The adventure begins with a scenic motorcoach ride along the Klondike Highway, paralleling the route used by prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. You'll ascend to the 3,290-foot White Pass Summit, while you take in the magnificent scenery surrounding you. Your ride continues as you travel just a few miles north to the famous Yukon Suspension Bridge. While at the bridge, experience the sensation of a swaying walkway 57 feet above the rapids of the Tutshi River. Enjoy the scenery from the main platform and then walk through the museum-quality displays that detail the area's unique human and natural history.

Next, you will head to Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp for a salmon bake buffet. Enjoy wild Alaska salmon grilled over an open wood fire, baked chicken, a variety of salads, beans, rice pilaf, cornbread and dessert while in the destination of the recreated tent city from 1898. After your meal, wander through the Liarsville camp, named for the journalists that reported from the area during the height of the Gold Rush. You may return directly to the ship or be dropped off in Skagway for independent sightseeing and shopping.

Soar by Goldbelt Tram up 1,800 feet above the city to take in one of the most expansive and beautiful views in Alaska. Once at the top of GoldbeltTram, you'll find that the Tr’ale house is the starting point of an extensive trail system, be sure to stop in and get the latest information about the trail conditions, plant life and wildlife. Your optional hike includes observation platforms in the rainforest and Alpine meadows. At the Mountain House, you can watch a complimentary film, Seeing Daylight. Shop at the Golbelt Tram Gifts & Gallery, a unique shop that includes all your souvenir needs as well as those one of a kind, handcrafted, museum-quality jewelry and artwork. Refreshing food and beverages are available for purchase at the Timberline Bar & Grill. The Goldbelt Tram is a family, friendly attraction, suitable for all ages and abilities.

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.

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

Get ready for an intimate boating adventure through the Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord! You'll get extra-close to the shore while exploring hidden coves, waterfalls, beaches and abundant wildlife on this fun filled, two-hour sightseeing tour. Your knowledgeable Captain will make multiple stops for photo opportunities and wildlife sightings, while providing a colorful narrative throughout the tour. Keep your eyes open for whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, mountain goats and sea birds as you explore the rugged wilderness of this majestic fjord. On occasion the Captain will turn the engines off, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds and smells of this pristine Alaska wilderness. Climb aboard the same type of boat used by U.S. Navy Seals and Coast Guard rescue teams. With its deep V hull surrounded by inflatable tubes this boat is designed to deliver a smooth ride in any ocean condition. You’ll be provided with a Coast Guard approved exposure suit to wear over your own clothing, which will keep you warm and dry throughout your adventure. You will also be provided hats, gloves, and goggles. Recommended but not necessary are sunglasses, and a camera. You’ll straddle the custom shock-absorbing seats as you race by the steep rock walls of this spectacular fjord. This adrenaline-packed excursion covers more of Alaska’s rugged wilderness in less time, allowing you to spend the rest of your day exploring the historic gold rush town of Skagway.

Your guide will meet you at the Kayak Center to escort you to the staging area for an orientation and safety instruction. The protected waters of Port Frederick are yours to explore as you set off from the beach at Icy Strait Point in your two person wilderness sea kayak. Led by your safety certified, local guide, you'll paddle along the Hoonah waterfront enroute to quieter waters where bald eagles are often seen. Keep your eyes open and your spirit of adventure high throughout this 2 1/2 hour tour as humpback whales have been known to feed along the very same route you'll be paddling.

There are fewer cities more spectacularly suited for a walking tour than Victoria. This delightful two-hour excursion will commence at the cruise terminal and start out along the seawall that is lined with the well-manicured lawns and gardens of those lucky enough to live with a view of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and the Olympic Mountain Range.

Stepping away from the bustle of the cruise terminal, you will walk down into the heart of downtown, which is full of shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and much more. The Inner Harbor of Victoria is a bustling and vibrant area with regular seaplane departures to the surrounding islands, street performers, local crafts and food vendors. This is also the location of the Royal BC Museum, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel with its façade of century-old ivy- covered walls. As you make your way through the city, your experienced local guide will share with you the inside stories and history of the area and a true insider's knowledge of all things unique to the City of Victoria.

Your guided tour concludes on the lawns of the Empress Hotel and you are encouraged to further explore Downtown on your own before heading back to the ship at your leisure. For those who don't wish to walk back, a shuttle will be available.

