Alaska’s glaciers are easily accessible by rental cars, highway drives, or walking distances from major towns. If you’re not cruising, stay at Glacier Bay Lodge, the only lodging within the National Park boundaries. Take a catamaran tour for a close-up look at the glaciers. Flightseeing tours and air taxis are available year-round, and you can travel by helicopter, bush plane, or fixed-wing aircraft. The ideal way to fly around Alaska is by booking an overnight or sightseeing excursion with Rusts, K2, Alaska Adventure Company, or Northern Alaskan. Fly into Anchorage and head south to Seward for a day cruise to see glaciers. Along the way, take a tram ride up Mt Alyeska to see glaciers at a different location. There are eight ways to get close to a glacier, including roadside ice dog sledding, glacier day cruises, paddle power flightseeing trips, and the Glacier Discovery train, which stops at Portage, home to bears, moose, and other animals.
📹 How to see Glaciers in Alaska
Seeing icy blue glaciers is a quintessential Alaskan experience. Here’s where and how to do it on your trip to Alaska. Perhaps …
Is it safe to walk on glacier?
Safety. A person should never walk on a glacier alone. The risk of slipping on the ice and sliding into an open crevasse, or of breaking through and falling into a hidden crevasse is too great.
Glaciers can be dangerous in many ways. However, as long as you keep safety in mind, visiting a glacier can be a wonderful experience.
Walking too close to a glacier can be hazardous! Often the ice will form cliffs at the terminus (the end of the glacier) or at the margins (the sides). Sometimes the ice makes towers called seracs.
These cliffs and ice towers are unstable and can fall. Glaciers are always moving slowly, even though you usually can’t see them move. The movement causes stress. The stress causes cracking, which causes blocks of ice to break off and fall. Sometimes an entire serac or section of the ice front can collapse. People standing too close could be killed by falling ice.
What month is best to see glaciers in Alaska?
When Is The Best Time To Visit Alaska Glaciers?. One of the most exciting ways to explore Alaska’s glaciers is to hike across their icy surfaces. The best time to take a glacier hike is from May to September when the weather conditions are most favorable. In fact, some of the most famous glaciers in Alaska are best accessed in the warmer months, including popular ones like Spencer Glacier, McBride Glacier, Raven Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and Holgate Glacier. In general, these months are the best time of year for weather conditions overall in Alaska.
Of course, what you want to do on your trip will help you decide what the best time to visit Alaska glaciers is. Depending on the experience you’re looking to have in Alaska, you may even consider a visit during the “shoulder months.” Certain glaciers are only accessible for ice climbing or glacier hiking during the fall and winter when conditions are a little chilly. However, if you’re a wildlife lover and want to see Alaska’s native species in addition to a glacier, July is the best month to visit Alaska. From sea birds to sea lions, walruses, harbor seals, and sea otters, the peak summer season is the best time to view wildlife.
Where To See An Alaska Glacier. One of the easiest ways to see a glacier in Alaska is to fly into Anchorage and use the city as a jumping-off point to adventure. In fact, there are 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. Seward is also a great city to establish a base camp, since the Kenai Fjords National Park is so close, and Exit Glacier is right outside the city limits. With so many options, it’s always the best time to visit Alaskan glaciers. Here are more ideas to help you plan your trip!
Is the Mendenhall glacier excursion worth it?
Mendenhall Glacier is an iconic glacier in Juneau, Alaska. It’s a must-see when visiting the area – either by cruise or other means. It’s certainly worth a visit, regardless of whether you choose a guided tour or a self-led tour.
Located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, which translates to a 20-30-minute drive. Learn your options for visiting this incredible landmark during your Juneau travels.
Ways to Reach Mendenhall Glacier. There are two main ways to reach Mendenhall Glacier when staying in Juneau. The first is to book a tour, which could involve hiking, kayaking or cruising your way to the glacier. Or you can take a shuttle to the area and enjoy self-exploration. Each has its pros and cons. Here’s how you can evaluate what’s best for you.
