SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Discover the wonders of Mendenhall Glacier at its visitor center and cruise a purpose-built vessel through waters where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly spotted. The glacier is the only one in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, just one of the facts you will learn while browsing the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The glacier is 13 miles long and is part of the massive Juneau Icefield, a remnant of the last ice age. Time permitting, you can stroll the glacier-view path at the center or watch salmon in a nearby stream before driving on to Auke Bay. Here, you will embark a catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Humpback whales are the star attractions in these waters, but you may also spot orcas, sea lions and bald eagles. To enhance the experience, the vessel is outfitted with a hydrophone that may allow you to hear the sounds of the whales below. Throughout the cruise, your onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Mendenhall Glacier from its enlightening visitor center.
• Cruise a catamaran through waters where humpback whales are commonly seen.
• Watch for other marine animals and bald eagles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Bring a rainproof jacket.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure into Alaska’s stunning wilderness with a family-owned, Tlingit operated company. For over 50 years, we’ve proudly shared Southeast Alaska with guests from around the world. Cruise into the pristine waters off Juneau, an ideal area to spot humpback whales voraciously feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. After settling into a spacious catamaran that has been specially designed with large windows for wildlife viewing, you will cruise into the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will describe the habits of the wildlife you may encounter, including humpback whales, the main attraction in these waters. Chances are, you will see these majestic creatures breaching the water’s surface and waving their flukes up and down as they dive for food. You may even spot the whales bubble-net feeding, a curious technique in which they force small fish upwards by blowing bubbles beneath them, which makes for easy feeding. Other frequently seen wildlife includes orcas, Stellar sea lions, Dall’s porpoise and bald eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch humpback whales gorging on food at the water’s surface.
• Look for other marine creatures including orcas and harbor seals.
• Scan the shoreline for bears and Sitka blacktail deer.
• Listen to an onboard naturalist describe the animals’ behaviors.
• Explore with the locals. For over 50 years this tour operator has proudly shared Southeast Alaska with guests from all over.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.

OVERVIEW

Discover Juneau’s scenic natural beauty by driving around the downtown waterfront and visiting Mendenhall Glacier, an ever-changing river of ice just outside of town. While traveling along the bustling waterfront, you can expect to see one historical building after another, some dating to the late 1890s, before Juneau was even incorporated. A short drive will bring you to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, where you can stretch your legs and snap photos of the ancient glacier from various angles. Photo Point offers the closest view of the glacier. You might also venture out on the trail system for a first-hand look at this relatively new ecosystem that was once covered by ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Juneau’s waterfront, the city’s most vibrant district.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Embark on this memorable adventure with a scenic drive through downtown Juneau and along the Gastineau Channel, where your guide will entertain you with engaging stories and share highlights of the city’s rich history and notable landmarks en-route to Juneau’s star attraction – The Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arrival, soak in the striking 1.5-mile-wide glacier which flows down from the expansive Juneau Icefield. After your glacier adventure, indulge in a satisfying feast at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, nestled in the tranquil rainforest. Here, you'll savor wild Alaskan salmon along with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes. Enjoy your meal at your own pace, with convenient shuttles available to transport you back to your ship when you’re ready.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy scenic ride though downtown Juneau and along the Gastineau Channel.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.
• Indulge in a satisfying feast at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

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.

OVERVIEW

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 and guided walk, you’ll depart for a stunning flight back to civilization. Leaving the glacier behind, take memories that will last a life-time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a helicopter over the pristine wilderness that borders Juneau.
• See the soaring peaks of Mendenhall Towers.
• Walk across the icy terrain of Mendenhall Glacier with a mountaineering expert.
• Gain a firsthand understanding of glaciers and how they creep across the landscape.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly, in layers, in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat, sturdy and comfortable close-toe shoes.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly over the Juneau Icefield in a floatplane and land at historical Taku Lodge for a salmon bake and a leisurely walk through Tongass National Forest. Once you are airborne, you will enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest and the ancient glaciers that are slowly carving their ways through the icefield. A classic Alaskan mode of transportation, a floatplane allows you to access remote wilderness areas that other planes can’t. In time, you will land in the river that fronts the beautifully rustic lodge, which was built directly across from the Hole-In-The- Wall Glacier in 1923. While your hosts entertain you with tales of adventurers that stayed at Taku Lodge, you will feast on wild Alaska salmon and all sorts of side dishes. Feel free to stretch your legs afterwards on one of the well-maintained trails that wind through the forest. Or simply sit back and relax in front of the lodge’s crackling fire.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar over the Juneau Icefield in a floatplane.
• Land in a river directly in front of the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier.
• Feast on freshly caught wild salmon and other dishes.
• Relax in rustic Taku Lodge, a 1923-built landmark.
• Walk the nature trails in the surrounding national forest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