OVERVIEW

Spend a delightful evening enjoying the quintessential Victorian tradition of tea and savory treats – but with an alluring twist – at the Fairmont Empress, an iconic hotel that has graced the shores of the Inner Harbor since 1908. Over the years, a Who’s Who of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities have enjoyed afternoon tea at the Empress. But this after-hours affair is quite different as their signature Empress tea will be served iced, not hot, noting special alcoholic cocktails are available for purchase. The culinary offerings will be equally memorable as they will likely include a warm white cheddar & chive biscuit, Vegan Mushroom pate, gluten free tapioca violet mousse. Afterwards, you will have free-time to enjoy the inner harbor, including the domed Parliament Buildings, which dominates the skyline, especially in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Savor a special after-hours tea at the Empress Fairmont hotel, an icon since 1908.
• Sip special seasonal iced teas, rather than hot teas.
• Enjoy a driving tour around the Inner Harbor, which will be dramatically illuminated at night.

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

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley -- home of the Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arriving at Mendenhall, your Driver-guide will point out many of the attractions that you'll want to experience during your 2 hour stay. Areas you'll want to explore include the central view from Photo Point, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center -- includes a short film telling the story of the Juneau Ice Field, several scenic trails. The duration of the stay will allow for ample time to walk out to Nugget Creek Falls where you can stand along the shore as a large glacier fed waterfall terminates nearby. This same shore provides the closest view of Mendenhall Glacier without standing on the ice. Other area trails include Steep Creek -- where sockeye salmon can be seen spawning from mid-July through September, and the Moraine Ecology Trail. Each of these trails meanders through the Tongass National Forest, and many offer different viewpoints of the glacier in the background. Due to occasional bear activity, food consumption is prohibited in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.

Flying high above alpine ridges and lush rainforests, you’ll gain new appreciation for this rugged land as your pilot shares a lively narrative. As you approach the icefield and its many glaciers, you’ll marvel at the twisted spires, deep blue crevasses and carved peaks that make up this ancient landscape. Soaring even higher, you may pass the Mendenhall Towers jagged rock sentinels that climb more than 7,000 feet and the spectacular icefalls that overflow to form the Mendenhall Glacier. View icefalls, spires, and the many hanging glaciers suspended on the surrounding mountainsides before a gentle landing on this slowly moving river of ice. Continue your adventure on foot as you explore the glacier's surface with your expert glacier guide. See and understand how glaciers form, flow and carve out the landscape. Following your glacier landing, you’ll depart for a stunning flight back to civilization. Leaving the glacier behind you will take with you memories that will last a life-time.

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Ride 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.

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

Learn hands-on how to prepare and grill locally caught seafood and then savor the feast that you have masterfully created. This one-of-a-kind culinary class isn’t just educational and entertaining; it’s immensely satisfying to the palate, as you will dine on the specialties that you have grilled. First, you will learn how to prepare the dishes, using the preferred methods of filleting fish and adding seasonings that bring out the full flavors. Depending on the recipe, you may use freshly picked herbs or traditional sauces concocted from local ingredients. After the dishes are prepared, they will be grilled over alder wood, which imparts a unique smoked flavoring because of the natural sugars stored in the wood. Your mouth will surely be watering as the seafood is expertly grilled. Then comes the moment you have been waiting for: feasting on the grilled bounty of the sea; a delicious meal you now know how to recreate at home.

This excursion combines a trip over the Klondike Highway with a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, leaving you time for further exploration during your visit to Skagway. This tour is presented in multiple foreign languages simultaneously.

Your experience begins onboard a comfortable mini-bus whose large picture windows afford spectacular views as you travel through Skagway and north along the Klondike Highway up through the West White Pass in the St. Elias Range. This is the highest coastal range in the world, and one of North America's most scenic mountain roads. Your guide will tell a century’s worth of White Pass stories, and there are plenty of landmarks along the way including Dead Horse Trail, the old Brackett Wagon Road, Pitchfork Falls and Moore Bridge. Photo opportunities of numerous glaciers and peaks abound.

Upon arrival at Fraser, British Columbia, you’ll board a vintage narrow gauge railcar for your trip aboard the world famous White Pass & Yukon Railroad. The train takes you through the opposite side of the Pass, and down the other side of the canyon, with new breathtaking panoramas of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls back down the grade to Skagway.