Mendenhall Glacier Tour Pros and Cons. One of the most popular ways to reach Mendenhall Glacier is to book a tour through an excursion company. You’ll know more about what to expect and can easily plan for how much time you’ll need to devote to the experience. Plus, you’ll be guaranteed a spot on the bus that transports you to the area.
What is the best way to see Alaska for the first time?
Best Way To See AlaskaIf You Cruise, Make It A Means to an End. Cruises are a great way to see Alaska’s coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. … Do An Independent Land Tour. … Reserve A Healthy Budget For Excursions. … Come At The Right Time Of Year. … Don’t Fixate On “Highlights”
The short answer: Stay away from the crowds and experience Alaska in an authentic way. This requires more planning, but you’ll have a more richly rewarding vacation. Here are five tips to see the real Alaska:
1. If You Cruise, Make It A Means to an End. Cruises are a great way to see Alaska’s coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. But you don’t want to miss our highest mountains, “Big Five” land mammals, or vast interior landscapes, so…
- If you choose a conventional cruise, take a cross-Gulf itinerary and add a land tour.
- When you hit ports of call, have your excursions well thought out beforehand. Here are our recommendations.
- Consider a small ship cruise that gets you closer to glaciers and wildlife, and allows you to visit smaller ports and bays where big ships can’t go.
Can I tour Alaska on my own?
Self Drive Tours for independent travelers with accommodations, rental car assistance & roadtrip routes. There’s nothing like exploring Alaska on a self-drive tour on a road trip by rental car or RV.
Explore three of Alaska’s National Parks: Denali, Wrangell – St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska’s natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,… Browse itinerary.
An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a “whistle stop” train operated… Browse itinerary.
Explore Denali, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley with the freedom of a rental car. These three destinations complement each other with natural beauty from mountains to valleys to coastlines. The bus tour into Denali National Park is a… Browse itinerary.
What kind of place would you need to visit in order to see glaciers?
Hoping to see one before they are gone, many visitors come to the park to see a glacier. Ironically, Glacier National Park isn’t the easiest place to see an active glacier.. Massive glaciers can be viewed with relative ease in Alaska’s national parks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park, are all known for their glacier viewing. In the contiguous United States, glaciers can be seen fairly easily in Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Grand Teton National Park and others. It is actually North Cascades National Park that boasts the highest concentration of glaciers in the lower 48 but Glacier National Park comes in second with about two dozen active glaciers.
Most of the park’s glaciers are tucked into shadowy niches high along the Continental Divide, cloaked by semi-permanent snowfields. Still, a few glaciers can be seen from the road, a few others can be seen from a short hike, and others can be studied up close after a strenuous hike. Binoculars and a park map can help you tell the difference between snowfields and glaciers throughout the park. Late August and early September, when most of the winter’s snow has melted away, is the best time to see the glaciers.
- Where to See a Glacier. Jackson Glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road Overlook. The easiest glacier to see in the park.
- Visible from Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road
- 5 miles East of Logan Pass
- Read about all the park’s glaciers on wayside exhibits
Do I need a permit to enter glacier?
- A Vehicle Reservation and a Park Entrance Pass into Glacier are not the same thing.
- We recommend purchasing your Entrance Pass in advance,here on recreation.gov.
- If you’re renting a car, don’t panic when you get to the screen requesting your license plate info. Click on the drop down menu and change personal car to rental car, and that requirement goes away.
- You’ll need your Entrance Pass to access any Glacier entrances, too.
- Seven-day, annual, or lifetime Entrance Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations with a credit card.
#7 Where does the West Glacier Vehicle Reservation begin?. New in 2024, vehicle reservations will begin on the west side at the foot of Lake McDonald. Visitors will be able to access Apgar Village amenities, including the Apgar Visitor Center, without a vehicle reservation. Lodging, camping (including front country developed campgrounds and backcountry camping permits), transportation, or commercial activity reservations originating in Apgar will no longer provide access beyond the Apgar filter check point.