This tour combines the splendor of visiting Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area with a comfortable trip into the rainforest at Glacier Gardens. Your journey begins with a visit to Alaska's most accessible glacier, the Mendenhall. There you will be able to view the glacier and explore the outlying trails and viewpoints during your 75-minute stay. Next, you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways, and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. Finally, you'll visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and learn about the facility's positive impact on Alaska's prized fishing industry through the implementation of ocean ranching.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.
• Enjoy alpine view of surrounding mountains from the platform at magnificent Glacier Gardens.
• Visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

See wildlife via land and sea during this exclusive whale-watching and rainforest eco-tour. This small-group, fully guided tour has been recommended by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society based on its philosophy that guided experiences in nature should inspire people, young and old, to act responsibly for the protection of our planet's vital ecosystems. Depart the pier for the narrated drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Upon arrival, you will take a guided hike along a lush rainforest trail. Along the way, your naturalist guide will help you track the glacier's recession over the past 100 years and teach you about how the Tongass National Forest is used for shelter, food, and medicine. Various stops will be made for interpretation and photo opportunities along the one-mile nature trail. After your scenic hike, grab a snack including water will be provided during the drive to the sheltered harbor at Auke Bay. Tour operator encourages guests to bring a reusable water bottle to minimize the use of plastic. Upon arrival, you will embark an exploration vessel equipped with large windows that open fully and perimeter seating to offer you an unrestricted viewing experience. This stable, covered, and heated watercraft is also equipped with a hydrophone to hear the solemn sounds of the whales (conditions permitting). During your cruise in these protected waters, your naturalist guide will help you pinpoint an abundance of wildlife that includes humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoise, seals, sea birds, and more. You will want to keep a camera handy as you travel quickly from place to place or drift quietly while you observe Alaska's most notable marine denizens. Your tour will include a frame-able postcard with complimentary access to a digital booklet, Remembering Juneau by Land & Sea is provided as a memento of your day. At the conclusion of this unique water and wilderness adventure, you will be transferred back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through a primeval rainforest while learning about the flora and fauna.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Cruise a bay where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly seen.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Bring along a camera with plenty of film or storage to capture every moment
• A snack including water is provided during the tour.

OVERVIEW

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dog sled along a forested trail behind a team of Alaska huskies.
• Hear colorful tales of mushing and the Iditarod competition.
• Discover how huskies are trained for mushing.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

When you visit Southeast Alaska and combine the originators of glacier helicopter tours with Alaska’s largest operating dogsled tour company, you get a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll fly over the lush rainforest, deep blue crevasses and glacier carved peaks as your pilots deliver a spectacular flight seeing tour en route to the dogsled camp on Mendenhall Glacier. Here the professional mushers and Alaskan sled dogs will have you driving the team or relaxing in the sled as you take in the awe-inspiring scenery. You'll have time to talk with the mushers about the great 1,000-mile Iditarod race or take pictures with the dogs before your helicopter takes you back to the base. Don’t miss this truly Alaskan experience!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar over the pristine wilderness that borders Juneau in a helicopter.
• Land on Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long river of ice.
• Help Drive a dogsled along a trail on the glacier.
• Discuss the finer points of dogsledding with professional mushers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly, in layers, in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat, sturdy and comfortable close-toe shoes.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau, highlighting the city’s landmarks and rich cultural past as you head towards the Mendenhall Valley. Your first stop is the historic Brotherhood Bridge, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley and, weather permitting, the Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance. This bridge holds significant cultural and historical importance, symbolizing the bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native communities and overcoming racial tensions. Adorned with ten bronze medallions featuring the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) crest, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. in honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary, the bridge depicts the two great Tlingit moieties—Eagle and Raven—emphasizing the ANB’s foundational role in their shared heritage. Next you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. From the Gardens, it's a short drive back to your ship along Juneau's waterfront.

HELPFUL HINTS

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