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.

Treat yourself to an action packed rowdy good time at The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Southeast Alaska’s rich logging history comes to life in this thrilling display of woodsmen skills. The world’s best lumberjacks go head-to-head in exciting events such as chopping, sawing, relay races, axe throwing, log rolling and of course the 50-foot speed climb. Your colorful host will not only introduce the events but will also offer a historic view of the Alaskan timber industry which has shaped this rugged land. This celebration of a bygone era is a rip-roaring good time and quality entertainment for all ages. A must do in Ketchikan! Covered, heated and cushioned grandstands make this a great choice on rainy days. Videotaping is not permitted but guests can participate in our annual photo contest. Shopping is available before and after the show.

Take an insider’s tour of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a national historic site that is more commonly known as the Centre of the Universe. The observatory perches on Little Saanich Mountain high above Victoria and has been instrumental in studying the night sky since opening more than a century ago. Its two telescopes has contributed significantly to our understanding of the Milky Way, magnetic stars and distant quasars and galaxies. But you don’t have to be an astronomer to appreciate the observatory’s research and findings. An enlightening planetarium show will make even the most complex astronomical concepts easier to understand. You will see the original model of the telescope that journeyed to the world’s fair in 1915. You will also see the original 2.2 ton mirror for the telescope, world events at the start of the 20th century made the journey of this mirror quite special.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, also known as the Centre of the Universe.
• Watch an enlightening presentation in the planetarium.
• Gain an understanding of the discoveries made at the observatory over the past century.
• Travel through Victoria’s beautiful downtown on the way to and from the observatory.

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

Enjoy a 10 minute van ride to the takeoff site. After gearing up with layers, take a fast boat ride to the remote and protected Tatoosh Islands. Have your camera handy for the magnificent scenery and wildlife sighting opportunities on the fast and fun boat ride. Ancient cedars, spruce and western hemlock trees add to the peace and tranquility of the setting as you glide along the wild rocky shoreline. Bald eagles peer down from overhead, while seals often pop up to take a peek. You might spot a deer or mink along the shore or colorful seaweed, kelp, starfish, jellyfish and other inhabitants of the intertidal area. Other life you might see are humpback whales, sea lions and orca or maybe an eagle catching a salmon from the water! Upon arrival guides will greet you and present a thorough but quick orientation. Get into your double kayak and launch onto the water. Practice your strokes as you approach the sheltered islands, circumnavigate the Tatoosh islands. After the kayak enjoy a fresh baked cookie. No paddling experience is necessary but expect to paddle 3 miles. The tour is operated for a limited number of guests under special use permit with the US Forest Service.

On this amazing adventure you’ll walk on raised balance beams, cross exciting suspension bridges, and fly through the air on a series of ziplines! Join expert guides for the ride of a lifetime! Your adventure begins with a narrated drive through historic downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the highway, a short nature hike brings you to the spectacular Adventure Park where expert guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment.

First you’ll enter an incredible series of ropes course crossings including burma loops, suspended bridges and raised balance beams. Next up is a fantastic series of six ziplines through the lush Alaskan canopy. Zoom from platform to platform while your friends and family cheer you on! Your heart will be pumping as you get ready for the “Walk the Plank” zip that soars high above the ground through the treetops! This adventure is perfect for all abilities and everyone will enjoy the amazing mountain views and excitement of effortlessly soaring through the air!

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.

Experience Skagway with Alaska’s original city historical tour for an informative fun filled 90 minutes to “all points of interest”. Skagway character Martin Itjen came here looking for gold in 1898 and became the town’s most celebrated storyteller. He gave Alaska’s first motorized sightseeing tour on his “Skagway Street Car” for U.S. President Warren G. Harding in 1923 and delighted visitors for decades. Today, Martin’s tour lives on! Aboard your yellow 1927 sightseeing bus, your costumed “conductor” passes on a century of history, behind-the-scenes tales and stories.

Explore the waterfront and National Park Historic District, enjoy the panoramic views from the scenic overlook and have your camera ready for the recounting of the Soapy Smith gunfight at the Gold Rush Cemetery. Highlighting the history of this gold rush town and the pioneer families that built it, you’ll motor through the residential neighborhoods of Skagway, famous for its flower gardens. A courtesy stop is made in town for those wanting to shop or explore independently before the tour continues back to the ship. Don’t miss seeing “all points of interest” aboard the Skagway Street Car.

