We will be going to 3 ports: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. We have planned excursions booked through princess for Juneau and Skagway.
In Juneau we are going on
JNU-705 | Juneau, Alaska
Your small-group wilderness experience ensures a comfortable and interactive atmosphere to make the most of this world-class Alaska experience. You will see first-hand how the habitats of the land and the sea interconnect in southeast Alaska.
Begin with a narrated drive to the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Reaching its maximum size about 265 years ago, the glacier is fed from an ice field high above Juneau. From across an iceberg-dotted lake you will see the dynamic flowing force, carving its way down the valley. Sustained by the geography and unique climate of the area, Mendenhall Glacier has been able to survive much longer than other glaciers in North America. Its existence continues to provide us with new insights into past, present, and future climatic conditions.
A naturalist will guide you along a path once completely covered by the massive glacier. Spend an hour exploring the beautiful trails, breathe in the fresh air that flows off this spectacular river of ice and learn about the Tongass National Forest. Walk under a sheltered rainforest canopy and take in the wonders and the many species that make this area their home. Keep an eye out and your cameras ready to spot beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines, black bears and more. The canopy gives way to the glacier's lake and secluded sandy shoreline with scenic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.
A short drive takes you to a picturesque harbor to board your specially designed safari vessel customized to afford up-close viewing of the marine wildlife. The stable, covered vessel sits low in the water, putting you eye to eye with the animals that make their home in these protected waters. Humpback whales are plentiful and spend the summer months feeding on herring and plankton. In the Juneau Humpback Whale Catalog, over 148 individual whales have been identified in these local waters. Binoculars and nautical maps are available for your use on the vessel.
Once whales are sighted, your captain will maneuver the boat to allow for exceptional viewing and photo opportunities. In addition, undersea listening devices may be deployed so that you can hear the whale's unusual sounds. You will receive a $100 cash refund from the tour operator at the conclusion of the tour if a whale is not sighted on the trip. In addition to humpback or killer whales, you may see sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and sea birds. Keep a camera handy as your vessel drifts quietly to capture the behaviors and antics of Alaska's most notable marine residents.
In Skagway we are going on
SGY-250 | Skagway, Alaska | Group Size: 40
At the White Pass & Yukon Route Depot, board a vintage railcar for a ride on "The Scenic Railway of the World." See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks - evidence of the gold seekers' arduous journey. Gaze in awe at the incredible scenery as your train ascends dramatic mountains and your guide shares colorful stories and the history of the gold rush. Against all odds, the iron trail was carved through some of the North's most rugged terrain in 1898. Marvel at the spectacular waterfalls, cliff-hanging turns, tunnels and historic sites you pass on your journey to the summit of the White Pass and beyond to Fraser, British Columbia.
In Fraser, disembark the train and board a motorcoach for a dramatic journey past the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls en route to Skagway. Your guide will regale you with tales of hardship that earlier travelers endured in their quest to reach the interior. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and glaciers may be captured during the many photo stops.
Stop at the Klondike Gold Fields where you will enjoy an authentic smoked BBQ lunch including Alaska salmon, ribs, chicken and various side dishes. Dine inside or on the riverside patio or rooftop deck surrounded by mountain views. Refreshed, you're ready find your fortune. Experience the life of a prospector when you join a colorful cast of characters for the chance to strike it rich. 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, mining-related souvenirs in the gift shop. Be sure to tour the "living museum" to learn the fascinating history of the gold rush days before your picturesque drive back to port.
In Ketchikan we are going to walk around the port area and check out Creek Street:
Historic Creek Street Ketchikan Alaska is one of the most popular things to do in Ketchikan. The antique boardwalk on wooden pilings over Ketchikan Creek is home to restaurants, unique curio shops, the ‘Dolly’s House Museum’ & private dwellings, as well as some of the best salmon viewing areas in Ketchikan. Married Man’s Trail and the Salmon Ladder are also not to be missed when exploring Creek Street!
Read more: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/creek-street-ketchikan.html#ixzz486gpRh3Y
