EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

OVERVIEW

Explore the pristine waters of Icy Strait Point on this tour that highlights the protected waters of Port Frederick. From the pier, you will walk the short distance to the Kayak center where you will receive a safety briefing and kayaking orientation. Following that, you will hop in your two-person kayak and begin your adventure. You'll spend nearly two hours paddling about these pristine waters, delighting in the serenity and joy of being out on the water, as well as having the opportunity to observe the bountiful wildlife that inhabits this wilderness area. Your guide will help you spot animals, explain their habits, and offer all sorts of tidbits to maximize your time kayaking along the shoreline. While there are no certainties regarding what you might observe, humpback whales typically feed along the very same route that you will be traveling. You may see one in the distance breaching the water's surface, waving its fluke before diving, or spy hopping, which is when a whale pokes just its head out of the water to look around. The nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait are also home to orcas, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters and seals. During your excursion, you will also paddle to an even more serene area, frequented by bald eagles. There are few sights more visually arresting than following the flight of one of these majestic creatures as it rides the wind until swooping down to catch a fish with its talons. After returning to the beach at Icy Strait Point, you will turn in your equipment and head back to the ship, or perhaps visit the nearby Welcome Center.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak through Icy Strait Point, an area teeming with marine life.
• Watch for humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.
• Appreciate the wilderness even more as the naturalist explains its biodiversity.
• Look for bald eagles riding the wind until they swoop down to catch fish in their talons.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layers.
• Wear sturdy flat shoes.

OVERVIEW

Salmon, cod, rockfish, and lingcod are the order of the day on this highly adaptable adventure fishing excursion! On the Alaskan Combination Fishing trip, you and your guide are free to chase whatever species offers the best chance of action that day. This five-hour trip is about fun, fishing flexibility, and adventure. If the salmon are running, your guide is likely to recommend a day spent trolling through schools of pink, silver, and the elusive mighty king salmon. If you’re looking to have fun hooking fish on light tackle, you’ll be seeking out schools of rockfish suspended in the water column. On a particularly calm day, you might run farther in search of pacific cod and lingcod. Along the way, you’ll see primeval forests, mountains soaring up from the sea, and have a good chance of spotting marine mammals such as whales; porpoises; seals; and more! Though we can’t retain halibut on this trip, you may end up fighting some of these mighty fish in the process of chasing other species on the bottom. While we love catching and eating fish, we also love to safely release them back into the wild. Our company, and this excursion, are about accessing the absolute best experiences Alaska has to offer.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish in protected, relatively remote waters away from other anglers.
• Use the crew’s advice and fishing tips to increase your chances for landing a big fish.
• Watch for breaching whales, seals and eagles when cruising to and from the fishing grounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing and light rain gear.
• Wear flat comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

OVERVIEW

Tucked behind a stately hedge in a quiet suburb lies one of Victoria’s best kept secrets- the magical Abkhazi Garden with its exquisite design and rich history. During this self-guided walk, wander through this beautiful garden of dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas. Then, filled with the garden’s sights and scents, retreat to the charming teahouse to enjoy a three-tier Royal tea. Seated in the teahouse-Prince and Princess Abkhazi’s original residence- allow yourself to be transported back in time, as your guide recounts the couple’s captivating story of privilege and tragedy, separation, and romance. It’s a story that spans three continents and a world war, and which gave life to this exquisite garden. Finally, relaxed by the tranquility of this garden oasis and replete after a royal tea, reboard your coach for a reflective city tour before heading back to the pier. Garden is closed to the general public.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Your tour begins with a short walk from the pier to board a catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise along North America's longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice sculpted peaks, as your guide points out marine wildlife. Drive Razor style UTVs into the Alaskan wilderness. Scenic mountain and river views with wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Your knowledgeable guide will meet you at the dock in Haines. A scenic 26-mile drive along the National Scenic Byway and through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve brings you to our remote staging area.At the staging area, you’ll receive an orientation and safety briefing on our Razor style UTVs (Razor style Side-by-sides) from your guides. Guests wishing to drive must be at least 21 years old and bring a valid driver's license. There are a combination of 2-person and 4-person machines to accommodate varying group sizes and families. There are several spots along the tour where we can swap drivers to give everyone some time at the wheel. The UTVs are automatic transmission and drive similar to a car for ease of operation. These high performance UTVs are fun to drive and a great way to explore the Alaska wilderness. Over the next 15 miles of gravel road, your guide will lead you through a series of remote areas, and we’ll explore the wilds of Alaska! As we drive along beaver ponds and mountain meadows we may spot swans, salmon, eagles, bears or moose along the way. We’ll cross over Little Salmon creek and ascend to a series of viewpoints overlooking the Klehini, Tsirku and Chilkat River Valleys.From our high point, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch while we bask in the surrounding mountain views before you return to the fast ferry for the ride back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Begin with a short walk from the pier to board a catamaran for a 45-minute scenic cruise along North America’s longest and deepest fjord to Haines.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, ice-sculpted peaks, and marine wildlife during the cruise.
• Drive up to viewpoints overlooking the Klehini, Tsirku, and Chilkat River Valleys