For generations Tlingit villages have maintained a tradition of welcoming visitors in regal style. In this Native community, tribal elders have worked hard to pass on the traditions that have long defined their culture. A short video program will introduce you to the culture and history of Saxman. Then enter the Beaver Clan House, where after a traditional theatrical production, you’ll be greeted by song and dance.

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the final dance, before moving on to Saxman Totem Park, one of the largest gatherings of totem poles in the world. The next stop is the Village Carving Center, where talented carvers work and a host will explain their carving techniques. A stop at the Village Store offers the opportunity to purchase some fine Alaska Native or pick up a memento of your visit.

Your professional driver/guide will provide you with lively narration and share the unique history of Ketchikan as you drive along the scenic Tongass Narrows en route to Totem Bight State Park, home to one of the world's largest stand of totems. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tongass National Rainforest under the canopy of majestic hemlock and cedar trees. At the end of the trail you’ll be impressed by the large collection of totem poles that your driver/guide will bring to life for you. Through entertaining stories and narrative you’ll learn about the culture and lifestyles practiced by the northwest coastal Natives and have a chance to enter into an authentic Native clan house. During your brief stop at the quaint Alaska Totem Trading store, you’ll have an opportunity to shop and view beautifully carved totems along with a collection of vintage automobiles. Returning to town, catch a glimpse of Ketchikan's colorful past as you drive past Creek Street, the historic red light district.

Finally, it’s time to enjoy the 'The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show'! Hardy lumberjacks gather in this partially covered and heated outdoor arena, to compete in various logging events for you. Crowd favorites like log rolling, ax-throws and speed-climbing events will bring you out of your seat, as you cheer your lumberjack on. Many world champion athletes, as seen on ESPN and the Travel Channel, spend their summers in Ketchikan and will be performing in this great show.

Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an exceptional experience near the face of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns nest in the towering cliffs and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls.

Refuel with an Alaskan-style snack. You’ll make your trip in a traditional easy to paddle, 15 - 20 passenger Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28 foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the U.S. Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants.

An all you can eat mouthwatering assortment of warm and cold dishes awaits your arrival in Skagway. Feast on wild Alaskan caught salmon grilled over an open alder wood fire as part of this feast in the forest. Enjoy Chilkoot Chicken, Panners Pasta, Prospector Pete’s Reindeer Beans, Liarsville Rice Medley, Sluice Box Slaw and other fresh salads, plus cornbread and blueberry cake for dessert. Beer and wine are available for purchase.

This delicious meal also includes a visit to an 1898 replica campsite located in the historic Liarsville region. During your visit, take time to reflect on how the prospectors of yesteryear survived. Chat with the colorful characters and gold-digging madams as you enjoy a glimpse back at life during the Klondike gold rush. Visit the Fancy Goods Gift Shop to find that special souvenir.

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 visit 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 en route to the cruise ship dock. Tour may run in reverse order.

Enjoy a panoramic drive through Victoria’s inner harbor in the evening, when the city lights are twinkling brightly, and the urban landscape is spectacularly radiant. You will first pause at the Canadian institution Tim Hortons for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a few tasty Timbits, the franchise’s bite-size donuts. Then just settle in and admire the sights, perhaps the most famous being the grand Fairmont Empress, a château-style hotel built in 1908 that overlooks the waterfront. The domed Legislative Assembly of British Columbia dominates the skyline because it is outlined in brilliant white lights. Other landmarks that look more dramatic at night include the Maritime Museum and Royal BC Museum. Throughout the trip, the tranquil waters of the inner harbor will reflect the city lights, making the setting all the more memorable. As a parting gift, you will receive a classic Canadian goodie bag.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through Victoria’s inner harbor at night, when it is beautifully illuminated.
• Pass landmarks such as the Parliament complex and the Fairmont Empress hotel.
• Enjoy coffee and donut morsels from Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution.
• Play Canadian trivia for prizes during the drive and receive a goodie bag.

