Your guide will meet you at your ship and you will board a private motor coach on route to one of the most famous of the glaciers in the Juneau Ice Field, Mendenhall Glacier. Mendenhall is named for Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, who served on the Alaska Boundary Commission that surveyed the international boundary between Canada and Alaska.
The Mendenhall Glacier is 12 miles long and 1-1/2 miles wide where it stretches across the Mendenhall Valley. Guests will have an hour at the Mendenhall visitor’s center to absorb the spectacular views before boarding their coach to head out on their personalized whale-watching excursion. Beginning in beautiful Auke Bay, original winter home of local Tlingit Indians (15 minutes north of Juneau). Auke Bay is within 30 minutes of some of the best feeding grounds for the endangered Humpback Whales in the area. The cruise takes you along the shorelines of Admiralty Island, known as the "home of the bears". It boasts the largest concentration of Alaskan Brown Bears and nesting Bald Eagles in the world. While cruising around islands in Stephens Passage, you may encounter the endangered Humpback Whales and Stellar Sea Lions, along with Harbor Seals, Dalls Porpoise, Orcas (Killer Whales), an occasional Otter, and a variety of sea and shore birds. The "Inside Passage" of Southeast Alaska offers well-protected and usually quite calm waters. Marine mammals, the majestic Chilkat Mountains and several glaciers provide guests the photo opportunities of a lifetime. This tour allows you to observe and photograph marine mammals in their natural environment, while safely and comfortably enjoying the rugged Alaskan scenery.
Now that you have worked up an appetite you will be ready for the Gold Creek Salmon Bake! This is an Alaskan feast for all of your senses in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings of any restaurant in North America. Besides an absolutely scrumptious barbecue with Alaskan flavors for all types of discriminating palates, you’ll be greeted by the friendly malamute, "McKinley”, “Gertrude” and her flock of ducklings, a musician and a friendly staff to help point out the many activities.
Roast marshmallows over a campfire. Take a short walk to beautiful Salmon Falls and explore the remnants of the Wagner Mine. Shop for souvenirs from our gift shop, or just sit and chat over a locally brewed beer. The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is much more than a meal! It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Duration: 5-5 1/2 hours
Call 1.800.565.2784 to speak with your Alaska Cruise Expert!
