Wilds of Alaska & the Inside Passage - cruise & land journey

Welcome to Vancouver, framed by the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountains. A world of wonder awaits as you step on board and raise your glass to toast the start of your luxurious cruise.

Today, relax on your Discovery Yacht. With so many choices on board, you will be surprised how quickly time passes. Choose one of the daily activities including a class at Scenic Epicure, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre, or make time for your own fitness regime.

Continue cruising up the picturesque coast of British Columbia. Try a game of bridge or canasta in the Observatory or test your knowledge with some trivia in the lounge. Whatever you choose to do, you will love the relaxing and luxurious finish to your extraordinary expedition voyage. 

Located near the Stikine River, Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska, with its rich history is visible in the collection of totem poles scattered throughout the town. Surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, many are attracted to the region's fauna and flora. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory offer a rare chance to view wildlife including brown and black bears up close, you will soon see why this is known to be the heart of the Inside Passage.

Freechoice:
City Tour with City Museum: Join your local guide, a lifelong Wrangellite, on a small group walking tour through the historic town of Wrangell. This is a slower paced walk that takes you back to the days of discovery and settlement, through to the ages of boom and bust when Wrangell was a frontier town of over 10,000 gold seekers and the streets were wooden boardwalks. In an ongoing series of self-determination, Wrangell has been a fur, mining, fishing, timber and tourism centre throughout history. Visit Totem Park and learn about the Totem Poles and what they represent.

Jet Boats up the Stikine River: The Stikine River is the fastest, navigable, free-flowing river remaining in North America. Be transported across the vast river delta, home to diverse wildlife. Enjoy a thrilling ride through narrow rainforest lined channels. The Icebergs and glaciers of Shakes Lake, countless waterfalls and towering mountains of the coastal range will be a grand finale to this wilderness tour.

Rainforest Plant Walk: Join your knowledgeable guide on a leisurely, informative walk through both forest and bog meadows. Take a short tour through town to the trailhead, getting a taste of what life in Wrangell is like as you pass by churches, schools, housing, and the hospital. Once on the trail, there is a large diversity of plant life to learn about and photograph, as well as opportunity for bird and wildlife viewing. This is an especially great trail for learning about Alaska's natural history, edible and medicinal plant uses, and the special ecology of the muskeg, or peat bog which is an important part of our temperate rain forest.

Art Workshop with Native Artist: Learn about local arts in a small group led by a local artist. The Tlingit Natives of Wrangell were known not only for their great canoes and long journeys, but also for their art. Weaving, carving, beading and songs are a large part of the culture of the local clans. Join a local artist to learn about their connection to history through art. The lesson may be about beading or weaving or perhaps drawing in the style of the Tlingit. Materials will be provided for a hands-on workshop to create a piece that will connect you with your journey through Tlingit territory and remind you of South East Alaska where you'll long to return.
 

Discovery:
Rainbow Falls Hike: Listen to the sounds of the forest as your naturalist guide leads you on a walk through the Tongass National Forest. Towering stands of Hemlock, Spruce and Cedars with an understory of blueberry and huckleberry bushes line the trail as you hike towards your destination. Learn about the forest, it's flora and fauna complete with their traditional and current uses. Climbing the steps reward you with a platform with a spectacular view of Rainbow Falls cascading through the lush forest.

Shakes Canoe Tour: Embark onto a 17ft two-man canoe designed for the waters of SE Alaska. The route takes you into Wrangell harbour where your local guides will point out various fishing boats and their methods of fishing. After paddling by the only remaining covered boatyard in Alaska, there will be a stop at Shakes Tribal house where totem poles surround this traditionally built historical long house, home to the Wrangell Tlingit Indians. Inside, participate in a presentation of the history and culture of the local Tlingit by members of the tribe.

Discover the home of the Tlingit people in Kake, with more than 70% of the people still preserving and continuing their heritage. Connect with the locals and learn about their survival through hunting, fishing and gathering plants and berries. Kake is a prime location for spotting whales and for bear watching during the summer when they emerge take feast on the thriving salmon population. Go ashore by tender and gain an insight into the Tlingit culture. Experience a weaving demonstration with a local artist, watch a traditional song and dance performance, and view the worlds largest totem pole.

