Ice of the Inside Passage

Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Explore the breathtaking Icy Strait, a secluded waterway offering peaceful solitude. Paddle along shallow coastal areas unreachable by larger vessels, or watch for humpback whales, orcas, and abundant wildlife.

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.

Spend the day visiting highlights of the scenic capital city of Juneau. In downtown, you’ll tour the captivating Alaska State Museum. There are also be time to explore on your own. The area boasts a vibrant culinary scene with award-winning restaurants and food trucks, local breweries, and distilleries. You can delve into indigenous culture by exploring exhibits, art displays, and a clan house at the Walter Soboleff Center. Other options include the Alaska State Capitol, city museum, Mt. Roberts Tram, and life-size humpback whale statue, “Thaku”.

Journey through Tracy Arm, a place the famous naturalist, John Muir, called, “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its glaciers, pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state. You’ll also venture into Endicott Arm where you’ll have a chance to view the impressive Dawes Glacier at the head of the arm.

Scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in 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. Other opportunities for in-depth exploration included the protected waters or shores of Security Bay, Skanax Bay, Pybus Bay, The Brothers islands, or another beautiful wilderness location.

Venture into LeConte Bay for a chance to witness the LeConte Glacier–North America’s southernmost tidewater glacier. This area also offers opportunities for spectacular kayaking, expedition vessel, or beach excursions.

Walk an enchanted forest path laden with intricately carved totem poles to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale-House— the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States. Inside stand four original house posts, or “Gáats,” that were most likely carved at Old Kasaan in about 1880.

Disembark in Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska’s “First City’ and “Salmon Capital of the World.” Transfer to your hotel or the airport is complimentary.