DAY 1
The journey begins in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, where you can explore the Alaska State museum and it’s renowned exhibit on Native culture. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum specializes in gold mining history and makes for a fascinating visit. Be sure to take a walk on Mendenhall glacier sometime during your stay, as it is truly an awe-inspiring experience.
DAY 2
Fly or sail over to the charming village of Gustavus. From there, charter a boat to Glacier Bay, and watch massive chunks of ice fall into the ocean as glaciers calve 100 feet away. Tourists can see an incredible variety of wildlife, as well as 16 phenomenal tidewater glaciers, all in the same day! In the summertime, phenomenal whale watching excursions are a must for any visitor. No visit to the Inside Passage is complete without a trip to Glacier Bay.
DAY 3
Return to Juneau and learn more about glaciers at the U.S. Forest Service Observatory. Be sure to get some fishing or whale watching in while here again. Several operators offer day trips in the summers.
DAY 4
Take the ferry for a scenic cruise to Sitka, and visit the National Historic Park, where magnificent Tlingit and Haida totem poles line a forest path. Savor one of the worlds finest collections of Native artifacts at the Sheldon Jackson Museum or visit the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Discover the rich legacy of Sitka’s glorious Russian past at St. Michael’s Cathedral. Take a walk around majestic Sitka sound at sunset.
DAY 5
In the morning, take a 40 minute jet flight to Ketchikan, at the southern end of the Inside Passage. You’ll find the words largest collection of authentic totem poles in Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Historic Park, while rare, unrestored totem poles are displayed at the Totem Heritage Center. Ketchikan offers sport anglers five species of salmon, as well as bottom fish and fresh water fishing.
DAY 6
Return north to Juneau, or head south by convenient jet or ferry.
