Day 1 & 2 - Sacramento, Seattle, Bellingham, Ketchikan, Petersburg

Fly to Seattle where lunch is hosted at Ivar’s before traveling by coach north to Bellingham. At 4pm, board the ferry and depart from Puget Sound, bound for Alaska.

The Columbia makes the round trip from Bellingham to Juneau once a week. Most cabins have two lower berths, with a reasonable amount of storage room. (By going early in the season, the ferry is less crowded, and we can generally get the larger rooms, with no upper bunk. This means you do not have to “climb up” to sleep on the ferry.) All are outside accommodations and have private shower/toilet facilities that are clean and comfortable, but nothing fancy. There is a cafeteria and a dining room on board (the only ferry with two dining options). On some trips, a naturalist gives talks and other “low key” activities (movies, etc.) are available, along with a beautiful view from the lounge with seating up front.

Settle into your cabin and enjoy dinner this evening and the sunset as we head through the Inside Passage. Darkness won’t arrive until around 10pm, later as we move north. On day two, slide past Bella Bella and Prince Rupert, on towards Ketchikan.

• Lunch is included this day
• m/v Columbia - 2 nights

Day 3

The Columbia is scheduled into Ketchikan at 6am this morning, for a three-hour layover. If the ferry arrives anywhere near schedule, we will make a quick trip into town to enjoy an old fashioned Alaskan breakfast at the Pioneer Hotel Café, along with a mini-tour. It’s back to the boat and on to Wrangell, and finally Petersburg, arriving in late evening. Transfer to your hotel, in the heart of this tiny fishing hamlet.

• Breakfast is included this day
• Scandia Hotel - 3 nights

Day 4 & 5 - Petersburg

Petersburg owes its history and existence to the fishing and tourism industries. Tour the island and if you wish, take the jet boat ride to the base of Le Conte Glacier, one of the most active in Alaska. A traditional Scandinavian menu is offered one evening. Our second day is filled with a visit to the local museum, and a short nature walk. There’s even an optional (additional charge) Alaskan King Crab feast one night at a local restaurant! A complimentary continental breakfast is available each morning.

• Lunch and Dinner are included this day

Day 6 & 7 - Petersburg to Haines by ferry

Depart for Haines this morning. It’s a leisurely day on the ferry arriving in Haines on Day 7. In the morning travel up “the highway” (the only road from Haines actually leads into Canada, but we won’t go that far). See one of the world’s largest bald eagle preserves (some are certain to be in residence), stop at a unique commune, and finish up the road at the “Thirty-Three Mile House,” where they serve Alaska’s best burger for lunch. Your accommodations in Haines were once the Officer’s Quarters at historic Fort Seward. The story will unfold as you tour the village.

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included each of these days
• Hotel Halsingland - 2 nights

Day 8 - Haines and Glacier Bay Flight-seeing

A day to explore Haines, and to see magnificent Glacier Bay from above, on a flightseeing trip. The glaciers abound, liberally sprinkled among the mountaintops, creating a panoramic view rarely imagined. In and around town, you’ll watch Native Americans carving, meet local artisans, see the Hammer Museum (yep, they have a museum for hammers) and catch a glimpse of what makes Alaskans unique!

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included this day

Day 9 - Haines to Juneau

Depart Haines by ferry boat down the scenic Lynn Canal to Juneau arriving just after lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure; make a last minute souvenir purchase or perhaps take the tram to the top of Mt. Roberts (weather permitting) for a panoramic overview of the area.

• Breakfast is included this day
• Hotel Baranof Juneau

Day 10 - Juneau to Sacramento

Depart Juneau around 1pm changing planes in Seattle before arriving home about 7pm.

About Your Hotel Accommodations

As you might expect, choices are few in many Alaskan communities. They are the “best available” in Petersburg and Haines (comparable to 2-diamond motels elsewhere). In Juneau, you will stay at the Westmark Baronof Hotel, a historic three-diamond full-service property. All are hotels we have used previously.

About the Marine Highway Ferries

A ferry is not a cruise ship, but rather public transportation on a federal highway (same as an interstate). On board, especially in May, you are likely to find a mix of Alaskans, those heading north to work in canneries or tourism businesses for the summer, and a few travelers smart enough to see Alaska during the “shoulder” season.

Ferry boats are subject to delays, including but not exclusive to tides, weather conditions and mechanical problems. While such delays are rare, they do occur. We suggest that you consider these challenges part of an Alaskan vacation, while remembering that the pace of life in small remote communities is a bit slower than what we are used to.

About Alaska's Weather

Weather is, of course, unpredictable. Should an activity be cancelled due to poor weather conditions and cannot be rescheduled, you will receive an appropriate refund upon your return home. Those wishing not to take the Le Conte Glacier Jet Boat Tour in Petersburg will receive a credit of $140, there is a credit of $160 if you prefer not to go flightseeing.

Average temperatures for May range from the mid-50’s to low-60’s for highs, with lows at night in the 35-45 range. While May is one of southeast Alaska’s drier months, some rain will undoubtedly be a part of your travels. If one’s enjoyment of an Alaskan vacation is focused on the weather, there could be disappointment. But if you look at a visit to Alaska as an adventure, where the weather is ever changing, and some raindrops won’t ruin your day/trip, then your travels will be filled with wonder.

You should remember that this trip requires walking on and off ferry boats and the ability to walk (slowly) on uneven terrain. Don’t let limited mobility keep you from going, but understand that you may have some limitations along the way. In some situations, you may find it advantageous to have luggage with wheels that you can move short distances. If you have any specific questions about the trip, feel free to contact Sports Leisure owner Mark Hoffmann, who planned our Alaska’s Marine Highway package personally.