, where you'll be welcomed by rhythmic pounding drums, song and dance. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the final dance before moving onto the 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 pass on their skills to eager apprentices. Visit the Village Store to purchase some of the finest Native Alaska art available. On the return trip, see sights of downtown Ketchikan and drive past Creek Street, the historic 'red light district'. Then, let the fun begin with a stop at the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show! Hardy lumberjacks bring to life Alaska’s colorful forest history with an action-packed competition in the partially covered and heated outdoor arena. Cheer on your team of world champion lumberjacks in events such as chopping, sawing, tree climbing and much more.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the local tribal culture at Saxman Native Village.
• Watch a performance of tribal dances and songs.
• See one of the world’s largest collections of totem poles.
• Cheer on the mighty competitors at a lumberjack show.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join seasoned Bering Sea fishermen for an extraordinary journey of discovery on the Aleutian Ballad, a storied crab boat featured on the television series “Deadliest Catch.” You will set out into the protected waters off Ketchikan and relax in the heated and sheltered outdoor amphitheater until the boat reaches prime crabbing water. In time, the crew will start hauling up crab pots and long lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life such as king crab, octopus, prawns and rock fish. The catch will then be placed into an on-deck aquarium for you to view and even touch, if you desire. The crew will also relate stories of their lives at sea and point out the indigenous marine life, which may include seals, sea otters and whales.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail the glassy calm waters of the inside passage on a real King Crab boat from the TV show “Deadliest Catch.
• Hear the real-life experiences from the seasoned fishermen as they haul crab pots and fishing lines full of marine life.
• Hands on opportunity to hold the daily catch and observe the catch in the on-deck aquarium. This is the only place in the world this excursion can be operated, don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to get the full Alaskan experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
• Be sure to bring a camera for the endless photo opportunities.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the pristine natural environment of Tongass National Forest, the largest such wilderness in America. As you follow the shaded nature trail through the understory, you can expect to be enthralled by the majesty of the towering, centuries-old trees and the serenity of the forest. While pausing at a meadow, the naturalist guide will identify some of the more unusual plants and describe their characteristics. You will enjoy a different perspective of the wilderness from a viewing platform at a nearby rapids, where bald eagles are often spotted. You will also pause farther down the trail next to a crystal-clear stream where salmon spawn each year. Here, the guide will explain some of the traditions and legends of the indigenous people that lived in the forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through Tongass National Forest.
• Marvel at the serenity and towering ancient trees.
• Listen to the naturalist describe the flora and fauna.
• Look for bald eagles and spawning salmon in season.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Cruise along Ketchikan’s beautiful waterfront in a window-walled expedition boat and look for Alaska’s most iconic wildlife on the outskirts of town. Whether you settle in on the observation deck or inside the heated cabin, you will enjoy spectacular views of Ketchikan and its backdrop of mountainous rainforest. Commentary will enhance your understanding of the sights, which include the town’s oldest working salmon cannery and Whiskey Cove, an infamous cove that rumrunners used during Prohibition. You will also learn about the area’s indigenous people when cruising past the world’s largest collection of totem poles at Saxman Native Village. Wildlife is especially abundant around Nichol’s Passage, where whales, seals and porpoises are frequently spotted. The captain will maneuver the boat to ensure the best views and pause so you can clearly see an active bald eagle’s nest. Built with large sticks for stability and moss for comfort, bald eagle nests can weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a sightseeing cruise along Ketchikan’s waterfront and into the surrounding waters.
• Learn about Ketchikan’s indigenous people and the town’s history during Prohibition.
• Look for iconic marine life such as whales, seals and porpoises.
• View an active bald eagle’s nest, a massive stick structure that may weigh 1,000 pounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Join your captain and crew on a cruise through the waters surrounding the naturally beautiful islands around Ketchikan. Once onboard, relax inside the heated main cabin or out on the observation deck, as you prepare for your first sighting of the iconic American bald eagle Along the way, you will be treated to panoramic views of the historic lighthouse on Guard Island and the Tlingit and Haida hand-carved totem poles and clan house at Totem Bight State Park. You will also witness a diversity of ecosystems as you cruise past coastal residential areas on Revillagigedo Island and along the undeveloped shoreline of Gravina Island, much of which is blanketed by the Tongass National Forest, our world’s largest temperate rainforest. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out for not just bald eagles, but harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, and whales. While taking in the scenery, enjoy a hot chocolate, freshly brewed coffee, or soda of your choice alongside a snack sampler plate of Alaskan specialties, including a traditional alder-smoked salmon.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire Alaska’s natural beauty while cruising to and from Guard Island.
• Relax in the boat’s heated main cabin or out on the observation deck.
• See the colorful, carved Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Totem Bight State Park.
• Look for wildlife such as bald eagles, harbor seals and humpback or orca whales.

