EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Cruise into the pristine waters off Auke Bay in a yacht that combines pure luxury with the chance to spot humpback whales. It will be a first-class experience as this yacht is reserved for a maximum of only eight guests. As you cruise along – enjoying the all-inclusive drinks and local specialties on the charcuterie board – be sure to scan the shoreline for harbor seals and Stellar sea lions, species that use the land as haul-out sites where they can rest on the rocks and interact with each other. If you spot humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters, it will make for even more spectacular memories. The most vocal of all whales, humpbacks make a variety of sounds, which they string together to make songs that last as long as 30 minutes. A naturalist will accompany you on the yacht to answer any questions you may have about humpbacks and the other marine animals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in luxury aboard a yacht reserved for a maximum of 8 guests.
• Scan the waters of the Inside Passage for massive humpback whales feeding.
• Look for other marine creatures such as seals, sea lions and orcas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the pristine natural environment of Tongass National Forest, the largest such wilderness in America. As you follow the shaded nature trail through the understory, you can expect to be enthralled by the majesty of the towering, centuries-old trees and the serenity of the forest. While pausing at a meadow, the naturalist guide will identify some of the more unusual plants and describe their characteristics. You will enjoy a different perspective of the wilderness from a viewing platform at a nearby rapids, where bald eagles are often spotted. You will also pause farther down the trail next to a crystal-clear stream where salmon spawn each year. Here, the guide will explain some of the traditions and legends of the indigenous people that lived in the forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through Tongass National Forest.
• Marvel at the serenity and towering ancient trees.
• Listen to the naturalist describe the flora and fauna.
• Look for bald eagles and spawning salmon in season.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour is priced per vehicle, not per person; a single booking covers your entire group. (up to the vehicle’s maximum capacity).

Ride through the wilderness on the outskirts of Juneau in a Jeep with a retractable top that will offer unobstructed views of Alaska’s extraordinary beauty. A short drive along the Gastineau Channel will take you to Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers. As a bonus, a leisurely walk along the Steep Creek Trail offers an added chance to possibly observe a bear in the forest. Take a memorable drive toward the end of the road system, where the views from Eagle Beach are sweeping and this secluded stretch of sand is a great spot to view the majestic Chilkat Mountains. Also on your journey is the National Shrine of St. Thérèse; the building’s cobblestone exterior on a serene island is particularly memorable. Depending on weather conditions and guest preferences, your host will select a fourth destination that may include a scenic drive on Douglas Island, a visit to the salmon hatchery or a trip into Juneau’s past at historic Gold Creek.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride into the wilds that lie on the outskirts of Alaska’s capital in a 4x4 Jeep.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Pause at the Shrine of St. Thérèse, where a short causeway will lead to a quaint cobblestone church nestled in the trees.
• Soak in the beauty of the Chilkat Mountains from the peaceful shores of Eagle Beach.
• Depending on weather, your host will select a fourth location that might include the salmon hatchery, Gold Creek, or a scenic drive along Douglas Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

There is no better way to experience Alaska’s rugged terrain than by driving an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) through the forests and mountains on Chichagof Island. Following a short orientation on how best to operate an ATV in the Alaskan wilderness, you will set off on your outdoor adventure. The entire island (America’s fifth largest) lies within the limits of the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest, which has the distinction of being America’s largest national forest. The terrain ranges from seaside estuaries to alpine mountain peaks, and you will have plenty of chances to stop and view the gorgeous scenery. With its remote location and limited accessibility, Chichagof is home to some of the animals most often associated with Alaska. In fact, the island has the world’s largest brown bear population, estimated to be three bears per square mile. You might also see bald eagles soaring above, land otters, Sitka black-tail deer and red squirrels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive an ATV around a remote island in the Tongass National Forest.
• Admire the spectacular, every-changing scenery.
• Look for wildlife on land and up above, including bald eagles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers in case of cool temperatures.
• Wear flat comfortable water-resistant hiking shoes.
• Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