Reservations will NOT be available at park entrance stations or park offices. If a visitor arrives at an entrance requiring a vehicle reservation without an vehicle reservation, they will be turned away. Visitors can go online at Recreation.gov to see if an vehicle reservation ticket is available for that day. This may be possible if vehicle reservation are not sold out.
What part of Alaska has the most glaciers?
Elias National Park and Preserve. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the glacier heavyweight of Alaska. It has the most glaciers of any park (3,121 at last count) and they cover 6,757 square miles of land.
Approximately one quarter (4.6 million acres) of Alaska’s glaciers exist within national parks. Glaciers require three conditions to form: abundant snowfall, cool summers, and the gravitational flow of ice. Glaciers form in land areas where annual snowfall is greater than annual snowmelt. Some areas in Alaska, such as the Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park, receives an average of 60 feet of snow each year. Large amounts of snowfall, combined with cool summers and gravity, form multiple, connected glaciers over time, known as an icefield.
Glaciers tell stories of the Earth’s history; they shape the Earth’s surface as they move and form valleys and mountains. Glacial ice documents weather and life from many years past. Tidewater glaciers are those that terminate in the sea. The ice that calves off these glaciers provide important habitat to ice-dependent species, such as seals.
What was the glacial extent in Alaska during the Pleistocene? Check out the Alaska PaleoGlacier Atlas.
Can you drive to any glaciers in Alaska?
Matanuska Glacier. The biggest and most accessible glacier by road is Matanuska Glacier. Located just about two hours north of Anchorage, this 26-mile long and four-mile wide formation is very popular and offers many guided tour experiences where gear is provided. Tours are offered daily year-round, and lodging catering to those looking to see Matanuska Glacier are close by. While Matanuska Glacier is a great option for inexperienced hikers looking to spend the day on and around the glacier, it’s also a popular destination for experienced glacier trekkers.
Exit Glacier. The Exit Glacier area in Seward is unique as it is the only area of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. In the summer months, there are many hiking trails, a nature center, a bookstore, and on-site park rangers to help explain the history of the glacier and amplify your experience. Several short trails leave from the nature center that feature views of Exit Glacier and take you near the glacier’s face. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, the Harding Icefield Trail climbs steeply along the side of the glacier and ends with a panoramic view of the massive icefield. The road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars in the winter and is a popular destination for those looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe, fat-tire bike, dog sled, and snow machine.
Mendenhall Glacier. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau offers a stunning view of the Mendenhall Valley and has a several short trails from the visitor center that lead to views of the glacier and the impressive Nugget Falls. There are many trails and hikes in and around the Mendenhall Glacier area ranging from easy to moderate, making it a great option for both experienced and novice hikers. While Mendenhall Glacier is accessible by trail, it is also popular with seasoned kayakers who traverse the lake to the shore. Please note, traveling by water should only be attempted by experienced kayakers. Dressing for this experience requires waterproof clothing and layers, as temperatures and weather can change quickly.
Is walking on a glacier in Alaska worth it?
Some of the most amazing have been scouted by Alaska Ultimate Safaris. Explore a glacier surrounded by snow-capped mountains, or climb to the steaming summit of an island volcano. In either case, the views are unparalleled and the experience is surreal.
Most visitors want to see a glacier during their Alaskan vacation. Luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the best glacier tours and have categorized each experience by sea, air, or land.
By Water. Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, Sea Kayaking, Rafting, Canoeing, and Jet Skiing. Perhaps the most intimate way to experience the awesome scale of Alaska’s glaciers is on the water. The tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound and the Kenai Fjords extend down from mountain peaks and out into the sea. Hundreds of feet high and miles long, you can the hear ice crackling and sizzling as trapped air bubbles slowly escape. One of the most dramatic events in all of nature is witnessing a tidewater glacier unleash a house-sized block of ice into the ocean. The resulting icebergs can create enormous waves when they hit (kayakers beware!) and can continue bobbing up and down for a full day or more until they float out into open waters or beach themselves along the Alaskan shoreline. Cruises and sea kayak trips also let you see lots of marine life, such as playful sea otters and shy harbor seals.