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

Paddle a two-person kayak across the calm waters of Connell Lake, a manmade reservoir that the Tongass National Forest surrounds. Following a briefing to help you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the guide around the lake. This beautiful body of water was created in 1952 by damming several creeks to feed millions of gallons of freshwater to the Ketchikan pulp mill. The 60-foot concrete dam still exists and continues to supply water to resources throughout the community. Today, Connell Lake is known more for its spectacular natural beauty, which you will see up-close as you paddle along the forested shore of America’s largest national park. Unusual flora and fauna abound, which the guide will describe as you paddle around the lake to several hidden wonders.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Kayak across naturally beautiful Connell Lake, all of which the Tongass National Forest surrounds.
• Gain a historical perspective of the manmade lake, which once provided millions of gallons of freshwater needed to operate the Ketchikan pulp mill.
• Learn about the indigenous flora and fauna from the naturalist guide.

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

Cruise through the spectacular Tongass Narrows in a Zodiac boat and take in the extraordinary coastal scenery with the chance of seeing iconic Alaskan wildlife. You may captain the 4-person Zodiac or ride along as a passenger. Either way, the views from sea level will be breathtaking. You will follow the guide’s boat past the islands off Refuge Cove and on to Totem Bight State Historical Park, home to a replica village like the ones the indigenous Tlingit and Haidas inhabited in the 19th century. The guide will entertain you with stories about these earlier times, logging, and the history of businesses such as the Ketchikan Pulp Mill. The Tongass Narrows is teeming with wildlife, and you may spot orcas and humpback whales breaching the water’s surface. Bald eagles are commonly seen soaring above, along the shore and feasting on fish that they have just plucked from the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS • Skirt along the spectacularly scenic shoreline of the Tongass Narrows in a Zodiac boat.
• Captain the Zodiac, be one of three passengers or switch positions if you like.
• Look for wildlife that includes orcas, humpback whales and bald eagles.
• Learn about the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people and how they lived in the 19th century.

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

Join us on an excursion where you learn about Alaska’s official state sport with a trip to Dog Sledding Summer Camp. Your adventure begins on the breathtaking drive along Gastineau Channel, through the historic AJ Gold Mine site and into the remote and scenic Sheep Creek Valley. As you arrive at the summer camp training site, you will be greeted by a professional dog musher and some of the state’s most famous athletes: the Alaskan Huskies! You will receive an educational tour of the camp, and visit a 19th century replica Iditarod Outpost. Next, climb aboard a comfortable wheeled cart and relax as your energetic Alaskan husky team guides you along the one-and-a-half-mile trail through beautiful landscapes. You’ll return to Dog Sledding Summer Camp for your chance to meet the dogs and snuggle the next generation of great Alaskan athletes: sled dog puppies! This family-friendly excursion is truly an authentic Alaskan experience.

Venture into the pristine wilds to look for iconic Alaskan animals such as humpback whales and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Your adventure will begin aboard a whale-watching boat accompanied by a naturalist that will describe the creatures that you may soon observe. The nutrient-rich waters here are teeming with humpback whales that come to feed each summer before heading south to their breeding grounds. What a sight to watch these behemoths, which grow to about 50 feet long, as they breach the water’s surface and then dive down to feed again. Chances are, you will also catch sight of porpoises, sea lions and seals. After disembarking, you will drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for grizzly bears. They take their name from the gray, grizzled tips of their fur. Bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer are also commonly spotted here.

OVERVIEW

Sample a selection of craft beers and single-malt whiskies made with locally sourced ingredients at the only combined microbrewery and distillery in Canada. A guide in a Scottish tartan kilt will lead you on an entertaining behind-the-scenes tour of both locales – Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery – and describe the production of the whiskies and beers in great detail. You can expect it to be an eye-opening experience as these libations are made exclusively using traditional techniques that guarantee their extraordinary quality. During the tastings, you will be served two distinctly aged whiskies and three beers that may include an aromatic raspberry crème brûlée ale, a IPA made from four different hops and a sour beer flavored with coriander and salt. An enlightening driving tour through Victoria follows, during which you will pass through Canada’s oldest Chinatown and view the iconic Empress Hotel and grand Parliament complex along the Inner Harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an insider’s tour of Canada’s only combined microbrewery and distillery.
• See how the various craft beers and single-malt whiskies are produced using traditional techniques.
• Sample a selection of beers and whiskies made with locally sourced ingredients.
• View many of the landmarks in downtown Victoria on an enlightening driving tour.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Race through the wilderness on a utility task vehicle and then cruise along the gorgeous shoreline to a waterfront lodge for a hearty crab feast and beer pairing. After taking the wheel of the UTV, you will tear through mountainous terrain and along old logging roads at adrenaline-pumping speeds that will make this driving adventure all the more memorable. Upon reaching the coast, you will board 46-foot enclosed sightseeing vessel and cruise down an inland arm of the sea. The views will be spectacular, especially while passing the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, an amphitheater-like valley that ancient glaciers carved through the rugged landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout this remote area, especially bald eagles. A sumptuous meal awaits you at George Inlet Lodge, a former 1940s bunkhouse for a fish cannery. It is a beautiful setting to dine on freshly caught Dungeness crabs paired with a number of unique craft beers from several local breweries.

