Alaska's Frontier and Wilderness Quest

This morning explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating historical sites that highlight the community's rich Alaska Native and Russian history, including the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Russian Bishop's House, and St. Michael's Cathedral. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Today venture into one of the many intimate coves or inlets that make Baranof Island one of the most scenic places in Southeast Alaska. Visit the traditional Tlingit Indian village of Kake, and experience native dancing, a totem carving display, and the ‘World’s Tallest Totem.’

Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags, and ruled by four nations -- the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided walking tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing State Historic Park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska.

Discover the charming Mitkof Island fishing town of Petersburg. Founded by Norwegian fishermen in the late 1800s, Petersburg is nicknamed Alaska's "Little Norway." Experience this Scandinavian culture with a folk dance show by local youth at the iconic Sons of Norway Hall. Later, enjoy a narrated bus tour and take time to explore the vibrant community at your own leisure. Learn the unique history and legends of Thomas Bay and participate in kayak, skiff, and hiking excursions.

Scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in the world-renowned whale waters of Frederick Sound. Humpbacks are famous for behavior that lends itself to incredible viewing and photography, such as tail lobbing, lunge feeding, pectoral slapping, breaching, and picturesque dives that showcase their massive flukes. Enjoy an exciting afternoon of Alaska adventure in a wilderness bay for DIB excursions, kayaking, and hiking.

Journey through Tracy Arm Fjord, an area the famous naturalist John Muir referred to as, “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” This glacial fjord is renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet. At 32 miles long and averaging just a mile wide, the unique features of Tracy Arm are contained in a relatively small geographical space, adding to the dramatic beauty of the area. As ice conditions permit, navigate the entire length of the arm, stopping in view of both the Sawyer and South Sawyer Glaciers. 

This morning venture into Taku Harbor to explore its beautiful, protected waters and shoreline. End the day's adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, your exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on Alaska salmon, Alaska king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.

Stroll the boardwalks of the rollicking Klondike gold rush town of Skagway, then board the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad for a journey retracing the steps of gold-seekers into Canada. Built in 1898, the railroad climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles and offers stunning wilderness views. This excursion crosses the border into Canada, so passports are required.

Savor the serenity of raw wilderness on an unscripted morning and afternoon of Southeast Alaska discovery. The options are countless, dictated by the day's unique circumstances. Opportunities may include a coastline kayak paddle, up- close whale encounters, or a hike through an alluring old-growth forest. You may do a beach landing on an unspoiled shoreline to explore a tidal flat or track along with a foraging bear from the safety of your DIB. Regardless of the activity, experience the magic of the archipelago's many remote coves, bays, and inlets. In the afternoon, sail into the beautiful Glacier Bay National Park to begin your first day of extended park exploration. Unique opportunities during your voyage through Glacier Bay include a beach trek near the Reid Glacier, a visit to the new Huna Tribal House, and rainforest trails surrounding Glacier Bay Lodge.

This remarkable national park fjord extends 65-miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day's program and a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins you to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure.

Disembark in Alaska's capital city of Juneau. Transfer to the airport or your hotel is complimentary.