
Raelene Parsons, LeGrow's Travel Advisor
Corner Brook-Dominion
rparsons@legrowstravel.ca
“With literally
thousands of miles of scenic coastline to explore, Alaska accommodates every
kind of adventure. From authentic and charming frontier towns to awesome glacial
fields and mountain scenery, this is a magical destination filled with raw
energy and fresh air!”
All Aboard for Alaska!
Prime Sailing Season: May-September
“Alaska
is one of my favourite destinations,” says Janet Chambers, Maritime Travel
Advisor, Vernon, BC. “It offers
literally thousands of miles of scenic coastline that make it a draw for cruise
ships and each port of call – from the charming islands of Ketchikan to Glacier
Bay National Park and on to such iconic Alaskan frontier towns as Skagway –
offers a unique perspective on this wonderfully diverse destination.”
For
sure, passengers enjoy trolling Alaska’s history and frontier ambiance, but the
49th state’s main calling cards are its wildlife and scenery. “You
get to witness wonders like the roar of calving ice atop bright blue glaciers,
or sightings of bears, seals and seabirds in their natural tundra habitat –
right from the deck of your ship. It’s almost beyond words,” says Raelene.
As
to Alaska’s most preferred port? “It’s hard to pick a favorite, although
Ketchikan and Skagway top most Alaska bucket lists. These are mainstay ports of
call on Inside Passage sailings from Vancouver and well worth the price of
admission.”
Recommended
Port Stop:
Ketchikan
Comprised
of three picturesque islands, this lovely community is situated right in the
heart of the 16-million-acre Tongass National Forest. The ship ties up just
metres from charming shops and of course, the local tour departure points.
While
in Port …
Deanne
recommends the Ketchikan Salmon Fishing excursion available on many
itineraries. This four-hour fishing adventure includes a guided 25- to
30-minute coach tour along the Tongass Narrows en route to the marina. From
there, passengers board a modern fishing boat and head to the nearby salmon
fishing grounds in the sheltered waters of Clover Passage. “Keep an eye out for
eagles, whales, seals, sea lions and lots of other wildlife,” says Raelene.
Recommended Port Stop: Skagway
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush,
the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold
fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. Today it has been
reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore
Alaska’s colorful history, pristine wildlife and unrivaled natural beauty.
While in Port …
For an experience that’s straight out of an adventure novel,
Deanne recommends the Glacier Discovery by Helicopter excursion. You’ll lift
off by helicopter from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged
region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Once you
arrive at your destination you’ll enjoy the walking tour of a lifetime—directly
on the surface of an actual glacier.
Ask Raelene