OVERVIEW

Hop aboard the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for an immensely picturesque train ride high into the mountains, following a path blasted out of the rocks in 1898, during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. As soon as the narrow-gauge train begins its ascent, you will understand why the beloved WP&YR is known as “The Scenic Railway of the World.” The train will climb almost 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and present one breathtaking view after another, from thundering Bridal Veil Falls to the rugged peaks at Inspiration Point. You will also pass over the soaring bridge that spans precipitous Dead Horse Gulch, named for pack animals loaded with prospecting gear that fell to the bottom of the gorge. It will be an exhilarating ride on a railway so ingeniously constructed that it is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a narrow-gauge train on a route used during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• Climb high into the mountains and behold Alaska’s majestic scenery.
• Admire the ingenious engineering behind the railway’s construction.
• Receive a collectible magazine that details the railway’s history.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a traditional tribal performance that reflects the history of the Tlingits as a prelude to a feast of fresh seafood and other Alaskan dishes. The Tlingits have lived in this part of southeastern Alaska for thousands of years and their traditions run deep. This unique experience is showcased by Huna Tlingit members through live storytelling and traditional dress, creating an immersive celebration of their heritage and customs. Learn about their history, from the time advancing glaciers displaced them from their original homeland in Glacier Bay to the founding of Hoonah, meaning “where the north wind doesn’t blow. Many of their performances express the significance of indigenous animals such as ravens, seals and eagles. Others tell of the tribe’s struggles with the harsh environment and poignant social issues. Following the performance, you will dine dine on a hearty seafood feast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover much about the Tlingit tribe through interpretive songs and storytelling.
• Watch Huna Tlingit performers dressed in traditional regalia.
• Enjoy classic Alaskan fare and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take an insider’s tour of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a national historic site that is more commonly known as the Centre of the Universe. The observatory perches on Little Saanich Mountain high above Victoria and has been instrumental in studying the night sky since opening more than a century ago. Its two telescopes have contributed significantly to our understanding of the Milky Way, magnetic stars and distant quasars and galaxies. But you don’t have to be an astronomer to appreciate the observatory’s research and findings. An enlightening planetarium show will make even the most complex astronomical concepts easier to understand. You will see the original model of the telescope that journeyed to the world’s fair in 1915. You will also see the original 2.2-ton mirror for the telescope, world events at the start of the 20th century made the journey of this mirror quite special.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, also known as the Centre of the Universe.
• Watch an enlightening presentation in the planetarium.
• Gain an understanding of the discoveries made at the observatory over the past century.
• Travel through Victoria’s beautiful downtown on the way to and from the observatory.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Travel along the incredibly photogenic Klondike Highway to the Canadian border, while pausing along the way to snap pictures of the gorgeous wilderness. The road pretty much follows the trail that prospectors carved out during the Gold Rush of 1898. The countryside is still largely undeveloped, except for a few bridges and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway that parallels the road. Roadside stops will be made to view natural attractions such as ancient glaciers and Pitchfork Falls, a lovely cascade that splits into branches that resemble the tines of a pitchfork. After pausing at the Canadian border at White Pass summit, you will travel back down the Klondike Highway toward Skagway. Commentary will enhance your understanding of the attractions and the area’s history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel a picturesque highway that follows a trail created during the Gold Rush of 1898.
• Snap pictures while pausing at scenic lookouts with views of glaciers and waterfalls.
• Stop at the summit of White Pass, which marks the U.S. and Canadian border.
• Hear enlightening commentary that describes the area’s history and attractions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover Juneau’s scenic natural beauty by driving around the downtown waterfront and visiting Mendenhall Glacier, an ever-changing river of ice just outside of town. While traveling along the bustling waterfront, you can expect to see one historical building after another, some dating to the late 1890s, before Juneau was even incorporated. A short drive will bring you to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, where you can stretch your legs and snap photos of the ancient glacier from various angles. Photo Point offers the closest view of the glacier. You might also venture out on the trail system for a first-hand look at this relatively new ecosystem that was once covered by ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Juneau’s waterfront, the city’s most vibrant district.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your journey begins with an entertaining historic tour from your knowledgeable guide through downtown Skagway and along nine miles of stunning coastline to our Adventure Camp in Dyea. Kick off your visit with what we like to call a “Musher Talk.” We have been sharing our passion for dog sledding for years, and in that time, we have gathered up the most frequently asked questions about the sport. In the Musher Talk, we will share the fascinating answers and welcome any additional questions you may have. Of course, we make sure you have plenty of time to play with our puppies! Your affections socialize these future athletes, which is essential to their racing success. After that, enjoy some time around the campfire and learn to create your own delicious treat as your guide teaches you the art of S’more roasting! This experience includes toasting the graham cracker, warming the chocolate, and roasting the perfect marshmallow, then combing it all for the most astounding S’more! Then you will have time to take a self-guided nature hike next to beautiful waterfalls and dense Alaskan forest or browse the gift shop and relax in our saloon with a deck overlooking the picturesque stream. All of this in a spectacular Alaskan setting! This is a tour full of Alaskan adventure, history, and awe-inspiring wilderness.

An all you can eat mouthwatering assortment of warm and cold dishes awaits your arrival in Skagway. Feast on wild Alaskan caught salmon grilled over an open alder wood fire as part of this feast in the forest. Enjoy Chilkoot Chicken, Panners Pasta, Prospector Pete’s Reindeer Beans, Liarsville Rice Medley, Sluice Box Slaw and other fresh salads, plus cornbread and blueberry cake for dessert. Beer and wine are available for purchase.

This delicious meal also includes a visit to an 1898 replica campsite located in the historic Liarsville region. During your visit, take time to reflect on how the prospectors of yesteryear survived. Chat with the colorful characters and gold-digging madams as you enjoy a glimpse back at life during the Klondike gold rush. Visit the Fancy Goods Gift Shop to find that special souvenir.

OVERVIEW

Experience Alaska’s spectacular natural beauty on an exhilarating hike through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area. Your adventure begins not far from Juneau on a meandering trail through a valley that will stimulate your senses and leave you with an even greater respect for Mother Nature. You can expect to pass a rushing mountain stream, feel the gentle mist of a cascading waterfall, hear the high-pitched whistle of a bald eagle and smell the fragrances of a secluded forest glen. Along the way, a naturalist will point out the natural wonders and describe the wildlife that flourishes here. The surrounding peaks are home to mountain goats, black bears, beavers and porcupine, and there is no telling what you may spot. As you follow the trail, you will pause at the best viewpoints to take in panoramic vistas of this expansive wilderness in the shadow of Mendenhall Glacier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through a rainforest with a naturalist that will explain the ecosystem.
• Look for wildlife such as mountain goats, beavers and porcupine.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.