Exploring Alaska's Cruise Ports: Your Ultimate Guide

Cruising Alaska is an experience unlike any other, offering a front-row seat to some of the world's most breathtaking natural beauty and a deep dive into rich cultural history. As a travel advisor for Glacial Expeditions, I get a lot of questions about what to do when you're in port. So, let's break down the top things to do at each popular Alaska cruise port so you can make the most of your Alaskan adventure.

When planning yourAlaska travel, remember to pack layers, bring your binoculars forwildlife viewing, and get ready for some truly unforgettable experiences! While your cruise line offers fantasticAlaska cruise excursions, don't forget that you also have options if their tours aren't quite meeting your needs. You can often book uniqueAlaska shore excursionsthrough independent providers like Shore Excursions, Project Expedition, or Viator. Just be sure that any tour you book independently comes with a 'back to ship' guarantee – you definitely don't want to be that person who misses the boat!

Juneau, Alaska: The Capital City's Charms

Juneau, Alaska's capital, is a unique blend of urban charm and wild Alaskan wilderness. Surrounded by mountains and water, it offers incredible opportunities right from the dock.

Top 3 Things to Do in Juneau:

1. Visit Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls: This iconic glacier is a must-see. You can explore the visitor center, walk trails, and get stunning views of the glacier and the nearby Nugget Falls. Many tours offer convenient transportation directly from the cruise ship.

2. Take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway: Soar 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts for panoramic views of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains. At the top, you'll find nature trails, a restaurant, and a cultural center. It's an easy and scenic way to get a bird's-eye perspective.

3. Go Whale Watching: Juneau is a prime spot for whale watching, especially for humpback whales. Numerous tours depart from Auke Bay, offering a chance to see these magnificent creatures breach and play in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for sea lions and bald eagles too!

Ketchikan, Alaska: The Salmon Capital & Totem Pole City

Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and "Alaska's First City," Ketchikan is rich in Native Alaskan culture and surrounded by lush rainforest.

Top 3 Things to Do in Ketchikan:

1. Discover Creek Street: This historic boardwalk, built on pilings over the water, was once the town's red-light district. Today, it's a charming area filled with unique shops, art galleries, and the famous Dolly's House museum. You might even spot salmon spawning in the creek below!

2. Explore Totem Pole Parks: Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Visit the Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Historical Park, or Saxman Native Village to see these incredible works of art and learn about the stories and traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

3. Take a Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing Tour: For a truly awe-inspiring experience, consider a floatplane tour over the Misty Fjords. This allows you to see the towering granite cliffs, deep fjords, and cascading waterfalls of this wilderness area from a unique perspective.

Skagway, Alaska: A Step Back into the Gold Rush

Skagway is like stepping onto a movie set from the Klondike Gold Rush. This historic town is packed with stories of prospectors and pioneers, and its dramatic mountain backdrop is simply stunning.

Top 3 Things to Do in Skagway:

1. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway: This is arguably the most popular excursion in Skagway. Travel on a vintage train along the narrow-gauge railway built during the gold rush era, winding through tunnels and over bridges with incredible views of glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls. It's a true historical and scenic marvel.

2. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: A significant portion of downtown Skagway is part of this national park. Take a ranger-led walking tour to learn about the town's fascinating past, visit historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the tales of the gold seekers.

3. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls: A short walk or shuttle ride from town, the Gold Rush Cemetery tells the stories of some of Skagway's most colorful characters, including "Soapy" Smith. Nearby, you can find the picturesque Lower Reid Falls, a beautiful and accessible waterfall.

Sitka, Alaska: Russian Heritage Meets Alaskan Wilderness

Sitka offers a unique blend of Russian history and stunning Alaskan scenery, set against the dramatic backdrop of volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean.

Top 3 Things to Do in Sitka:

1. Visit Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park): Walk through this beautiful park, home to a collection of impressive Tlingit and Haida totem poles. The peaceful trails wind along the coastline and through the forest, offering a chance to learn about Native Alaskan culture and the site of a historic battle.

2. Explore the Alaska Raptor Center: This rehabilitation center is dedicated to caring for injured birds of prey. You can get up close to bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other magnificent birds, learning about their stories and conservation efforts.

3. Discover Russian History at St. Michael's Cathedral & Castle Hill: Sitka was once the capital of Russian America. Visit the iconic St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its distinctive onion domes, a replica of the original. Then, head to Castle Hill (Baranof Castle State Historical Site), where the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska: Authentic Tlingit Experience

Icy Strait Point is unique because it's owned and operated by the local Huna Tlingit Native Corporation, offering an authentic cultural experience alongside incredible Alaska wildlife opportunities.

Top 3 Things to Do in Icy Strait Point:

1. Go Whale Watching: Icy Strait Point is renowned for its excellent whale watching opportunities, with many tours offering a guarantee of whale sightings. The waters here are rich with humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life.

