Cruise West Alaska Shore Excursions

The Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage's highest rated attraction, is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska's Native Cultures. Exhibits and live demonstrations celebrate the rich heritage of all 11 of Alaska's cultural groups. The heritage center is designed to enhance awareness of Native peoples and to encourage cross-cultural exchanges among all people.

Swing into the saddle for a guided horseback ride into the Chugach Mountains surrounding Turnagain Arm and Anchorage. Knowledgeable guides and gentle trail horses provide a safe horseback adventure for beginners and experience rides. Watch for wildlife and take in the beautiful scenery while exploring Alaska in the saddle!

Prince William Sound is a magnificent region of over 15,000 miles of water, ice, and mountains. The Sound's clear seawaters produce a rich marine life. Search for porpoise, killer whales, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, eagles and otters. On this flight you will see Prince William Sound's largest tidewater glaciers, and make a seaplane landing in a secluded cove.

Indulge yourself in learning Cordova's history, as you guided bus tour points out place of interest in this small landlocked fishing village. You'll travel out the Copper River Highway to the shores of Eyak Lake, and the Copper River Delta, the Barn, and Railroad Row. The tour concludes at the Cordova Museum, which highlights information on copper mining at the Kennecott Mines, the railroad that used to travel between the mines and Cordova, and more recently, the Copper River salmon fishery that has kept the town alive.

Naturalist guides lead you on a kayak tour suitable for all skill levels. Start with a beachside lesson, then paddle the shoreline in double kayaks. Float along waterfalls and beautiful views of Orca Inlet. Stop for a hearty snack of Copper River salmon on the beach. Enjoy sea otters, harbor seals, and seabirds. All gear is provided. Actual paddling time is about two hours.

This all-Alaskan experience includes hiking, rafting, glaciers, and icebergs. First, a naturalist leads a half-mile hike amid stunning mountain and glacier views to Sheridan Lake, formed by the retreating Sheridan Glacier. Here you will don safety gear and board rafts for an exciting paddle among giant icebergs. Don't forget to look for ice worms! Then your raft proceeds into the Sheridan River. The Class II and III whitewater rapids are big enough to be exciting, but not scary. Then the river mellow, allowing a relaxing float across the Copper River Delta to the takeout. At the end of the trip, visit a log cabin for a real Alaskan treat: the prized Copper River salmon.

Venture deep into Denali National Park in search of the park's abundant wildlife. Traveling along the Park's single, well-maintained roadway, watch for bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, fox, owls, and many other inhabitants of this wonderful landscape. The duration of this tour depends on road conditions and wildlife sightings.

Shortly after your arrival in Denali, we have arranged an exclusive presentation, "Welcome to the Subarctic," provided by naturalists from the Denali Foundation. This non-profit organization was founded in 1989 to develop and implement research, education and communication programs that benefit the Denali Park region. This presentation is intended to give you a much better appreciation of the Denali's unique ecosystem and the animals that inhabit the region.

At this dinner show, the legends of the early ascents of Denali are retold in a unique musical comedy. Join the lively cast of characters for a rollicking adventure that takes you to new heights - at the top of The Great One! The hearty family-style dinner features salmon, BBQ ribs, side dishes and desserts.

On this exciting whitewater adventure, you will journey through 11 miles of the Denali National Park frontier on the Nenana River. You will experience Class III and IV rapids with names like "Razorback," "Iceworm," "Cable Car," and "Royal Flush." No experience is required, ages 10 and older welcome. No paddling is necessary, all you have to do is hang on!

Appreciate excellent visibility from your window seat during this fully narrated one-hour flight. You will see multitude of glaciers flowing from the Alaska Range, including Ruth Glacier, Tokositna Glacier, 43-mile long Kahitna Glacier, and experience more of Alaska's pristine wilderness. Our fully pressurized cabin (no oxygen required) allows us to fly over 20,320-foot Mt. McKinley (weather permitting).

This visit to Goose Lake Kennels - home to champion Iditarod musher Jeff King, his wife Donna, a well-known wildlife artist, and 80 energetic sled dogs - provides an exciting look into the world of a championship kennel with one of the true masters of the sport. Interesting and informative, this presentation includes a visit with sled dog puppies, training demonstrations, talks, and displays of dog sleds, arctic survival gear and more.

