Alaska Coastal Communities - Independent Tour

10 Days / 9 Nights

Alaska's coast is famous for glacier capped mountains, draped in forests, and rising right from the ocean. Using the Alaska Marine Highway System, you can stop in several small towns and experience this amazing scenery the way the locals do.

Indicative Price: AUD$ 3,400 per person (twin share)

Brochure

Inclusions

Alaska Marine Highway Fares
White Pass & Yukon Railway
AnAn Bear Sanctuary Excursion
Stikine River Cruise

Highlights

Sitka: 1 Night
Haines: 3 Nights
Petersburg: 1 Night
Wrangell: 3 Nights

Style

Independent Tour
Ferryliner Tour

Map & Itinerary

	Day 1: Arrive in Sitka - situated on the west side of Baranof Island, Sitka is one of the most beautiful towns of the Inside Passage. The town has retained much of its original architecture from the period when Russia controlled Alaska. Major highlights include the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, whale watching, Saint Michael’s Cathedral and other Russian heritage sites.
	Day 2: Sitka to Inside Passage - depart Sitka aboard an Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Ferry. Local residents use the AMH system as means of transportation between the towns along the Inside Passage. The facilities on-board include: observation decks, dining room, bar and gift shop. Park Rangers often provide free lectures on topics such as wildlife, local history and culture. For this overnight journey aboard the AMHS you will have a private cabin.
	Day 3: Inside Passage to Haines – this morning you wake up onboard the Alaska Marine Highway and continue your journey through the Inside Passage. The ferry will stop briefly in Juneau before travelling up the Lynn Canal, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Inside Passage.
	Day 4: Haines - a day at leisure to explore the town and spectacular surrounding wilderness. Originally a Russian and Native American trading post, this little town provides beautiful views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal, which is North America’s deepest fjord. With only a few small cruise ships docking each summer, Haines has retained its local identity as a quiet South East Alaskan town. Walking the un-crowded streets, exploring the shops and quiet cafés is a relaxed way to take in the town’s charm.
	Day 5: Haines - White Pass & Yukon Railroad Excursion - early this morning travel by water taxi to Skagway where you will board the famous White Pass & Yukon Railway. This journey is one of the most spectacular rail trips in the world - you can view breathtaking mountains panoramas, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. Remainder of day is at leisure in Skagway before returning to Haines by water taxi.
	Day 6: Haines to Petersburg - today you board an AMHS ferry and travel south down the Inside Passage to Petersburg, stopping in Juneau along the way. Afternoon at leisure to explore this picturesque fishing town.
	Day 7: Petersburg to Wrangell - board another AMHS ferry for the journey down the lovely Wrangell Narrows. The community of Wrangell is one of the most attractive small towns on the Inside Passage. The town has a relaxed feel that allows visitors to wander comfortably and converse with locals.
	Day 8: Wrangell - travel by jetboat to the AnAn Bear Sanctuary (tour only operates during July and August) where you will have the opportunity to safely photograph black and brown bears in the wild. Experienced local guides accompany the tour.
	Day 9: Wrangell - join a day tour through the lower reaches of the Stikine River. This pristine wilderness region features numerous glaciers and wildlife including; black and brown bears, moose and bald eagles.
	Day 10: Depart Wrangell - depart Wrangell on either Alaska Marine Highway ferry or Alaska Airlines.

Tour Inclusions:

9 nights accommodation in moderate grade hotels
Alaska Marine Highway Fares and cabins
White Pass & Yukon Railroad Excursion
AnAn Bear Viewing Tour
Stikine River Tour

Tour Notes:

Prices based on travel in July.
This itinerary often has to be adjusted to fit in with the Alaska Marine Highway schedules.
Alaska Airlines serves several communities along the Inside Passage with flights from Seattle. In Seattle you can make further connections with your flights from Australia. We are happy to assist with your Alaska and International flight arrangements.

Hotel List:

We have carefully selected our preferred hotels in each location. These are the hotels that are used for accommodations in this tour. Due to availability, we may have to substitute similar hotels for the tour dates of your choice.

Westmark Sitka Hotel - Sitka
Captains Choice Motel - Haines
Scandia House - Petersburg
Stikine Inn - Wrangell