2. Experience the ZipRider: For the adventurous, the Icy Strait Point ZipRider is one of the longest zip lines in the world. Soar over the rainforest with incredible views of the cruise ships and the strait below. It's an adrenaline-pumping way to see the scenery!

3. Explore the Historic Hoonah Cannery & Tlingit Culture: Visit the fully restored Hoonah Packing Company cannery, now a museum showcasing the area's rich fishing history. You can also experience traditional Tlingit culture through dance performances, local crafts, and storytelling.

Seward, Alaska: Gateway to Kenai Fjords

Seward is nestled at the head of Resurrection Bay, a deep fjord leading into the vast Kenai Fjords National Park. It's a hub for marine wildlife and glacier tours.

Top 3 Things to Do in Seward:

1. Take a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise: This is a highlight for many. These cruises take you deep into the fjords, past tidewater glaciers, and offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, including whales, sea lions, puffins, and otters.

2. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center: Alaska's only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center, the SeaLife Center offers an amazing look at Alaskan marine life up close. It's both an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

3. Explore Exit Glacier: Located just a short drive from Seward, Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. You can walk easy trails right up to the glacier face and see the powerful force of ice firsthand.

Haines, Alaska: The Valley of the Eagles

Haines, often called the "Valley of the Eagles," is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant arts scene.

Top 3 Things to Do in Haines:

1. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Trip: This is a top draw! Take a scenic float trip down the Chilkat River through the preserve, offering incredible opportunities to see bald eagles, especially during the fall salmon run.

2. Visit the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center: Dive into the rich history of Haines, from its Tlingit heritage to the gold rush era. The museum offers fascinating exhibits and insights into the local culture.

3. Explore Fort William H. Seward: This historic former U.S. Army post, built in the early 20th century, is a National Historic Landmark. Wander through the grounds, admire the historic buildings, and learn about its military past.

Anchorage, Alaska: The Urban Heart

While some cruise ships dock in Anchorage, many itineraries use Whittier or Seward as the actual port of call, with Anchorage being a common starting or ending point for land tours. If you do get time in Anchorage itself:

Top 3 Things to Do in Anchorage:

1. Visit the Anchorage Museum: This fantastic museum offers a comprehensive look at Alaska's history, art, science, and diverse cultures, including extensive Alaska Native exhibits. It's a great way to understand the state's past and present.

2. Walk or Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This scenic 11-mile paved trail offers breathtaking views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and often, wildlife viewing opportunities like moose and various birds. It's a wonderful way to experience Anchorage's natural setting.

3. Explore the Alaska Native Heritage Center: Experience the rich heritage of Alaska's eleven major Native cultural groups. The center features traditional Native dwellings, cultural performances, and demonstrations, providing an immersive and educational experience.

Whittier, Alaska: The Town Under One Roof

Whittier is a unique port town primarily known for its military history and the fact that most of its residents live in a single building! It's a popular gateway to Prince William Sound.

Top 3 Things to Do in Whittier:

1. Take a Prince William Sound Glacier and Wildlife Cruise: Explore the stunning fjords and glaciers of Prince William Sound, such as Surprise Glacier or Blackstone Glacier. These tours offer incredible scenery and excellent opportunities to spot marine wildlife like sea otters, harbor seals, and various seabirds.

2. Visit the Whittier Museum: Learn about the fascinating history of Whittier, including its strategic military past during WWII and the unique living arrangements of its residents.

3. Explore the Town Tunnel (Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel): Driving into or out of Whittier through this single-lane, shared-use tunnel (for both cars and trains) is an experience in itself! While you'll pass through it, understanding its history and unique operation adds to the Whittier story.

Valdez, Alaska: Little Switzerland

Valdez is famed for its dramatic setting at the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, earning it the nickname "Little Switzerland."

Top 3 Things to Do in Valdez:

1. Go on a Glacier & Wildlife Cruise in Prince William Sound: Similar to Whittier, Valdez offers incredible cruises into Prince William Sound to see massive tidewater glaciers like Columbia Glacier (one of the fastest-moving in North America) and abundant marine life.

2. Hike to Solomon Gulch Hatchery & Fish Ladder: Witness hundreds of thousands of salmon returning to spawn in late summer. This offers a great chance to see salmon and often attracts wildlife like eagles and bears.

3. Visit the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive: Learn about the town's unique history, from its role in the gold rush to the 1964 earthquake and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Homer, Alaska: The Halibut Fishing Capital

Homer, located on the Kenai Peninsula, is famous for its vibrant arts scene, stunning Kachemak Bay views, and its reputation as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World."

Top 3 Things to Do in Homer:

1. Walk the Homer Spit: This long, narrow strip of land extending into Kachemak Bay is the heart of Homer's activity. It's packed with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and offers incredible views. You can also book fishing charters from here.

