The Best Alaska Shore Excursions

Your Alaska Cruise Shore Excursion Roadmap

Hubbard Glacier – Alaska Cruise

There’s a moment when you step off your Alaska cruise ship, breathe in that crisp coastal air, and realize—you’ve arrived somewhere unlike anywhere else on earth. Mountains plunge straight into the sea. Bald eagles circle overhead. The smell of spruce and salt fills the air. Each Alaska shore excursion along Alaska’s Inside Passage reveals a new piece of this incredible puzzle—wild, historic, and inspirational.

Over the years, I’ve explored these ports many times, guiding groups large and small—from college alumni groups to families discovering Alaska for the first time. Every port tells its own story, and every shore excursion feels like a new adventure. In this Alaska cruise shore excursion guide, I’ll walk you through the best Alaska cruise shore excursions in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, BC—sharing personal insight, hidden gems, and tips that turn an ordinary cruise stop into an unforgettable highlight.

Whether you’re seeking glaciers, whales, gold-rush history, totem poles, or just that one perfect photo, this travel guide to Alaska cruise shore excursions will help you plan your time ashore and make every port day extraordinary.

Juneau: Alaska’s Glacier Gateway and Whale-Watching Capital

Juneau whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier excursion

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Juneau is Alaska’s postcard come to life. The state capital has no road connection to the
rest of Alaska—you arrive only by sea or air. Steep forested slopes frame a waterfront dotted with float-planes, fishing boats, and the occasional humpback whale surfacing right in the channel. It’s a mix of rugged wilderness and cozy frontier charm.

The must-do excursion: Whale Watching + Mendenhall Glacier Combo

If you do just one tour in Juneau, make it this one.

• The whale-watching here is unmatched—pods of humpbacks feed in Auke Bay, and it’s common to see their enormous tails slicing through the water.
• After your whale watching cruise you’ll loop back toward scenic Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most photographed glaciers in North America.
• A visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers incredible views of the blue ice, educational exhibits, and easy trails like the short walk to Nugget Falls. It is flat and family friendly. The waterfall thunders beside the glacier face.

Other top things to do in Juneau

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  Mt Roberts Tram – Juneau, Alaska

  Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure – A quirky and beautiful botanical site where fallen trees are flipped upside down and turned into natural flower planters. Ride in covered carts up a private rainforest road. See whimsical upside-down “flowering trees.” You’ll also experience great views of the Gastineau Channel.
• Mount Roberts Tramway – A quick cable ride from the cruise pier that whisks you up 1,800 feet for sweeping views of the city and Gastineau Channel. Trails at the top range from easy to moderate. The cultural center and raptor exhibit are interesting visits.
• Downtown Juneau – Small but vibrant, with jewelry shops and local galleries.
• Salmon Bake – For those who love seafood, the traditional open-air salmon bake near Gold Creek is a favorite. Dine under evergreens with fire-grilled salmon, sides, and music. There is also a short forest walk to a beautiful waterfall.

Personal tips

• Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket—Juneau’s weather changes quickly.
• Book combo tours early, as glacier-and-whale packages sell out fast.
• If you prefer independence, you can taxi to Mendenhall and hike trails on your own.

Juneau offers that perfect mix of glacier adventure, wildlife encounters, and small-town Alaska culture—all in one day.

Skagway: Gold Rush History and the Legendary White Pass
Railroad

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  White Pass and Yukon Railroad – Skagway, Alaska

  The White Pass Railroad climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, hugging cliffs and crossing dizzying trestles.
• Panoramic cars give you views of glaciers, waterfalls, and the original trail carved by gold-rush prospectors.
• You can choose:
  1. Round-trip to the summit – a few hours, easy schedule.
  2. Train up / bus back – see both sides of the canyon with photo stops.
  3. Full-day Yukon Explorer – cross into Canada, visit a dog-sledding camp, enjoy a Yukon BBQ lunch, and spot wildlife like mountain goats or bears.

