Multi-activity and Wildlife Adventures in Alaska’s Southeast

Southeast Alaska has more kinds of adventure opportunities per square mile than any other part of Alaska (or even the world!)—from whale watching to bear viewing, from glaciers to deepwater ocean fjords, from towering mountains to roaring rivers. This is the ultimate area for Alaska multisport adventures! We do it all in style, with comfortable inns and lodges to pamper you after an active day of exploring. Each day is a grand adventure packed with action and delight: watch whales breach in Glacier Bay, take a float trip through a bald eagle preserve, visit a Gold Rush “ghost town,” and take a scenic narrow gauge railway journey up to White Pass Summit. It’s a jam-packed week of adventure that is sure to whet your appetite for discovering even more of Alaska’s wonders! Knowledgeable guides and small group size make this trip personal and fun for everyone.

Activities

Easy sea kayaking, hiking, float trip (Class II rapids)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Easy float trip through the heart of a bald eagle preserve
• Sea kayak and cruise in Glacier Bay, cruise to the humpback whale feeding grounds at Point Adolphus
• Ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

2011 Prices

$2,995 + local tax (6-10 members)
$3,295 + local tax (4- 5 members)
$400 internal airfare
$1,250 single supplement

 

Duration: 6 days Start Location: Juneau End Location: Juneau Best time to go: June - August

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Juneau – Glacier Bay

  Meet early in Juneau, Alaska, and take a scenic flight over the Inside Passage to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier National Park. Easy sea kayaking trip in lower Glacier Bay, hoping to see wildlife along the way, then take an evening charter boat excursion to the humpback whale feeding grounds at Point Adolphus.

• Day 2 : Glacier Bay

  Full day cruise into the farthest reaches of Glacier Bay National Park by high-speed catamaran boat. An accompanying park naturalist will explain the geology and natural wonders of the area.

• Day 3 : Chilkat River Bald Eagle Sanctuary, Haines

  Bush plane flight to Haines and raft through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Afternoon to explore the crafts and unique shops in Haines and around Fort Seward.

• Day 4 : Hiking & Exploring in Haines

  Visit historic Fort Seward, enjoy a morning hike, explore the town of Haines (a top 20 "Dream Town" according to Outside magazine in 2004), or visit a wildlife rehabilitation center.

• Day 5 : White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

  Board the historical narrow gauge and scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad up to the White Pass Summit-2,865 feet above tidewater in Skagway-and watch for bear, mountain goat, and eagle amid the alpine terrain. In the afternoon visit the historic ghost town of Dyea and the beginning of the famed Chilkoot Trail.

• Day 6 : Fly to Juneau and Depart

  Fly to Juneau and depart.

• 

  Annie Mae Lodge

  Gustavus

  The Annie Mae Lodge rests on the banks of the Good River, surrounded by lush rain forest and overlooking the Icy Straits of Alaska's Inside Passage. Started by Annie Mae's 3 granddaughters and now run by her great-granddaughter, the aim of this family lodge has always been to provide traditional country hospitality in a place of exceptional beauty.

• 

  Halsingland Hotel

  Haines

  This Victorian-era hotel offers all the amenities of a modern stay in historic surroundings. Now a National Historic Landmark, the Halsingland was once the Commanding Officers Quarters of Alaska's notable Fort Seward. Many guest rooms are adorned with the original decorative Belgian fireplaces or claw-footed bathtubs.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Wade Panzich

  Wade Panzich, Alaska Discovery Kayak and River Guide: Wade has lived in Alaska for 7 years, 4 of these working for Alaska Discovery. During the fall, Wade travels the globe searching for the perfect wave. Winters are spent teaching snowboarding in Alaska. Spring and summer finds Wade kayaking and rafting beautiful southeast AK. He has also spent time on the water in the western U.S., Central and South America. All seasons he is an avid backpacker and an aspiring mountain man. Wade’s got some good stories to tell, from hitchhiking across the country to tropical subsistence living, a trip with him will never be dull.

• Maureen D'Armand

  Maureen D'Armand, Alaska Discovery Kayak & River Guide: It might be her childhood in Austria combined with her school years in Alaska that give Maureen her blend of sophistication, charm, and tremendous outdoor skills. She has traveled from pole to pole- from the Arctic to Antarctica. She is building a house in Haines, Alaska, but still lives in Juneau when she is not exploring the rest of the world. As for guiding, Maureen says, "I do not intend to stop anytime soon. My passion to explore is ever-growing."

• Shelli Ogilvy

  Shelli Ogilvy, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: Shelli was born and raised in Alaska. She grew up in Gustavus with Glacier Bay as her backyard. She has been guiding for Alaska Discovery as a wilderness leader since 1997. She has a deep love for this place and ecosystem, finding peace and joy through sharing the experience of the wilderness. When not guiding, Shelli tries to find time to paint and work on her cabin. She currently spends her winters in New Mexico skiing and eating green chilies.

• Tom Schwartz

  Tom Schwartz started guiding canoe, skiing and sea kayak trips in Southeast Alaska in 1997 with a non-profit organization for youth in Juneau. He joined the Alaska Discovery team in 2003 guiding trips to Berner's Bay, Pack Creek and Glacier Bay. His experience as a fine dining chef has inspired him to create excellent food in amazing places. Keep an eye out for a wilderness cookbook!

• Keith Thompson

  Keith Thompson, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: Originally from Pennsylvania, Keith left a job in medical research to pursue his love for travel and the outdoors. He's been involved in a rock and ice climbing business, worked as a bike guide, and traveled extensively throughout North and Central America, and Southeast Asia. In 1999, his travels led him to Alaska where he fell in love with his surroundings. Keith writes, "I found the pristine Alaskan wilderness an inspiration and guiding a way of sharing and learning about this special place." (Bonus: Keith is also a massage therapist.)

photo credits: ©John Hyde