Alaksa ports

[BLONDIE35]

I am cruising on the Sun May5-12 any suggestions of good shore excursions for a reasonable price? We would love to do some hiking.

ports are Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Prince Rupert

Thanks!:o

[GATOR MOM]

In Juneau you may be able to hike at the Mendenhale Glacier? Maybe those that know more will add to this.

[Toyz711]

check these out

http://www.traveljuneau.com/

http://www.skagway.com/

http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/

http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/

the website for mendenhall has the trail map on it. some people in skagway do some hiking, we saw some waiting to get picked up by one of the last trains.

[CaribbeanBound]

We enjoyed all three Alaskan ports (Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan). We had incredible weather. We did not book any cruise ship excursions —– yet we saw more scenery and wildlife than most passengers. We were a family of four staying in one inside cabin.

We would do it again.

 

Juneau: we rented a van for $65 from Rent-A-Wreck in advance and were met at the pier. We drove to Mendenhall Glacier Park where we took in the glacier and two self-guided trails: Photo Point and Nugget Falls (free). Toured the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery ($12 for our group of 6). Highly recommend both. Hit Safeway grocery store for an early afternoon snack and souvenirs. Upon returning the van we were given a gratis tour of downtown. We elected to be dropped off in town to shop. Red Dog Saloon was too crowded so we just checked out a few shops in route to the ship.

 

Skagway: Rented a van for $75 from Avis which is located very close to the piers. We drove to Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada (130 miles roundtrip). As it turned out, there’s really nothing in Carcross, but the trip was incredible. (It’s not the destination —– it’s the journey). There was almost no traffic at all. We saw but one bus, a truck, and maybe 2 dozen cars the entire trip. We saw bears, caribou, mountain goats and bald eagles. We saw snow capped mountains and crystal clear lakes, numerous water falls, sweeping valley and mountain views, raging rivers, the White Mountain Pass Train. The kids through snowballs. We got back into town about 2pm and shopped. Many interesting stores. The place was packed with 4 ships in port. Enjoyed an Alaska Amber Ale at the Red Onion Saloon and were driven back to the ship by the folks at Avis. Between 8pm and 10pm that night we saw numerous Humpback whales, including tail slaps, and a breach within 50 yards of the ship.

 

Ketchikan: the skies were clear. Short-sleeved shirts were the dress of the day. We simply walked around town. They experienced an electrical power shortage for about 1 hour around 8am. Some shops closed temporarily. Not much time to do anything special in Ketchikan other than visit the National Park Service’s museum which was quite informative, and shop. The town had some really fun shopping opportunities. Three places to stop in... "Good God" and ask for a sample of his Special Reserve smoked salmon; "Sockeye Sams": a nice all-around store; check out the ancient whale bone carvings. Look for the awesome (and reasonably priced) fossils and gemstones at "Poker Creek Gold" , and ask for a taste of the Birch Syrup at “Sam McGees” on Creek Street. We enjoyed another Alaska Amber Ale in a 3rd floor pub overlooking the dock. We didn’t leave the bar until the lines, to get back on the ship, got short.

 

Complete Alaska review: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/alaska.html

[Budget Queen]

Ketchikan: Not much time to do anything special in Ketchikan other than visit the National Park Service’s museum which was quite informative, and shop. [/url]

 

For clairfication there is no National Park Service museum in Ketchikan, only in Skagway and Sitka.

 

It may be Tongess National Forrest Service - that is referred to above?? http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/discoverycenter/

[CaribbeanBound]

Budget Queen is correct, it is the Discovery Center.

[eringirl79]

What month did you cruise Alaska? DH and I are sailing the first week in May and are curious if we would be able to see the same kind of wildlife....

[Budget Queen]

What month did you cruise Alaska? DH and I are sailing the first week in May and are curious if we would be able to see the same kind of wildlife....

 

Their sightings are not the norm out of Skagway, and they were very lucky. Bears are probably the more seen, the best chance is with a rental car and driving into the Yukon.

 

If you are cruising Glacier Bay, I have seen brown bears on the shore lines several times in May. Again, proper attire. :) Meaning knit hat and gloves. A good pair of wide angle binoculars is necessary and at least 10 power, if you want to try for land animals.

 

Proper attire. Will make all the difference in your ability to get out and perhaps look for wildlife.

[time4cruise]

Skagway: Rented a van for $75 from Avis which is located very close to the piers. We drove to Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada (130 miles roundtrip). As it turned out, there’s really nothing in Carcross, but the trip was incredible.

 

I heard that trip will be great. I tried to make a reservation for a van. But they don't have any... So be sure to make a reservation early