More Skagway favorites

• Historic Streetcar Tour – Vintage 1930s buses with costumed guides sharing colorful tales (and introducing you to Soapy Smith, the town’s infamous outlaw).
• Downtown Walking Tour – Visit restored saloons, old-time photography studios, and museums. The visitor center offers ranger talks and maps.
• Gold Panning or Sled-Dog Encounters – Especially fun for families or small custom groups. Try your luck with a pan and flume. Guides show technique and share gold-rush context. Kids light up when specks appear.

Port overview and atmosphere

Skagway is compact—you can explore the main street right from the dock. The scenery here is stunning, framed by glacial peaks and waterfalls. Despite its small size, it carries enormous storytelling energy; you can almost hear the echoes of pickaxes and dreams.

Personal tips

• Bring a light jacket; even in summer, the mountain air can feel crisp.
• If you love photography, sit on the left side of the train heading up for the best views.
• For a more exclusive experience, private rail cars or smaller guided tours are available—perfect for high-end family groups.

As your ship approaches Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World,” colorful wooden buildings appear to cling to the hillsides. Waterfalls tumble down steep green slopes, and float-planes buzz overhead like taxis. This is Alaska’s first city and one of its most atmosphere filled ports.

Top excursion: Misty Fjords Flightseeing Adventure

Nothing captures Alaska’s untouched beauty like flying over the Misty Fjords National Monument.

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  Ketchikan float-plane Misty Fjords flightseeing tour

  You’ll board a float-plane right from Ketchikan’s harbor and soar over a labyrinth of fjords, granite cliffs, and glacial valleys.
• The pilot lands on a secluded lake where you can step out onto the float and take in absolute silence—just mountains, mirror-like water, and sky.
• It’s a photographer’s dream and my personal “wow” moment every time I visit.

Cultural and historical highlights

Ketchikan also tells a rich story through its Native heritage.

• Totem Bight State Park, Saxman Village, and Potlatch Totem Park all showcase beautiful totem poles and cultural presentations.
  • Totem Bight State Park: Stroll a seaside totem park framed by spruce and cedar. A clan house replica anchors the site with coastal views.
  • Saxman Native Village: See master carvers at work in the carving shed. Hear legends, songs, and the role totems play in identity and memory.
  • Potlatch Totem Park & Museums: Explore multiple totems, small themed museums, and artisan spaces. It’s a great add-on when you want fewer crowds.
• Guides share Tlingit and Haida legends carved into the poles—a living art form that gives voice to the region’s people and traditions.

Other must-dos

• Creek Street – A historic boardwalk built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek. Once a red-light district, today it’s full of galleries and shops.
• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – A fun, family-friendly competition between U.S. and Canadian lumberjacks with high-energy log rolling, sawing, and axe throwing.
• Wildlife Viewing – During salmon runs, you can spot black bears fishing right in the creek. Guided trips visit streams where bears fish for salmon. Platforms offer safe viewing and strong photography.

Atmosphere of the port

Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America, but don’t let that deter you—the mist adds magic to every photo. Lush rainforest vegetation, rushing streams, and endless shades of green make this port unforgettable.

Personal tips

• Bring a waterproof layer and waterproof shoes—it’s called Misty Fjords for a reason.
• Book flightseeing early; weather delays can affect availability.
• Combine a short totem-pole tour with Creek Street shopping for a balanced day.

Tucked between volcanic mountains and Sitka Sound, the small coastal town of Sitka offers a peaceful contrast to busier ports. Once the capital of Russian Alaska, Sitka blends Tlingit heritage, Russian architecture, and spectacular coastal scenery. It’s one of those ports that surprises you with its calm energy and depth of experience.

Signature combo tour: Sitka National Historical Park + Fortress of the Bear + Raptor Center

You can visit these three highlights together, or choose any combination.

1. 

   Sitka Fortress of the Bear wildlife rescue tour

   Sitka National Historical Park – Stroll a rainforest trail lined with towering totem poles, marking the 1804 battle between the Tlingit people and Russian settlers. A gentle loop winds through old-growth rainforest and totem installations. Wayside signs explain the 1804 conflict and cultural context. It’s both scenic and educational.
2. Fortress of the Bear – A unique bear-rescue center where you can safely view grizzlies from just a few feet away on raised viewing platforms. It’s part education, part inspiration.
3. Alaska Raptor Center – A rehabilitation facility for bald eagles, owls, and other birds of prey. You’ll see these magnificent creatures up close as they recover for release back into the wild.