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

Try your luck fishing in crystal-clear waters teeming with salmon, while enjoying a stunning backdrop of glacier-carved bays and fjords and the natural beauty of Tongass National Forest. Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, so there is no better place to catch these highly prized sportfish. Once you reach the prime fishing grounds, a captain will supply you with fishing gear and you will troll for salmon using a downrigger. There will be 4 rods in the water at one time. Anglers will rotate from rod to rod after a fish is caught so that everyone has the same amount of time on each one. Five species of salmon live in these waters, including king salmon, which are also called Chinook salmon. Pink salmon are the most abundant species and they are vigorous fighters. If you want to keep what you catch, it can be processed and shipped anywhere in the United States..

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish for hard-fighting, highly prized salmon.
• Enjoy a stunningly beautiful, natural backdrop.
• Ship your catch home if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Experience the essence of Ketchikan on a tour that seamlessly combines Alaskan history, native culture, and a unique culinary journey. Begin your adventure with the thrilling Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where world champion athletes dressed in spiked boots and hard hats, compete in 12 exciting events using seven-pound axes, six-foot razor-sharp saws, tree climbing gear, and roaring chainsaws. After the show, venture to Saxman Native Village to immerse yourself in the captivating Tlingit culture. Explore an impressive collection of artifacts that reveal the rich indigenous heritage of Southeast Alaska. Marvel at the intricately carved canoes that once navigated the region's waters and appreciate the majestic totem poles, each one telling stories of family lineage, significant historical events, and ancient myths. You'll also discover traditional regalia worn during dances and cultural celebrations, treasured and preserved through generations. Lastly, indulge in a unique Alaskan culinary experience that features locally crafted delicacies. Savor the artistry behind flavors that highlight the region's bounty, from bull kelp salsas and hot sauces to artisanal blueberry soda and s’more stout. Each delightful dish will be perfectly paired with a carefully curated beverage flight of your choice, enhancing your culinary adventure. This immersive tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the true spirit of Alaska!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where world champion athletes compete in 12 events.
• Explore Saxman Native Village to immerse yourself in the captivating Tlingit culture.
• Indulge in a unique Alaskan culinary experience that features locally crafted delicacies.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride through the wilderness in a Utility Terrain Vehicle designed for off-road adventure and admire the majestic panoramas while driving to and from Mahoney Lake. On the way to the base camp, you will enjoy spectacular views of George Inlet and Tongass National Forest. Still nothing rivals the exhilaration of hopping into the 2-seat or a 4-seat UTV and following the guide caravan-style up the mountainous 5-mile trail to Mahoney Lake. Whoever drives on the way up will switch positions and ride as a passenger on the way down. The serene lake and roaring Mahoney Falls are at the end of the trail, and both are well worth exploring. During stops, the guide will offer commentary about the history of Ketchikan, including the pulp mill at Ward Cove, which is longest operating such mill in Alaska. Back at the White River base camp, you can relive the experience while dining on vegan chili or a reindeer sausage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the extraordinary views while riding to and from Mahoney Lake in a UTV.
• Drive the UTV up to the lake and ride as a passenger on the way down. Or vice-versa.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of Mahoney Lake and Mahoney Falls at the end of the trail.
• Hear enlightening commentary about the history of Ketchikan and its historical pulp mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

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