2. Take a Water Taxi to Halibut Cove or Seldovia: Explore charming, artistic communities across Kachemak Bay. Halibut Cove is a car-free floating village with galleries and restaurants, while Seldovia is a historic Native village.

3. Go Bear Viewing or Fishing: Homer is a jumping-off point for renowned bear viewing tours to places like Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park. If fishing is your passion, a halibut or salmon charter from Homer is a must!

Dutch Harbor, Alaska: Aleutian Frontier

Located on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian chain, Dutch Harbor is known for its rugged beauty, rich WWII history, and as one of the busiest fishing ports in the US.

Top 3 Things to Do in Dutch Harbor:

1. Explore the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area: Discover the remnants of Fort Schwatka, the highest coastal battery ever constructed in the US, and learn about the only WWII battle fought on North American soil.

2. Visit the Museum of the Aleutians: Immerse yourself in 9,000 years of Aleutian Islands history and culture, with artifacts from archaeological excavations and exhibits on the Native people.

3. Go Birding or Hiking: The rugged landscape offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Dutch Harbor is a birder's paradise with a wide variety of seabirds, and there are numerous trails for hiking with stunning views.

Nome, Alaska: Gold Rush & Iditarod Finish Line

Nome, on the Bering Sea coast, conjures images of the gold rush and the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It's a remote but historically rich destination.

Top 3 Things to Do in Nome:

1. Go Gold Panning: Experience the thrill of the gold rush firsthand. Many local operators offer gold panning excursions where you can try your luck at finding your own gold.

2. Explore the Iditarod Trail Finish Line: See the iconic "Burled Arch" that marks the end of the "Last Great Race on Earth." Learn about the history of the Iditarod and the brave mushers and dogs.

3. Take a Scenic Drive or Tour of the Seward Peninsula: Explore the vast and beautiful surrounding wilderness, often with opportunities for wildlife viewing (musk ox, reindeer) and a chance to see historical mining sites.

Kodiak, Alaska: The Emerald Isle & Bear Country

Kodiak Island is Alaska's largest island, known as the "Emerald Isle" for its lush green landscapes and as home to the famous Kodiak brown bear.

Top 3 Things to Do in Kodiak:

1. Go Kodiak Bear Viewing (Flightseeing): This is the ultimate Kodiak experience. Take a floatplane or helicopter tour to remote areas of the island to safely observe the massive Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat.

2. Visit the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository: Learn about the rich culture and history of the Alutiiq people, the indigenous inhabitants of Kodiak, through their impressive collections and exhibits.

3. Explore Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park: Discover WWII history amidst stunning natural beauty. The park features remnants of coastal defenses, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the ocean and rainforest.

Wrangell, Alaska: Petroglyphs & Stikine River

Wrangell is one of Alaska's oldest towns, deeply rooted in Tlingit culture and serving as a gateway to the spectacular Stikine River, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.

Top 3 Things to Do in Wrangell:

1. Visit Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park: See ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) left by early inhabitants, etched into the rocks along the beach. It's a unique glimpse into Alaska's distant past.

2. Take a Stikine River Jet Boat Tour: Journey up the mighty Stikine River, one of the fastest-flowing navigable rivers in North America. These tours offer incredible scenery, potential wildlife viewing, and access to remote wilderness.

3. Explore Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House: Learn about Tlingit culture and history at this replica of a traditional clan house on an island in Wrangell Harbor, showcasing intricate artwork and craftsmanship.

Petersburg, Alaska: Little Norway

Petersburg, often called "Little Norway," maintains a strong Norwegian heritage, visible in its architecture, fishing fleet, and local festivals.

Top 3 Things to Do in Petersburg:

1. Stroll the Fishing Harbor and Downtown: Experience the authentic charm of a working Alaskan fishing town. See the colorful fishing boats, explore the shops, and feel the local vibe. Look for the "fish-print" designs on buildings!

2. Visit the Clausen Memorial Museum: Learn about Petersburg's unique history, from its Norwegian founders to the thriving fishing industry and local wildlife.

3. Take a LeConte Glacier Tour: Witness the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America, LeConte Glacier. Boat tours can get you close to this incredibly active glacier, with opportunities to see calving ice and abundant seals on ice floes.

No matter which Alaska cruise destinations your itinerary includes, you're in for an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, incredible Alaskan wildlife, and unique cultural experiences.

Remember, while organized Alaska cruise excursions offer amazing opportunities, they're not your only option! If a specific tour isn't sparking your interest, or you just want a more laid-back day, many of these ports are wonderfully walkable. Take some time to simply wander through the downtown area, browse the local shops for unique souvenirs, or settle into a cozy local restaurant or bar to soak in the atmosphere. Often, the waterfront is just steps away, offering fantastic views and a chance to see local fishing boats or even some unexpected wildlife activity. Sometimes, the best way to truly immerse yourself is to simply take a stroll and see where the town takes you!

Enjoy every moment of your Alaskan adventure with Glacial Expeditions.