SHORE EXCURSIONS

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. 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.

Cruise along Ketchikan’s beautiful waterfront in a window-walled expedition boat and look for Alaska’s most iconic wildlife on the outskirts of town. Whether you settle in on the observation deck or inside the heated cabin, you will enjoy spectacular views of Ketchikan and its backdrop of mountainous rainforest. Commentary will enhance your understanding of the sights, which include the town’s oldest working salmon cannery and Whiskey Cove, an infamous cove that rumrunners used during Prohibition. You will also learn about the area’s indigenous people when cruising past the world’s largest collection of totem poles at Saxman Native Village. Wildlife is especially abundant around Nichol’s Passage, where whales, seals and porpoises are frequently spotted. The captain will maneuver the boat to ensure the best views and pause so you can clearly see an active bald eagle’s nest. Built with large sticks for stability and moss for comfort, bald eagle nests can weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a sightseeing cruise along Ketchikan’s waterfront and into the surrounding waters.
• Learn about Ketchikan’s indigenous people and the town’s history during Prohibition.
• Look for iconic marine life such as whales, seals and porpoises.
• View an active bald eagle’s nest, a massive stick structure that may weigh 1,000 pounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover your inner adventurer high above the coastal wilds of Alaska at CoastalVue Adventure Park, set in a forested landscape near the historic Ward Cove pulp mill. The park features three tiers of progressively challenging aerial obstacles, each made up of creative “events” that take you from one platform to the next. Navigate swaying rope bridges, balance across suspended elements, and climb a wooden tower high above the forest floor while taking in panoramic wilderness views along the way. A few strategically placed ziplines add bursts of speed and excitement between obstacles, but the real thrill comes from traversing the course at height. Expect a dynamic, action-packed adventure that tests your balance, agility, and sense of adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tear through the treetops on a series of ziplines sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
• Walk along swaying rope bridges for a different sort of thrill.
• Climb high above the ground on wooden towers that offer spectacular wilderness views.
• Explore the on-site historic pulp mill before or after the adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join the magic of the steam train and travel back in time aboard the pride of the White Pass fleet, Engine #73. Pulled by an authentic steam engine, enjoy the live commentary and views from the comfort of your vintage railcar while following the footprints of the Klondike Gold Rush. Board a parlor car for a fully narrated tour aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route. Against all odds, the iron trail was carved through some of the North's most rugged terrain in 1898 to include mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels & trestles. Travel 40 miles roundtrip up one of the steepest grades in North America, enjoying a light snack, non- alcoholic beverages, and a Prosecco toast while your narrator discusses the Klondike Gold Rush and the history of the building of the railroad. After traveling around the summit loop, travel back to Skagway. Each guest will receive a souvenir as a remembrance of a rare ride aboard a working steam train.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through the wilderness on a train pulled by a vintage steam locomotive on the “Scenic Railway of the World.”
• Learn about the significance of the area during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s.
• Pass incredibly scenic natural wonders on the train ride back to Skagway. Locally sourced snack included.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center, a guided walk-through Sitka National Historical Park, and a visit to Fortress of the Bear. The Raptor Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window and gift shop. Guests can also stroll the outside deck habitat areas for an up-close look at bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey in residence. Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits, and carving rooms where Native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bear, which allows you to get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get an up-close look at a variety of birds of a prey at the Alaska Raptor Center.
• Photograph Alaskan brown and black bears up close at a rescue facility.
• Delve into the history of Sitka at a park that recounts the watershed Battle of 1804.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Cruise across smooth-as-glass Lake Tazawa and admire the majestic mountains that surround this perfectly circular body of water. This part of the Akita prefecture is largely undeveloped even though Lake Tazawa is a major draw for nature lovers. It is the deepest lake in Japan and especially beautiful with the mountains reflected in its typically sapphire-blue waters. If the light changes even slightly during your cruise, the color of the water will change accordingly. The views, however, will remain breathtaking in every direction. Along the shore, you many see a golden statue of Tatsuko, a mythological woman that prayed for eternal youth but was turned into a dragon doomed to eternally prowl the depths of Lake Tazawa. The Shinto shrine Goza-no-ishi – which is dedicated to the guardian dragon – stands nearby. It is named for the large flat rock where Akita lord Satake Yoshitaka rested in the mid-1600s to admire the lake’s beauty.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise circular Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan.
• Notice how the lake’s color changes as the sunlight and depth of the water changes.
• Hear about the legend of Lake Tazawa and the dragon that guards it.
• Dine on traditional Japanese dishes at a restaurant overlooking the lake.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

A culturally rich day awaits at the Esashi district, one of the oldest areas in the Hokkaido Prefecture. Discover how fishing has shaped Hokkaido’s culture and folklore by visiting several historical sites. The town's heritage is wonderfully preserved, and a visit here takes you back in time.

Settle in for a leisurely drive north across the island to Esashi, one of the oldest districts in the Hokkaido Prefecture. Much of life here revolves around the sea, as you will discover by watching a joyous performance of a folk song that tells the happy story of herring fishermen who return to port with a bounty of fresh fish.

