Kenai Fjords National Park. Participants must be at least 10 years old. I love using independent operators but I don't leave it to chance upon disembarking, so I book excursions in advance. Afterward, you'll spend two hours whale watching with a naturalist who will explain whale behaviors and answer questions. Also, its location inPrince William Soundmakes it a great place for venturing out into the sea and exploring places such as Columbia Glacier. is only $5 pp (well worth it) and includes an interpretive guide regarding the meaning of the poles and whe but hiking boots are recommended since it gets rocky. It's located on Annette Island, 86,000 acres of dense rainforest and tranquil salmon streams that can be accessed via a 45-minute ferry ride from Ketchikan. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Boats are limited to either 24 or 49 people and are equipped with heated cabins, large windows and open decks. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. The place is free to visit and worth a look if you go to Fairbanks, but it was not something spectacular. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a natural waterfall and see the native flora. Thats why the absolute best way of making sure you will see it is by taking a flightseeing tour. Travelers can tour Alaska in a variety of ways, including by cruise ship, tour boat, snowmobile, guided hike, dog sled and more. 12+ Unforgettable things to do in Sitka, Alaska Posted On May 23, 2022 Last Updated on May 30, 2022 Sitka is one of the most delightful communities in Alaska. Tours are offered for $290 per person and run between late August and early April. If you're short on time, you can book the 3.5-hour whale watching tour. The reason is simple: both websites offer a great selection of tours at a very competitive price, theyre both easy to use, and most importantly, Ive never had any issues with either company (unlike some other tour companies Ive used in the past). While in port in Ketchikan, take to the skies over stunning Misty Fjords National Monument on this 1-hour flighted tour. National Parks. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. Quickly access bookings. Spencer Glacier is located near the town of Whittier and offers the unique opportunity of exploring ice caves. It has a few informational signs and a walking path around the pipeline. We stopped here for a few minutes. 9. Highly recommend. Save. This easy hike takes you to the edge of the glacier, where you can get an up-close look at this amazing natural wonder. Asking us to pick the best Alaska tours isn't easy. Only problem is gas is $4.40 a gallon. Kenai Fjords National Park has a wide variety of rock formations. Kenai Fjords National Park has a wide variety of rock formations.Getty Images/EyeEm, Price: Adults from $189; kids from about $95Duration: 6 hours. 1. Upon returning to the marina, you'll enjoy smoked salmon and other snacks. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Richardson Highway from Valdez to Fairbanks, Denali (McKinley) Flightseeing Tours: Anchorage vs Talkeetna vs Denali National Park. See Alaskan wildlife on this whale-watching tour in Hoonah that takes you out onto the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, where humpback whales arrive each year to feed before heading south for the winter. Ticket prices start at $139 per person; the tour is only open to participants ages 6 and older. It doesn't stop at the Rock. 15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Denali National Park, 15 Amazing Excursions in Alaska (Must-do Tours! Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing - 60 mins. With its wide open spaces and clear night skies, Alaska offers some of the best conditions for witnessing this natural phenomenon. The path has several stops along the way to soak up the magnificent scenery and wildlife viewing. Your guide, who navigates for you, brings you to four highly-rated attractions, including Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park. And with its stunning views of the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains and the oldest building in the state, its no wonder why. This 4.5-hour tour starts with a trip from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier, where you have 45 minutes to explore the area, possibly taking a hike, visiting Mendenhall Lake or seeing a waterfall. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore. ; it is farthest from the visitor center, but still within walking , Alaska's Arctic mountain range, you enter into wilderness world of stunning beaut had returned to the hatchery where they were born and the Stellar Sea Lions who had arrived for an. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online in advance. Car, train, or group tour. Ladies @Dollys are hir & miss in terms of presentation & preparation. Tickets cost approximately $25 for ages 13 and older, $12.50 for ages 3 to 12 and are free for children younger than 3. For me, seeing Kennicott was definitely one of my favorite experiences in Alaska. Just make sure you have a warm place to dry off afterward! Discover the beautiful scenery of North Anchorage during this 90-minute helicopter and dogsled tour. A must see!!! All entrance fees are included for your convenience. The Coastal Classic route winds through pristine mountains and ends at the sea. Both tours include use of a blanket. So if you need help whittling down your bucket list, consider these nine Alaska experiences you shouldn't missand will never forget. Get off your cruise ship and your adrenaline going on this half-day shore excursion to a Ketchikan zipline adventure park. Short on time? In addition to roundtrip transportation from the Sitka cruise port, your guide provides live commentary about landmarks passed along the way. There's something about being in a small, single-person vessel that makes the vast bodies of ice seem even more gigantic than they already are. Reviewers say that the snowmobiling is lots of fun and that guides are informative and safety conscious. The ladies working at the Visitor Center could not have been more accommodating and helpful. When seeing animals in the wild, it is always important to keep a good distance for ecological and safety reasons. If the hourlong ride isn't enough, the company also operates 1.5-hour and two-hour trolley tours. You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Alaska. Now it is in the distance. Come with U.S. News on a tour of Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Napa Valley. 