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.

Watch a team of sled dogs demonstrate their pulling power and then try your hand at panning for gold like the prospectors that once poured into this area to make their fortunes. The venue for these eye-opening experiences is Dredge Town, a collection of buildings that look like they’re right out of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The sled drivers, known as mushers, will describe how the dogs are cared for and trained to maximize their strength and stamina to pull the sleds, often competitively in contests such as the demanding 1,000-mile Iditarod. As you will see, the dogs are spectacular athletes. Enter the Gold Rush Training Camp, where you will learn how to extract paydirt, sluice, and assay your results. Learn the art of gold panning with a humorous and educational show. Practice your technique in heated water troughs. Gold is guaranteed and so is a great time! Weigh your fortune with our assayers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a sled dog camp and watch the animals demonstrate their prodigious skills.
• Interact with the sled dogs, including the puppies.
• Pan for gold much like the prospectors during the gold rush.

Stretch, twist and pull your very own colorful Venetian glass on this tour. Sitka was once known as the “Paris of the Pacific” and has a long history of cultivating fine arts. It was home to the first opera house and performing arts center on the west coast. From the performing arts to working with metal, glass, clay and painting - Sitka is known as the arts and educational center of the southeast region. During your tour you’ll experience this unique culture by visiting several fine art galleries in the downtown area, last of which is the Wild Arts Gallery and Glass Studio.

Here a local artist demonstrates how to pull a Venetian style glass cane in the studio and assist you as you twist, stretch, and pattern your own canes. Canework is the technique that Italian artists use to create intricate colors and patterns in their glass pieces. Learn more about the science side of glass working and how to manipulate hot molten glass in a very safe and exciting way. Tour may include a number of demonstrating artists including carving, painting and drum making. Galleries visited are all local Sitka artists.

Explore the avian diversity of Hoonah’s lush temperate rainforest and its surrounding tidal waters with a local expert. Your guide will show you the best places to look for birds such as ducks, gulls and bald eagles, starting with the Port Frederick area. Because the waters are nutrient-rich, seabirds flock here to feed. The nearby ferry terminal is a favorite place for pigeon guillemots, one of the most common diving seabirds in southeast Alaska. A brief stop at an active bald eagle’s nest will reveal how this easy-to-recognize bird of prey lives. More excellent chances to spot birds, especially cormorants, await you along the Long Island causeway. Then, your guide will lead your small group down a forest trail and through grasslands to observe passerines, the huge order of songbirds that includes sparrows, warblers and flycatchers. The feisty rufous hummingbird is also found here, when not following the largest migration route of any American hummingbird.

Enjoy Victoria's Highlights with a twist, combined with the exhilaration of the wildly popular escape room experience. Board your coach for a fun-filled narrative through the city's oldest neighborhood, James Bay, before arriving to Ross Bay. Experience the charm of one of Victoria’s most historic places and as your guide shares stories of its most notable characters.

Continue through downtown's Inner Harbor with the iconic Empress Hotel and BC Legislative Building, and then Chinatown before visiting Bastion Square. Stroll the cobbled streets for haunted stories of the old jail and courthouse before visiting the Escape Room. Here you will have 45 minutes to uncover a mystery in a detailed escape room set, finding clues, solving puzzles, triggering high tech props & unlocking your way into multiple room with your small group of fellow guests.

Once completed, explore Victoria on your own (if port time permits), or return on your coach back to the ship.