More folkloric tales await you at famed Heishi Rock, a bulbous mushroom-shaped formation that rises out of the sea. According to a 500-year-old legend, a fortune teller threw a bottle of magic potion into the water here in hopes of coaxing the herring to return after they suddenly vanished. It worked, and the bottle morphed into the Heishi Rock. The rope that you will see dangling from the rock is part of an annual purification ritual and it makes an interesting photo!

Continuing on, you will soon arrive in downtown Esashi, where you’ll visit the former residence of a merchant, which has been transformed into a museum full of fishing artifacts. It is only natural that the lunch that follows will include the seafood dish “nishin soba,” a comforting concoction of smoked herring and buckwheat noodles in a savory broth.

Follow your guide for another glimpse into daily life by strolling Esashi’s most historical street, which is flanked by well-preserved ancient buildings.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the fascinating culture of the indigenous people of Southeast Alaska by visiting authentic totem poles in the rainforest and paddling a canoe across a gorgeous mountain lake. As you wander through Totem Bight State Historical Park, you will see colorful, hand-carved totem poles and a large clan house similar to ones built in the early 19th century. The park offers a fascinating insight into the culture of the indigenous people, as will your experience on Lake Harriet Hunt, where you will board a 37-foot canoe patterned after the ones that the Tlingit and Haida built. The lake provides a beautiful setting for your paddling adventure because the dense forest comes to the edge of the water. In time, you will disembark for an Alaskan-style snack. You will have the opportunity to walk through an old-growth forest while the guide points out the most interesting flora and perhaps fauna.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the fascinating culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.
• Paddle a canoe like the ones the indigenous Tlingits and Haidas built.
• Enjoy a snack and an interpretive nature walk through an old growth forest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Take in the gorgeous scenery within the pristine Misty Fjords National Monument while flying in a DeHavilland floatplane as your bush pilot elaborates on the natural wonders below. This completely undeveloped wilderness sprawls across more than two million acres in the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. Majestic beyond imagination, the landscape is a mosaic of sea cliffs, misty mountains, deep fjords, thundering waterfalls, jewel-like lakes and dense rainforest, all of which you will gaze down upon from your own window seat. The exact route for the flight will depend on the weather. If you fly south, you will likely see shimmering Big Goat Lake and New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire that rises above the sea. The northern route usually passes over Neets Bay and Bell Island Hot Springs. Be sure to look for brown and black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles as wildlife is abundant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the Misty Fjords National Monument wilderness in a DeHavilland floatplane.
• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a pristine landscape that glaciers sculpted centuries ago.
• Pass over dense rainforest, cliff-lined fjords, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes.
• Keep an eye out for bears, deer, bald eagles and other iconic Alaskan wildlife.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

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 Goldbelt Tram, 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 Goldbelt 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar 1,800 feet above the city for stunning views of Alaska.
• Shop for unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and artwork.
• Watch the complimentary film Seeing Daylight.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Cruise into the pristine waters off Auke Bay in a yacht that combines pure luxury with the chance to spot humpback whales. It will be a first-class experience as this yacht is reserved for a maximum of only eight guests. As you cruise along – enjoying the all-inclusive drinks and local specialties on the charcuterie board – be sure to scan the shoreline for harbor seals and Stellar sea lions, species that use the land as haul-out sites where they can rest on the rocks and interact with each other. If you spot humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters, it will make for even more spectacular memories. The most vocal of all whales, humpbacks make a variety of sounds, which they string together to make songs that last as long as 30 minutes. A naturalist will accompany you on the yacht to answer any questions you may have about humpbacks and the other marine animals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in luxury aboard a yacht reserved for a maximum of 8 guests.
• Scan the waters of the Inside Passage for massive humpback whales feeding.
• Look for other marine creatures such as seals, sea lions and orcas.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Follow a guide along a winding gravel trail through the Tongass National Forest and feast on seafood at a popular waterfront lounge afterwards. As you hike the two-mile-long Coast Guard Beach trail – which is considered challenging – the guide will point out and describe the flora and fauna that you encounter in the serene rainforest. You can expect to travel over steep rocky slopes, between outcroppings of jagged rocks and over a wooden bridge. The experience will be well worth the effort as you will be rewarded with stunning views of the beach below. You will also enjoy a waterfront view, overlooking Ketchikan’s historic working float plane docks at Bush Pilot's Lounge for your Taste of Alaska lunch. Which includes locally sourced salmon, reindeer sausage, halibut and more! Served along with a local craft beer or wine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike a challenging but rewarding coastal trail through the Tongass National Forest.
• Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest and spectacular views the entire time.
• Learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in the rainforest and along the coast.
• Dine on a bounty of Alaskan seafood at Bush Pilot's Lounge following the hike.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress for inclement weather.
• Layered clothing and comfortable footwear recommended.