By Air. Flightseeing. From the air, you won’t feel the power of calving, but you will gain a perspective you can’t experience from the ground. You’ll see how massive icefields, dozens of miles long, spill into valleys to create glaciers. These expansive sheets of ice leave only the highest mountain peaks and ridges peeking through. The Harding Icefield near Seward is a classic example, and is one of the few icefields easily accessible by foot (a five-hour hike from Exit Glacier, rising from sea-level to 3,500ft). Also best seen from a plane are piedmont glaciers, where several glaciers join at the foot of a mountain range to create a fan-like pattern of ice and rock. These beautiful formations are best spotted in Southeast Alaska.
Can you go to Alaska without going on a cruise?
Whether by air, road,or sea, a vacation to Alaska includes a scenic journey that is sure to be as memorable as the destination – and each has its own unique set of benefits. Independent travelers will enjoy traveling to and around Alaska by car or RVfor the ultimate road trip, but there are lots of options for getting around Alaska without a car. Once you arrive, you can travel within the state by plane, cruise, ferry, train, car, or motorcoach/bus/shuttle. No matter which mode you choose, traveling through Alaska offers a front row seat to experience inspiring scenery and exquisite wildlife.
Air travel includes jet service to Alaska’s major airports of Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. Regional air carriers and chartered air services provide access to smaller communities, villages, and remote areas throughout the state.
Cruising to Alaska offers a spectacular journey to and through Alaska’s magnificent scenery. Major cruise lines feature a variety of room options, all-inclusive meals, entertainment, and amenities, while smaller cruise operators cater packages to specific traveler styles like adventure or luxury travel.
📹 Exploring Alaskan Ports WITHOUT Breaking The Bank!
I was asked by a fan of the channel, Heather, “How can we make the most of our port stops when we can’t afford any excursions or …
Hello, I’m a ranger at the Mendenhall and I’m so glad you mentioned the city bus (Capital Transit). It’s exponentially cheaper, and it gives you control over how much time you spend with us. We hate how little time folks get at the glacier when they take excursions, so we love folks taking the city bus. Also, can I recommend the Alaska State Museum in Juneau? I am a historian and it’s the best state museum I’ve ever seen.
Juneau is my home town. I have a few additions to the budget Juneau excursions list. I would add the DIPAC hatchery with indoor aquatics exhibits and salmon in the fish ladder from late June through October ($5 admission and you can get pretty close with the city bus system, it’s a few miles north of downtown). The Last Chance Mining Museum (check open hours, admission has been $5) is a fun stop for anyone interested in Gold Rush history. It is a couple of miles walk from the cruise ship docks to the museum in Perseverance Basin, which also has nice hiking trails and mining “artifacts” strewn around. Plus you pass the Mt Robert’s trailhead on the way, so if you would like to hike to the Tram that would be doable on the way back from the museum. A few other fun options well north of downtown that require a car are the Shrine of St Therese (no admission fee) and the Arboretum (check hours) (no admission fee), and Eagle Beach ( it’s part of an Alaska State Park) (no admission fee). Beautiful views and they are all reasonably near one another, so doable in an afternoon with a rental car.
We did a cheap tour with a local guide in Sitka and saw the raptor center, Fortress of the Bear, and the totem park. The tour guide had lots of local stories and a lunch recommendation away from the tourist spots. It ended up being one of our favorite stops, and we had absolutely nothing planned when we disembarked the ship. We did the glacier bus in Juneau, and I agree that the walk to Nugget Falls is an absolute must-do. We only had two “excursions” planned on the whole trip, and canceled both of them in favor of several things on your list. Dolly’s museum on Creek Street is a hoot, and after walking that area we went back to the ship early. As a result we were some of the only people onboard to watch a small pod of orcas swim by!!
Thank you so much for this, Gary! I am doing my first Alaska cruise in October and plan to do the expensive helicopter ride weather permitting- and then I know I might not really have a lot of other room to splurge! I have to admit that at first I thought your website was just about luxury cruising, but I’m so glad I stuck around and watched more of your articles. You give the most excellent advice about all types of cruising, from super shoestring budget to luxury and everything in between! I genuinely find myself taking notes during most of your articles and have saved so much money from your tips and I am a budget cruiser! Your articles really provide so much value for everyone regardless of your budget. I know I’ll be studying this article and will be perusal all of your Alaska content between now and my cruise! Thank you again for always spreading awareness about these money savings tips. All these activities truly look fun.
