Day 1: Vancouver, B.C., CA
The perfect combination of urban meets nature, Vancouver is a hub for lovers of the great outdoors. Enjoy picturesque views of the mountains while exploring the city’s local hot spots like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and more. Don’t forget to sample the best of the local culinary and cocktail scene for something truly unique. Here’s how to enjoy a stop at Hollywood of the North.
Day 2: Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage (CRUISING ONLY)
Alaska's Inside Passage is a renowned cruising route through a protected network of waterways, featuring glacier-cut fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Stops along the route showcase Alaska's rich history, including Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan and Skagway's Gold Rush era legacy. Here's how to experience the best of the Inside Passage.
Day 3: Tracy Arm Inlet and Juneau, Alaska, US
Tracy Arm Inlet
SERVICE CALL
ACCESS TO SHORE LIMITED TO SHORE EX
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank this fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States. Old-growth trees colonized Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. But further up the sinuous 48-kilometer (30-mile) waterway, its icy grip lingers a little. There, the twin Sawyer Glaciers flow from the peaks down to the sea, sloughing off stories-high chunks of water frozen decades or even centuries before. Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometers) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest). Visitors often see bears, whales and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area—not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes. Summer temperatures average 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 16 degrees Celsius), so pack warm clothing. And don';t forget waterproof gear, even when traveling by cruise ship: More than a meter and a half of rain falls here each year! We also recommend a water bottle, thermos or reusable coffee cup: On scenic cruising days, cruise ships ban paper and disposable plastic products that could litter this unsullied environment.
Juneau, Alaska, US
Cruise to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote, most beautiful and strangest state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau indoors and outdoors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day.
Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood and fine dining. The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on Alaska cruise excursion.
The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fishermen and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe, but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions, cementing Juneau as Alaska’s number-one tourist destination. Experience this breathtaking city on an Alaska cruise.
Days 4 & 5: Skagway, Alaska, US
Day 4: Meet your Tour Director in Skagway before departing aboard the historic White Pass Summit train. Then enjoy a short historical tour enroute to your Skagway hotel.
Day 5: Explore on your own or take optional excursions with an entire free day in Skagway. Don't miss the chance to visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and immerse yourself in colorful history.
Days 6 & 7: Dawson, Yukon
Day 6: Depart Skagway for a scenic motorcoach ride to the Whitehorse airport. Then enjoy a short flight to colorful Dawson City, Yukon.
Day 7: This morning is free for optional excursions. In the afternoon, see the original Discovery Claim that triggered the Klondike Gold Rush. Enjoy time at Gold Dredge 4 while a Parks Canada guide shares the history of gold dredging in the area.
Day 8: Fairbanks, Alaska
Your journey continues as you board a short flight bound for Fairbanks, Alaska's Golden Heart City. Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city, offers a mix of modern attractions and rich history. Known as the Golden Heart, it's a gateway to the arctic, boasting lively festivals, river cruises, and the chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Explore restored gold rush buildings, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture on an Alaska cruise to Fairbanks.
Days 9 & 10: Denali National Park, Alaska
Day 9: After a step back in time aboard the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery (lunch included), it's off to Denali for a two night stay at this magnificent national treasure. Don't miss the chance to visit Denali Square and immerse yourself in the Denali experience.
Day 10: Today features the unforgettable Tundra Wilderness Tour. This 5 - 6 hour, fully narrated sightseeing excursion takes you into the heart of Denali National Park. The tour will go to mile 43 because of road construction but will continue to offer the best opportunity to view Denali’s iconic wildlife and North America’s tallest peak. (snack included) * Tundra Wilderness Tour may change times or date.
Days 11 & 12: Anchorage, Alaska, US
Day 11: This morning, board the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer bound for Anchorage where you will bid farewell to your Tour Director.
Day 12: Your Cruisetour concludes this morning in Anchorage.