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Ride a state-of-the-art window-walled gondola to the top of Hoonah Mountain and then board an open-air tram for an inspiring ride through an old-growth forest. The views will be spectacular in every direction as you ascend the mountain, which rises more than a quarter mile above the sea. The wheeled tram will offer a closer look at the natural world as it winds through the woods for about six miles. The towering stands of Sitka spruce and western hemlock are a wonder to behold. The significance of the forest becomes even clearer as your guide describes the delicate balance of its biodiversity and fascinating geology. Wildlife is abundant and it’s not uncommon to spot Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. You will also enjoy sweeping views of the Port Frederick Inlet, Spasski River Valley, glacially carved reflecting ponds and beautiful bogs known as muskegs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the breathtaking views while riding an aerial gondola up Hoonah Mountain.
• Ride an open-air tram through a dense forest while the guide describes the flora and fauna.
• Look for wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.
• Enjoy unlimited rides on the Sky Peak Gondola

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

Enjoy unlimited rides in a window-walled gondola to the mountaintop that looms behind Icy Strait Point and spend the day enjoying the outdoors as you please. As you ascend over the forested slopes, the views will be spectacular in every direction, especially once you reach the summit, which is more than a quarter mile above sea level. Glacier Bay stretches out before you and Tongass National Forest goes on as far as the eye can see. If you wish to hike through the woodlands, feel free. Wherever you wander, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as bald eagles and deer are abundant. You won’t have to rush your time at the summit because your all-day gondola pass allows you to descend whenever you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the breathtaking views while riding a gondola up the mountain behind Icy Strait Point.
• Spend as much time as you wish at the summit and descend on the gondola when you’re ready.
• Look for wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles while hiking through the woods.
• Your ticket includes unlimited rides on the Sky Peak Gondola