We just got back from a cruise on the Westerdam. In Sitka, look for a very nice lady, Lauren, when you get off the ship. She will take you around in her Shuttle (The Sitka Shuttle) to sites for $25 a person. We went to the Raptor Center, the Totem Pole Park, the Science Center (Salmon Hatchery), the Cathedral, and we ate a fantastic Burger at the Burger & Crab Shack. We also went to the top of Castle Hill. All we had to do was call Lauren, and she picked us up and gave us some nice information about the area and dropped us off anywhere we wanted to go on her route. She also goes out to Fortress of the Bear. Fantastic!!!
Just have to thank you for this article. I share it frequently with friends and strangers. I think a fair number of people don’t book because of excursion sticker shock and miss out on a wonderful adventure together. Thanks for taking the time to show that a wonderful Alaska adventure doesn’t have to break the bank. Kids grow up so fast; make memories with the budget you have 🚢
A massive thank you for this, Gary. We’ve never cruised and are still uncertain about it. So we’ve been binge-watching cruising articles – mostly yours and Ben & David’s website. Invaluable! Being UK-based means visiting European cities is relatively easy by train – and we love train travel. Alaska, however, is not so easy! We have family in Vancouver and now think a round-trip Alaskan cruise could be a great way to start – get over the jet lag for a few days with the relatives and then head to the ship. I was alarmed at the cost of excursions, though, and so was absolutely delighted to find this and the brilliant guide that I’ve downloaded. Thank you for all your excellent articles. 🙂
Just back from a 10 day cruise/Yukon Land Tour that began August 5th. In Juneau: Sealaska Heritage Institute was amazing. Juneau City Library was a great place for library lovers with a tremendous view. In Skagway: Note that the Klondike NPS rangers were NOT leading tours/talks right now. After wandering around in the rain with the crowds while waiting for the White Pass Yukon Railway train, we found a pleasant respite in the Skagway public library. Our train ride was at 12:40 and the skies cleared up as if on cue for us to see the grand views 😊. Thank you, Gary, for all your vital information!
Hello Gary. I just got back from my Alaskan Cruise with Holland America and I took some of your advice. The tour or “blue bus” in Juneau for Mendenhall is now $75 per person and you only get 1.5hours to explore once you arrive at Mendenhall. The City bus is much cheaper at only $2 per adult and $1 per child. The ride takes about 45 minutes and it’s about a 30 minute walk to the falls with the chance to see black bears and a panoramic view of the glacier before you enter the park. Another option that you didn’t mention was taking a cab and that was only $45 each way. As for the Tram, it’s $50 for the pass and if you walk up, you can take the Tram down for $20. The White Pass Train in Skagway was fun but some people took the cheaper option of going on the bus. Lots of great hiking trails in Skagway. In Ketchikan, we used the Walking Tour Map and had a great walk around town. We also took advantage of the free local bus that runs every 20 minutes and does a loop of the downtown. Thank you again for the advice.
This article was great! My husband and I loved our Alaska cruise last October and will probably be going back this year. We took the time while in Juneau to donate blood. We took the city bus down and back. We made appointments before we left home. It was wonderful! They were so friendly and we learned a lot about the area and where to go for the best food. Giving back to the people of Alaska made us feel wonderful in exchange for sharing their breathtaking state! It was a highlight of our trip.
