For those wanting to avoid pricey cruise line excursions or go at their own pace, there are plenty of ways to tour on your own while cruising to Alaska.
There are a range of activities that can easily be done informally. Incredible outdoor adventures, hiking on a glacier, seeing local wildlife, and learning about the famed gold rush era are just some of the things to explore in Alaska cruise ports.
Here are some top suggestions for making the most of a day in port without spending hundreds of dollars on pricey cruise line excursions.
Juneau
One of the top activities in Juneau is visiting the impressive Mendenhall Glacier. This is probably one of the best opportunities to visit a glacier on a non-cruise excursion, as it is easily accessible by road and is a mere 13 miles from the Juneau cruise port.
The glacier is set in the protected area of Tongass National Forest and is part of the Juneau Icefield, which covers 1,500 square miles. It has incredibly diverse terrain encompassing waterfalls and forests. Once there, the visitor center is a good starting point for any trip as it has an indoor viewing center as well as several exhibits about the glacier and local environment. There are a number of trails of varying lengths to suit different activity levels.
There are a few options for cruisers who do not want to book a cruise ship excursion to the glacier. Visitors can get there by bus, which is by far the cheapest option, but does involve quite a bit of walking. There are also shuttles and taxis at the dock, which will take people round trip to the glacier.
Ketchikan
Set amongst thick evergreen trees, Ketchikan is the first Alaska city cruisers see when sailing on an Inside Passage itinerary. While visiting this historic town, Creek Street is a must-see. Built over the Ketchikan Creek, the area is supported by stilts, creating a completely unique setting. Known as the salmon capital of the world, onlookers can see the prized fish swimming along the waterway. This former red-light area of this mining and fishing town has many quaint shops, restaurants, and colorful buildings.
A big draw for many when visiting Ketchikan is the incredible array of totem poles. Located just outside of town, this Total Heritage Center lets visitors understand the glory of these works of art and their significance to the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes.
For those who want to spend the day outside, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a surprisingly lush green area. It is teaming with wildlife, and lucky guests have spotted eagles and bears. Touring with expert local guides makes the day trip worthwhile.
Seward
Downtown Seward is a perfect place to take a stroll, with plenty of charming restaurants and shops. It is also known as the mural capital of Alaska, having 12 large, handmade murals around the town that celebrate the wonders of the area, including the Exit Glacier and events like the Iditarod Race.
The Seward Waterfront Park spans over 5 miles from the small boat harbor to the Sealife Center, a local aquarium. Strolling this park is an excellent opportunity to enjoy Seward’s scenic waterfront views. Guests will also have the opportunity to see bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals.
For those who want to see one of Alaska’s famous glaciers, Exit Glacier is just 10 minutes from town; it is highly accessible and can easily be explored independently. Area taxis can provide round-trip transportation from Seward to the glacier.
Sitka
Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka is Incredibly rich in history and is an excellent port of call to walk around and explore. Its past is still reflected in the city of today. Walking through the historic district, many like to stop at St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, notably, the first Orthodox church ever built in America .
There are also several opportunities to see local wildlife. The Fortress of the Bear is a sanctuary for orphaned bears and is a great family activity for seeing these magnificent creatures. Another option is the Alaska Raptor Center, which houses a number of birds, including eagles. There is also the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which houses an extensive range of artifacts and exhibits about the area’s rich history.
There is a free shuttle bus that runs from the port to the downtown area for ease of access, in addition to a number of taxis.
Skagway
Due to its strategic location, Skagway became a boom town during the gold rush and is now one of the best spots to learn more about this famous time in Alaska’s history.
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a great starting point for any visit to the city and is an easy walk from the cruise port. It features 20 historical buildings that highlight different aspects of the gold rush. A guided tour is recommended to make the most of the sites, which have more than 200,000+ artifacts and 3,000 photographs.
Another throwback to the area’s somewhat illustrious past is the historical Brothel Museum located at the famed Red Onion Saloon, which is known for its great chili and other tasty menu items. A tour features some tall tales as well and, for some lucky guests, a glimpse of the establishment's resident ghost.
Whittier
Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound and is a port of call on cruises to the Gulf of Alaska. It is a stunning place to visit, with sparkling blue waters, surrounding snow-capped mountains, and evergreen trees as far as the eye can see. Interestingly, the town only has a population of just under 300 people, of which 85% live in the same 14-story building.
One of the best ways to explore the city is by a self-guided walking tour that brings to life the northern city’s surprising role in both WWII and the Cold War. A year-round ice-free port, Whittier had many strategic benefits and housed the U.S. Army Headquarters.
There are still many military buildings in the town, which can be easily seen on foot. Self-guided tour maps are available at many local stores or can be downloaded online. Once done on the tour, many love to enjoy a nice seafood meal in one of the oceanfront restaurants. There is no better way to finish off the day.
