Juneau City with Glacier View and Hatchery

Juneau is one of the most unique state capitals in the United States. While not technically an island, the city is only accessible by air or sea, adding to its distinct charm. This exciting excursion will provide you with a thorough orientation of Juneau, including a stop at the famous Brotherhood Bridge for a stunning view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.

Your journey begins in the heart of the historical downtown district, where the streets are lined with charming gift shops, jewelry stores, king crab shacks, and local fish restaurants. This Juneau tour will also take you past the world-famous Red Dog Saloon, a local landmark filled with history and character.

Leaving the bustling downtown area behind, you will make your way to the historic mining community of Douglas Island. Along the way, you'll have photo opportunities and panoramic views of downtown Juneau from across the water, including breathtaking views of the cruise ship port and surrounding landscapes.

As you continue north, you'll venture into the Valley Area, passing small harbors filled with Alaskan fishing boats and the scenic Mendenhall Wetland Refuge. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Chilkat Mountains in the distance. Your next stop will be the Brotherhood Bridge, where, weather permitting, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, one of Southeast Alaska's most iconic sights.

The next stop will be the Ladd Macaulay Visitor Center, where you'll dive into the fascinating life cycle of salmon and explore their near-shore marine environment. Learn about the inner workings of a hatchery through a variety of interactive exhibits and informative commentaries. This stop offers a fun and educational experience for the entire family, providing insights into the importance of salmon in the local ecosystem. Get a bird's-eye view of hatchery operations and gain insight into the life cycle of Pacific salmon. From the sky bridge in the rearing facility, watch as millions of baby king and coho salmon grow all year long. During the late June to September season, witness the thrilling spectacle of adult salmon battling their way up the fish ladder. Dive deeper into Alaska's marine life with saltwater aquariums showcasing over 150 species, and enjoy an interactive experience in the tide pool touch tank area, where you can interact with local sea critters.

The fascinating Whale Park Fountain is your final destination. This life-sized bronze sculpture of a breaching humpback whale is a must-see, located right on the Waterfront. Offering unparalleled photo opportunities, the sculpture is not only a visual marvel but also a powerful symbol of Alaska's heritage. After admiring the sculpture, re-board your transportation for a comfortable ride back to the main cruise ship terminal, concluding your unforgettable tour of Juneau.

Skagway City and White Pass Summit

Sure to be a highlight of your Alaskan experience, the Skagway City and White Pass Summit Tour begins with a guided tour of Skagway's Historic District in a mini-coach holding no more than 32 passengers. Your guide will explain why Skagway was known as the toughest town on Earth during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-99.

On this Skagway excursion, you will visit historic points of interest such as the Pitchfork Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Bridal Veil Falls are the trailhead for the "Valdez Goat Trail", which is a section of the Trans Alaska Military Packtrain Trail, created during the Klondike Gold Rush.

As you journey up the scenic Klondike Highway, you will travel parallel to the historic White Pass Trail much of the way to the 3,292 foot summit. Along this glacier carved valley are glaciers, thundering waterfalls, majestic mountain vistas and pristine wilderness. Once at the summit, you will descend into the daunting Tormented Valley in British Columbia, Canada. It is this area which inspired the classic authors Robert Service and Jack London. The Tormented Valley is an eco-tone; two separate ecosystems transform to become the other. After visiting this area of 300 to 400-year-old trees known as "Krummholz", many of which are no taller than chest-high, you will return to Skagway.

During your Skagway excursion, various photo stops will be made to help you maximize your Alaskan experience.

PLEASE NOTE: All tour stops are subject to change based on weather and road conditions. This tour will be crossing the Canadian border and then back across the U.S. border. All U.S. and Canadian citizens 16 and older traveling between the U.S. and Canada are required to present a valid passport (or government authorized "enhanced" driver's license, currently issued in MI, MN, NY, VT, and WA.) We recommend you bring a photo I.D. as well. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 15 years old or younger may travel with a certified birth certificate. People of all other citizenship are required to have a photo I.D., a passport, and visa (if required).

All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Children that are 2 years old or younger are free when occupying an adult's lap. If you would like your child to have his/her own seat, you are required to count them as an adult while booking.

If placed on an 11:30 AM departure, your tour will depart from Downtown, about a 10 minute walk from the pier or short shuttle ride. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket.

Best of Sitka

Get to know Alaska's first capitol and experience this unique city through the eyes of a local guide, there is no better way to learn about a place you have never been. Your group is purposely kept to a small number of only 10 guests, allowing for a much more intimate and one-on-one experience with your friendly, knowledgeable and professional guide.

Boldly existing between the mountains and the sea, Sitka is an island community where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives. Tlingit, Russian and American settlers have all called Sitka home. Today, cultural influences from all three groups remain. From viewing traditional dancing to hiking a totem-lined trail through the rainforest, visitors still experience the cultural richness that inspired Sitka's 19th century nickname, the "Paris of the Pacific".

Begin your tour at the Harrigan Centennial Hall. Climb aboard a comfortable, full-size passenger van and begin to make your way south on Sitka's road system. Always keep your eyes peeled as you might spot bald eagles in the tree-tops and Sitka black tail deer grazing on brush. Drive around Silver Bay, a body of water surrounded by high mountains where in the later months of the season humpback and minke whales can sometimes be seen here. With time and weather permitting, make a stop here for photos.

Near the end of the road system you will arrive at The Fortress of the Bear. This non-profit rescue facility is home to seven Alaskan bears. Get up close and personal with the four rescued beautiful Alaskan coastal brown bears and three black bears, the only black bears on Baranof Island. This education and rescue center reside on an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas in a natural habitat setting which replicates Southeast Alaska.

After spending time with the bears travel next to The Alaskan Raptor Center. This rehabilitation center for birds of prey has a state-of-the-art flight room and is home to multiple rescued eagles, owls and other birds of prey found in Southeast Alaska.

Sitka National Historical Park in on your own. This protected area of temperate rain forest stretches out to a peninsula and offers multiple, easily accessible trail loops that contour Indian River and the Eastern Channel waters. Totem poles punctuate these trails. This park is also the site of a battle between the Sheetka Kwan Kiksadi Clan and Russian American troops, during the 19th century. Choose to walk through the park or visit the amazing cultural center, which offers its own onsite interpreters, as well as exhibits and demonstrations for traditional techniques such as carving, working with fur, beading, and metal working.

A well-rounded introduction to all things Sitka awaits on this best of tour. Spend two hours being introduced to Southeast Alaska and still have time left to explore, shop and taste local cuisine on your own afterwards. Space is limited so book today as not to miss out.