As the old capital of Alaska during the Russian empire, Sitka still has strong ties to Russia. From the battle of the indigenous people with the Russians to the establishment of St. Michael’s Cathedral, North America's first orthodox cathedral, there is much history to unpack and explore. Sitka, of the United States main fishing ports, attracts seafood enthusiasts in hoardes. The picturesque landscape at Sitka National Historical Park and the wildlife of the Inside Passage is a tourist favourite where whales and Pacific salmon thrive deep below as bald eagles soar overhead.
Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion
 

Freechoice:
Wildlife & City Tour: The Raptor Centre operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. Learn about the work the team is doing before viewing the center. Continue to the Sitka Sound Science Centre, which is a comprehensive research and educational facility that houses multiple aquarium exhibits. Experience the local sea life firsthand and learn about the aquatic life in waters surrounding Sitka. The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bear, allowing you to view Alaska brown bears in a naturalized setting. Observe three populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced local naturalist. Your Scenic Freechoice will conclude in downtown Sitka where you'll have time to explore the shops and sights at leisure.

Historical Sitka Walking Tour: Join a guided walk of Sitka National Historical Park, where walking trails lined with authentic totem poles will guide you through the lush Tongass National Forest. As you cross the bridge at Indian River where salmon spawn in the late summer, you will learn about the rain forest ecosystem, and local plant and animal life. Continue with a walk along the harbour's shoreline to visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House. See many Victorian-style homes and ornate churches before passing Sheldon Jackson College, home to James Michener during the writing of his book, Alaska.

Silver Bay Cruise and Exclusive Alaska Homestead Visit: Enjoy a narrated roundtrip cruise through Silver Bay aboard a local vessel. Along the way, you’ll explore a glacier-carved fjord and then step ashore at a remote Alaskan homestead. Here you’ll bask in the warmth of a crackling campfire and learn about pioneers who came in search of riches or to make a living sustained by the area’s incredible natural resources.
 

Discovery:
Harbour & Islands Guided Paddle: Set out on a leisurely paddle to explore Sitka's sheltered waterways, harbours and picturesque coves.  The beauty of Sitka's dependence on the sea will be fully evident as you paddle by fishermen, tugboat crews, and Coast Guard sailors all tending to their vessels. Beyond the harbour we'll explore island shores and kelp forests, while keeping an eye out for abundant wildlife above and below the water's surface. If we're lucky, we may have an opportunity to watch wild salmon preparing to spawn.

Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world, stretching 122 kilometres. This mountain of ice exemplifies the grandness of the  region.

Formed by retreating glaciers, Icy Bay lives up to its reputation with scattered icebergs floating in the clear, deep waters. Cruise through the fjord, taking in the spectacular scenery.

Discover one of Alaska's most historic towns, Seward. This seaside village offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park and a bustling harbour. Marine life, jagged cliffs and seabirds can be found at Resurrection Bay. Take to the seas and get a chance to spot sea lions and tidewater caves. Whether it is embarking on adventurous activities such as summer-style dogsledding or strolling through the streets of the ‘Mural Capital of Alaska’, there is something for everyone. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise: Join a local vessel and sail the breathtaking Kenai Fjord in search for diverse wildlife, including whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles, puffins, and many other types of marine birds as you cruise the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Rather than following a set route, the experienced captains will explore the area’s wildlife hot spots to maximize your chances. This cruise is fully narrated by the captains and naturalist crew members

Meet Alaska’s Canine Athletes: Learn about the art and love of mushing dogs in Alaska. Meet Iditarod Sled Dogs and learn about the “Last Great Race” from the Seavey Racing Team. Guests will have a chance to experience the thrill of being pulled by dogs on a sled and a visit to an old Homestead Cabin.
 

Discovery:
Guided Hike at Exit Glacier: Located nearby Seward, Exit Glacier is the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River. Your local naturalist guide provides an exclusive walking tour with insightful narration about the topography, vegetation and natural habitats of a glacial environment

Stoney Creek Canopy Adventure: Traverse from one platform to the next via nine separate and exciting zip lines, three suspension bridges, a spiral staircase and a rappel while clipped in from beginning to end – all amidst the beautiful Pacific Temperate Rainforest, building on anticipation and discovery.

