Gold Rush Inside Passage - Overview

Highlights
San Juan Islands, Cruise in Glacier Bay National Park, Petersburg and Sitka, Whale Watching in Frederick Sound, Skagway and Haines

Summary
May is alive with spring greenery, teeming with wildlife near shore, and filled with sunny days. September gives you the added benefit of spectacular fall foliage peeking out between the evergreens. Our Gold Rush journeys follow the route of the original Klondike Gold Rushers of 1898 between Seattle, Juneau and Skagway. Our Gold Rush Cruise is cruise-only from Seattle to Juneau or reverse. Gold Rush + Denali continues by air, coach, and rail into Alaska's interior with two nights at Denali National Park and an overnight in Fairbanks.

Prices from: $3,599 to $9,149

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN SEATTLE

Transfer to your ship to begin your cruise following the path of the Gold Rush. D

 

Day 2 - CRUISING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Explore the charming resort village of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, once an important whaling center. BLD

 

Day 3 - STRAIT OF GEORGIA

Cruise among pristine islands nestled between Vancouver Island and the mountainous mainland of British Columbia, home to harbor seals, bald eagles, and orcas. BLD

 

Day 4 - CRUISING NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Along this remote coastline, you will enjoy pristine and quiet reaches past ancient glacially carved fjords. Cruise by old growth forests, quiet coves, and nutrient-rich waters that support many mammals and seabirds in the Great Bear Rainforest. BLD

 

Day 5 - KETCHIKAN

Cruise into sparkling Alaskan waters and visit Ketchikan, the "Salmon capital of Alaska," and home of impressive collections of Tlingit totem poles and Native and local art. BLD

 

Day 6 - PETERSBURG

Accept a warm welcome at the Norwegian-heritage fishing village of Petersburg, where no large cruise ships visit. Explore iceberg-filled LeConte Bay or nearby wilderness waterways such as the mysterious Thomas Bay. BLD

 

Day 7 - FREDERICK SOUND AND TRACY ARM FJORD

Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot-high vertical cliffs to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. BLD

 

Day 8 - SITKA

Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to beautiful Sitka. A guided walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park offers towering totems and thriving wildlife in the forest. BLD

 

Day 9 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE CRUISING

First established as a National Monument by presidential proclamation in 1925, Glacier Bay has since enjoyed the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide through this awesome wonderland, closely approaching the “rivers of ice.” A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter offers insightful narration and helps you spot wildlife such as harbor seals, mountain goats, brown and black bears. BLD

 

Day 10 - SKAGWAY AND HAINES

Relive the Gold Rush of 1898 in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the jumping off place for thousands of early gold seekers. Visit charming Haines, renowned for its remote beauty. BLD

 

Day 11 - ARRIVE IN JUNEAU

Travel through impressive Gastineau Channel to Juneau. Transfer to the airport or choose to spend a few days exploring Alaska’s capital city and the activities available there. B