We didn't rush to get off the ship and found that about 30 min after we docked we were able to get off without a wait. We took the Mendenhall Glacier/ Salmon Bake excursion. We enjoyed the excursion although it was a little different than expected. The bus drops you off at the visitor center at the Glacier. You can walk to some viewing points or an amazing waterfall (about 3/4 of a mile) but you do not actually get to walk to or on the glacier. The visitor center was interesting and they had a chunk of the glacier that had broken off in the water for you to touch and see (that was neat). Then, we went to a salmon hatchery (we didn't expect this but it was interesting). They explained what a hatchery is and then they have a small animal petting area and gift shop. At the end of May the hatchery wasn't very active yet. They said in June and July there would be a lot more action with the salmon returning to lay their eggs. The salmon bake was very good. Lots of yummy food in a very comfortable setting. There was a guitar player, Alaskan husky dog, waterfall with river and abandoned mine. If I was to do this trip again I would skip the glacier and go whale watching instead. We only saw whales from the distance on the ship and we saw lots of glaciers close up in Glacier Bay. We did not explore downtown Juneau at all - it seamed pretty touristy and was about a mile from port. 


Juneau

In Skagway we took the White Pass Train Ride. This was a great excursion and would highly recommend it! The train is located just steps from the ship. Don't stress out about where you sit - everyone has a great seat. The left side is the better view but at the stopping point you will get up, reverse the seats and switch sides of the train - so everyone will have the chance to see both sides. After you leave the city limits of Skagway you will be allowed on the train platform to take pictures. On the way up the platform was swamped with everyone wanting to get pictures and on the return it was fairly empty. The views from the train are amazing! We saw lots of snow and ice at the Alaska/ Canada border but were told that by mid/ end June it would all be melted. Also, it got very cold as we went higher; it was in the high 60's at port and 45 at the Alaska/ Canada border. "Downtown" Skagway is walking distance from the ship. It's cute and was fun to walk through. There's pretty much one main street that everything is on. One local recommended going to the Skagway Brewery for some local beer. it was pretty much the last thing on the right on the main street. My husband enjoyed the beer and we met some locals which was fun. As we were waiting to get on the train there was a family that wanted to buy tickets to ride and they were told the train was sold out - so don't wait to get your tickets. 


Skagway

We did not book an excursion for Ketchikan. We had fun exploring the town on our own. There are walking tour maps available in several locations and provided a good guide. We found a venicular about mid-city that took us (for $2) to a small lodge at the top. There were some good views and a few totem poles at the top. We then walked down "Married Man's Trail". This was a very easy trail (it did have many steps) and provided some really good views. We also enjoyed "Orca Corn" a Kettle Corn shop. If we had wanted to book an excursion once in Ketchikan we would have easily been able to do so. There were bus tours and duck tours right at port to book. 


Ketchikan

In Victoria we did not book an excursion. We took a cab for $8 into town. We had fun exploring on our own and got a good dinner in China Town at a restaurant called Fantan Cafe. The waterfront area near the parliament building was very pretty and if you wanted to get a water taxi or tour you could do so easily. 


Victoria

One of the last days of the cruise the ship offered an Alaskan Salmon lunch for a fee.My parents arrived at about 11:30AM and got on the ship without any wait - so getting to the boat early is the way to go.

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