Category: North America

ALASKA’S WHALES, GLACIER & RAINFOREST TRAILS

On this approximately five-hour excursion, follow a naturalist guide on a hike across the rocky landscape surrounding Mendenhall Glacier. Then board a boat for a whale-spotting cruise around Stephens Passage, where you’ll look out for humpback whales and other wildlife.

Excursion details

Explore Southeast Alaska’s landscapes and seascapes on this excursion of around five hours, beginning with an approximately 30-minute drive through Juneau, accompanied by onboard commentary from a guide about the local area. You’ll then arrive at the starting point of a hiking trail that covers glacial terrain.

After a short comfort break, you’ll set off on a hike of about an hour winding through temperate rainforest and over the moraine – large patches of rugged rocks and earth left by the erosion and movement of the Mendenhall Glacier. Along the way, you’ll pause for views and photos of the sprawling glacier.

Next, an approximately 15-minute transfer takes you to Statter Harbor, where you’ll meet your captain and board a specially designed whale-watching vessel. Then head out on to the waters of Stephens Passage – a channel lined with forests and mountains – for a whale-spotting trip lasting about two hours and 15 minutes.

On the boat you’ll find binoculars and maps to help you seek out the sights. Humpback whales are commonly seen in these waters, but please note that while common, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The boat trip ends when you sail back to the harbour, before taking a roughly 30-minute return transfer back to the port.

At the end of the excursion, you’ll receive access to a free digital publication about Juneau, plus information about entering a photo competition that offers prizes for photos of the region’s nature and wildlife.

Important information: While common, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Guests must also be able to independently navigate 3 steps to board the bus and two large steps down into the vessel. Guests must also independently navigate a ramp at the harbour, which steepness changes depending on the tide. There is a walking portion of approximately 1 mile which guests must be able to walk within 1 hour. Guests will not walk on the glacier. Guests will walk on a trail to a lookout point

WHALE WATCHING AND MENDENHALL GLACIER PHOTO SAFARI

This small-group, photography-themed experience shows you different sides of Alaska’s wilderness over approximately five hours, with a guide helping you capture the best shots possible. You’ll hike around Mendenhall Glacier followed by a cruise through Stephens Passage in the hope of spotting humpback whales.

Excursion details

Explore and photograph two prime examples of Alaska’s natural scenery on this roughly five-hour excursion. After meeting your naturalist photography guide in the port, there’s an approximately 30-minute transfer to Mendenhall Glacier, while your guide shares tips on capturing memorable photos, also supplying stories about the Juneau region.

Upon arrival at the glacier, you’ll have a short comfort break, before following a hiking route named the Trail of Time. The trail aims to demonstrate how vegetation and landscapes around Mendenhall have changed, based on the glacier’s level of ice recession. You’ll spend around an hour on the trail (which is 1.8km long), while enjoying the views and capturing the glacier and surrounding scenery on camera.

Next, join your guide and reboard the bus for the roughly 15-minute journey to a nearby harbour. You’ll then board a boat that’s designed to maximise viewing potential during wildlife cruises, making it ideal for capturing photos. Your captain will then begin sailing out for an exploration of Stephens Passage, a photogenic waterway lined with forests and mountains.

During the approximately two-hour-and-15-minute cruise, you’ll have access to onboard facilities including binoculars and maps, helping you identify local wildlife. Keep a lookout for humpback whales during the journey, as the region is known as a hotspot for these fascinating mammals, as well as other marine wildlife (please note that while common, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed)

Afterwards, your ship will return to the harbour, where you’ll rejoin your vehicle for the drive back to the port, lasting about 30 minutes.

Important information: Guests must be able to independently navigate 3 steps to board the bus and two large steps down into the vessel. Guests must also independently navigate a ramp at the harbor, which steepness changes depending on the tide. There is a walking portion of approximately 1 mile which guests must be able to walk within 1 hour. Guests will not walk on the glacier. Guests will walk on a trail to a lookout point

PILOT’S CHOICE

Embark on an aerial adventure in this excursion of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, which takes you on a specially created helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield. Your pilot will craft a route to maximise viewing potential, including two glacier landings with exploration at each.