A short, narrated bus ride brings you to Salmon Creek, the outdoor site for your salmon bake. Listen to live Alaska folk music while you dine under translucent, heated domes shielding you from the elements. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast. Savor Alaskan caught wild salmon barbecued over an open alder wood fire accompanied by chicken, potatoes, baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of salads, cornbread, lemonade, coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate as well as blueberry cake for dessert. Beer, wine and soda are available for purchase.

Stroll through the woods and roast marshmallows over the campfire . Take a short walk along Salmon Creek, a salmon spawning steam, to a breathtaking waterfall. Here you can also explore the remains of the historic Wagner Mine and try your hand at gold panning. Stop by the Trading Post to browse and shop for Alaskan items.

The adventure begins with a tour down the historic streets of Skagway out to Alaska 360 where you will enjoy an authentic smoked BBQ lunch including ribs, chicken and various side dishes. Dine inside or on the riverside patio or rooftop deck surrounded by mountain views. Learn the art of gold panning and practice your technique in warm-water troughs. Gold is guaranteed in every pan! Haul your treasure into the Gold Shack and have it weighed. Then, browse a collection of gold nugget jewelry and discover unique, souvenirs in the gift shop. Next board for a scenic motorcoach ride along the Klondike Highway, paralleling the route used by prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. You'll ascend to the 3,290-foot White Pass Summit, while you take in the magnificent scenery surrounding you. Finally, enjoy the panoramic views from the Scenic Overlook of the city of Skagway before returning to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through Skagway’s historic district, which thrived during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• Take a ride to White Pass Summit and stop for photos overlooking the city of Skagway.
• Pan for gold just like the Gold Rush prospectors and dine on a hearty BBQ lunch.

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

The Skagway Triple Adventure is the ultimate Alaska outdoor experience! You’ll bike through the coastal temperate rainforest onto the tidal flats, hike a portion of the historic Chilkoot Trail, then float down the glacial-fed Taiya River on a relaxing raft journey. You’ll get to do it all on this one excursion! This amazing tour starts with a 25 minute narrated van ride to the historic Taiya River Valley. Once home to 10,000 stampeders, nature has now reclaimed the land.

Your guides escort you on five miles of easy pedaling on flat dirt roads with stops at historic and natural sites. Search for eagles and view colorful wildflowers while enjoying beautiful mountain vistas. Enjoy a snack at the end of your biking segment then begin your two mile hike on the Chilkoot Trail. You will retrace the steps of the Gold Rush stampeders hiking through a green moss-covered northern temperate rainforest. At the end of the one-way hike, you’ll meet up with your raft guide for a relaxing river float on the tranquil Taiya River.

Discover fascinating aspects of the native wildlife and local culture at Sitka Sound Science Center, and then return to Sitka to sample a selection of local craft beers. The science center is a great place to learn about the marine creatures indigenous to these waters. After your educational visit at the science center, a quick drive will take you to a scenic photo stop at the University of Alaska. Your guide will share about how the university was a military base and airfield during WW2. Following your historical immersion, you will head to the Channel Club restaurant for a light salmon meal and tasting of beers made with local ingredients.

This tour is a 65 mile journey into the Yukon! Climb aboard a deluxe motorcoach and experience the magic and the mystery of the famed Yukon Territory. Your adventure begins on the docks of Skagway, but soon you’ll be climbing the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass 3,292 feet above sea level. Majestic peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers can all be experienced and enjoyed on this incredible drive. Leaving the White Pass and the USA behind, you’ll enter Canada and the unspoiled and untamed beauty of the Yukon Territory. Marvel at the chain of lakes that form the headwaters of the Yukon River, explore the rustic town of Caribou Crossing “Carcross”, snap a quick photo of the world’s smallest desert and enjoy the tales of the Klondike Gold rush provided by your guide throughout your journey. A stop at the Caribou Crossing Trading Post is an opportunity to satisfy your wilderness appetite with a delicious chicken barbecue lunch complete with all-you-can-eat homemade donuts. After your meal, tour the Yukon's most extensive Wildlife Museum and then on to the Dog Musher’s Village where you can visit with Iditarod dog mushers and take pictures with the sled dogs and husky puppies or, for an extra fee, join them for a dog cart ride with the actual Iditarod and Yukon Quest dogs. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy the petting farm. Once back at Fraser, British Columbia, you’ll board the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad for a truly unforgettable ride on this historic and breathtaking narrow gauge railroad.