Homer is a small city on Kachemak Bay, that packs a big punch. Take in the charming coastal city that is distinguished by its gravel bar that extends into the bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Best of the Bay Kachemak Bay Cruise: This narrated cruise allows the opportunity to learn about the local area and all that inhabit it, and to view the beauty and scenic vistas of Kachemak Bay and Kachemak Bay State Park. Gull Island is the home of eight species of birds including cormorants, gulls, murres and puffins. Watch for possible sightings of sea otters and other marine wildlife as you cruise among the islands and fjords of this beautiful wilderness area.

Creatures of the Dock Walk: Take a see the amazing intertidal life right under your feet at Homer Harbor docks. Creatures of the Dock tour is the most fun you can have on the Homer spit. There's an entire world under your feet - based out of our Yurt. A trained local naturalist will guide you through an incredible exploration of invertebrate life living on and around the Homer Harbor Docks.

Homer City & Arts Tour: Drive from Scenic Eclipse to Downtown Homer, and learn more about the local life and history of this quaint community. Visit the Pratt Museum for a better understanding of the local history and culture. Visit the gallery of one of the most famous local artists, Norman Lowell and see his accumulated lifetime’s work. Just a short drive out of town you’ll have a photo opportunity at the Homer Spit Overlook. Finally stop at the Island & Oceans Visitor Center where you will learn about the natural history of the area.

Situated along the Gulf of Alaska, the city of Kodiak is renowned for its inhabitants of grizzly bears, national state parks and sportfishing spots. Uncover history and learn about Kodiak’s key role in WWII as a staging point for US operations with Fort Abercrombie built as a defense post to protect the naval base. Renowned for its wildlife, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers two thirds of the island and several nature-loving visitors each year. This is the best location to spot the salmon loving brown bear and other wildlife while taking in the majestic lakes and dramatic mountains within the national park. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Harbour Tour: This unique walking tour brings visitors into the world of the Alaskan commercial fishing industry. Guests will get up close and personal to the fishing boats, the gear, the processing plants, and the men and women who make their living as Alaskan commercial fishermen, the most dangerous occupation on in the United States.

Kodiak Culture and History Tour: History buffs will enjoy diving deep into Kodiak's past to uncover the many facets of today's culture. On this easy-paced walking tour, hear stories of two of the worst natural disasters of the 20th century and discover how they changed Kodiak's landscape. Hear tales of Russian fur traders and saints as we explore two National Historic Landmarks. Explore the technology of Kodiak's original inhabitants, the Alutiiq people, as we view incredible artifacts. Lastly, discover contemporary stories of fishermen, immigrant cannery workers and more. This experience, led by an expert local guide will leave you with an intimate and meaningful connection to the people, places and stories of Kodiak.
 

Discovery:
Abercrombie National Park Hike: Nature lovers will be treated to a magical landscape at Kodiak's Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park. Lush mossy rainforest trails will skirt lily padded lakes and meander through salmonberry and blueberry bushes. Stop and taste as your guide tells you about the uses of the many plants in this environment. You'll also learn about the many animals and birds that thrive in this rich ecosystem including the famous Kodiak bear, the largest in the world. Your path leads to a scenic beach full of intertidal life. Perhaps you will spot puffins nesting in the cliffs, eagles waiting for an easy meal, or a sea otter in the kelp beds. Hike up the cliffs for sweeping views of the surrounding islands.

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the excellent ultra-luxurious amenities of your Discovery Yacht. Try a game of bridge or canasta in the Observatory Lounge or tempt your palate at a wine tasting.

One of the world’s largest and most famous fishing ports, Dutch Harbor has a fascinating history. In 1942, Dutch Harbor was attacked by aerial bombardment from the Japanese.  Take in the beautiful scenery of this remote and mountainous landscape much loved by tourists, and famed for its hiking, skiing, sportfishing, kayaking and wildlife.
 

Freechoice:
Museum of the Aleutians and WWII Visitor Center: Visit the Museum of the Aleutians and WWII Visitor Center. The Museum of the Aleutians is a cultural history institution for the Aleutian Islands and the community of Unalaska. The museum opened its doors in 1999 with the mission to collect, preserve, and research the cultural history and prehistory of the Aleutian Islands region. Through actively growing Unangax, Russian-American, WWII, and local art collections, the museum provides stimulating permanent and changing exhibits, as well as a home to researchers, visitors, and community members.  The visitor center for Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is located in Unalaska. Many of the objects, quotes, and information in the visitor center came directly from Aleutian residents and World War II veterans who have shepherded this project along from the beginning.