This helicopter glacier adventure tour leads you to the breathtaking Ice Falls in the Yanert Valley where you will explore the glacier in detail with a professional guide. Land on the Yanert Glacier to explore the glaciers fascinating features including mulans, crevasses, and blue glacial streams as you take a comfortable glacier trek.

Travel along the Chena and Tanana Rivers on an authentic sternwheeler with a family of long-time riverboat captains. Cruising leisurely along the rivers, you'll experience a time when life was a bit more simple in this northern comuunity. A light lunch is included at a riverside restaurant. In addition, you will view a section of the famed Trans-Alaska Piperline where it sweeps through the outskirts of Fairbanks, plus enjoy a visit to the University of Alaska Museum, whose exhibits include mammoth ivory and locally mined gold.

Fly north from Fairbanks and wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below. Learn of traditional peoples that continue to sustain their lifestyle and culture in the expansive Yukon River Valley as they have for thousands of years. Witness remnants of the gold mining that continues over 100 years after the yellow metal first brought newcomers rushing north. View the remarkable Trans-Alaska Pipeline and marvel at the complicated engineering involved to cross the mountain ranges and severe terrain of the arctic. Thrill to the excitement of crossing the Arctic Circle, and experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Range as you pass just south of the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Participate in a ceremonial Arctic Circle landing at a wilderness community on the Middle Fork Koyukuk River and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.

Pan for gold at El Dorado Gold Mine. Ride the Tanana Valley Railroad through a permafrost tunnel and the gold fields of the Interior. Enjoy a walking tour of the mining camp and meet Alaskans who explain present day mining methods. Grab your own "poke" with pay dirt and find your own gold!

Exercise while learning the history, Native culture and present-day lifestyle of the residents of Haines. Your local guide will show you the highlights of historic Fort William H. Seward, which was founded in the early 20th century to anchor America’s border claims during the turbulent Gold Rush era. Sights include the old barracks buildings, the parade grounds, Soap Suds Alley and ’Officer’s Row.’ These buildings overlook the 9-acre parade grounds, Lynn Canal and the Chilkoot Mountains. Along the way, stop to view Tlingit totem poles and other cultural points of interest. This tour moves at a moderate pace and involves some uphill walking.

Just outside the picturesque Southeast Alaska town of Haines, the Chilkat Valley boasts the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles. This trip begins with a beautiful 30-minute drive through the 'Valley of the Eagles" to the heart of the preserve, personally escorted by one of you guides. Here your 18-foot raft awaits to take you on a voyage of discovery through the gentle braided waters of the preserve. As we float silently along, your guide will acquaint you with the unique human and natural history of this special place. They are experts at spotting the many animals that call the preserve home, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and of course, bald eagles. Above all this, the spectacular peaks of the Chilkat Mountains loom high in the sky. Icy blue glaciers tumble from the lofty heights, carving away the mountains, grinding the rocks into dust. Our guides impart a love of the land that will be yours forever! Note: NOTE: This excursion conflicts with the included activity, by choosing this excursion you will remove yourself from the included activity.

Our three acres of privately owned land is located right in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve so we have all the amenities. The Preserve is 48,000 acres and the best way to access the road-less portion is by jet boat. Where the road ends, your adventure begins, giving you the best opportunity to view bald eagle’s nest along the river route. Moose are often the highlight of the tour, sometimes seen feeding on the willow trees along the bank. Wild animals give no guarantees but the success rate for seeing moose is the best of any tour offered in Southeast Alaska. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with cascading, hanging glaciers and surrounding mountains that soar to 6,000 feet. After your river adventure, enjoy beverages and a snack. Spotting scopes will be set up so you can look for the mountain goats on the surrounding mountains. Your tour will either begin or end with a short informative tour of historic Fort Seward. Note: NOTE: This excursion conflicts with the included activity, by choosing this excursion you will remove yourself from the included activity.

