Alaska and British Columbia - Inside Passage Wilderness Expedition (Northbound)
About Juneau
Coastal Grandeur
Sailing from Vancouver, we follow the Inside Passage through protected channels between coastal British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. Along the way, we scan for wildlife, including whales, orcas, bears, sea otters, seals and sea lions.
Rich Culture and Living History
We visit Alaskan towns and villages like Ketchikan, Sitka and Haines. Sitka, the center of a bygone Russian presence, takes us back through the milestones of Alaskan history, whilst Haines sits beautifully amongst magnificent scenery with it’s own rich history.
Icy Strait Point is populated by native communities where local people look forward to sharing their rich heritage and remarkable artwork with us.
Unmatched Scenery and Wildlife
Throughout the journey, the immense Alaskan wilderness will slowly reveal its magic – wide open spaces, lush rainforests, deep fjords and rugged glaciers, all combine to create an unforgettable expedition cruise.
- Follow the Inside Passage from British Columbia to the mountains of Alaska
- Spend time whale watching from on deck
- Experience the rich diversity of towns and cultures along the Pacific Northwest coast
- Discover the northernmost rainforest in the world
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail through
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Gym, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Visa for Canada (ETA) - for details please see visa information in our entry requirements
Itinerary
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Start of the Expedition - Vancouver - Embarkation - Full Day
Vibrant Vancouver boasts waterfront parks, nearby mountains with summer hiking trails and winter, skiing, multitudes of cafes, shops, galleries, museums, and a diversity of cultural neighborhoods to explore.
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen
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Cruising Through British Columbia - At sea
We sail north to Alaska through the narrow weaving channels and straits of Canada’s Inside Passage. Be on the lookout for dolphins, porpoise, orcas, and whales that frequent these protected inland waters.
Join our expedition team for fascinating lectures, spend time relaxing on board or meeting your fellow travelers.
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Ketchikan - Gateway to Alaska - Ketchikan, Alaska - Full Day
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon capital of the world.” A true frontier town, it is surrounded by towering mountains and features colorful gold rush era houses along the river banks. The town also has strong ties to Tlingit culture and one of the largest collections of standing totem poles.
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Sitka, Town of Many Stories - Sitka - Full Day
Sitka has beautiful scenery with snowcapped mountains, small islands, abundant wildlife, and even a visible volcano. Once the capital of Russian Alaska, the town has historic streets and features a Russian Orthodox cathedral and ornately carved totem poles.
Included activity:
Alaska Raptor Centre (45 mins)
Join us on a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured bald eagles and other birds of prey. See the 24 ‘raptors-in-residence’, including bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, and learn about their habitats and how they came to be permanent residents at the Center.
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In the Tlingit Land - Icy Strait Point - Full Day
Icy Strait Point offers a glimpse into the life of a native settlement. Houses are adorned with intricate carvings, totem poles display stories of the clans, and there are enjoyable cafes, shops, and museum displays.
Included activity:
Cannery Experience (1 hr)
Enjoy a nature walk through second-growth forest and a historical tour of the Hoonah Packing Company Cannery. Your guide tells you about the area’s fishing industry, local flora and fauna, and the native Tlingit culture. See a canning line in operation and take home your own can with a special treat inside.
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Art in the Wilderness - Haines - Full Day
Framed by mountains, Haines was home to the Chilkat Tlingit people for centuries, before Europeans arrived in the late 1800s, followed by gold rush settlers. Now known for its artist community, Haines remains a small Alaskan town full of colorful stories and hidden surprises.
Included activity:
Fort Seward Town package (1 - 2 hrs)
Discover Fort Seward and the town of Haines at your leisure. Guides will be stationed at strategic points to present you with the history and culture. Wander with a map of the fort highlighting such interesting sites as the old barracks building, salmon smokehouse, Alaska Indian Arts, the old hospital building, Officers Row and the fire station.
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Alaskan Fjords - Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm fjords - Full Day
True gems of Southeast Alaska, Tracy and Endicott Arm Fjords feature lush greenery and steep valleys as well as intricately shaped icebergs bobbing in the water, calved from the radiant blue glaciers at the end of the fjords. These fjord areas are also home to mountain goats and harbor seals.
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End of the Expedition - Juneau - Half Day
Our voyage ends in the capital of Alaska, Juneau. Take your time to explore this gold rush town before heading home.