Thanks for all of the tips Gary! I am planning to go on an Alaska cruise next year. It will be my first time in Alaska and I am very excited. I heard the excursions are expensive but worth the money. I took notes on all of your great budget options, thank you for sharing. My question is, do you think some of the more expensive options are worth the money? I need to binge watch all of your Alaska content to absord everything. Super excited. Thanks for the article! <3
I’m just back from an April-May cruise to Alaska and find your information complete and timely. The only points I may add are unrelated to exploring, namely, getting around (for those of us unable to walk much) and where and how to make the most of limited time ashore. To-wit: Once off the ship look immediately for scheduled free local transportation. Ask the locals. You can find inexpensive shops for almost anything away from tourist areas, even a shopping mall in Ketchikan. Use your phone nearly everywhere without having to pay exorbitant Wi-Fi fees on board. There are major bank branches as well in most stops. I even found a shop in Juneau that repaired my damaged shoe free of charge. Planning ahead using the internet for mundane needs anticipated or not will save a great deal of unnecessary expense.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Finally doing our Alaska cruise after having to reschedule twice and of course we’re also traveling on a budget. Took your advise and already got tickets for the Lumberjack show in Ketchican for my husband’s birthday and it was a good savings from the cruise excursions cost.. Traveling at the end of August.. Again Gary thank you for your great information..
Thanks Gary! I just got back from Alaska cruise and saved a lot by being my own tour guide and taking zero excursions. I did take blue bus to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau; visited museums in Skagway and Ketchikan; and enjoyed perusal Bald Eagles and harbor seals in Prince Rubert Canada. Using my binoculars, I saw birds, otters, whales, seals and glaciers. Most of the time, excursions don’t live up to the price. 😊
While not bargains, 2 things we did added value. First, hire a car in Skagway and basically follow the train route. For 2 of us it was cheaper and for 4 it would be a bargain. We also had time to drive to the start of the Chilkoot Trail and generally stopped when and where we wanted. Second, as it’s unlikely we will be in Anchorage ever again we hired a car there and spent 3 days a few hours further north. We went to the Matanuska Glacier however there are plenty of other areas to explore and stay outside of Anchorage. Much better value than just getting off the ship and going straight to the airport.
Thanks Gary for another excellent article and suggestions. Just one thought: we hiked up Mt Roberts in Juneau early last June and there were large patches of ice/compacted snow towards the top of the trail (the lady at tourist information in the town did warn us that there was ice on the trail, so it’s worth checking, particularly early in the season, that it’s easily passable before setting off). We are both experienced hikers, but my wife slipped on a patch of ice and dislocated her shoulder. We continued up to the tram station over more ice (it was shorter than the return trip), where the staff were brilliant and made sure we got on the next tram down (no charge!) and the ship’s doctor sorted out Elizabeth’s shoulder very quickly, although she spent the rest of the cruise with her arm in a sling. So it’s worth bearing in mind that it might not be a straightforward hike. Also another good reason to have travel insurance! We went back to Alaska again this year, so weren’t discouraged!
Thank you so much!! We went on an Alaskan cruise this past June and did some of the excursions the cruise line advertised. We had fun BUT while we saw Endicott Arms, we did not go to Glacier Bay. I have booked another cruise for June 2024 that goes to Glacier Bay and will need some less costly excursions. Again, thank you for this article. I have printed the maps, written down your suggestions, and am going to enjoy another trip to Alaska!!
Great information Gary. My wife and I went last September and did just walk around all the towns. We have been numerous times and just wanted to relax. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate this time. Skagway was the only decent weather of the entire trip. Still was a great trip. Also while in Skagway you can take the ferry to Haines to go to the Chilkat Eagle Preserve.
Gary, my wife and I want to take an Alaska Cruise and we have not cruised before. Two very simple questions from complete novices. 1) Does deck height make a difference when getting a balcony? Is it worth paying more to be on deck 12 rather than Deck 4? 2) If we are taking a cruise from Vancouver to Seward does being on the port or starboard side on an Inside Passage cruise make a great deal of difference? Thank you so much for all of your cruise articles, they are extremely helpful to us. – MV
Oh doh. Could have done with seeing this about a month ago! 😀 We fly on Thursday and all booked up I think, but these look awesome! The waterfalls and Mendenhall glacier in particular! Wondering if we’ve got any space on the schedule left now…! Really wanted to go to the Lumberjack show, but we’ve got trips booked over the top of it 🙁 Gutted! Thanks though Gary, your advice has been invaluable for this trip!
