OVERVIEW

Paddle a canoe across a mountain lake and learn about the native flora and fauna while dining on an Alaskan-style snack. Following a short but picturesque drive to the lake, you will board a large, 37-foot canoe patterned after those used by Alaska’s indigenous people. Each canoe holds 20 people and is designed for stability and maneuverability. The guide will point out wildlife along the way and elaborate on the most fascinating aspects of the various species that thrive in the surrounding Tongass National Forest. You will also learn about the peoples that first settled this part of Alaska while pausing lakeside for a snack.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Canoe through the waters of a mountain lake.
• Behold some of Alaska’s most stunning scenery.
• Learn about the native flora and fauna.
• Dine lakeside on Alaskan-style snacks.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Soar through the treetops of a centuries-old rainforest and over glacially fed waterfalls on a series of exhilarating ziplines. You will ride to the Grizzly Falls zipline camp in an all-terrain Mercedes Unimog, a 4x4 vehicle made for off-road adventure. Then, after an orientation that will help you maximize the experience, the real thrills begin. After climbing the first zipline platform and getting harnessed in, you will step off into thin air. Gravity will pull you through the forest canopy and so close to the waterfalls that you can feel their rising mist. The ziplines will carry you downhill at an adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing speed of up to 45 miles per hour, or if you would prefer to take it a bit slower, just use the brake system. Either way, it will be a thrill. Suspension bridges link several of the zipline platforms, providing you will excellent photo opportunities and time to catch your breath.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the rainforest and over gorgeous waterfalls on a series of ziplines.
• Control the zipline speed with the braking system or tear downhill at full speed.
• Pause for photos of the natural beauty at several suspension bridges between the ziplines.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a spectacularly scenic cruise to a lodge on secluded Grant Island for a bountiful seafood lunch. You will board the boat in Clover Pass and then settle in for a leisurely cruise, passing some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of Alaska. Along the way, the guide will point out an active eagle’s nest and one of the area’s few manmade structures, a naval facility used to measure the acoustics from submarines. You might also see seals and porpoise frolicking in the water. Upon arriving at Silverking Lodge in the heart of Grant Island State Marine Park, you will have time to check out the anglers’ fresh catch and stroll the boardwalk that winds through the rainforest. The tallest known red cedar in the Tongass National Park towers majestically at the end of the boardwalk. A family style seafood feast follows, featuring a crab boil that includes Dungeness crab, mussels, shrimp, corn on the cob, baby red potatoes and garlic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to Grant Island, admiring the coastal scenery.
• See an active bald eagle’s nest.
• Walk through a rainforest on Grant Island.
• Feast on freshly caught seafood.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Paddle a kayak through the sheltered waters off Clover Pass, taking in the natural beauty of Tongass National Forest. After a scenic ride to the waterfront facility, you will receive a brief orientation on how best to maximize your kayaking adventure. Then, off you will go in a tandem kayak or a single if you have had experience sea kayaking. You can expect a wonderfully relaxing and immensely picturesque journey as you paddle along the coast of Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in America. The guide will point out various features of the land and describe some of the wildlife that lives around Clover Pass. Bald eagles are frequently spotted, as are seals. You might also see salmon leap or humpback whales’ surface out of the water and when the tide is low, starfish can be seen in the shallows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a kayak through the protected waters off Clover Pass.
• Behold Tongass National Forest from a unique perspective.
• Look for wildlife such as bald eagles and seals.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Take an exhilarating ride in a floatplane over the sprawling Juneau Icefield, a mass of ice the size of Rhode Island that contains dozens of glaciers. Shortly after boarding the floatplane, you will be soaring over some of Alaska’s most beautiful and majestic terrain. From your window seat, you can expect to see snow-capped peaks, roaring waterfalls and lush green rainforests on the way to the icefield. Still, the most stunning sights may be the ancient glaciers within the icefield. In all likelihood, you will fly over the azure meltwater pools of the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, advancing Taku Glacier, retreating Norris Glacier, and the East and West Twin Glaciers. Each one is spectacular in its own way, as you will discover by listening to their descriptions on a headset. This excursion also ends with a thrill, as the pilot eases the floatplane down for a smooth water landing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the massive Juneau Icefield in a floatplane.
• Enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery.
• Soar over four glaciers, each with its own characteristics.
• Watch for bears, mountain goats and moose while flying.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Engage in Alaska’s state sport of dog mushing on special equipment that is modified for the snow-free summer and interact with the huskies that effortlessly pull the sled. The mushers camp is across Gastineau Channel on Douglas Island, a heavily forested wilderness. It’s the ideal environment for the dogs to train for mushing through the snow come winter. You will gain a deep respect for the sport and the huskies by standing on the back of a wheeled sled as the team of dogs pulls it along a trail with ease. Back at the kennel, you will see how the dogs are cared for, perhaps talk with the camp’s veterinarian and play with a retired sled dog. Alaskan huskies are known for their great endurance, power and intelligence. You can’t help but be awed in their presence. The wooded setting is equally memorable, especially when seen from the suspension bridge that spans Fish Creek.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the wilderness at the back of a wheeled sled behind a team of huskies.
• Interact with the dogs and mushers that rely on them for winter travel.
• See how the huskies are cared for like professional athletes, which they are.
• Admire the seemingly endless wilderness from the suspension bridge over Fish Creek.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Exploring Hawaii Island’s explosive side is what this tour is all about. Walk Kilauea’s most recent lava flows along the East Rift Zone, including the historic flows of 2018. Start with a drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront past Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens before heading out to Kilauea. Your National Park Service certified guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of Hawaii, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. First stop is MacKenzie State Recreation Area closed by the marching 40 foot tall wall of crumbly a’a lava as it continued through the Park to the sea. Take a walk along the altered coastline and cliffs overlooking the new black sand beach. Isaac Hale Beach Park is next. Lava floes encircled this popular Park miraculously sparing the infrastructure while completely destroying everything around it. Be sure to check out the boat launch ramp, now sitting in a pond cut off from the ocean by a natural berm of lava.

