Exploring the Wonders of Alaska
I recently took an Alaskan cruise with my family, and I'm so excited to share with you all of the amazing things we did and saw while on our trip. Alaska has long been on our vacation bucket list and each port that we stopped at offered unique adventures, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable memories!
Ketchikan
Our first stop took us to the charming town of Ketchikan. We walked to Creek Street, which is a historic wooden boardwalk perched over the Ketchikan Creek. Once famously known as the town's red-light district, the brightly painted wooden houses are now home to a mix of shops, galleries, restaurants, and private houses.
As we meandered along Creek Street, we were drawn to the fascinating sight of salmon leaping and swimming upstream down below in Ketchikan Creek. Ketchikan, also known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is one of the best places to see the annual salmon run, and we were captivated by the determination of these fish fighting against the currents to return to their spawning grounds.
In the afternoon, we attended the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which showcased the rugged skills of Alaskan loggers. We enjoyed an hour of axe-throwing, wood chopping, log-rolling, chainsawing and more! The show was an exciting display of strength and agility, but the lumberjacks' humor and camaraderie added a fun touch as well!
Juneau
Our journey continued to Alaska's beautiful capital, Juneau, where we eagerly embarked on an excursion that promised two incredible experiences: a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier and a whale-watching tour.
When we arrived at the Mendenhall Glacier, we were awestruck by the beauty of this magnificent 13-mile-long river of ice. There are several trails of varying distances and challenges that offer stunning vantage points of the glacier. There's also a great view from the visitor center, which includes state-of-the-art exhibits, a 15-minute film, and access to U.S. Forest Service Rangers, all of which offer valuable insights into the glacier's formation and answer any questions.
After our glacier adventure, we boarded our catamaran in Auke Bay to set sail on a whale-watching excursion. It wasn't long before we spotted a mother and calf humpback whale! Throughout our tour, we were fortunate enough to see about 15 whales, and we even got to see one breach. The captain and deckhands were very informative and even recognized some of the whales' markings to be able to tell us their names and interesting information about them individually. It was truly an amazing experience to watch these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Skagway
Our next destination was Skagway, a town popularly known for its history with the Klondike Gold Rush. Here, we embarked on our sled dog discovery adventure!
We got on a bus that took us on the most scenic and beautiful drive on the way to the musher's camp. Along the way, we saw a bear pulling salmon out of a creek right next to the road! Our bus driver pulled over so that we could watch it and take pictures/videos. We also saw other wildlife, like many bald eagles and otters, on our drive! When we arrived at the camp, we took a Unimog vehicle through the rugged wilderness and up the mountain to meet and get a ride from the sled dog teams. The dogs were extremely eager and excited to pull us through the trails! While on our ride, our musher gave us interesting information about the individual dogs on her team, each with their unique personalities. After the ride, we got to say hi to and pet each of the dogs on the team. Then we made our way back down the mountain, stopping at a lookout point to get some beautiful pictures of the mountains and scenery. Back at the bottom, we listened to a speaker explain the process of the sled dog races and the different routes that go through Alaska. After that, to top it all off, we got to see and meet the adorable up-and-coming sled dog puppies! It was an unforgettable experience!
Icy Strait Point
Next, we visited Icy Strait Point. We felt a true wilderness experience here, as it is very secluded and known for its untouched natural beauty.
We spent much of our morning walking along the rocky beach, where tidal pools held a treasure trove of marine life. Starfish clung to the rocks, clams burrowed in the sand, and in the crystal-clear pools of water, we discovered small eels and jellyfish.
In the afternoon, we witnessed the Indigenous Tlingit people share their rich culture through storytelling, dance, and song. The performers showcased a passion and deep dedication to their culture, which was very moving.
Victoria
Our final port of call was the city of Victoria, British Columbia. While our Alaskan adventure was coming to a close, we had one more delightful experience awaiting us - high tea at the iconic Empress Hotel.
My daughters, mom, cousin, and I indulged in the timeless tradition and were treated to a splendid array of teas, scones, sandwiches, and pastries. A live pianist played while we enjoyed the delicate flavors and exquisite presentation, making for a lovely and memorable afternoon!
From the rugged beauty of glaciers to the refined tradition of high tea, every moment of our Alaskan cruise was an incredible adventure. These adventures left me and my family with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the wilderness and nature that I hope to see again one day soon!
Cheers to all things travel!
- Rachel McCue
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Blog by: Rachel McCue
Rachel specializes in planning vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico, Disney World, and cruises.
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