Going on an AK cruise mid-Sep... Ketchican, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, etc.
Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for shore excursions based on these stops... this is a family trip, so I'm not looking for all day events, but more along the lines of short outings. Sorry, I know that's a tough call.
Also, I've had a horrible time finding anything on fall foliage maps for these stops... if anyone has a link I'd appreciate it.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on August 23, 2009 at 7:21 PM
In Ketchikan, I would look at going to Misty Fjords either by plane or boat - probably plane would be best.
Juneau is a great place for whale watching - I would look at those tours. A helicopter / glacier walk would also be a peak experience if you have the money and the weather.
Skagway - definitely take the White Pass Railroad - great trip through some beautiful country!
Sitka is tough - you could walk around the totem park, it is nice. The raptor center is a possibility. I have taken a kayak tour out of there that was fun, and did a boat tour where I did see whales, but you need to get a bit lucky to see whales there.
Are you really able to get off at Icy Strait Point?
I don't think any of the cruise ships run late enough in the year to see fall colors on the coast. You would need to visit the interior location like Denali if you want fall colors.
Have fun,
Ron
Posted by Kent Mearig on August 25, 2009 at 1:48 PM
In Juneau, do the guided glacier trek with Above and Beyond AK. They can take great care of the entire family; providing you with necessary gear, instruction, and great guides for "on glacier" exploring. Whale watching tours are almost 100% successful in getting you some views of various types of large marine mammals. Mid September does seem a little late in the whale season to me though. Whatever your adventures are, be prepared for it to be quite cool by that time of year. We're already looking at forecasts around here for highs below sixty and lows below forty, but your trip can still be wonderful.
Fall color? What's that? I don't think you'll find anything interesting without hiking into sub-alpine or higher. Down at sea-level, fall color is brown.
Posted by Julie Roggow on September 2, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I would highly recommend doing a whale watching tour in Juneau! Harv & Marv are the best but you can also book a tour through your cruise line. Book early because they sell out in advance! There is also usually a tour where you can combine a whale watching boat tour with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. If you go to Mendenhall, watch for black bear on the opposite side of the parking lot near the stream.
For Skagway, if you have enough time, consider renting a car and driving up to Whitehorse (or as far as time allows). It's a beautiful drive!
Posted by Kent Mearig on September 2, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Julie brings up an excellent point about the drive out of Skagway. Actually, for my money, the stretch of road right around the US/Canada boarder offers the most dramatic vistas, and that's not too long a drive at all.
I'll also revise my fall color statements. Whatever is going on, color-wise, might be pretty well rolling in a couple more weeks.
Discussion
4 repliesWondering if anyone has any recommendations for shore excursions based on these stops... this is a family trip, so I'm not looking for all day events, but more along the lines of short outings. Sorry, I know that's a tough call.
Also, I've had a horrible time finding anything on fall foliage maps for these stops... if anyone has a link I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.
Christian
http://www.christiankiely.com
Juneau is a great place for whale watching - I would look at those tours. A helicopter / glacier walk would also be a peak experience if you have the money and the weather.
Skagway - definitely take the White Pass Railroad - great trip through some beautiful country!
Sitka is tough - you could walk around the totem park, it is nice. The raptor center is a possibility. I have taken a kayak tour out of there that was fun, and did a boat tour where I did see whales, but you need to get a bit lucky to see whales there.
Are you really able to get off at Icy Strait Point?
I don't think any of the cruise ships run late enough in the year to see fall colors on the coast. You would need to visit the interior location like Denali if you want fall colors.
Have fun,
Ron
Fall color? What's that? I don't think you'll find anything interesting without hiking into sub-alpine or higher. Down at sea-level, fall color is brown.
For Skagway, if you have enough time, consider renting a car and driving up to Whitehorse (or as far as time allows). It's a beautiful drive!
I'll also revise my fall color statements. Whatever is going on, color-wise, might be pretty well rolling in a couple more weeks.