Board a Cruise West motorcoach for a short drive through the core of historic downtown Juneau. Your trip will give you a quick orientation of town sprinkled with a few historical insights. Your guide will point out the many attractions to see and do later such as the Red Dog Saloon, the Alaska State Museum, and the Governor's Mansion.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the world’s largest temperate rain forest up-close with a personal guide. Drive the scenic shoreline of Douglas Island to Outer Point Trail. This mostly level trail winds its way through several distinct ecosystems before arriving at the ocean. Step inside a unique old growth forest and learn about its inhabitants. Walk the shoreline of Auke Bay, the home of the original inhabitants of Juneau. Bring sturdy walking shoes for this 1.5 mile hike. The beach section of the hike is over uneven terrain.

Each passenger will take pleasure in an unrestricted view of the magnificent glaciers and deep blue crevasses of the Juneau Icefield. Snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and lush forests await. The Taku River will be your ’runway’ when landing at the Taku Lodge. This historic lodge was built in 1923 directly across from the picturesque Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in Alaska, and sits amid the untouched Tongass National Forest. Shortly after your arrival, the aroma of fresh wild Alaska King Salmon tells you the feast is about to begin. Your salmon entree will be complimented with all homemade side dishes for brunch, lunch or dinner, including actual glacial ice to cool your drinks. After your meal, take in a number of options; wander the well maintained trails of the old growth forest independently, explore on a guided interpretive nature walk, or relax with a beverage and soak in the serenity of a place scarcely touched by time. All the while, keep an eye out for black bears that can’t resist the aroma of fresh grilled Alaskan King Salmon.

Your tour includes admission to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Museum. This beautiful museum offers a high tech audio-visual show "Mystical Southeast Alaska," as well as exceptional displays of the region’s wildlife, ecosystems, native heritage, and magnificent natural wonders.

Experienced and novice anglers alike are invited to try their luck behind the reel. The protected waters surrounding Ketchikan offer some of Alaska's finest fishing opportunities. King (Chinook), Silver, and Pink salmon or other sport fish could be your target for the day. Fish can be processed for you and sent to any address for an additional charge. Snacks are provided onboard.

Luxury seaplanes will carry you from Ketchikan back to the time of the Pleistocene Period, which began two million years ago. Fly over the 700,000-acre expanse of Revillagigedo Island, most of which is in the Tongass National Forest, and across Behm Canal to Misty Fjords National Monument. This last frontier of untouched landscape is guaranteed to take your breath away. You'll see massive vertical cliffs leading to snowcovered peaks adorned with cascading waterfalls pouring into many lakes and fjords. As you soar above this wilderness, watch for wildlife on the shorelines and on the mountains, including mountain goats, bears and bald eagles. Your pilot will land on a mountain lake in the heart of the wilderness for a visit to shore.

Admire the scenic beauty of Koidak Island as you embark on an in-depth tour of the many points of interest in and around Kodiak, the first Russian settlement in Alaska. Visit the Baranof Muesum - the oldest Russian-built structure in the U.S. Enjoy sweeping views from Fort Ambercrombie, a historic defense installation for World War II. Ascend 1,400 foot Pillar Mountain and witness the panorama of hidden bays and rugged mountains. St. Innocent's Academy Band and Choir will perform for you, including folk dancing. Exdplore the local species of fish and sea creatures at the Koidak Fisheries Research Center Touch Tanks.

Our tour departs Trident Basin in the city of Kodiak, flying to a either Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge or Katmai National Park and Preserve. You'll fly in a remodeled deHavilland Beaver floatplane. Your experienced pilot will help you spot wildlife and marine mammals en route, as well as brief you on what to expect and how to respond to any bears you may encounter upon landing. Bear viewing is the main focus of this trip, with two hours of ground viewing. A degree of walking may be required to access the areas you will be visiting. Each guest will be provided with a pair of hip boots, as well as a snack and beverages. Bear viewings are not guaranteed but very likely.

Welcome to the town that celebrates tow Independence Days - Norway's and Fourth of July. Upon arrival you will enjoy a performance of traditional Norwegian folk dances by a costumed local troupe at the Sons of Norway Hall. The Leikarring Dancers provide a delightful introduction to the heritage of this Scandinavian fishing village.

Your journey begins in Petersburg and wings its way east to the Coastal Mountains, Stikine Ice Field, and the mighty LeConte Glacier. Marvel at the crevasses and intricate caverns tinted translucent blue, unique to massive glacial ice. You’ll circle in front of LeConte, fly over the ice-jammed bay, and follow the glacier through the valley it has carved on its way to the sea.

