Day 1: Juneau — Embark on Your Adventure
Welcome aboard! Meet your crew and get acquainted as we set sail into the Chuck River Wilderness.
Day 2: Chuck River Wilderness / Frederick Sound — Whale Watching
Enjoy remote lush rainforest and fresh and saltwater habitat in the Chuck River Wilderness—an animal and bird watcher's paradise. Push your senses kayaking, trekking, riding a skiff, or trying your luck at stand-up paddle boarding. Later today, move into Frederick Sound—summer feeding ground for the Northern Hemisphere’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Keep watch for humpbacks, orca, and Stellar sea lions.
Day 3: Thomas Bay / Cascade Creek / Baird Glacier
In an area known for glaciers and rich in gold and quartz, take on the otherworldly Baird Glacier until you stand atop the mile-wide glacier. Choose guided kayaking and a lush forest trek on one of the scenic Cascade Creek trails. Or go big on the 5-mile hike to the glacially-fed and rarely visited Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking. Discover the origin of its “Devil’s Country” nickname during a reading from “The Strangest Story Ever Told,” about the area’s mythical shape-shifting creatures called Kushtaka.
Day 4: LeConte Bay / Ideal Cove / Wrangell Narrows
Hear “bergy bits” roll against the ship’s hull as you glide through the ice-rich waters and steep-sided fjord of LeConte Bay. Adventure and natural beauty are sure to please whether you choose kayaking, riding a skiff, or hiking at Ideal Cove. An abundance of bright red and green navigation lights guide you along “Christmas Tree Lane” as you cruise the winding Wrangell Narrows.
Day 5: Wrangell
Home to native culture, wildlife, and wonder—Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. Brush up on your Tlingit culture at Chief Shakes Tribal House for native storytelling. View recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park. The afternoon offers up some of the most scenic kayaking of the trip.
Day 6: Yes Bay
Wildlife abounds in Yes Bay and the surrounding Tongass National Forest—humpback whales, orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Say yes to a kayak paddle up the bay. Venture out on a wildlife-seeking hike on the scenic Wolverine Creek or McDonald Lake Trails.
Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
Affectionately called “The Yosemite of the North”, Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water and steep, sometimes sheer, walls are a haven for ducks, brown and black bear, mountain goats, Sitka deer, mink, moose, river otters, and other wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove by kayak or explore by skiff soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world. This evening join the Captain in a farewell toast and reminisce about your Alaskan journey over a sumptuous dinner.
Day 8: Ketchikan — Disembark
Enjoy a Bon Voyage breakfast before disembarking the ship this morning. Transfer directly to the Ketchikan airport or begin your add-on overnight stay or extended land tour.
Day 2: Taylor Lake Trail Hike – Level 2 included Meander this wandering muddy trail through heavy forest to the approximately 1-mile long Taylor Lake tucked below steep granite walls and mountains upwards of 3800 feet. The elevation gain through the hike is 350 feet.
Taylor Lake Trail Kayak and Hike – Level 3 included Stretch your arms as you kayak to the end of the Bay and then your legs as you trek up the heavily forested trail that meanders through steep granite walls and majestic peaks. Enjoy a packed lunch prepared by our galley team.
Chuck River Trail Kayak and Hike – Level 3 included Paddle through this undeveloped marsh / tidal flats trail that extends along the southern shore of Windham Bay until it turns south and up the Chuck River. Black bears are often seen along these tidal flats. Stretch your legs with a walk through history at an abandoned mining camp that lies upriver near the confluence of the Chuck River and Sylvia Creek. This is a muddy hike, so wear your rubber boots!
Whale Watching – Level 1 included Little else compares to the glamour and wonder of whales in their natural habitat. In the summer months, Frederick Sound offers ample opportunities.
Day 3: Baird Glacier Trail Hike – Level 2 included Navigate just 1.5 miles of the Baird Glacier Trail’s varied terrain, including sandy conditions, mud, stream crossings and uneven bowling ball-sized boulders, and be rewarded atop the mile wide Baird Glacier. Expect a variety of birds along the way. This 5-6 hour hike is a crew favorite from beginning to end. Shorter hikes to the glacier are also available.
Scenery Cove to Cascade Creek Kayak – Level 2 included Paddle six gorgeous miles of Alaskan waters watching for a variety of birds and animals along the way. A short hike at the Cascade Creek Trail can also be combined with your journey.
Patterson Glacier Hike and Kayak – Level 2 included Go at your own pace on the scenic Cascade Creek Trail, a hike that has something for everyone. The first stretch is relatively easy and provides a great view into the forest ecosystem. For those looking for a more rigorous adventure, the trail winds its way through a spruce and hemlock forest to a waterfall and then a challenging hike alongside the creek towards Falls Lake, which is about 3 miles from the trailhead.
Day 4: LeConte Glacier Floatplane Tour – Level 1 $200 per person A birds-eye view of the popular LeConte Glacier can be arranged for you by floatplane. Twenty-one miles long and one mile wide, it is known for its “shooter” icebergs, which calve off underneath the water and shoot out of the water due to their buoyancy. LeConte Glacier floatplane tour, minimum of 4.