Excursion details

Lasting approximately two hours and 45 minutes, this excursion allows you to experience Alaska by air as you soar over snowy mountains and glaciers in a helicopter. The fun begins with about 15 minutes for checking in and a transfer to the heliport, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and get fitted with glacier boots, lasting about 30 minutes.

Then climb aboard a helicopter and take off into the Alaskan skies for your “flightseeing” trip. Your experienced pilot will create an itinerary based on weather and viewing conditions, meaning you’ll enjoy the most scenic route possible at the time.

The flightseeing journey lasts approximately 50 minutes in total, including two glacier landings – each lasting 15 minutes or so – which you’ll select with your pilot. Options will again be based around weather and conditions on the day, but might include Herbert (which flows into the Herbert River), Taku (one of the Juneau region’s largest glaciers), Norris (located in a particularly remote and rocky area), Gilkey (currently measuring approximately 32 kilometres in length), Hole-in-the-Wall, and the Juneau Icefield’s most famous landmark, Mendenhall Glacier.

At both of your glacier stops you’ll have a chance to admire the landscape, grab photos and even take a short walk, with your pilot doubling up as a knowledgeable guide.

You’ll then return to the heliport and spend around 20 minutes returning your glacier boots, before enjoying a warming complimentary coffee or tea and browsing the gift shop. The drive back to the port takes about 15 minutes, concluding the excursion.

Important information: All participating guests must be able to walk 100 yards on uneven surfaces, ice, and pavement. Guests must be able to climb two 18-inch steps in and out of the helicopter unassisted. Bags are not permitted on this tour and can be locked in a locker prior to boarding the helicopter. It is recommended that guests bring gloves, hats, sunglasses, and cameras, and wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Selfie-sticks, or any other extendable items, iPads, or any other type of tablets, drones, food or beverages including water bottles and smoking are not permitted on this tour. Due to weight and balance restrictions, as well as for passenger safety and comfort, guests weighing 250lbs (113kg) or more fully clothed will incur a weight surcharge of $150 that will be added to your onboard account. This tour is not available for guests with limited mobility.

Infants up to 23 months may participate in this tour and must be seated on their parent/guardians’ lap throughout the tour. Children 2 years of age and older are required to have their own seat and are required to have a full price ticket purchased for them. There is a set price per person on this tour. Child rates are not applicable. Per TEMSCO Helicopters’Passenger Mobility Policy, service animals shall not be permitted on Temsco Airbus Astar, Hughes 500 and Airbus H 130 aircraft used by Temsco for flightseeing and tours. Passenger seats in these aircraft are emergency exit accessible; the exit doors represent the only emergency exits. This policy is consistent with the Air Carrier Access Act that prohibits service animals from being located in an exit aisle

WHALE WATCHING AND LIGHTHOUSE ADVENTURE

This approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion follows Juneau’s coastal waters in search of marine wildlife, before visiting Sentinel Island Lighthouse. After this introduction to Southeast Alaska’s maritime history and landmarks, there’s a brief stop overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier.

Excursion details

Switch between boat and road in this excursion of about four and a half hours, which traces a route through Juneau’s island-dotted waterways in search of humpback whales, before stopping at a historic lighthouse.

After a roughly 30-minute transfer from the port to Auke Bay Harbor, you’ll board a custom-built vessel equipped with outdoor viewing decks. For the next two hours or so, your boat will travel through channels and coastal passages frequented by various marine wildlife, including humpback whales. These graceful creatures are often observed feeding or surfacing in the region, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot one during your trip, but please note that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Your boat then approaches Sentinel Island, where you’ll move to dry land and make the short stroll along a boardwalk to Sentinel Island Lighthouse. Spend approximately 30 minutes exploring this important building, which has helped guide boats navigating the entrance to Lynn Canal since 1902. Remember to bring your camera, as the panoramic views from both the lighthouse and the island are worth preserving.