Southeast Alaska totem poles and a temperate rain forest setting combine to provide spectacular scenery along the park’s coastal trail. Our guides will lead as the trail circles back along Indian River to the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical Park. Alaska’s oldest federally designated park was established in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka. All that remains of this last major conflict between Europeans and Alaska Natives is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within this scenic 113 acre park in a temperate rain forest.

Visit the historical highlights of this former Russian capital city and tour the Bald Eagle Raptor Center. View magnificent bald eagles up close, and learn how the clinic rehabilitates birds of prey. Historical Highlights include the Sitka National Historical Park where the Battle of Alaska was fought in 1804. You’ll be driven through the historic district to view the Russian cemetery, Block House and Castle Hill, site of the 1867 land transfer ceremony.

Local experts await to guide you on a water adventure as you explore nearby inlets by kayak. The adventure begins in zodiacs that take you to a secluded bay across Sitka Sound. Once there you’ll learn the basics of kayaking and enjoy the up-close experience of sheltered inlet paddling. Being so close to the wilderness, you might see bald eagles, black-tailed deer, and more. Equipment (even rain gear) is included. All kayaks are two-person vessels and this activity is suitable for all ages and experience levels. Actual kayaking time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Climb aboard the "Street Car" and experience Skagway with Alaska’s award-winning historical tour! From your ship, you’ll enjoy a quick overview of our town in our unique 1930’s buses with costumed conductors. Tour past the historical boardwalks of downtown and hear the histories of the people that built this"Gateway to the Klondike." You’ll arrive at the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad depot with the lay of the land in your mind, so that you can make your way easily to shops and attractions that you want to explore. Join us and discover why the Street Car Tour is as much a part of the Skagway story as the streets it tours and the tales it tells.

Take an unforgettable journey aboard this world-famous narrow gauge railroad to the White Pass Summit and return. There is no railway quite like the White Pass & Yukon Route. Against all odds, this iron rail was built through some of the North’s most ruggedly beautiful terrain. One hundred years later, this narrow gauge is still in operation. Ride aboard an old-fashioned parlor car as you retrace the original route to the summit of the White Pass. The modern highway can offer similar scenery, but only this historic train travels through two tunnels, sky-high trestles, and remote valleys as you make the dramatic climb to the top. With route map in hand, the Alaskan wilderness unfolds outside your window as the climb the steep grade past Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Your tour guide will announce all points of interest and tell the unique story of this railway and the Klondike Gold Rush.

Combine helicopter flight seeing with Alaska’s favorite sport - dog sledding. After a thrilling flight over spectacular glaciers, you’ll land at a dog camp on the Denver Glacier. Experienced guides will introduce you to the world of ’mushing’ and the art of dog sledding. Drive the team or relax in the sled while observing the breathtaking environment around you. Meet professional mushers and friendly dogs on the unique Alaskan experience.

Your adventure begind on a motorized sightseeing vessel for a 15-minute scenic ride past spectacular waterfalls to a protected cove. At the cove, your kayak will introduce you to great views of breathtaking Prince William Sound. We'll make a stop allowing you to beachcomb while your guides prepare a hearty shore lunch. Continue exploring the coastline and watching for marine wildlife after lunch.

Catch a glimpse of the richness of Wrangell's history with visits to the Chief Shakes Tribal House or the Wrangell Museum. Opened in July 2004, the Wrangell Museum features local art and antiquities, and interactive visitor's center and an exceptional gift shop. Transportations and admission will be provided to the destination of your choise: the museum, the tribal house, or into town for shopping and exploring at your leisure.

Travel by boat to Anan Creek, a truly amazing wildlife experience. Anan Creek literally turns black with salmon on their way to spawn upstream. This naturally attracts brown and black bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals. Enjoy a half-mile walk, where you guide will point out flora and fauna, birds and other wildlife. After arriving at the observation deck, take in the wonderful surroundings as you watch bears feed on salmon they fish out of Anan Creek. This all takes place within 50 feet of you or closer. One area puts bears fishing about 20 feet in front of you! Don't forget to watch for bald eagles.