8. Travel into the Alaskan wilderness along the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the edge of the Arctic Circle. to capture the local culture and take in some awesome food and gelato! Bring your binoculars to get a good look at the fluke (tail) or to see them working cooperatively to bubble feed. Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Upon reaching the glacier, you'll walk along the edge, where ice formations, tunnels and tubes form (for preservation purposes, visitors are not allowed to walk on the glacier). ), where it is now on display for tourists. Tours run daily May through early October in the morning and afternoon (exact times vary by day). If you're curious about things to do in Seward, read on! Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 4-hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay from Seward (read: 24 Epic Things To Do In Seward, Alaska). First, steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler deep in Tongass National Forest. Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park. Find tickets & tours worldwide. Seaside Seward is one of Alaska's common destinations due to Alaska cruises. Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic. Alaska Railroad has five different trains, operating routes between Seward and Fairbanks. But navigating its vast landscape can be a challenge without the savvy guidance of a local. Views of specific glacial features like Ice Caves and Moulins cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of the constantly moving ice. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Price: Adults from $189; kids from $125Duration: 6 hours. You're almost guaranteed to see the majestic birds and you're likely to come by moose and other wildlife, too. Linda Paull Garrison is a travel writer who has taken over 150 cruises and spent over 1,100 days at sea. Enjoy spectacular views as you raft down the Nenana River with Denali Raft Adventures. There is a handful of one to two-hour hikes that begin in Skagway. When your cruise stops at Juneau, see whales in their natural habitat on this whale-watching boat trip, all without the fuss of organizing shore transport. But not only that: The Coastal Trail is also known as one of the best places to see a moose in Anchorage! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Denali National Park, If youd like to go on a tour, check out the best tours to take in Alaska. View & Book Tickets: Juneau Tours & Whale Watch. The owner is a very cool guy and gave me some travel tips as well. Land directly on the glacier and get the experience of drinking glacial water. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron. Read on to see some of the best ways to tour Alaska. A guide dressed in 19th-century attire gives you insight into the Alaskan Gold Rush. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack of smoked salmon, clam chowder, fresh bread with local wild-berry jam, and hot chocolate. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied. and the hike is an easy-moderate. The good news is that spotting a moose in Alaska is super easy! Well organized. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights. The most popular thing to do is to explore the area on a cruise. You'll have the chance to explore a glacier on foot via Alpine Air Alaska's Glacier Landing Tour. You can even purchase red king crab on board. Travelers must be at least 5 years old to participate. The hike itself is relatively strenuous, but it is more than worth it when you reach the summit and take in the panoramic views of the city of Seward right below. On this fishermans tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the tranquil, protected waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew, and marvel at the variety of marine creatures caught in barrel pots and hauled up on deck. Ticket prices for one-hour tours start at $149 for single riders or $199 for double riders; you can also opt for a two-hour tour (tickets start at $279). So if youre a fan of the book or movie, be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Alaska. Afterward, get a chance to spend time with husky puppies. The company also offers a shorter, four-hour Glacier Quest Cruise that travels through Blackstone Bay and features 10 glaciers. Reviewers highly praise the staff at K2 Aviation and say the plane ride is smooth with beautiful scenery. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. Keep an eye out for any wildlife including bears, eagles and other marine life. 935. During my time working in a hostel in Alaska, I heard more than one guest saying this was the best experience of their trip. Follow me onInstagramfor more travel tips. This company also runs a combo hike and electric bike tour. View & Book Tickets: Viator| GetYourGuide, Keep your eyes peeled for orca whales on Major Marine Tours' Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Ketchikan is one of Alaskas most visited cruise ports, renowned for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. Price: Adults from $99; kids from about $50Duration: 1.5 hours. This tour includes a delicious campfire lunch. Most itineraries factor in a full day for this portion of the journey. Spot whales, puffins and otters with the help of a wildlife guide on board. The hike necessary for getting an up-close look at this amazing natural wonder is quite strenuous but definitely worth it. On a Norwegian cruise to Alaska, you can do all that and so much more.From May through September each year, Norwegian Cruise Line sets sail through some of the most majestic natural landscapes on Earth, taking cruisers on the adventure of a lifetime. The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneaus most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). Elissa Garay Contributor Alaska shore excursions are a blend of soft adventure, cultural explorations and tours focusing on stunning scenery and wildlife. Follow me onInstagramfor more travel tips. On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Reviewers describe the tour as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and say the scenery is jaw-dropping. Alaska Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. Her favorite things include yoga, reading, and all things travel. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The ride takes four hours and rest assured, it's worth the extra time. The Harding Icefield is a massive ice field located in Alaskas Kenai Fjords National Park. Some helicopters even stop so that passengers can get out and walk around. On a moderate hike that has to be booked in advance here nature lovers can spend the day exploring the Matanuska Glacier on a hiking tour that traverses the glaciers picturesque terrain. Along this 14-hour tour, you'll cross the Arctic Circle, take in Alaskan scenery and wildlife, and possibly see the northern lights as you make your way to and from Fairbanks aboard a small passenger van. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm a full-time traveler based in the South of France. 12 Best Things to Do in Juneau During an Alaska Cruise, A Complete Guide to the Alaska RailroadFrom Coastal Journeys to Glacier Routes, Cruising to Alaska on the Norwegian Pearl, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. To reach it, a popular option is kayaking the glaciers calm lagoonwhile taking all the amazing views in. Had a great day in Ketchikantotems at Bight park then ziplining with Kawantis Adventures. Passengers describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and praise the reasonable rates and boat amenities. This four-hour trip includes 2.5 hours of paddling through the turquoise waters of Resurrection Bay, with an opportunity to see otters, harbor seals, eagles and salmon. However, it was eventually moved to Fairbanks (people died trying to find it! Not only is the fish very (very!) Experience Alaska's famous glaciers in another way: by kayak. Prices include heated helmets, gloves, gaiters, jackets and boots. you can fill out and then they pay for the postage and mail the Moore Homestead was also open for self guided. (Courtesy of Major Marine Tours), Price: Adults from $199; kids from about $100Duration: 6 hours. Enjoy a brief city tour of Juneau and then travel to a remote section along Gold Creek. It isn't too often that you can explore one of America's spectacular national parks aboard a cruise ship, but Glacier Bay is the exception. Tours run from mid-May through mid-September at 7:20, 9:20 and 11:20 a.m. daily. excellent museum, many displays of Native culture. Price: Adults from $209; kids from $129Duration: 3 hours. Visitors can also opt for specialized tours to enjoy some of Alaska's top things to do, like see the northern lights and explore various national parks. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dalls porpoises, eagles and mountain goats. With the right guide and proper precautions, bear viewing in Alaska is a safe activity. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dalls porpoises, eagles, and mountain goats. These domes offer an unobstructed view of the night sky, so you can see the Northern Lights in all their glory. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Admire the Glaciers Speaking of scenic cruising, our sailing with Princess Cruises in Alaska was graced with beautiful weather and amazing glacier views. This natural jungle gym includes suspended logs, rope bridges, a climbing tower and staircase, meaning thrill seekers of all experience levels will share in the excitement. Explore Mendenhall Glacier on this exclusive adventure tour into the Alaskan Wilderness. However, it Great stop to take an easy walk on the boardwalks and enjoy the marsh. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. The road is named after James William Dalton, an arctic engineer involved in early oil exploration efforts on the North Slope. The best Shore Excursions in Alaska according to Viator travelers are: What Shore Excursions in Alaska are taking additional safety precautions? Alaska cruises come in large and small packages. Tickets, which include complimentary snacks and drinks, cost around $175 for participants ages 12 and older and $145 for ages 2 to 11; tickets are free for children younger than 2. 1. For those who love a challenge, hiking Mount Marathon in Seward is a must-do. Choose from a 3hour tour, or 5hour kayak and hike tour. You don't have to wait until Prime Day to save on luggage. You don't want to get too close to glaciers, though, because they can sometimes collapse into the water below. Infants younger than 2 ride for free. Wonderful old world cobblestone construction. With awe-inspiring glaciers, incredible wildlife, and some of the kindest locals I have ever met, Alaska is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Want to kayak along the banks of a glacier, see whales breach clear blue waters, or soar high above the tallest peaks in North America? Enjoyed our visit to the stores. Surrounded by icebergs, Bear Glacier is one of the most jaw-dropping glaciers in all of Alaska. The place is beautiful with amazing tame birds and at least on that day, few bugs. THE 10 BEST Alaska Shore Excursions (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor. (: Cami is a 22-year-old passionate traveler and author of the blog. Cami is a 22-year-old passionate traveler and author of the blog. The Chena hot springs are a popular tourist destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. Michael DeFreitas / robertharding / Getty Images. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Learn about crab fishing in Alaska from a crew who appeared on "Deadliest Catch" on this three-hour tour. These cruises take you into the heart of the park, where you can see glaciers calving into the ocean and an abundance of marine life. Amazing landscape, easy/moderate hike, and Amazing views of glacier up close you can touch. You can kayak in the shadow of Spencer Glacier, a 3,500-foot iceberg in the Chugach National Forestsouth of Anchorage, or Icy Baywhich, always cluttered with icebergs, lives up to its namein Prince William Sound. They also highly praise their guides. | Oct. 20, 2022, at 9:40 a.m. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska Experience the otherworldly beauty of Alaska on your next getaway. Alaska is home to a number of different breweries, and each one offers a unique experience and excellent beer. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron. Theres a small museum with info concerning Creamers and the Sandhill Cranes along with Great place to hike and see a moose! 1 Map Website Season: May - Sept $190 per person 3.5 hrs You'll be surrounded in one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska with Glacier Wind Charter's small group tours. With the right guide and proper precautions, bear viewing in Alaska is a safe activity.Getty Images. If you're lucky, you might spot the resident humpback whales (most prevalent during June and July) feeding along the Inside Passage route. (Uber was $50) Also, there is a Token Transit App to buy your tickets ahead of time. Our Alaskan cruise itinerary on Majestic Princess included Glacier Bay National Park along with port stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Juneau as well as all gear, such as trekking poles (note that participants must provide their own boots). Tickets cost $199 for ages 12 and older and $99.50 for ages 2 to 11; children younger than 2 can tour for free. Soar through the Alaskan rain forest on seven ziplines and eight canopy ropes. The reindeer sausage Alaskan hot dog is an affordable and delicious Alaskan staple. Today, the Dalton Highway is mostly used by truckers transporting supplies to the North Slope oil fields, as well as by adventurers seeking to experience the beauty and solitude of the Alaskan bush. If you want to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat, there are a few different ways to do it. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. Kawantis zipline was awesome! Tours run hourly from 9 a.m. to as late as 8 p.m. (depending on the month) from mid-May through approximately the third week of September. A side trip to Metlakatla provides a historical perspective of Alaska's complex past. Get ready to rev things up a notch and jump behind the wheel of a UTV, on this off-road safari! This is a popular trip, so the company recommends securing your spot well in advance. Sunny Cove offers many kayaking tours, which include a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise & Glacier Kayak Combo tour and a Caines Head Kayak and Hike, among others. United States ; Alaska (AK) Juneau ; Juneau - Things to Do ; Alaska Tales; Search. Spreading through 127 miles, this highway connects Anchorage to Seward and the views are seriously unbelievable. Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon, Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan, Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking, Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise, Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley, Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour, Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure, Seward Shore Excursion: Resurrection Bay Cruise Including Lunch on Fox Island, 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour, Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Group), Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park, See more Virtual Experiences around the globe, Large Animal Research Station Tours & Tickets, Juneau-Douglas City Museum Tours & Tickets, Chena River State Recreation Area Tours & Tickets, Waterfront Promenade and Franklin Street Tours & Tickets, Katmai National Park and Preserve Tours & Tickets, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Tours & Tickets, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets, Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets, Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets, Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. Boat Tours & Water Sports, Tours, Outdoor Activities, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching More. Reviewers say the tour is amazing, with plenty of time to see everything. Take a downtown walking tour and get a feel for what it was really like. But one of the best things to do on a cruise to Alaska is to get off the boat and explore. No need to plan logistics: Entrance fees are included for all stops on the itinerary. When the stream fills with fish in summer bears come in and park closes. Aboard the Aleutian Ballad, you will get to watch the crew pull in crabs, get a glimpse of the sea creatures that they release back to the ocean and spot wildlife on nearby land. The Classic Day Trip departs from Homer Airport with a 45- to 60-minute flight over the Alaskan wilderness before landing on the coast of Katmai and Lake Clark national parks. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the largest in the world, home to. They flock to these warmer waters to feed on salmon while tourists, of course, flock to them. The glacier has retreated in dramatic fashion. Round-trip port transport included. Alaska Bear Adventures also operates tours through Brooks Falls and the McNeil River areas. (Courtesy of Glenn Aronwits/Alaska Railroad), Price: Adults from $92; kids from $46Duration: 15 hours. Search experiences with increased health and safety practices. View & Book Tickets: Denali Raft Adventures, Price: Adults from $25; kids from $12.50Duration: 1 hour. The Best: Denali Experience: Camp Denali & North Face Lodge Flightseeing: Denali Glacier Landing from Talkeetna