Vacations To Go

 

Alaskan Adventure

 

Day 1 Friday May 2nd  
9:00 a.m. Depart: Spokane  
2:00 p.m. Arrive: Kenmore 290
  See: Kenmore Camera  
2:30 p.m. Depart: Kenmore  
2:50 p.m. Arrive: Lynnwood  
  See: Around the Table Boardgame Pub 8.2
3:30 p.m. Depart: Lynnwood  
  Arrive: Everett  
  See: Everett South Goodwill (9-9)
228 SW Everett Mall
 
    St Vincent De Paul (10-6)
6424 Broadway
Everett
 
    Value Village (10-7)
6220 Evergreen Way
 
    Everett Downtown Goodwill (9-7)
3002 Hoyt Ave
Everett
 
  Arrive: Marysville  
  See: Value Village (10-8)
1334 State Ave
 
    Marysville Goodwill (9-9)
9315 State
 
  Arrive: Mt Vernon  
    Mt Vernon Goodwill (9-9)
242 E College Way
 
  Arrive: Bellingham  
  Lodge:    

 

 

Day 2 Saturday May 3rd  
9:30 a.m. See: Bellingham Goodwill (9-9)
115 E Sunset
 
    Value Village (10-8)
150 E Bellis Fair Pkwy
 
    Trash to Treasure (10:30-6:30)
436 W Bakerview Rd
 
12:00 p.m. Arrive: Surrey, BC 136
  See: Value Village (9-9)
6925 King George Blvd
 
    Community Thrift Store (9:30-5)
7138 King George Blvd
 
    The Salvation Army Thrift Store (10-8)
8066 120 St #300
 
  Arrive: Burnaby  
    The Salvation Army Thrift Store (10-8)
774 Historic Columbia St
 
    Value Village (9-9)
1135 Tanaka Ct #110
New Westminster
 
  Arrive: Richmond
9260 Bridgeport Rd
 
    (Walk left on Bridgeport Rd. Turn right on Great Canadian Wy. On the left side.)  
  Do: Bridgeport Station Metro  
  Arrive: Waterfront Station  
4:00 p.m. See: HAL Koningsdam  
9:00 p.m.   Coral Princess  
  Lodge: Abercorn Hotel $209
9260 Bridgeport Rd
Richmond, BC (604) 244-0026
 

 

Day 3 Sunday May 4th  
10:00 a.m. Depart: House  
    (Go left on Bridgeport. Go over the highway. Turn right around the parking lot.)  
  Arrive: Vancouver Airport  
  Do: Templeton Metro  
12:00 p.m.   HAL Nieuw Amsterdam  
4:00 p.m. Depart: Vancouver  
4:30 p.m.   Celebrity Solstice  
5:00 p.m.   Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas  

 

Day 4 Monday May 5th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 5 Tuesday May 6th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Sitka, Alaska
  See:  
5:00 p.m. Depart: Sitka

 

Day 6 Wednesday May 7th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 7 Thursday May 8th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Anchorage
10:00 a.m. See: Portage Glacier Cruise & Alaska Wildlife $194.95 (6.5 hrs) Waitlisted

Enjoy a narrated tour to Portage, an hour south of Anchorage, along the Seward Highway.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The Conservation Center is a refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife, such as moose, musk oxen, bears, caribou, bison and birds. The animals are kept in large enclosures resembling their natural habitat.

Explore the extensive gift shop at the center with a wide selection of handmade Alaskan arts and crafts.

Take a cruise aboard the mv Ptarmigan to within 300 yards of Portage Glacier for fantastic views of the blue-white icebergs that decorate Portage Lake. The cruise is narrated by a US Forest Service representative.

Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat. This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Anchorage/Seward. Lunch is not included. You will have time to purchase lunch at your own expense during the tour.
10:30 a.m.   Wilderness, Wildlife & Glacier Experience $299.95 (5 hrs)

Learn about the rich history of Alaska's early Native American inhabitants, the gold rush saga and the many interesting events that have made Anchorage a beacon of adventure.

Departing downtown Anchorage, you'll drive along Turnagain Arm -- a glacial/tidal waterway named by Captain Cook as he searched for the Northwest Passage.

