By Ina Yang
Alaska attracts tourists for its wide variety of wildlife and stunning natural landscape – while being on a cruise ship offers you the best general view, staying on a ship doesn’t do justice to the many other ways you can explore the area. Here are some exciting off shore adventures out of major port cities – don’t worry, you’ll be back on the cruise ship by nighttime.
Out of Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is the hub of south-central Alaska and a tourist favorite – with both its big-city attractions and proximity to the North American frontier. Why not take drive up two hours north to the town of Talkeetna and experience the breathtaking view of Mt. McKinley from above by Flightseeing? Talkeetna Air Taxi offers flightseeing tours of the Denali National Park as well as glacier landings - you can stand on the glaciers, bath in the sunlight, and feel the excitement of being surrounded by the peaks.
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www.talkeetnaair.com)
Out of Juneau, Alaska
The capital city
Juneau is situated in Alaska’s Inside Passage and is a great spot for whale watching – especially when the Gray Whale migration passes through. Check out Harv and Marv’s Whale Watching in Juneau and hop on a boat to seem some massive humpback whales jump out of the water right next to you - something that cruise ships don’t offer themselves.
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www.harvandmarvs.com)
Out of Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is the second largest cruise port in the state of Alaska and is at the heart of the Tongass National Forest, with the Misty Fjords National Monument only 40 miles to the east. While it’s hard for large cruise vessels to weave in and out of the glaciers or dip into creeks, Southeast Sea Kayaks offers kayaking and paddling trips across the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan Creek, and the Misty Fjords. Layer up and go kayaking – no experiences necessary.
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www.kayakketchikan.com)
Out of Sitka, Alaska
Sitka is a traditionally Russian town in southeast Alaska and offers a heavier cultural atmosphere in addition to its abundant natural expeditions. Head to Fortress of the Bear to interact with the bears and don’t forget to see a performance by the New Archangel Dancers to learn a bit of Russian history before you go.
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www.fortressofthebear.org)
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www.newarchangeldancers.com)
Out of Haines, Alaska
Haines>/a> is located at the northern part of the Alaska Panhandle and welcomes over 3,500 Bald Eagles to the Chilkat River Valley every September through early December. Haines is also the proud home of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve — it even hosts the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in November. Aside from getting intimate with the national bird of the U.S.A., heli-skiing — essentially regular skiing, but lifted up by a helicopter as opposed to a ski lift — is another popular option in Haines. Don’t be afraid to explore the spectacular terrain while enjoying the long run and tons of snow powder down the slope with Alaska Heliskiing.
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www.alaskaheliskiing.com)
Out of Seward, Alaska
Seward is a coastal town mostly known for being the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. While large cruise ships can only go so far, explore the towering glaciers at the National Park with an in-depth day cruise by
Kenai Fjords Tours.
Out of Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is often referred to as the gateway to the Klondike gold rush of 1898 and it’s no wonder their biggest attraction is the railroad tours managed by
White Pass & Yukon Route. Board the train to travel up to the White Pass Summit, follow the Yukon Route, or experience the steam engine train through the meadows. Cruise ship tourists can also board the train on the pier alongside their ship.
