From the shores of Glacier Bay to the scenic trails of Flattop Mountain, Alaska is a land full of beauty and wonder. When the winter snows vanish into rivers swelled with frothing rapids, Alaska transforms from an intimidating wilderness into an idyllic green expanse. Enjoy more relaxation and adventure during extended summer daylight hours for an extraordinary vacation in the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
Reach the rocky Alaskan shores in comfort and style this summer aboard a thrilling Alaskan cruise. Packages include onshore excursions with access to landlocked destinations and ports of call in major cities like Juneau, Seward, and Skagway. Balance the beauty of the land with luxury accommodations that include thrilling onboard activities offered by major cruise lines. An advisor from The Travel Team can help create a complete multi-city itinerary, with both domestic and Canadian ports of departure available.
Cruise Alaska
The possibilities to explore Alaska include departures from major metropolitan areas that are vacation destinations in their own right. Embark from cities like Seattle and San Francisco after enjoying a romantic layover and seeing the sites.
With the popularity of Alaskan cruises surging, more cruise lines than ever are offering 5- to 10-day itineraries. Take the famed inside passage route with stops at unforgettable locations like Glacier Bay National Park, Misty Fjords National Monument, and the town of Ketchikan, home to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Depart from Vancouver, Canada for added adventure with a visit to the aquarium or mysterious Vancouver Island!
Aboard a luxury cruise ship, travelers and their families have access to activities for all ages. Modern vessels are filled with exciting options like water slides, laser tag, and arcades. For adults, there are nightclubs, casinos, and bowling. Mild summer weather means lounging by the on-deck pool. Once you’ve reached your scheduled port of call, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on on-shore excursions found only in Alaska.
Alaska by Railway
Multi-night rail packages offer scenic tours connecting a number of cities and landmarks dotted across the Alaskan wilderness. Seeing Alaska by rail has become a staple of traveling there and is among the easiest ways to visit multiple landlocked sites. Unique rail experiences are available, such as glass-domed railroad cars for 360° viewing of landmarks like the Denali Mountain Range and Kenai Fjords. For large portions of rail trips, trains are a great distance from highways and other man-made structures, offering an intimate view of the Alaskan landscape. Rail packages include excursions like rafting and ATV rides for an up-close look at Alaska’s unique flora and fauna.
Glacier Tours
Whether you see Alaska’s mammoth glaciers up close or from afar, they are truly a sight to behold with tours available by land, sea, air, and rail. Climb the ice or take an ATV to witness this dramatic phenomenon firsthand. From atop Alaska’s six publicly-accessible glaciers, explore ice caves and view wildlife like brown bears, sea otters, and humpback whales in their natural environment. Charter a boat to navigate icebergs and Alaska’s rugged coastline to witness the incredible phenomena of glacier calving, marked by an audible crackling and hissing before the ice plunges into the water.
Wildlife Cruises
Wildlife cruises are a great way to combine multiple activities into one day trip. See glaciers, go whale watching, and spy land animals like elk and moose from the unique vantage points offered by a wildlife cruise. Some of the best wildlife cruises depart from Juneau, where nutrient-rich waters attract humpback, orca, and gray whales. Cruises don’t have to be rugged affairs; luxury options are available. Tickets for higher-end seafaring vessels are available through highly-rated companies providing all-day tours aboard comfortable catamarans and spacious deck boats.
Fishing Excursions
More than 30 species of fish are native to Alaska’s coastal waters, attracting anglers from around the world. Salmon and halibut are the most popular sport fish here, with salmon fishing available in both fresh and saltwater. Anglers can use both traditional and non-traditional fishing techniques to minimize environmental impact and be good stewards of this prized ecosystem. Open-water anglers can choose from multiple seawater fishing excursions, either going with a day trip along the coast of Seward or in the Icy Strait. You can also choose from long-range trips with overnight stay options in comfortable lodging.
Hiking Excursions
Flattop Mountain
This 3-mile alpine trail slopes upward to reveal spectacular panoramic views of Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley), the highest peak of the majestic Alaska Mountain Range. For those using the 1,500-foot incline for wildlife viewing, the summer is ideal due to its improved visibility. You’ll still want to pack for brisk conditions, as the mountain can get very windy above the treeline.
Ptarmigan Pass Trail
While Alaska is considered a mecca for veteran hikers, not all of its mountain passes and rocky foothills are difficult to hike. Ptarmigan Pass is known as a gentler hike, offering scenic views of woodland expanses and mountain streams.