Great article. Going to AK for the 1st time in May 2024, itinerary is Northbound from Vancouver, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skageay Hubbard Glacier & Seward. We then are spending 1.5 days in Anchorage before flying back to the east coast. Do you have any recommendations for the best dog sledding company in snow? I know it will be costly because most involve a helicopter ride to a glacier, but the cruise isn’t offering an excursion so I’m having to research it on my own.
Hi Gary, do you need to purchase entrance tickets ahead of time for the raptor center or fortress of the bears or Buchart gardens in Victoria? Also is there a salmon run in July in Ketchikan that you recommend to see the wild bears? Thank you for sharing all of your experience. This website is very informative.
Thank you so much for creating this content. Would like to know any of the excursions you mentioned are wheelchair accessible? Husband has terminal disease and now wheelchair bound and we are planning a last trip that his doctor approved. But would like to make the most of this trip. We are planning to go in Jun 2024.
Thankyou for your article, very helpful. My girlfriend are will be in Ketchican on September 10th. We want to go and see bears in the nearby creek but the excursion is $309.00. Is there a better way to see them for a lesser price. It is at the sanctuary by the totem poles close to the fish hatchery from what I understand. Is this excursion worth it in your opinion even if we come up with the $309.00?
I was sorry to hear that Totem Bite now has an admission fee, We did it when the bus was $1 each way and park admission and tour was free. We laughed because the ship’s tour was $50. We did it for $2 and the only difference was that they got a cup of hot chocolate at the gift shop included. Do they still have the self guided tour with map, and is there a cost for that?
Hi Gary, i have a note book for this trip next April to May with information and ideas. We are going from Tokyo around north Japan to Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Juneau and Vancouver. You have given me some great options and information which i have noted as I probably won’t have internet. Thanks for your knowledgeable advice. This part of the world is completely unfamiliar to us. From Queensland Australia
Gary, Love all your articles. Here’s a small challenge for you… I’m going on my second Alaska cruise, but my first since developing mobility issues. Luckily, we did the helicopter glacier, floatplane tours, salmon fly fishing when I was able-bodied. Do you have any specific recommendations for those of us with mobility challenges? I do plan to take my mobility scooter wherever it makes sense and can be accommodated since I’m only able to walk short distances with a cane. Our cruise visits Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan. Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.
I just got back from my Alaska cruise from hell I booked a balcony unobstructed I wanted it on the port side the ship four months before I sailed I got a letter and it was moved by the carnival to the starboard side The reason I wanted on the port side is cuz we were traveling for a day and a half north and I wanted to be able to see out not out to the ocean I also had a lifeboat overhanging roof to hold the lifeboats on and a wall because we are at the last lifeboat before they had no more light bullets on that side that was my first problem customer service treated me like garbage I was told there was no rooms later on I found some people who had an interior cabin and complain got moved to a balcony with no obstructions then at dinner the first waiter was great only the seat they assign me had a post in the way for my foot to swing around and a poster right alongside me to lean into where might have been great for somebody I’m partially disabled and I could barely get my foot in there and I needed the backrest to keep my back straight and I got a 10 level fusion so after we complained they moved us somewhere and my wife sat down and the waiters from the next group move to wheelchairs battery powered wheelchairs right behind her. She can’t even move her chair and that waiter on that end of the ship was rude What I need to know is if you know a place where I can write a complaint letter Will it actually get read from somebody from carnival I filed a complaint on the ship about the cruise room I neglected to file the one about the seat in the dining room and the waiter kind of figured out I was pissed because I didn’t give him a tip I walked up and gave my other waiter a tip but where do I write a letter to get satisfied in this I listen to you all the time and I know you know where to go that you could help me thank you
We go in 30 days!! Booked this cruise (Princess Glacier Bay route) 10 months ago and the wait is almost over 😃🛳️. We have excursions booked with third party vendors (some offer more options / flexibility) and some booked with the cruise line because they offered a time on one of them that worked for us better. Happy sailing!!