Scenic backdrops, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and topaz-blue glaciers line your route.

Your destination is Chugach National & State Park, and you will stop to photograph the best sights, including the Ring of Glaciers. Take time to relax and absorb the beauty of this award-winning excursion.

See fascinating wildlife in a natural setting at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, including mountain goats and American bald eagles.

Bring your cell phone or DSLR camera and enjoy some coaching to help you capture some stunning landscape photos.

Notes:

This tour is a tour suited to all levels of fitness. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress warmly in layers with gloves, a scarf, and a hat; outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.

5:00 p.m. Depart: Anchorage

 

Day 8 Friday May 9th
10:00 a.m. Arrive: Kodiak
  Do: Shuttle to Kodiak Visitor Center
    (Go right on Mission Rd.)
    Salvation Army (10-4:30) 1.4 miles
1855 Mission Rd.
    (Turn right on Mission Rd. Turn right on Center St. Go left just past Mill Bay Rd. After the building go right.)
    Norman's Fine Gifts (11-5:30)
414 W Marine Way
    (Continue left on the road.)
    KANA Marketplace Mall
100 Center
    Grand Slam Toys & Games (10-10)
111 Rezanof Dr
    (Go back to Center and turn right.)
    Shuttle to Cruise Ship
6:00 p.m. Depart: Kodiak

 

Day 9 Saturday May 10th
12:00 p.m. Arrive: Valdez
  See: Valdez
  Do: Shuttle to downtown
    (Turn left on Fairbanks Dr. Turn right just after Tatitlek.)
  See: Valdez Museum (9-5) $9 Sr
    (Go balck to Tatitlek. Turn right on Egan. Go left on Hazelet. Turn left on Clifton Dr.)
    Civic Center Overlook Trail
    (Go back right on Clifton Dr. Turn left on Hazelet. Go left agai on Meals. Restrooms on the left side.)
    Ruth Pond
    (Go back right on Meals. Turn left on Hazelet. After the bend.)
    Kelsey Dock
    (Turn right on Hazelet. After the bend go right Meals. Turn left on Fairbanks Dr. On the right side.)
    Second Time Around (11-6)
    (Turn right on Fairbanks Dr.)
    Tropical Sensations
    (Continue right on Fairbanks Dr.)
    Discover Valdez
    (Catch the shuttle to ship.)
8:00 p.m. Depart: Valdez

 

Day 10 Sunday May 11th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 11 Monday May 12th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Juneau
    (Go left on Franklin. On the right side. Other gifts shops on the way.)
    Alaskan Adventure-Juneau Letterbox
387 S Franklin
    Bucky the Beaver Letterbox
387 S Franklin
    The Alaskan Fudge Co (10-6)
195 S Franklin
    Twhrly Whriliy Candy
131 S Franklin
    (Go right on Franklin St. Turnleft on 2nd. Go right on Seward. On the left side.)
    Urban Eskimo (8-6) Antiques
220 Seward St
    (Go left on Seward and left again on 3rd. Turn right on Main St. Turn left on 4th.)
    Alaska State Capitol (8-5)
120 4th St
    (Go left on 4th. Turn left on Franklin.)
    Empty Chair Memorial
The Empty Chair is a memorial to the Japanese and Japanese Americans from Juneau, Alaska who were interned during World War II. The chair is inspired by the story of John Tanaka, Juneau High School's Valedictorian in the class of 1942. Prior to that year's graduation, John and his family were imprisoned at the Minidoka internment camp in Idaho and thus, could not attend the ceremony. In his place, his classmates left an empty chair to represent him and the loss they felt at the forced removal of their friends and neighbors. The names of 53 internees from the Juneau area are etched on the surface of the bronze floor as well as narrative text and the Japanese kanji for "Peace". The Empty Chair Memorial was a joint project between the Empty Chair Committee and the City of Juneau.
    (Go left on 5th.)
    Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (9-4 with volunteers)
326 5th St
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church was founded in 1893, at the request of the local Tlingit community. Constructed locally by Tlingit people and Serbian miners in 1893-94, the church was built on land donated by Yees Ganalax and using plans and funds sent from Russia. Furnished, decorated, and outfitted by generous gifts from the Russian Mission Society, the church was consecrated by Bishop Nikolai (Ziorov) in 1894, the church has been a fixture of the Juneau community and landscape ever since.
    (Go left on 5th. Turn left on Gold St. Then the next left on 6th. Turn right on Seward.)
    Wickersham State Historic Site (Closed)
At age 45, Wickersham was the first white man to attempt to climb up Mount McKinley. He had climbed every major peak of the Olympic Peninsula before coming to Alaska. While a delegate to congress, Wickersham won legislation creating Mt. McKinley National Park. The new Tanana Valley gold strike had started a stampede in 1902, and gold seekers poured into the area surrounding Barnette's Cache. Wickersham struck a bargain with Barnette that if he would rename the townsite Fairbanks, after the senator from Indiana, he would move the district headquarters from Eagle to Barnette's Cache. In 1903, the headquarters were moved to Fairbanks. Wickersham prized most of all his accomplishment of winning an elected legislature for Alaska. As part of the Organic Act of August 24, 1912 (Wickersham's 55th birthday), Home Rule brought to Alaskans a privilege that had been denied for 45 years.