Then reboard your boat and start the return journey, reaching the dock and disembarking the boat after about 35 minutes. Next is a drive south to Brotherhood Bridge and a short photo stop, lasting around 20 minutes altogether. As you’ll soon find out, the bridge is renowned for its views of the Mendenhall Glacier (located about eight kilometres to the north) and surrounding countryside. Gaze out at thick forest, meadows, mountains and the Mendenhall River that flows down from the glacier and underneath the bridge – make sure to grab plenty of pictures.

After the photo stop, rejoin your vehicle for the final part of the journey back to port, which takes about 35 minutes.

Important information: Due to ongoing remodeling, access inside the tower may be limited. Glacier viewing is weather dependent. Tour may operate in reverse order. There may be steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and extended periods of standing. Guests with physical limitations should take this into consideration prior to booking this tour.

NORRIS ADVENTURE: SEAPLANE, PADDLE & GLACIER HIKE

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s landscapes in this exciting active adventure of around five hours. A light aircraft will fly you to a glacier, where you’ll hike and paddle across the terrain before trekking across part of Norris Glacier on foot.

Excursion details

Get set to explore the great Alaskan outdoors in this approximately five-hour excursion to Norris Glacier. The action begins with a transfer drive of about 25 minutes to the gear warehouse. Upon arrival, you’ll have around 40 minutes for equipment fitting, orientation and a transfer to your floatplane – a light aircraft modified with external pontoons, or floats, instead of wheels, allowing it to take off and land on water.

Then sit back and enjoy a scenic flight of roughly 25 minutes to Norris Glacier, located near the mouth of Taku Inlet and surrounded by the Juneau Icefield. You’ll land on a secluded lake framed by glaciers, marking the start of your approximately two-hour hiking and packrafting journey, with plenty to fit in during that time.

A packraft is a lightweight, inflatable raft compact enough to fit into a rucksack. After hiking across ice-sculpted terrain, you’ll receive a short safety briefing and instruction from your guide before setting off in a one-person packraft, gliding past icebergs towards the dramatic Norris Glacier.

For the next stage, your guide will help pull you and your raft directly onto the glacier, where you’ll exchange your paddle for microspike crampons and a trekking pole. These will help you explore the glacier’s surface on foot, navigating crevasses, meltwater pools and blue ice formations.

Once your glacier trek is complete, climb back into your packraft for the return paddle to the floatplane. A roughly 25-minute flight transports you back to Juneau, where you’ll have around 40 minutes to return your gear before the approximately 25-minute drive back to the port.

Important information: Guests will be entering a wilderness environment without restroom facilities. Guests will be required to hike 500 yards over uneven, cobbled terrain to/from “Packraft Cove”, paddle up to 1 mile using a kayak paddle to propel a one or two-person packraft, and trek up to 2 miles on the surface of the glacier over uneven, slick terrain. This tour is not available for pregnant women. Guests should consider their physical fitness prior to booking this tour. This tour includes professional guides, all paddling equipment and glacier trekking gear, rain gear (hooded jacket, pants, and rubber boots) and a dry bag, snacks and water bottle. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing. The amount of time on the glacier is dependent on groups’pace, time spent packrafting, and weather conditions. The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.

PADDLE WITH WHALES KAYAK ADVENTURE

On this approximately six-hour adventure, you’ll cruise through glacial waters before paddling a kayak through a well-known whale-watching area. Search for humpback whales and other wildlife before a scenic return cruise.

Excursion details

This active kayaking excursion of around six hours starts with about 25-minute drive to the warehouse, where you’ll be equipped with the proper kit for your trip. Then set out by boat towards Juneau Channel Islands State Marine Park, a known feeding area for humpback whales.

