Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage will captivate you from day 1 with wildlife filled fjords, lush island scenery, incredible glaciers and a new found inspiration for nature.
One of the most visited destinations here is Juneau, the capital of Alaska, and the main draw card of the region. This stunning city is the centerpiece of the Inside Passage and can only be reached by boat or plane. It’s here you can also see the easily accessible and impressive Mendenhall Glacier, embark on a gold history tour – being the town’s famous history, hike Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts for fantastic views over the town and Gastineau Channel, ski in winter or even kayak near a glacier.
Beautiful Sitka has a fascinating history of Russian influence and native Alaskan history and should be on your visit list to Alaska. The magnificent St Michaels Cathedral is the towns focal point and the first Russian church built in America in 1848. There is also the Sheldon Jackson Museum for one of the best native Alaskan collections anywhere, alpine hiking, eclectic dining and gorgeous scenery where ever you are!
World Heritage site Glacier Bay National Park is home to some of the world’s most impressive tidewater glaciers with over 50 named glaciers. Have your camera at the ready and be on the lookout for brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, whales, seals and over 200 species of birds in their natural habitats.
Skagway is a must-see charming little town with a rich Gold Rush influence still very much preserved with buildings and relics rescued from the era. You can take a historic rail road ride on board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad built in 1898 during the Klondlike Gold Rush and wander the boardwalks and quaint streets for some window shopping and one-off unique gift.
Alaska’s first city, Ketchikan, claims to be the salmon capital of the world and for good reason – it is one of the best fishing towns in Southeast Alaska with an abundance of salmon to catch and home to the must-try smoked salmon chowder! There is a myriad of diverse activities and sites to explore while you are here including the Totem Heritage Centre which houses the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles anywhere, the century-old Guard Island Lighthouse and an eclectic mix of shops to meander through along Creek Street with local art and craftsmen workmanship making for incredible souvenirs if your luggage allows!
Last but certainly not least is Anchorage with all the best Alaska has to offer in one stop. Anchorage has exceptional access to five National Parks all being home to spectacular glaciers, an abundance of wildlife and unique outdoor experiences unlike anywhere else. The Chugach is one of the major draw cards here being one of the largest state parks in the country with many adventures at your fingertips including hiking, rafting, biking, ATVing, kayaking and fishing. This is also the place to meet Alaska’s native people and the Alaska Native Heritage Center is the perfect introduction to the language and traditions. Don’t leave here without sampling the local cuisine of king crab, halibut and salmon or for the more adventurous – reindeer sausage and throw in a few brewery visits in this under the radar beer town for good measure!
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