Bunker Hill Hike: Bring your camera and binoculars for the beautiful, panoramic view that awaits you at the top of hike up Bunker Hill. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the prehistory, history, flora and fauna as you make your journey up and down the hill in two hours. While the 360- degree view of the area is no longer of strategic importance as it was during World War II, the top of Bunker Hill still offers a beautiful view of Captains Bay, Amaknak Island, Unalaska Bay and Dutch Harbor.

Relax on board and indulge yourself at the Senses Spa or take a yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. There’ll be insightful lectures and presentations from the Discovery Team in the theatre or you could also choose to learn new cooking techniques in Scenic Epicure. Whatever you choose to do, you will love the relaxing and luxurious finish to your extraordinary expedition voyage.

Said to be one of the most remote islands in Alaska. Immerging from draping fog, the treeless island will make you feel like a true explorer. Listen for the chitters of the island’s endemic singing vole as you walk around the tundra, gaining an insight into what life would have been like for the pioneers that first attempted to settle here in 1809.
 

Discovery: Join the Discovery Team to go ashore via Zodiac. Set foot on this remote, uninhabited island and explore the raw nature and untamed landscapes.

Your cruise ends this morning in Anchorage as you say farewell to your crew. Settle in for a one-night stay. This evening you will join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Your adventure starts today with a visit to Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Centre, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates, and shares Alaska Native Culture, language, heritage, and tradition. Sit back and watch Native artisans as they work on their crafts and enjoy live traditional dance performances before a private visit with an Alaskan native storyteller, who will bring you into their culture as they share the stories about their history and people. Drive through the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley, considered one of the most important agricultural regions in Alaska. The valley is rimmed by three major mountain ranges: The Alaska Range, and the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. Indulge in expansive views of alpine peaks and valleys, rivers and streams, and vast spruce and birch forests before arriving at your lodge for the next two-nights. This evening you will have a unique opportunity to meet a local Alaskan, Howard Carbone. Revel in his stories of climbing Denali, nature in the area, and living in Alaska through photographs, videos, and stories.

Freechoice: Enjoy a jet boat ride down the Susitna river with an onboard naturalist and visit a Dena’ina Indian Encampment. Alternatively, set out to explore Talkeetna’s best hiking trails with a naturalist guide on a hike through old-growth forest, alive with songbirds, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms. Watch for loons and kingfishers on the lakes, moose and bears in the woods and enjoy the view of Denali on the horizon.

Enrich
A classic Alaskan experience awaits. Fly into the heart of Denali National Park, soaring over glaciers and icebergs, keeping an eye out for moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land on a snow field high on a glacier and take a walk in this remote environment before returning back to your lodge.

Travel aboard luxury dome rail cars from Talkeetna to Denali National Park. Large, panoramic windows allow for mostly unrestricted views of the scenery around you and provide an excellent vantage point for photos. As you approach Denali National Park, journey along the snaking Indian River and enjoy expansive sights of Hurricane Gulch, and make sure to look to your left to view the highest mountain in North America, Denali, and the stunning Alaska Range. On arrival visit the Denali Education Centre and enjoy a talk from a local resident about what it takes to live life in Alaska, before checking into your hotel for a two-night stay.

Freechoice: Discover the spectacular wildlife that call Denali National Park home as you travel 62 miles towards the Stony Hill Overlook. Board a comfortable national park’s tour bus and immerse yourself in a scenic journey of natural wonders, a narrated history of Park Road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park’s inhabitants. Alternatively, enjoy a float trip with class I, II, and III rapids as you journey down the Nenana River on the edge of Denali National Park. This trip is the perfect introduction to rafting in Alaska, with the opportunity to spot bears, moose or Dall sheep along the way.

Today we journey back through scenic mountain scenery to Anchorage. Stop in the small community of Willow for a visit to an authentic sled dog kennel. Meet with a veteran Iditarod musher before an exhilarating and adorable dog sled ride through the property, while safely in an ATV. After your dogsled run, meet the canine athletes that pulled your ATV and interact with the puppies. Following lunch with Vern Halter the owner of the kennel and an Iditrarod champion, continue to Anchorage and your hotel, the Anchorage Marriott Downtown Hotel for a one-night stay. Tonight, relive your experiences at your farewell dinner.

Sadly, it is time to bid farewell and take many wonderful memories with you.

The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.