Deborah (Bell) Wickersham (1863-1926) was the judge's wife for 46 years. They had three sons, Darrell, Andrew and Howard. Darrell was the only one that lived to adulthood. He had no children of his own.

Grace (Vrooman) Bishop, a widowed school teacher with no children became the Judge's second wife in 1928. After his death in 1939, she continued to live in their Juneau home until her death in 1963.

Upon Judge Wickersham's death, the house passed to his wife and eventually to her niece, Ruth Allman. Recognizing the historical value of the Judge's accomplishments and the collection of historical photographs, artifacts, diaries and scrapbooks she now possessed, Mrs. Allman opened her home to visitors. For over 25 years she shared her stories of the Judge's life and Alaskan history with hundreds of tourists.

In 1984, the house and its contents were purchased by the State of Alaska with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation designated as the managing agency.

Today the stories surrounding James Wickersham and the Gold Rush Era are told through historical photographs, Alaskan artifacts, memorabilia, and the period furnishings on display at the house.
    (Go left on Seward. Turn right on 6th. Turn left on Main. Go right on Egan. Turn left on 8th.)
    Overstreet Park-whale project
    MA to AK: Welcome to Juneau Letterbox
    (Go right on Egan Dr. On the right side.)
    Juneau Public Library - Father Wind Letterbox
    (Go right on Egan Dr. It will become Marine Way and go right into Franklin.)
  See: Juneau Goldbelt Tram on Your Own $55 (2.5 hrs)

You've already booked your helicopter, sightseeing, or outdoor adventure in Juneau; now, how about a great introduction to Alaska's capital or a fond farewell with a ride on Juneau Goldbelt Tram? Buy in advance through Holland America Line to avoid the ticketing lines.

Enjoy an exhilarating tramway ride through the Alaska rainforest up Mount Roberts to 1,800 feet above Juneau. Take in the beautiful views with the Chilkat Mountains to the north, Stephens Passage to the south, Douglas Island to the west and, in the east, Silver Bow Basin, where gold was discovered in 1880. Watch for wildlife and birds on your way to the bear-viewing platforms.

Visit Goldbelt Tram Gifts & Gallery at the Mountain House. This is not just a gift shop -- it's an educational experience because you can watch local artisans crafting traditional objects. The store carries everything from comfortable, affordable clothing and charming souvenirs to exquisite crystal and museum-quality handcrafted Native artworks, both traditional and modern.

Stop in the gallery for the finest traditional weaving, carving, and Native art prints.

Enjoy the award-winning film, Seeing Daylight on the history and culture of the Tlingit people. Dine with a view at the Timberline Bar & Grill on fresh seafood (at your own expense).

9:00 p.m. Depart: Juneau

 

Day 12 Tuesday May 13th
7:00 a.m. Arrive: Skagway
    (Go up Broadway and then down State St.)
    Lucy's Bakery (8-2:30
380 5th Ave
    (From Broadway go right on 5th. Turn right at the train tracks. On the left side.)
    The Dewey Lake Trail (.9 miles)
    Holiday Inn HHH Letterbox
    (Go right.)
    Skagway Museum (12-4)
700 Spring St
    Alaskan Adventure-Skagway Letterbox
7:30 a.m.-
4:00 p.m.
See: White Pass Rail & Yukon Expedition $259.95 (8.25 hrs)

You've traveled so far already, now is a great time to make the 65-mile journey into the Yukon.