During this cruise, lasting approximately 90 minutes, you’ll pass snow-covered mountains and towering glaciers. Throughout the journey, your captain and guide will bring the landscape to life with stories of local wildlife and history.

Following a quick safety briefing, launch your kayak into the water and begin a roughly two-hour guided paddle through prime whale-watching territory. Alongside your guide, you’ll scan the waters for humpback whales and other marine species, also looking out for a variety of seabirds. Please note that, although common in this area, sightings of whales and other wildlife can’t be guaranteed.

After the kayaking trip ends, return to the boat and relax on a roughly hour-long trip back to the harbour, enjoying a snack as you gaze out at the glacial scenery. Once on shore, you’ll have around 45 minutes to return your gear and then take a transfer drive back to the port.

Important information: The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Guests will be entering a wilderness environment without restroom facilities. Guests must be able to use a bow ladder to enter/exit the motorboat. Guests will potentially walk through areas that include varied, wet, and uneven terrain. Guests may need to carry kayaks short distances and be physically fit enough to paddle continuously up to 3-4 miles. This tour is not available for guests who are pregnant. This tour includes rain gear (hooded jacket, pants, and rubber boots), double kayak, paddle gear, and dry bag. Guests will be entering the temperate rainforest and ocean environment; therefore, it is recommended to dress accordingly. Kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old.

MENDENHALL GLACIER CANOE PADDLE AND HIKE

See the famous Mendenhall Glacier by water and on foot over the course of this approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion. Start with a canoe trip on Mendenhall Lake to admire the Juneau Icefield, followed by a guided hike around the glacier’s edge.

Excursion details

Gain two very different perspectives on an Alaskan landmark during this excursion, lasting about five and a half hours. A drive of around 30 minutes transports you to the gear warehouse, where 45 minutes or so are spent fitting your gear, receiving a safety orientation and travelling to Mendenhall Lake on a transfer drive.

Then set off on a guided canoe trip across the lake, lasting about one hour. As you paddle, gaze out at icebergs, snow-capped mountains and waterfalls, before landing and disembarking near the glacier, where you’ll switch from paddling to exploring a glacier bedrock for approximately 40 minutes.

As you walk around the glacier’s edge – please note you won’t be walking directly on the glacier surface – soak up the dramatic, icy surroundings and scenic terrain. Your guide will supply information about this unique environment and explain how climate change is impacting Mendenhall and other glaciers.

Following this insightful exploration, board your canoe once again and paddle back across the lake for around one hour, arriving back at the warehouse to spend about 30 minutes disembarking and returning gear. The transfer back to the port then takes approximately 30 minutes.

Important information: The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Guests will be entering a wilderness environment without restroom facilities. Guests will be expected to hike through wilderness areas that include varied, wet, and uneven terrain. Guests may need to drag canoes for short distances and be physically fit to get in and out of watercraft, along with paddle watercraft continuously. This tour is not available for pregnant women. This tour includes professional guides, all paddling equipment and hiking gear, rain gear (hooded jacket, pants, and rubber boots) and a dry bag. The Mendenhall Glacier is in a constant state of change. This tour explores the edges of the glacier safely from the bedrock—this does not include trekking on the ice. The minimum age to participate is 12 years old.

MENDENHALL GLACIER GUIDE’S CHOICE TRAIL HIKE

This approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion takes you on a guided hike through the Tongass National Forest. Led by a professional naturalist, you’ll walk through rainforest landscapes and enjoy views of an Alaskan landmark – the Mendenhall Glacier – along the way.

Excursion details

Cover several rewarding miles across established trails around the Mendenhall Glacier area during this excursion, lasting about four and a half hours.

After meeting your guide at the dock, board your vehicle for the transfer to the trailhead, which takes around 30 minutes. From here, you’ll begin a guided hike of approximately three and a half hours. The route covers between four and six miles, during which you’ll gradually climb up to 1,000 feet as you follow the trails.

