OVERVIEW

Hop aboard the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for an immensely picturesque train ride high into the mountains, following a path blasted out of the rocks in 1898, during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. As soon as the narrow-gauge train begins its ascent, you will understand why the beloved WP&YR is known as “The Scenic Railway of the World.” The train will climb almost 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and present one breathtaking view after another, from thundering Bridal Veil Falls to the rugged peaks at Inspiration Point. You will also pass over the soaring bridge that spans precipitous Dead Horse Gulch, named for pack animals loaded with prospecting gear that fell to the bottom of the gorge. It will be an exhilarating ride on a railway so ingeniously constructed that it is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a narrow-gauge train on a route used during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• Climb high into the mountains and behold Alaska’s majestic scenery.
• Admire the ingenious engineering behind the railway’s construction.
• Receive a collectible magazine that details the railway’s history.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

It is off to the historic and magnificent White Pass Train adventure. From an antique parlor car, enjoy the incredible scenery while your tour guide shares the stories and history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Upon reaching Fraser, British Columbia board your motorcoach and take a short trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Then it’s time to experience the country that you heard about! Breathe pristine air, taste wild berries in season, hear the roar of raging white water and thrill to the sensations of a swaying walkway over 60 feet above the rapids. There are Tagish First Nation Staff and Elders to answer questions about the site. A variety of First Nations art pieces and crafts are available for purchase, as well. After your experience at the Yukon Suspension Bridge, you’ll continue on your motorcoach for the journey down the west side of the White Pass Canyon. Listen as your driver/guide entertains you with stories of the stampeders who trekked through the pass in search of gold. You’ll see picturesque points such as Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls as you head back to your ship.

Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board an Alaskan-built expedition vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as you ply the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, don’t forget your camera and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation dec. An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore on beautiful Colt Island and enjoy an Alaskan inspired meal at Orca Point Lodge. At Orca Point Lodge, local seafood and traditional family recipes come together to offer a true taste of Alaska. Enjoy dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients and hear the stories behind each recipe that connect you to the region’s rich heritage. The lodge offers peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before boarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay.

OVERVIEW

At the White Pass & Yukon Route Depot, board a vintage railcar for a ride up the White Pass Summit. View at the incredible scenery as your train ascends dramatic mountains and your guide shares colorful stories and the history of the gold rush. Marvel at the waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites you pass on your journey to the summit of the White Pass and beyond. 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 Driver-Guide will regale with a colorful account of the history of Klondike Gold Rush. Scenic views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers may be captured during photo stops when weather conditions allow. Stop at Alaska 360 where you will 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. Finally returning to your ship with your loot and newly acquired "gold fever."

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy several scenic stops along the route to capture glaciers, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain vistas.
• Depart from the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Depot aboard a classic railcar for a breathtaking ascent to the White Pass Summit.
• Experience awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, and historic landmarks, while your guide shares captivating tales of the Klondike Gold Rush.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Experience up-close views of the stunning Dawes Glacier while exploring Endicott Arm in comfort aboard a high-speed expedition vessel. The adventure begins as soon as your board our custom-built expedition vessel directly from your cruise ship. The vessel will travers the rugged glacier carved arm studded with towering cliffs and waterfalls while learning about the Fords Terror Wilderness and its unique ecosystem. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced captain guides you past shimmering icebergs. The singular maneuverability of this vessel will allow you to get as close as possible to the ever-changing face of the Dawes Glacier. From the topside observation decks, you will be able to enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. While exploring the length of this ice-carved fjord you will cruise beneath cliffs that rise high above the jade-colored waters. There will be stops along the way to view and photograph wildlife when present. Species you might see include, harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats and the occasional bear.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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

Your journey begins with an entertaining historic tour through downtown Skagway, and along nine miles of stunning coastline to our Adventure Camp in Dyea. Kick off your visit with a “Musher Talk.” In the Musher Talk, we will share fascinating information about this extreme Alaskan state sport and welcome any additional questions you may have. Of course, we make sure you have plenty of time to meet some of the actual athletes who do these amazing things, our sled dogs! Not to worry—we have litters of puppies too that are ready for cuddles and kisses. Human socialization is essential to their development and racing success. After that, take a chance to pan for gold in our riverside sluice! Once your guide shows you the art of gold panning, you can test your luck to see what you can find while learning about the history of the gold rush that took off from this area. Then you will have time to take a short self-guided nature hike next to a beautiful waterfall and dense Alaskan forest or browse the gift shop and relax in our saloon with a deck overlooking the picturesque stream. All of this in a spectacular Alaskan setting! This is a tour full of Alaskan adventure, history, and awe-inspiring wilderness.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a musher’s camp to learn how the dogs are trained to pull sleds through the snow.
• Interact with the dogs, which are superb athletes with remarkable strength and stamina.
• Pan for gold with a sluice much like the ones prospectors used during the Klondike Gold Rush.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and repellent are recommended.

Enjoy the highlights of Victoria and visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens. Departing Ogden Point your guide will point out the highlights including the majestic legislative buildings, Empress Hotel, Royal British Columbia Museum, and Beacon Hill Park. At Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres. The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths, that were created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting you to the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. Multi-language maps will assist you on your self-guided tour. The gardens are illuminated by thousands of hidden lights in the evening.

OVERVIEW

Feast on freshly caught, wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an open fire to bring out its flavors and enjoy the outdoor setting along a beautiful creek. This salmon bake has been operating for more than 30 years and has been fine-tuned to a culinary art form. The salmon will be grilled over a fragrant Alderwood fire, imparting the fish with a unique taste. Be sure to bring a hearty appetite, as this is an all-you-can-eat feast. Besides succulent salmon, the menu will include classic dishes such as Barbecue ribs, baked beans, wild rice pilaf, cornbread and various salads. Go back for seconds or even more but leave room for blueberry cake for dessert. To enhance the alfresco dining experience, local musicians will perform throughout. Afterwards, you will have time to roast marshmallows over a crackling fire, walk to a nearby waterfall and see the remnants of an old mine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor an all-you-can-eat feast of salmon and other Alaskan dishes.
• Dine alfresco in an idyllic forested setting.
• Enjoy a musical performance while you dine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring rainwear as a precaution.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Relive a bit of Alaskan history through experiences that reflect the gold rush days of Skagway. For an understanding of the importance of sled dogs both past and present, you will visit a musher’s camp in Dredge Town and watch these canines demonstrate their strength and stamina. Prospectors in the gold rush era used the breed to pull their heavy, gear-laden sleds through the snow. You will get to meet the next generation of puppies who are there for you to cuddle and hold. Puppy kisses guaranteed! You will also pan for gold just like those prospectors, except gold will be guaranteed in this case and an assayer will be nearby to weigh and evaluate your find. You will see the route the prospectors took in Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 by boarding a private car on the White Pass Railway and riding to summit of the pass, where you will celebrate the occasion with a toast. A costumed guide will describe the attractions as you take in the breathtaking panoramic views.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a musher’s camp and watch sled dogs demonstrate their strength and stamina.
• Interact with the sled dogs and puppies.
• Pan for gold much like the prospectors during the gold rush.
• Ride a private railway car to the White Pass, following a route that the prospectors took.

HELPFUL HINTS

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