Stop by Star of the Sea Painted Church. Moved by the community twice to save it from advancing lava flows in 1990, this decommissioned church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A deli style lunch is included. The final stop includes snorkeling, swimming and shopping. Grab a free snorkel set or just jump in the water and explore the unique lava rock coastline of Hilo Bay. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent. Stock up on fresh roasted Kona coffee, Hawaiian mac nuts, and other local products and crafts before heading back to the port.

Experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers! A short drive brings you to the heliport where, following a safety video, you’ll be outfitted with boots. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you’ll encounter.

Upon arrival at your glacial destination you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work.

OVERVIEW

Try your luck fishing for halibut, a species of flatfish that gets massive and feeds voraciously in the summer. You will head out to the fishing grounds in a group of no more than six guests, which ensures that the captain and crew can provide exceptional personal attention to increase your chances of catching one of these behemoths. Once the boat anchors, you will fish with a vertical rigging to reach the bottom of the ocean floor where halibut live. The larger fish are usually females and can grow up to eight feet in length and five feet in width, which is why they are often called “barn doors.” Imagine what a thrill it would be to reel in one of these lunkers. If you catch one, you will notice that it has smooth scales and a light-colored bottom and a darker top, which acts as a natural camouflage that mimics the hues of the ocean floor and water.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish for halibut on a private boat with just five other guest’s maximum.
• Follow the crew’s advice and tips to increase your chance of catching a huge halibut.
• Ship your catch home fully processed if you want to eat it later.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

A great combination of two popular Skagway tours! Board the historic White Pass & Yukon Railroad for your scenic and informative ride to Fraser Station in British Columbia, Canada. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your professional guides, well versed in the local history and ecology of the area, for a 15-minute van shuttle across the spectacular Yukon Plateau. Enjoy this stunning country as you travel along the headwaters of the Yukon River to the Summit of the White Pass.

After an orientation and safety briefing, board your bicycle for the 15-mile downhill cruise back to Skagway. Enjoy the refreshing outdoors and scenic splendor as your guides escort you from summit to sea along the paved Klondike Road. Stops are made along the way for photos and views of waterfalls, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, glaciers, majestic mountains, and Alaskan wildlife. You even get to ride your bike through the US Border station! Join this fun excursion for a unique experience in Alaska and the Skagway Valley.

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.

Enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the wilderness on the outskirts of Victoria from atop the Malahat SkyWalk and see the highlights downtown on a panoramic drive. The SkyWalk is an open-air spiral ramp that rises more than 800 feet above sea level. The views will become more sweeping and spectacular the higher you ascend above the forest of Douglas firs and Arbutus trees. From the top of the tower, you will gaze out over the Salish Sea, the Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and a collection of Canadian and American islands. Few sights are quite so dramatic. For added excitement, you can walk out onto the Adventure Net that soars 10 stories above the ground and look straight down. You may also zip to the bottom on the enclosed spiral slide. The scenic drive through Victoria will be exhilarating in a different way as you will see the city’s absolute icons, including the Parliament Buildings.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gaze out over the wilderness from atop the open-air 10-story Malahat SkyWalk.
• Admire the 360° views of the surrounding forest and sea with Mount Baker in the distance.
• Look straight down while standing on the Adventure Net, the only thing between you and the ground.
• Settle in for a panoramic drive through Victoria that presents a variety of key landmarks.

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