The hike takes place within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States and one of its very few rainforests. As you walk, look out for spruce and hemlock trees, and admire the dense forest undergrowth. Your guide will provide commentary on the area’s natural and cultural history, including background on local legends and traditions. From certain points along the trail, you may also be able to see the Mendenhall Glacier itself, although please note that you won’t be walking on the glacier or visiting it directly.

Following the hike, the return transfer back to the port lasts around 30 minutes, accompanied by further commentary from your guide during the drive.

Important information: Guests must be physically able to participate in a strenuous hiking tour with elevation gains up to 1,000 feet, over 4-6 miles and on the trail for 3.5 hours. This tour is not available for guests with recent surgeries, injuries, or limited mobility which may inhibit their ability to participate on this tour. Guests do not walk on the glacier at any point in time during this excursion

MUSHER’S CAMP AND SLED DOG DISCOVERY IN JUNEAU

Experience a dog sled ride through the Tongass National Forest on an excursion of about two hours and 15 minutes. Glide through the forest behind an enthusiastic team of Alaskan huskies, hear captivating stories from professional mushers, and even meet adorable husky puppies.

Excursion details

Dog sledding, also known as dog mushing, is a historical activity in Alaska and was even designated as the official state sport in 1972. Sample it for yourself while learning more from the experts on this excursion, lasting around two hours and 15 minutes.

Your journey begins with a scenic 30-minute narrated drive through downtown Juneau and across the Gastineau Channel to Douglas Island. You’ll arrive at a dog camp and will then spend approximately 25 minutes experiencing a dog sled ride, before meeting the dogs afterwards.

The ride itself takes place on a wheeled sled, which will be whooshing through the scenic Tongass National Forest (the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world and the biggest national forest in the United States) as your talented canine team lead the way. After your ride, enjoy time with the dogs and learn more about their training and daily life.

Next, gather for an engaging musher presentation lasting approximately 30 minutes. Professional Alaskan mushers will share personal stories, racing experiences, and insights into this time-honored way of life. If you’d like to stretch your legs, you can also take a short stroll across a nearby suspension bridge.

Back at camp, spend about 20 minutes relaxing by the campfire and cuddling husky puppies, a guest favorite and perfect photo opportunity before enjoying a scenic 30-minute return drive to port.

Important information: Guests must be able to raise knees 12 inches, climb 12 steps, and walk 100 meters to participate on this tour

HELICOPTER GLACIER DOG SLED ADVENTURE

On this excursion lasting approximately three hours and 15 minutes, you’ll soar over the Tongass National Forest and Juneau Icefield in a helicopter, flying to a camp where a professional musher will greet you. Then glide across the Norris Glacier on a sled, led by a team of Alaskan sled dogs.

Excursion details

This dog sledding excursion of around three hours and 15 minutes begins with a roughly 15-minute transfer to NorthStar Heliport, where you’ll have around 45 minutes to prepare for your flight.

The journey takes around 20 minutes by helicopter to the dog sledding camp. During the flight, enjoy sweeping views of the Tongass National Forest – the largest national forest in the United States – and the Juneau Icefield. Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed by your guide, a professional musher skilled in Alaskan dog sledding and a veteran of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Alaska’s famous long-distance competition.

Then it’s time for your journey across the Norris Glacier. As you travel over the ice, your guide will teach you the basics of dog sled handling and all-important commands, such as “Hike!” to get the team moving, “Gee!” to turn right and “Haw!” to turn left. You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand at mushing the sled yourself.

Afterwards, a short helicopter flight returns to NorthStar Heliport, where you’ll have about 30 minutes to decompress and de-gear before a transfer of 15 minutes or so back to the port.

Important information: It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing, long socks, and bring a hat and gloves. Guests will be outfitted with glacier boots that will cover your footwear and provide waterproof protection. Backpacks and purses cannot be accommodated on this tour. Storage options are available to keep your items during the tour