While in Ketchikan, you’ll likely want to spend some time on the water exploring the fjords and lakes embraced by Tongass National Forest, be it in a kayak, canoe or Zodiac boat. The town is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” — and the seas are also rich in halibut, rockfish and Dungeness crab — so you might charter a fishing skiff and later grill your fresh catch over a campfire. The views from the air are equally impressive, as revealed in a seaplane flight over Misty Fjords National Monument or a helicopter ride over the 1,500-foot cascades of Mahoney Falls.

Those who wish to remain on land can embark on an off-road ATV safari to Mahoney Lake or explore the shops, galleries and restaurants along Creek Street, formerly the town’s red-light district. Home to one of the world’s largest standing collection of totem poles, Ketchikan also offers a wealth of cultural history to discover, including museums and open-air exhibits such as the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and Saxman Native Village.

Situated on its namesake island, Wrangell is a charming and historic town surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage. The area has been home to the Tlingit people for thousands of years, and their influence is evident in the town's art, traditions, and ancient petroglyphs found along the shoreline. Nature lovers flock to Wrangell for incredible outdoor experiences. 

Board a jet boat for an exhilarating journey through the wilds of the Stikine River, or navigate quietly amid the blue icebergs calving from majestic LeConte Glacier. Hikers are likewise rewarded with stunning views, whether following a boardwalk through the forest to Rainbow Falls or walking in the footsteps of renowned naturalist John Muir on a trek up Mount Dewey.

Sitka's history is deeply rooted in its Alaska Native heritage and influenced by its time as a Russian colonial outpost. The two stories meet in Sitka National Historical Park, where you can explore the restored 19th-century Russian Bishop’s House and walk a scenic coastal trail lined with Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Other notable landmarks include St. Michael’s Cathedral, an outstanding example of Russian Orthodox architecture, and the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867. Beyond the town’s rich cultural heritage, the wilds of Tongass National Forest invite exploration on a hiking, kayaking or flightseeing expedition. 

You might combine land and sea adventures with a boat ride to a nearby island, watching for whales, sea otters and sea lions along the way. Drive an ATV to the top of a volcanic crater on  Kruzof Island, where you can observe brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer in their natural habitat, or enjoy a feast of freshly caught fish and crab on Fin Island. Charter a downrigger to secure your own fresh catch in the salmon-rich waters of Sitka Sound.

A tiny community on the rugged west coast of Prince of Wales Island, Klawock offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the remote Alaskan wilderness while also getting an authentic glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle of the locals that make their homes here. Klawock Totem Park is renowned for its collection of totem poles that reflect the artistry and culture of the Tlingit people, and you may have the opportunity to watch a master carver demonstrate the techniques used by local artisans to keep this ancient art form alive.

The island is also home to many black bears and eagles, and a viewing platform at the Dog Salmon Fish Pass offers the chance to watch both species hunt for their dinner. Anglers may wish to fish for their own meal in Klawock’s pristine waters that teem with salmon and halibut. The unspoiled beauty of the region can also be enjoyed by whale-watching in the bay, hiking through the lush temperate rainforest, or kayaking on serene Klawock Lake.

Arrival: 8:00am