Board a deluxe motor coach and experience the magic and the mystery of the famed Yukon Territory. Your adventure begins on the docks of Skagway and soon you'll be climbing the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass -- 3,292 feet above sea level -- with views of majestic peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers from the coach. Leaving White Pass and the USA behind, you'll enter Canada and the unspoiled and untamed beauty of the Yukon Territory.

Marvel at the chain of lakes that form the headwaters of the Yukon River, explore the rustic town of Caribou Crossing (Carcross). Snap a quick photo of the world's smallest desert (time permitting), and enjoy the tales of the Klondike Gold rush provided by your guide throughout your journey.

A stop at Wild Adventure Yukon is an opportunity to satisfy your wilderness appetite with a delicious chicken barbecue lunch complete with Granny's homemade donuts.

Tour Yukon's most extensive Wildlife Museum, strolling among the creatures of Yukon's past and present, with favorites including steppe bison, grizzly bears, monster moose, woolly mammoth, and the world's largest mounted polar bear. Absorb some authentic Canadian culture by visiting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Center. This interpretive display focuses on the history of Canada's Mounties and highlights their role in the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush.

At the Dog Musher's Village, visit with Iditarod dog mushers and take pictures with sled dogs and husky puppies; or, for an extra fee, join them for a dog-cart ride with actual Iditarod and Yukon Quest dogs along scenic trails. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the petting farm with alpacas, donkeys, miniature goats, horses and a pony.

Back at Fraser, British Columbia, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a truly unforgettable ride down this historic and breathtaking narrow-gauge track.

Notes:

This adventure crosses the US/Canadian border; US and Canadian citizens must carry a passport and ship ID. All other nationalities must have a valid passport, visa and ship ID.

9:00 p.m. Depart: Skagway

 

Day 13 Wednesday May 14th
6:00 a.m. Arrive: Glacier Bay
  See: Glaciers
3:00 p.m. Depart: Glacier Bay

 

Day 14 Thursday May 15th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Wrangell
    (Walk left on Stikine/Evergreen St. Go past Oceanside B&B. Turn left on 5th or 6th.)
  See: Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site
    (Go back on Evergreen. Go left on 2nd St. At the junction go right and left on Front St.)
    River's Mouth Trading Co (10-6)
321 Front
    Sweet Tides Bakery (7-3)
310 Front
    (Go right on Front St. Past McKinnon on the right side.)
    Stikine River Gift Apparel
4 Front St
    (Turn left/south on Campbell Dr.)
    Wrangell Museum (10-5)
296 Campbell Dr
    Wrangell Visitor Center (9-5)
    (Go back on Campbell Dr. Take the 1st right on Brueger St. Turn right on Front. It will become Shakes St. Go left.)
    Chief Shakes Longhouse (8-4:30)
    (Go back up to Shakes St. It will become Front St, then City Dock.)
7:00 p.m. Depart: Wrangell

 

Day 15 Friday May 16th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Ketchikan
    (Go right on Stedman St.)
    The Salvation Army Family Store (10-2)
305 Stedman
  Do: Bayview Cemetery
1121 Stedman St
    Adventures in the Great North: Ketchikan Letterbox
    Alaskan Adventure-Ketchikan Letterbox
    (Go back on Stedman. Turn left.)
  See: Shops
    Salmon Landing Market (10-10)
5 Salmon Landing
    Christmas in Alaska (10-5)
300 Spruce Mill Way
    (Go right down Main St.)
    Ketchicandies
115 Main St
    Forget-Me-Not Chocolates (10-6)
221 Main St
    (Continue on Main . Turn left on Grant.)
5:00 p.m. Depart: Ketchikan

 

Day 16 Saturday May 17th
  Do: Sea Day

 

Day 17 Sunday May 18th
7:00 a.m. Arrive: Vancouver
8:00 a.m. Depart: Vancouver
4:00 p.m. Arrive: Spokane