Explore with Viking—Alaska

Retrace the steps of the Yukon’s fortune seekers in their 19th-century quest for gold. Begin your exhilarating journey by vintage rail car. Marvel at scenic mountain vistas as you climb to more than 3,000 feet along Alaska’s White Pass summit. Enjoy the thrill of cliff-hanging turns and marvel at this narrow-gauge railroad, constructed more than 100 years ago. Arrive at the summit and witness the unparalleled beauty of an Alaskan landscape comprised of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls and more. See the original Klondike Trail of 1898 worn into the rocks, a reminder of those who traversed this route in search of gold. Hear tales of the extraordinary lengths to which gold seekers went more than a century ago, and the severe hardships they suffered in the unforgiving northern wilderness. Upon arrival in Skagway, you may explore the town at your leisure or return to your ship.

Discover the coastal community of Ketchikan and learn about the ancient native craft of totem pole carving. Drive by motor coach to Potlatch Totem Park, a modern recreation of a 19th-century native village located on historic Tlingit fishing grounds along the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Here, you can see numerous houses, totem poles and panels, and hear the legends behind the designs. Visit the carving studio to learn about the ancient techniques used to create these iconic native sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to view a display of rare antique weapons, some dating back to the 16th century, including firearms, whaling harpoons and authentic uluknives. After, return to your coach and begin the journey back to your ship—along the way, gain insight into Ketchikan’s rich timber heritage and the historic Ketchikan Pulp Company mill.

Explore the sights of Juneau and visit Mendenhall Valley to stroll its scenic trails with views of its glacier. Embark on a panoramic drive from downtown Juneau to see the city’s highlights. As you approach the Mendenhall Valley, your guide will run through suggested experiences that you can participate in during your time here. You may enjoy the viewpoint from Photo Point at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which provides a breathtaking perspective of the glacier from above. During your enriching visit, your guide will share stories and insights about the region. After, you can head out to explore one of the nearby scenic trails, including Nugget Creek Falls, Steep Creek or the Moraine Ecology Trail, with each route showcasing the region’s natural wonders and stunning vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier and the Tongass National Forest. Afterward, return to your awaiting ship.

Head to Seward’s renowned Alaska SeaLife Center for independent exploration, compliments of Viking. As you disembark your ship, receive an overview of the varied venues throughout Seward, beautifully set on a mountain-ringed bay. Shuttles will operate between our berth and the marine center, so you may depart and return at your leisure and explore more of Seward if you wish. At the fascinating Alaska SeaLife Center, dedicated to putting visitors in close contact with cutting-edge marine research, admire the species in the public aquarium and learn about the research animals in the exhibit tanks. North Pacific mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates are profiled in the center’s comprehensive displays. Here, you will discover how both injured wild animals and resident animals requiring medical treatment are nursed back to health. Experience the center as long as you wish and return to the pier via our shuttles.

Discover the rugged beauty of Alaska’s wilderness during a scenic excursion around Valdez. Embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach through Valdez, learning about the town’s gold-rush era and visiting Old Town Valdez. You will also hear stories about more contemporary pivotal moments such as the Good Friday earthquake of 1964 and the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 that have shaped this community. Stop for photos at Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls, their snow and icy meltwaters cascading over towering canyon walls from hundreds of feet above. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may travel to Keystone Canyon, where you will find numerous waterfalls nestled within its steep rock face. Alternatively, you may visit the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery to learn about one of Alaska’s most abundant resources, salmon.

Set off on a scenic journey through Prince William Sound on this cruise to the Columbia Glacier. Embark your boat and witness one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world today. This tidewater glacier is retreating at a rate so rapid that it has moved more than 12 miles over the last 30 years. Global warming has contributed to the shrinking of this glacier; however, once it reaches the shoreline and creates a more stable surface, its retreat is likely to slow down enough to make it possible for the glacier to reform. Enjoy a light lunch on board as you cruise past fjords and stunning ice walls. Your vessel’s ability to get close to the glacier will be dependent upon the ice and water conditions at Prince William Sound. At the end of your cruise, you will return to port and your awaiting ship.

Explore the protected waters and rugged coast of Resurrection Bay on board an exclusive Viking-chartered vessel. Nicknamed the “Gateway to the Kenai Fjords,” the bay’s calm waters are home to an abundance of marine and terrestrial wildlife. Board your ship and head out for an opportunity to experience up-close encounters with wildlife as you cruise along massive bird rookeries and past sea lion colonies. Along the way, you will stop to view any passing whale pods or frolicking sea otters. Enjoy a delicious deli-style meal as you admire the alpine glaciers nestled in the surrounding mountain ranges of Chugach and Kenai. Gaze at the blue-tinged ice of Bear Glacier, a 13-mile-long expanse of ice and snow. At the end of your cruise, you will return to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Unwind during a scenic boat tour and enjoy pristine nature and plentiful animal life from the boat. Be captivated by the rich marine wildlife; these glacial waters are home to sea otters, porpoises, sea lions and a variety of whale species, including the killer whales that also reside in the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Discover some of the 191 species of bird that have been documented so far. A national park since 1980, Kenai preserves the fjord and rain forest ecosystems and wildlife while conserving the area’s historic and archaeological remains. Dip into sizable fjords and cruise beneath awe-inspiring mountains exceeding 6,000 feet in height. Admire the park’s many glaciers, and get an up-close view of the looming face of one of these icy giants. The seemingly harsh terrain of the Kenai Peninsula is also home to many terrestrial animals that can be spotted from the boat’s deck.

Discover the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to a viewpoint along the scenic Exit Glacier. Covering an area of approximately 2.5 miles, this valley glacier is one of the most accessible and iconic in Alaska. After a short drive to the trailhead, disembark your motor coach and follow your naturalist guide along the path on an invigorating hike toward the picturesque viewpoint. Along the way, your guide will provide insights about the topography, vegetation and natural habitats of this glacial environment. Learn how rising global temperatures have affected the glacier and take note of the markers along the trail that indicate its aggressive retreat. See up-close how the glacier has shaped the surrounding landscape and learn how plant life is reclaiming the barren, rocky land exposed by its retreat. At the overlook, take in the views before returning to your ship.