The feel of Sitka

Sitka feels different—smaller, quieter, more authentic. Cruise traffic is limited (often just one ship per day), so the town retains a relaxed rhythm. Mountains rise right behind the harbor, and islands dot the sound like emerald stepping stones. It’s easy to see why locals love it.

Optional experiences

• Sitka Sound Harbor Wildlife Cruise – Glide through Sitka Sound on a small, comfortable vessel designed for wildlife viewing. You’ll often spot sea otters lounging on kelp beds, humpback whales feeding offshore, puffins and eagles overhead, and even the occasional harbor seal or sea lion colony. Local naturalists narrate the trip, explaining Sitka’s rich marine ecosystem and history.
• Kayaking Tours – Paddle protected coves of Sitka Sound. Watch for sea otters, puffins, and playful seals.
• Historic Downtown – Step into Russian-era history with a visit to St. Michael’s Cathedral, browse art galleries, or enjoy locally roasted coffee with ocean views.

Personal tips

• Bring a camera with zoom—wildlife sightings are frequent.
• Book combo tours directly through the cruise line. Travel distances are short, but timing matters.
• For groups of 10–15, a private Sitka guide can customize wildlife, culture, and photography stops perfectly.

Sitka is a hidden gem—where you can experience the heart of Alaska’s wild spirit without the crowds.

Victoria, BC: An Elegant Coastal Finale

While technically not in Alaska, Victoria is the international gem that often closes your cruise itinerary. Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, it’s a city of flowers, seaside promenades, and timeless charm. Victoria mixes British culture with the Pacific Northwest – a perfect soft landing after Alaska’s rugged wilderness.

Best excursion: Butchart Gardens Tour

Seize the chance to visit Butchart Gardens, a world-famous 55-acre botanical wonder.

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  Victoria Butchart Gardens evening shore excursion

  Wander through themed gardens—sunken, rose, Japanese, and Mediterranean.
• Every path bursts with color, and summer evenings often feature live music or light displays.
• Because cruise calls are often brief (6 p.m. – midnight), book this tour through your cruise line to ensure seamless timing.

Alternative experiences

• Inner Harbor Walk – Stroll along the waterfront, admire the stately Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel, and watch street performers.
• Local Dining – For seafood lovers, grab halibut fish-and-chips at Redfish Bluefish, a converted shipping container restaurant right on the pier—some of the best anywhere.

Personal tips

• The cruise pier is about 1.5 miles from downtown. You can easily walk this, but due to the short time in port I recommend a taxi or pedicab.  Generally, the cruise line will also offer transportation to downtown.
• Pack a light sweater; even summer evenings can cool quickly on the coast.
• Plan for sunset magic: If your ship arrives near evening, time your stroll or Butchart Gardens visit to catch the golden hour. The harbor and Parliament Buildings glow beautifully at dusk, and photographers get some of the best light of the entire cruise right before nightfall.

Conclusion: Make Every Alaska Shore Excursion Unforgettable

From spectacular Mendenhall Glacier to the clatter of wheels on the White Pass Railroad, Alaska shore excursions deliver one unforgettable moment after another.

• Juneau thrills with whales, glaciers, and rainforest gardens.
• Skagway replays the gold-rush drama along one of the world’s most scenic railways.
• Ketchikan delights with culture, color, and mist-shrouded wilderness.
• Sitka soothes the soul with wildlife and serenity.
• Victoria displays British culture and charm.

Every port offers a new angle on the Alaskan story—its people, its wildlife, and its wild heart. Whether you’re planning a family cruise or a couple’s getaway, the key is to balance adventure and discovery: mix big sights (glaciers, whales, mountains) with smaller experiences (local food, culture, and conversation).

My best advice? Book early, pack layers, keep your camera handy, and always leave a little time to wander. Alaska cruise shore excursions reward curiosity. They aren’t just sightseeing—they’re life experiences carved into ice, rock, and memory.

So, when your ship’s horn sounds and the gangway drops, step ashore knowing that every port has a story waiting for you to join it. Your Alaska cruise adventure has only just begun.