Step back in time with one of the sensational madams of the Red Onion Saloon! Lavishly costumed and highly entertaining, she’ll greet you with a souvenir garter. She’ll guide you through the streets and back alleys of Skagway, where women of the evening brushed shoulders with notorious characters like Soapy Smith and Frank Reid. You’ll pass historic and haunted Gold Rush buildings as you learn of Skagway’s rich history.

Your experience culminates with a stop at the world famous Red Onion Saloon's restored Brothel Museum. Join in a champagne toast and explore the halls and bedrooms of this celebrated brothel with relics and images of the ladies who worked there. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost, Lydia!

Retrace the historic gold rush route to the Klondike while coasting down from the White Pass Summit on a bicycle! This fun tour starts with a 20 minute van ride to the top of the 3,292 foot pass. Along the way your knowledgeable guides versed in the ecology and history of the area will inform and entertain you. After a bicycle orientation and safety briefing, enjoy the refreshing outdoors and scenic splendor while you cruise downhill on your bicycle for 15 miles on the paved road back to Skagway. Stops are made along the way for photos of waterfalls, the White Pass Yukon Railroad, glaciers, wildlife and the majestic mountains. This exciting excursion offers a unique way to tour Skagway and the surrounding area.

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.

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley. The first stop is at the Brotherhood Bridge. Here is where you will be able to take in the amazing views of the Mendenhall Valley. The bridge was and is of great historic and symbolic importance, representing a bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native people and overcoming racial tensions. The bridge features 10 bronze medallions with the ANB crest and imagery, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. In honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary. The crew on the medallions depicts the two great Tlingit moieties, Eagle and Raven. The ANB is the solid rock on which these moieties rest. Afterward your drive takes you to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. There you will learn the value of ocean ranching to Juneau's commercial and sport fishing industries and the hatchery's role in keeping the area salmon population at sustainable levels.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Follow an old logging road through the wilds of Tongass National Forest to a camp near Eureka Falls, where you can participate in all sorts of fun activities. Your group of no more than six hikers will take a scenic boat ride to Camp Coogan Bay, where you will have the option to stop at a Historic 1920’s era float house for rain gear, boots, and snacks. The woodlands adventure then begins in earnest as you will hike through dense forest, across a small stream and on to Eureka Falls and the Camp Coogan Bay Estuary. Eureka Falls is a beautiful cascade in America’s largest national forest and the Estuary offers views of eagles, wildlife, and salmon. Feel free to gather around the crackling fire at the campsite and cook hot dogs and make s’mores over the open flame. You could also pan for gold like the prospectors in the Gold Rush that began near Sitka in 1872. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer and bald eagles in the forest and for sea lions and otters while cruising.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for marine life on a scenic boat ride to and from Camp Coogan Bay.
• Hike through America’s largest national forest on an old logging road.
• Pan for gold, cook hot dogs over the campfire and admire the beauty of Eureka Falls.
• Enjoy a level of personal attention only possible in a small group of no more than six.

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

Cruise the scenic Tongass Narrows to downtown Ketchikan and enjoy a sampling of locally brewed beer along the way. The views will be spectacular the entire time and a naturalist will be on board to point out and describe the wildlife. Bald eagles, porpoises and seals are often spotted as the waterway is protected and makes for an ideal habitat. Bawden Street Brewing will provide 2 beer samples for the tasting, which may include a blonde Belgian-style ale and a brown porter with a hint of blueberry. As an alternative, champagne is available. During the hour or so that it takes to reach Ketchikan, the crew will offer suggestions and a detailed walking map to maximize your time there. You might stroll the boardwalk along historical Creek Street, snap photos of the colorful totem poles throughout town and shop for locally made merchandise such as fine jewelry and artwork.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the pristine Tongass Narrows as an alternative to riding the shuttle bus to Ketchikan.
• Sample inspired selection of locally brewed beers or a glass of champagne while cruising.
• Admire the gorgeous scenery along the way and look for iconic wildlife such as bald eagles.
• Make the most of your time in Ketchikan with suggestions from the crew.

HELPFUL HINTS

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