The Inside Passage

Skagway

Set at the far north of Alaska’s inside passage and overshadowed by white peaks skagway is a traditional pioneer town that came to be as a result of the gold rush. The town itself has been uniquely preserved so as you wander around the streets you still get the feeling of how the bandits, gold seekers and gamblers created this frontier town, it really does feel like you have stepped back into Americas boom era.

Klondike gold rush national historical park is where you will find most of the shops, museums, saloons and restaurants that Skagway has to offer and this area is easily accessible if visiting from one of the many cruise ships that dock here.

The easiest way to explore Skagway is on foot, stroll along Broadway stopping of at the many shops and saloons (some of which date back to the gold rush) and visit the museums that will fill you in on the towns rich and distinctive heritage. Narrow alleyways lead off Broadway making ambling around this town a more than enjoyable pastime.

Juneau

Alaska’s third largest city and capital Juneau is a picturesque haven for lovers of the great outdoors. Surrounded by peaks and set in the middle of the tongass national forest overlooking the Gastineau channel Juneau is full of option for those wanted to explore the magnificent scenery. Access to the Glacier Bay national park is easy with an abundance of trips by air or boat to many of the local glaciers including mendenhall glacier which standing at over 100 ft high and a mile and a half wide is the state of Alaska’s top attraction. Hiking, cycling, climbing are just some of the activities available for land lovers and routes for novices and experts alike are plentiful in the area. If you are a water lover then kayaking, sailing and boat trips into Glacier Bay are amongst the many options open to you. However if you really want to take in the views then nothing will beat a floatplane tour of the incredible ice fields. Whatever you choose to do in this stunning town your sure to enjoy the breathtaking wonders of Juneau.

Whittier

A small town of only around 400 residents Whittier is a great base to enjoy the Alaskan fjord system from, based on the western edge of Prince William Sound and only 62 road miles from anchorage.  Boat trips are widely available and offer excellent trips to view some of the glaciers from the water. Whale watching and fishing trips are also available from Whittier if marine life is your thing.