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.

Venture into Dundas Bay, within the confines of Glacier Bay National Park’s “Outer Bay.” In this secluded area, you’ll experience remarkable solitude as you paddle a shallow water coastline inaccessible to larger craft.

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, including the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. In downtown Juneau, visit the recently renovated Alaska State Museum. You have time to explore on your own. You may choose to visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Alaska State Capitol, or take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Mount Roberts Tram. You can also delve deeper into local Native culture and history by exploring fascinating exhibits, art displays, and a clan house at the Walter Soboleff Center. End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, your own exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on Alaska salmon, Alaska crab*, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.

Journey through Tracy Arm, a place the famous naturalist John Muir called “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its 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.

Enjoy an exciting kayak or skiff expedition in stunning Endicott Arm-a glacial fjord in the Tracy Arm Ford’s Terror Wilderness area. View the impressive Dawes Glacier at the head of the arm. Later, scout for humpback whales and other wildlife in Frederick Sound.

After exploring the charming and historical community of Wrangell, board a comfortable, high-speed jet boat and venture north through Dry Strait to LeConte Bay. En route to the spectacular LeConte Glacier—North America’s southernmost tidewater glacier—you’ll navigate through a maze of glistening ice bergs in the shadows of towering, snow-capped mountains.

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.