Inside Passage Alaska, USA Travel Guide
From Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls (accessible by local bus or shuttle), Tracy Arm Fjord/Sawyer Glaciers (requires a full-day boat tour offering views of tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife).
From Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument (accessible by floatplane or boat tour, demonstrating stunning fjords), Saxman Native Village (close to downtown, offering cultural performances and totem poles).
Many experiences in the Inside Passage benefit from organized tours.
For most glacier or wildlife viewing experiences, organized tours simplify access. These tours often feature special gear, knowledgeable guides, and reach areas not easily accessible otherwise.
For exploring port towns or visiting Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau, independent travel employing local transport or taxis offers flexibility.
The Inside Passage offers abundant opportunities for immersing yourself in nature.
Glacier Bay National Preserve AND Preserve, mainly gotten to by cruise ship. The vast Tongass National Forest welcomes hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature walks from any port town.
Fjords, glaciers, temperate rainforests, and towering mountains provide constant scenic beauty. Boat tours and scenic drives reveal these landscapes.
Dedicated whale watching excursions depart from Juneau, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point. Bear viewing tours go to areas like Anan Creek and Pack Creek. Bird watching opportunities abound.
Explore the unique ecosystem of the temperate rainforest.
Witness the grandeur of Alaska's dynamic glaciers.
Explore sites that highlight the rich human history of the region.
The Chilkoot Trail near Skagway/Dyea historical significance as a Gold Rush trail, hikeable in sections or in the role of a multi-day trek.
Agricultural areas remain limited. Some small Native villages offer heritage tours, like Saxman Native Village near Ketchikan or Hoonah (Icy Strait Point).
While not pilgrimage sites in the traditional sense, sites like Sitka's St. Michael's Cathedral deep spiritual and historical significance.
Museums in port townthe house of extensive collections related to Alaska Native cultures, Gold Rush history, and maritime heritage.
Deepen your understanding of Alaska's diverse heritage.
Seek out local festivals or cultural demonstrations occurring during your visit.
Opt for tours led by local Alaska Native guides for authentic perspectives.
Patronize galleries selling certified Alaska Native art and crafts.
Consider extending your trip for a broader Alaskan experience.
Spend one to three days in Seattle or Vancouver for exploring cities either before or after your cruise. These cities offer diverse attractions, dining, and cultural activities.
Spend two to three extra days in Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan for town exploration, extensive hiking, or specialized tours.
Explore nearby regions like the Canadian nation Rockies (from Vancouver) or the Pacific Northwest cities.
Combine a southbound Inside Passage cruise with a northbound land tour into Interior Alaska, or vice-versa. This way you experience both the coastal beauty and the vast interior wilderness, including Denali National Park, for a comprehensive Alaskan adventure.
Start with a cruise then take a flight to a distant lodge for an authentic frontier experience, focusing on specific wildlife or outdoor activities. This gives a contrast to the structured cruise.
Spend time in a gateway city like Seattle or Vancouver, then transition to a more rustic Alaskan wilderness exploration, perhaps via a smaller expedition cruise or flight to a remote area.