Three Lakes Loop Trail Hike - Level 2 included Ease on down the road on the Three Lakes Loop Trail, a boardwalk through muskeg and forest that passes by four lakes in the loop. Mostly flat with a few short, steep sections, as a loop this trail is 4.5 miles long.
Leconte Bay Kayak - Level 1 included Get up close and personal with “bergy bits” from LeConte Glacier by kayak. Choose from a 4-hour(Level 2) or 1.5-hour(Level 1) excursion.
Wilderness Kayaking, Hiking and Overnight Camping – Level 2 $150 per person For those who wish to experience Southeast Alaska’s raw outdoors, spend a night away from the ship in the wilderness to hike, camp and kayak. An expert guide from your ship will accompany you on this unique adventure. Go from “cheechako” to “sourdough” in one night, minimum 6 guests.
Day 5: Chief Shakes Island and Chief Shakes Tribal House Tour – Level 1 included Indulge in the peaceful setting of Chief Shakes Island, the site of Chief Shakes Tribal House, a replica of the original Shakes Tribal House exemplifying the impressive architecture of a house of the high caste of Tlingit natives. Don’t miss the intricately carved totems surrounding the hand-hewn Community House.
Canoe Pass Kayaking - Level 2 included Paddle through heaven in a narrow 5-mile long cut that runs along the Eastern shore of Etolin Island within the South Etolin Wilderness Area. This is one of the most scenic straight-through kayaking channels you’ll experience as the shore drops directly to your side both right and left.
Stikine River Boat Tour - Level 1 $235 per person Travel by river boat along the Stikine River to view nature and wildlife along its shores. Truly an experience of Southeast Alaska’s backcountry that few will ever experience, minimum 6 guests.
Wrangell Saltwater Fishing Excursion – Level 1 $225 per person Join an experienced local fishing guide for a true Alaskan anglingexperience where you will enjoy a fishing adventure perfectly tailored to deliver true Alaskan sport fishing memories. 2 person minimum.
Day 6: Yes Bay by Floatplane Flightseeing - Level 1 $225 per person Soar over the commanding tree-shrouded cliffs along Behm Canal to view myriad bays and coves on an hour and 1/4 air tour that includes 20 minutes at a remote landing to pause and marvel in absolute silence. This tour is offered via a De Havilland Beaver aircraft with a maximum capacity of six guests.
Swimming Race and Platform Diving - Level 2 included Who will be the first one around the boat? Do you have superior diving style? Only one way to tell – and the crew knows just what to look for. (Keep your eye on the prize!)
Wolverine Creek Trail Hike - Level 1 included Take it easy on this moderate trail that leads to several fishing areas for steelhead, trout, and salmon.
Yes Bay Kayaking and Lake McDonald Trail Hike - Level 2 included Walk the way of the once-upon-a-time tramway built for the old salmon cannery. This popular trail will lead you to McDonald Lake for trout and steelhead fishing.
Yes Bay Half Day Salt Water Fishing Excursion - Level 1 $275 per person Spend the day angling with one of Yes Bay Lodge’s private, seasoned guides. Take your turn at catching five different species of salmon, halibut, dolly varden and rainbow and cutthroat trout. Borrow Lamiglas rods and dependable Penn reels or bring your own equipment. With only 2 guests per boat, get ready for an ideal fishing adventure, max. 2 guests/per boat.
Yes Bay Fishing & Wilderness Hike - Level 2 $200 per person If your idea of a true fishing outing is first launching out on a vigorous hike, then this is an excellent opportunity for you. Hike through the rainforest along uneven terrain with small obstacles to conquer along the way to reach a prime fishing spot along a stream chosen by your expert guide. Fly or spin-reel fishing, which is catch and release, minimum 2 guests.
Day 7: Walker Cove Kayaking – Level 2 included Explore Walker Cove, a place seldom traveled by floatplanes or boat traffic, past spectacular cliffs and waterfalls. Paddling near the Behm Canal provides good opportunities to watch for whales and porpoises. Level 1 and Level 2 opportunities available.
Walker Cove Skiff Tours - Level 1 included Don’t miss a thing from the warm safety of a skiff excursion through Walker Cove. A remote and wild country, the Misty Fjords National Monument preserves nearly 2.2 million acres that represent nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska.
Swimming Race and Platform Diving – Level 1 included Who will be the first one around the boat? Do you have superior diving style? Only one way to tell – and the crew knows just what to look for. Level 1 or Level 2 (Your energy sets the bar!)
Walker Cove Kayaking – Level 1 included Explore Walker Cove, a place seldom traveled by floatplanes or boat traffic, past spectacular cliffs and waterfalls. Paddling near the Behm Canal provides good opportunities to watch for whales and porpoises. Level 1 and Level 2 opportunities available.
Swimming Race and Platform Diving – Level 2 included Who will be the first one around the boat? Do you have superior diving style? Only one way to tell – and the crew knows just what to look for. Level 1 or 2 (your energy sets the bar!)
