Vacations To Go

 

Alaskan Adventure

 

Day 1 Saturday May 3rd  
9:00 a.m. Depart: Spokane  
5:00 p..m. Arrive: Vancouver 418
  Lodge:    

 

Day 2 Sunday May 4th  
10:00 a.m. Depart: House  
       
  Arrive: Vancouver Airport  
  Do: Lightrail  
12:00 p.m.   HAL Nieuw Amsterdam  
4:00 p.m. Depart: Vancouver  

 

Day 3 Monday May 5th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 4 Tuesday May 6th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Sitka, Alaska
  See:  
5:00 p.m. Depart: Sitka

 

Day 5 Wednesday May 7th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 6 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 7 Friday May 9th
10:00 a.m. Arrive: Kodiak
  See:  
6:00 p.m. Depart: Kodiak

 

Day 8 Saturday May 10th
12:00 p.m. Arrive: Valdez
12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
See: Columbia Glacier Cruise $219.95 (6.5 hrs)

This six-hour journey through Prince William Sound features a visit to the magnificent, mighty Columbia Glacier area.

You have a chance today to view history in the making as Columbia Glacier retreats back into the Chugach Mountains. In addition to the brilliant, colorful ice in Columbia Bay, you will see wildlife along the way. Bald eagles, nesting birds, resident harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, pink, chum and silver salmon, puffins, kittiwakes, whales and many other species call Prince William Sound home. You'll also learn about the area's mining, oil shipping, earthquake and fishing history.

A light meal is served on board.

Notes:

Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat.

4:00 p.m.   The Best of Valdez $199.95 (3 hrs)

Set out on a panoramic motorcoach drive through Valdez, learning about the town's gold rush era, whose entertainment activities were centered in the Old Town.

You will also hear stories about more contemporary pivotal moments, such as the Good Friday earthquake of 1964 and the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. Each of these events indelibly shaped this community, albeit in different ways.

Pass through beautiful Keystone Canyon with a view of the hundreds of waterfalls that cascade down its rocky cliffs.

Tours operating in May and June will likely travel up and over Thompson Pass for spectacular views of a nearby glacier. Tours operating in July, August and September will likely visit the Valdez Hatchery for a guided talk from one of the knowledgeable staff and a chance to see spawning salmon, sea lions, bears and other local wildlife.

Notes:

Itinerary varies seasonally. Tour sequence may vary. Tour consists mainly of sightseeing from the transportation.


12:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
  Valdez by Vintage Trolley $99.95 (1.5 hrs)

This tour is an invitation to glimpse the heartbeat of Valdez and explore the authentic life that thrives within this Alaskan town.

Board a vintage-style wheeled trolley for an entertaining journey through the essence of Valdez. Led by an experienced local guide, discover the daily rhythms of Valdez life. From its resilient spirit shaped by historical events to the warm embrace of its tight-knit community, the Snow Capital of Alaska is known for its community projects and the wildly diverse people that call it home. Traverse through neighborhoods, explore the waterfront, and stop at famous Kelsey Dock to wander about and take photos. This area typifies the blend of nature and community that defines life in Valdez.

Notes: 

Participants must be able to walk short distances and climb steps to (dis)embark the trolley. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or scooter. Tour consists mainly of sightseeing from the transportation. Stops are brief and participants can remain in the vehicle.

8:00 p.m. Depart: Valdez

 

Day 9 Sunday May 11th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 10 Monday May 12th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Juneau
  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 11 Tuesday May 13th
7:00 a.m. Arrive: Skagway
7:30 a.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 12 Wednesday May 14th
6:00 a.m. Arrive: Glacier Bay
  See:  
3:00 p.m. Depart: Glacier Bay

 

Day 13 Thursday May 15th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Wrangell
  See:  
7:00 p.m. Depart: Wrangell

 

Day 14 Friday May 16th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Ketchikan
  See:  
5:00 p.m. Depart: Ketchikan

 

Day 15 Saturday May 17th
  Do: Sea Day
     

 

Day 16 Sunday May 18th
7:00 a.m. Arrive: Vancouver
8:00 a.m. Depart: Vancouver
4:00 p.m. Arrive: Spokane