Our highlights will be days watching humpback whales, bears feeding on salmon in a rushing river, fascinating native totem poles, and a journey up a spectacular mountain fjord to find icebergs and a majestic glacier at the end.
Most of our voyage will be in the Tongass National Forest - the largest National Forest in North America. We will go ashore daily to find beautiful forest walks, tumbling waterfalls, and hike up to alpine meadows and bogs. With the on board naturalist, we will explore for shoreline inter tidal creatures and keep a daily record of the various species of birds, plants, and marine mammals we observe. The daily itinerary is intentionally flexible to meet group interests, weather patterns, and of course, to take full advantage of wildlife sightings.
These voyages in Southeast Alaska sail one-way between Prince Rupert, BC and Petersburg, AK. Trips alternate directions - northwards first, followed next by a southwards trip. The itinerary that follows describes a northward trip starting in Prince Rupert, BC. A southwards trip, starting in Petersburg would visit the same highlights in approximately the reverse order. This sample itineraries describe typical trips. Activities, however, may occur in a different order or be substituted by suitable alternatives. Wildlife and marine life and may not necessarily conform to our schedules.
We do not produce a detailed day by day itinerary in advance of the trip. Our daily plans are flexible to accommodate the surprises that occur each trip, the requirements of tide and weather, and the interests of the group. Wildlife is wildlife and have their own agenda. When we encounter wildlife we often change our plans so that we can spend time watching. Different areas of Southeast Alaska offer different highlights. Each trip is unique and cannot include all the possible highlights described. If there are certain highlights that you wish to experience please contact our office so that we may help you choose which trip best suits your dream.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arrival participants are assigned cabins, and receive an introduction and safety orientation. Departing Prince Rupert we see the old native settlement of Metlakatla. The entrance to Portland Canal marks the border between Alaska and British Columbia, Canada and the United States. Sailing past Misty Fjords National Monument, we enjoy the beautiful scenery of snowcapped mountains rising majestically out of the ocean. Each night we will anchor in a new scenic bay.
Day 2: Cruising up Revillagigedo Channel, past the historic Native American settlement of Saxman, our first major stop will be at Ketchikan. In the late 1800’s the lucrative cannery industry earned Ketchikan the title of “Salmon Capital of the World”. We will have time to walk the old boardwalk “streets” and the ambitious may proceed further to the Totem Heritage Center, to see original totem poles collected from deserted Tlingit and Haida villages. On Prince of Wales Island is the small, seldom visited Haida village of New Kasaan. We will walk a lovely forest trail to view original and recarved totem poles from Old Kasaan. Chief Sonihat’s big house from the last century is a highlight with its carved interior poles - an excellent example of Haida art and architecture.
Day 3: Among the narrow passages east of Etolin Island and Wrangell Island is Anan Bay. Anan Creek has the largest run of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska, and this accumulation of food attracts bears, eagles and seals. This is one of the famous sites in Alaska where the US Forest Service has built a wildlife and bear observatory. The opportunity to watch black bears, and often brown bears, fishing for salmon in a rushing river is a classic Alaska moment - and certainly a trip highlight. We are extremely lucky to be able to visit. Access is limited to protect the wildlife and local habitat.
Day 4: From the open vistas of Sumner Strait we enter Wrangell Narrows – 21 miles long, and only 500 yards wide at many points. This waterway offers interesting navigation and excellent opportunities to view eagles and other wildlife along both shores. Here our route coincides with the famous "Inside Passage" and we may see large ferries or tugs towing enormous barges close at hand.
Days 5-10: Frederick Sound is the core feeding area for humpback whales in Southeast Alaska. We will see large numbers of humpback whales on a daily basis. The trip is scheduled to spend at least 5 days in Frederick Sound to explore, observe humpback whales and to try to catch that perfect photograph. Local researchers track the movements of the whales, and study the fascinating feeding techniques. We never know when to expect spectacular whale encounters and behavior. Admiralty Island (National Monument) offers some beautiful evening anchorages and the possibility of bears walking along the shore. After the adrenaline of humpback whales, we sail deep into the mountains to view a tidewater glacier. Enormous rock walls rise majestically up to snowy peaks and waterfalls tumble thousands of feet into the sea as we head up Tracy Arm. Approaching the marvelous Sawyer glacier icebergs float by, many with seals perched on top. LeConte Bay has the southern most tidewater glacier in North America. Our choice of glacier will depend on the weather and ice conditions.
Day 11: In the last morning we sail into Petersburg, Alaska to complete our voyage. Petersburg, known as "little Norway" is a delightful town to explore. The Clausen Memorial Museum gives a history of this community and has interesting exhibits on fishing and fishing techniques. If you have time in Prince Rupert you can visit the Museum of Northern British Columbia on First Avenue a few blocks from the downtown airport terminal. The museum also organizes a tour to see native petroglyphs, a half hour boat trip away. The North Pacific Cannery - 20 minutes out of town - has interesting displays on historic salmon fishing and canning operations.
Notes:
- Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/Canada border for all trips.
- We ask that you bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry on board. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
- Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rain forest.
- We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.
- Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).
- Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for float planes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.
- Meals: A professional cook (who may be one of the resource guides) is in charge of all of the cooking during the trip. We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, and dairy products for the duration of the trip. Meals are served buffet-style. We are confident that you will be fully impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines will be served with dinner. There is no bar on board to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- 7 days: 4320 CAD
- 8 days: 4595 CAD
- 9 days: 4895 CAD
- 11 days: 5490 CAD.
Price Includes:
- All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
- All accommodation on board ship: skipper, cook, naturalist
- Full use of all on board facilities.
Price Excludes:
- Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip
- Any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion
- Travel or cancellation insurance
- Airport transfers
- Optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
British Columbia
Local Culture
Native Americans
Wildlife Viewing
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