Ketchikan

 Ketchikan began as a Tlingit fishing area and later grew into a commercial fishing and logging town in the late 1800s. Its location along the Inside Passage made it an important stop for ships traveling to Alaska, and today it is known for preserving its Native heritage, historic waterfront, and strong connection to the salmon industry. 

 Explore restored Tlingit and Haida totem poles, a traditional clan house, rainforest trails, and scenic coastal views. This is an excellent choice for learning more about Alaska Native history and art. 

 Visit one of the area’s largest collections of standing totem poles while learning about Tlingit culture, carving traditions, clan stories, and community history.  

 Enjoy a lively, family-friendly competition featuring chopping, sawing, log rolling, and other skills inspired by Alaska’s logging heritage. It is conveniently located near the cruise docks and pairs well with a city or totem tour. 

Board the Aleutian Ballad, featured on Deadliest Catch, for an entertaining look at Alaska’s commercial fishing industry. Crew members share stories, demonstrate fishing equipment, and showcase marine life while guests enjoy scenic Inside Passage views and possible bald eagle sightings. 

 Walk through the lush Tongass rainforest while looking for eagles, seals, salmon, and possibly bears, depending on the season and location. These tours are a good option for visitors who want nature without a strenuous hike. 

 Cruise along Tongass Narrows in search of humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, harbor seals, and bald eagles while enjoying views of Ketchikan’s coastline. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the scenery alone is lovely. 

 Explore colorful Creek Street, historic downtown Ketchikan, local shops, and waterfront landmarks while hearing stories about the town’s fishing, logging, and red-light-district history. This is one of the easiest options for guests with limited time or mobility. 

 Juneau was founded during Alaska’s gold rush after gold was discovered in the area in 1880. The settlement quickly grew into an important mining center and later became the capital of Alaska in 1906. Today, Juneau blends its mining and Native Tlingit heritage with its role as the state capital and a major gateway to Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and Inside Passage scenery. 

 Visit Juneau’s best-known glacier, explore the visitor area, and walk the scenic trail to Nugget Falls. This is an excellent first-time excursion and offers beautiful photo opportunities 

 Cruise through the waters near Juneau in search of humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery. Wildlife sightings vary, but Juneau is one of Alaska’s most popular whale-watching destinations. 

 Experience two of Juneau’s highlights in one excursion, with time at Mendenhall Glacier followed by a guided wildlife cruise. This is a great choice for guests who want to make the most of a single port day. 

 Ride the tram approximately 1,800 feet above downtown Juneau for panoramic views of the harbor, Gastineau Channel, and surrounding mountains. At the top, visitors can enjoy trails, cultural exhibits, shops, and dining. 

 Fly over the Juneau Icefield before landing on a glacier for a guided walk or seasonal dogsledding experience. This is one of Juneau’s most memorable—and typically most expensive—excursion options. 

 Learn about Juneau’s gold-rush history, tour a historic mining area, and try panning for gold. This family-friendly option combines local history with a hands-on activity.  

 Explore a botanical garden within the Tongass National Forest, known for its lush rainforest scenery and unusual upside-down “flower tower” trees.  

 Skagway grew rapidly during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897–1898, when thousands of prospectors passed through town on their way to Canada’s Yukon Territory. It became an important transportation and supply center, especially after the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad was completed in 1900. Today, Skagway preserves much of its gold-rush character through historic buildings, museums, and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. 

 Ride a historic narrow-gauge train through steep mountain passes, tunnels, trestles, waterfalls, and dramatic Gold Rush scenery. This is Skagway’s signature excursion and a great option for visitors who want spectacular views without strenuous activity 

Combine the scenic train ride with a guided drive along the Klondike Highway. These tours often include scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and Gold Rush landmarks, providing two different perspectives of the route. 

 Fly above Skagway’s rugged mountains and glaciers before landing on the ice for a guided walk or dogsled ride. This bucket-list experience is exciting but is usually one of the port’s more expensive and weather-dependent excursions.  

Travel into the mountains for scenic views and a walk across the Yukon Suspension Bridge above the Tutshi River canyon. Some versions of this excursion cross into Canada, so guests may need a passport. 

 Explore Skagway’s Gold Rush past through historic sites, museums, restored buildings, and a hands-on gold-panning experience. This is a good choice for families and travelers who enjoy local history. 

 Stroll through the preserved downtown district, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, and learn about prospectors, railroad builders, and colorful local characters such as Soapy Smith.