Wildlife & Ice on an Epic Scale

Alaska may boast the most picturesque capital city in the world – it’s certainly one of the most pleasant of the USA’s state capitals. Founded originally as a goldmining town, Juneau’s rich history extends back to the Tlingit Indians. Its most popular attraction is the massive Mendenhall Glacier, in Tongass National Forest. Hike the surrounding trails to get up close, or take in its scale from the viewing platform, less than half a kilometre away. Take a whale-watching tour, and discover ice caves, salmon streams and bear habitats, all within city limits. In addition, there’s a handsome cityscape to wander, with galleries, museums and restaurants.

Spend the day navigating through a spectacular, narrow fjord carved out by glaciers that twist and turn for over 30 miles. See waterfalls cascading down granite walls towering 3,000ft above sea level. The sawyer glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm are the most dramatic in Alaska. Wildlife in this world of blue ice includes black and brown bears, wolves, deer and moose. In the fjords, look for seals and whales. Bald eagles soar overhead.

Cruising along the southern tip of Admiralty island and stopping in Pybus bay affords you the greatest chances of seeing bears along the shorelines. This large island boasts the densest population of brown bears in Alaska with approximately 1 brown bear per square mile.

Across from Frederick Sound is the small harbour town of Petersburg. Alaska’s centre of Norwegian culture, Petersburg’s neat, colourful waterfront is a calm retreat after a day of adventuring in the surrounding areas. From here, take in the view of the spectacular glaciated wall of alpine peaks opposite, including the distinctive Devil's Thumb. 25 miles east is the LeConte Glacier, best experienced on a flightseeing excursion. More adventurous guests can kayak to the glacier and meet the seals that relax on its glaciers.

Head down Chatham Strait to Baranof Warm Springs. This natural warm spring overlooks a large waterfall. Anchor overnight in the harbour and warm up with a bonfire on the secluded beach.

Hoonah is a small Tlingit village 50 miles west of Juneau. Visit the local village shops, view an Alaskan sunset, and take a traditional canoe out onto the water for the day. Hoonah cannery has been restored from its original 1912 buildings, which has a fish processing display dating to the early days, and a native cultural center. Hoonah also has a zipline billed as the longest and highest at 5,330 feet.

One of Alaska's largest and oldest preserves is glacier bay national park. Known for its pristine and remote environment, it is also the most sought-after national park to visit in the U.S. It is not uncommon to see humpback whales, brown bears, sea lions, seals, and eagles up close.

Sitka is a natural showcase of Alaska’s wildlife: you are likely to see bears, bald eagles, humpback whales, moose, sealions and many more during your stay. Situated on Baranof Island along the Alaska Panhandle, Sitka has been home to the Tlingit people for centuries. Its National Historical Park now helps preserve the culture of the Tlingit people, as well as the Russian and American settlers.