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

Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board an Alaskan-built expedition 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. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, don’t forget your camera and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation dec. 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 on beautiful Colt Island and enjoy an Alaskan inspired meal at Orca Point Lodge. At Orca Point Lodge, local seafood and traditional family recipes come together to offer a true taste of Alaska. Enjoy dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients and hear the stories behind each recipe that connect you to the region’s rich heritage. 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 boarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an immensely scenic and highly entertaining drive through Victoria, the compact capital of British Columbia with a distinctly Canadian flavor. You will hit the highlights, but none so broadly illuminating as a stop atop Mount Tolmie for a sweeping 360 degree view of the city. Major attractions in the heart of Victoria include the grand Parliament complex along the Inner Harbor, the British-influenced Empress Hotel, the University of Victoria and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, which was settled by the 19th-century Chinese immigrants that arrived to build the railways and join the gold rush. Still, few institutions are more well-known in Victoria than Tim Hortons, where you will pause for a cup of its signature coffee. Try some Timbits. By tour’s end, you will know more about Victoria than you ever imagined as you will play trivia along the way and receive a Canadian goodie bag.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain an overall perspective of Victoria on a panoramic drive through the downtown.
• Pass landmarks such as the Parliament complex, Chinatown and the Empress Hotel.
• Enjoy a cup of coffee and 4 small Timbits, at Tim Hortons, a downtown institution.
• Play Canadian trivia for prizes during the drive and receive a Canadian goodie bag.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins a short walk from the pier where you’ll board a high-speed catamaran for a 45-minute cruise along North America's longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Enjoy spectacular views and informative commentary as your guide points out marine wildlife. Watch for whales along the way, as you glide past breathtaking glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Upon arrival in Haines, enjoy a tour of the town followed by a water-safety briefing and a thorough introduction to kayaking. Once you’re outfitted in the necessary gear, we’ll put in. No previous experience is necessary and expert guides will make everyone quickly at ease in these stable kayaks. The stable and silent kayaks make excellent viewing platforms. And Chilkoot Lake - the setting for this leg of your adventure - is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, numerous bald eagles, waterfowl and one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in southeast Alaska. In addition to the excitement of kayaking in the midst of towering mountains, hanging glaciers and spectacular scenery, you may be treated to outstanding bear viewing during the riverside drive and while paddling on the lake, as multiple spawning streams enter the lake and offer frequent bear and eagle sightings. You’ll have 1.75 hours to explore by kayak. With fresh and saltwater destinations available, the location is chosen to provide the best kayaking and wildlife-viewing conditions and many visitors to Alaska feel there's no better way to fully experience the beauty of Alaska. A picnic-style lunch is served before you return to the fast ferry for the ride back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and marine wildlife, with chances to spot whales.
• Explore the town and then receive a water-safety briefing and kayak introduction.
• Paddle on Chilkoot Lake, home to Pacific salmon, bald eagles, waterfowl, and one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in southeast Alaska.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Fly high above the Alaskan wilderness in a helicopter and then cruise to Taku Glacier and walk across its ancient frozen surface. Few outdoor adventures offer such diverse opportunities and spectacular panoramic views. Moments after boarding the helicopter, you will soar above the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. You will pass over the Juneau Ice Field, Gastineau Channel, and the Taku River on the way to Taku Point, where you will touch down. You will then board a covered airboat and cruise several miles up the river to the Taku Glacier, where you will behold its sheer face from a unique water perspective. The airboat Captain will help you board the covered airboat as you cruise the 5-mile terminus of the only advancing glacier of the Juneau Ice Field. You’ll come within arm’s reach of the ice, and you’ll understand the immense size of this glacier as you stare up at it from the river. The captain will stop in various locations for photos, and to talk about the glacier and the river basin that it has been carved by nature over the years. Back at Taku Point, you’ll again board the helicopter that will take you up, up, up to the top of the Taku Glacier. Step out onto the amazing 4,500-foot-thick ice for a brief glacier landing. You’ll have time for more photos, and your pilot will give you details about the ice field and Taku Glacier. The helicopter will then return you to the airport and the van will return you to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly in a helicopter over some of Alaska’s most spectacular wilderness.
• Cruise up the Taku River in an airboat for an up-close view of Taku Glacier.
• Touch down in the helicopter on the glacier and walk across its ancient icy surface.
• You’ll have a chance to take pictures of the pristine Taku River basin, and the Taku Glacier spread before you.

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. 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.

OVERVIEW

Ride through the wilderness on the outskirts of Juneau in a Jeep with a retractable top that will offer unobstructed views of Alaska’s extraordinary beauty. A short drive along the Gastineau Channel will take you to Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers. As a bonus, a leisurely walk along the Steep Creek Trail offers an added chance to possibly observe a bear in the forest. Take a memorable drive toward the end of the road system, where the views from Eagle Beach are sweeping and this secluded stretch of sand is a great spot to view the majestic Chilkat Mountains. Also on your journey is the National Shrine of St. Thérèse; the building’s cobblestone exterior on a serene island is particularly memorable. Depending on weather conditions and guest preferences, your host will select a fourth destination that may include a scenic drive on Douglas Island, a visit to the salmon hatchery or a trip into Juneau’s past at historic Gold Creek.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride into the wilds that lie on the outskirts of Alaska’s capital in a 4x4 Jeep.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Pause at the Shrine of St. Thérèse, where a short causeway will lead to a quaint cobblestone church nestled in the trees.
• Soak in the beauty of the Chilkat Mountains from the peaceful shores of Eagle Beach.
• Depending on weather, your host will select a fourth location that might include the salmon hatchery, Gold Creek, or a scenic drive along Douglas Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

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