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Skagway, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan & Sitka

Skagway

Skagway retains the magic of the gold rush era and has rich and colourful history that is readily apparent in its historic false-front shops, restored buildings and turn-of-the-century style.

Stroll along Broadway Avenue where historic buildings and locals in period costumes transport visitors back in time. National Park Service rangers lead a free, 45-minute walking tour of Skagway’s historic district five times a day, stopping at buildings like the first cabin built in town, the Mascot Saloon Museum and the Red Onion Saloon, one of Skagway’s most popular watering holes with a provocative and colorful past.

For the adventurous, Skagway has an excellent trail system that begins just blocks from the downtown area and allows hikers to trek to alpine lakes, waterfalls, even the graves of Skagway’s most notorious residents, Soapy Smith and Frank Reid.

The historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad provides tours to the top of the mountain pass north of town. Seated in parlour cars, passengers ride up the most spectacular part of the trip viewing scenery such as Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. At the top they see the White Pass at 2,885 feet, which is also the international boundary between the United States and Canada.

Haines

Just 40 miles from the US/Canadian border, located on the shores of the northern Lynn Canal, the deepest and longest fjord in North America, Haines offers fascinating history, intriguing culture, breathtaking scenery and adventure to last a lifetime, Haines Alaska is like no other destination.

The truly majestic scenery of Haines comes from the glacier terrain that formed the area many years ago. Haines is surrounded by mountains and water. Rising high above the town are the Takinsha Mountains and Chilkat Range to the south, Takshanuk Mountains to the north and Coast Mountains to the east across the Lynn Canal.

Take a tour around the town and see the the various colourful totem poles painted by the local native artists. Stroll by the harbour full of fishing boats, shop in some of the local stores and have a drink in many of the local watering holes.

In the summer take part in spectacular hikes, rafting journeys on the Chilkat River, kayaking adventures on Chilkoot Lake, exhilarating jet boat rides, guided nature walks and many more activities. Plus, don’t forget about fishing for Alaska’s Pacific salmon. Haines is home to both black and brown bears. The Chilkoot River flows from Chilkoot Lake into Lutak Inlet and is one of the most easily reached bear viewing spots in Southeast Alaska from mid-June to October. Moose are another highlight for wildlife viewing in the Haines area. Moose can be seen anywhere in the valley, sometimes even in downtown!

In November, Haines hosts the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival. Starting in September through early December Haines welcomes over 3,500 Bald Eagles to the beautiful Chilkat River Valley. Spectators from around the world come to partake in this fascinating migratory event. Cross country skiing, snow machining, snow-shoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, and hunting are only some of the many things to do during the winter months. You may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights! For the true adventurer, Haines is world-renowned for its Heli-skiing. Haines is Alaska’s deep, steep, spine-covered snow heaven. The lines are among the most famous—and most desired—in the world. Steep, gnarly lines (many over 5,000 vertical feet) and scenic powder runs will keep your hearts racing and will give you the experience of a lifetime.

Juneau

Downtown Juneau sits snugly between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and Gastineau Channel, and is a maze of narrow streets running past a mix of new structures, old storefronts, and quaint houses featuring early 19th-century architecture from the town’s early gold mining days. The waterfront bustles with cruise ships, fishing boats, and floatplanes zipping in and out.

Whale watching tours are a popular way to see the diverse marine life in the area including Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, orcas, and humpback whales – which return to the area each summer to feed on krill and herring. Juneau has about 60 humpbacks that frequent the area and are so commonly viewed that many tour operators offer a guaranteed sighting.

Just a short drive from downtown, one of the city’s most iconic sites awaits Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier sits within the Tongass National Forest – the largest national forest in the United States. The river of ice flows 12 miles from its source, the Juneau Icefield, and has a 1.5-mile-wide face.

Ketchikan

Visiting Ketchikan, Alaska, can be a captivating experience due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities. Ketchikan is a frequent stop for Alaskan cruises, making it easily accessible. The port area is lively and offers many tours and excursions for cruise passengers.

Ketchikan is known as the “Totem Capital of the World.” You can explore the largest collection of standing totem poles in places like Totem Bight State Historical Park and Saxman Native Village. Learn about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples through cultural tours, performances, and museums, such as the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and the Totem Heritage Center.

Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, Ketchikan offers lush forests, waterfalls, and stunning coastal scenery. A short boat or plane ride away, Misty Fjords National Monument features dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and pristine wilderness. It’s perfect for kayaking, sightseeing cruises, and flightseeing tours.

The area boasts numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Popular hikes include the Deer Mountain Trail, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the Rainbird Trail, which provides stunning vistas of the city and coastline. Spot bears, eagles, whales, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Guided wildlife tours and visits to sanctuaries like the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary enhance the experience.

It also has a historic downtown. Creeck Street, a historic boardwalk, was once the city’s red-light district, is now a charming area filled with shops, galleries, and eateries. Stroll along the wooden walkways and learn about Ketchikan’s colorful past. Dolly’s House Museum, located on Creek Street, offers a glimpse into the life of one of Ketchikan’s most famous residents from the early 20th century. Ketchikan has a vibrant arts community. Visit local galleries and studios to see and purchase unique Alaskan art, jewellery, and crafts. The city also features various murals and sculptures, reflecting its rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Sitka

Sitka is located on Baranof Island, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and the Pacific Ocean. The town is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, lush forests, and beautiful coastline. It is a fantastic place to see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters, whales, and bears. Whale-watching tours and wildlife excursions provide opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitats.

Sitka was the capital of Russian America and retains a strong Russian cultural influence. Historical sites like St. Michael’s Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church, and the Russian Bishop’s House offer insights into this period. The native Tlingit people have a rich cultural heritage in Sitka. The Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park) showcases Tlingit totem poles, cultural exhibits, and offers ranger-led programs about Tlingit history and traditions. Visit the Sitka Historical Museum and the Sheldon Jackson Museum to learn more about the area’s diverse history, from indigenous cultures to Russian colonization and American settlement.

Sitka offers numerous hiking trails for all levels of experience. Popular trails include the Harbor Mountain/Gavin Hill Trail for stunning panoramic views, and the Indian River Trail, which follows a river through a beautiful forest. The protected waters around Sitka are perfect for kayaking and boating. Exploring by kayak offers a close-up view of marine life and the stunning coastal scenery.

Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park) is famous for its collection of totem poles and offers trails that lead through lush forested areas along the coast. The visitor center features exhibits on Tlingit and Russian history, including traditional crafts, artifacts, and cultural demonstrations. Sitka Sound Science Center offers exhibits on local marine life, a touch tank, and a hatchery. It’s a great place to learn about the marine ecosystems of the region and the efforts to preserve them. The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds of prey. Visitors can learn about these magnificent birds and see them up close. Sitka also has a lively arts scene, including the Sitka Summer Music Festival, which attracts world-class musicians.

Hotels In Skagway, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan & Sitka

Suggested Itineraries

Alaska Highway South - Guided Motorcycle Tour

Escorted Tour

Alaska Destinations

Kenai Fjords NP, Seward, Homer & Cooper Landing

Tok & Black Rapids

Denali National Park, Talkeetna & Trapper Creek

Wasilla, Palmer & Sheep Mountain

Fairbanks

Wrangell-St Elias NP, McCarthy, Glenallen & Copper Centre

Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier & Valdez

Superior Deluxe	Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas.
Deluxe	This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand.
Moderate Deluxe	This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation.
Superior First Class	More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas.
First Class	A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services.
Moderate First Class	Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.
Superior Tourist Class
Tourist Class
Dude Ranch
Resort Ranch
Working Ranch

Skagway, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan & Sitka