Y ou slip into your kayak and start paddling, only to find you're not alone. Twenty sea otters are paddling along with you.

2011 Dates

Triple Discount: $600 for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults

*070911 is the Eastern Route and runs from Juneau to Ketchikan (the itinerary displays the Western Route)

Alumni Discount: if you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices

Dates

Don't see your travel dates? Please call and we'll offer a trip to meet your needs!

Day 1 – Arrive Ketchikan, Alaska / embark on the Wilderness Adventurer

Make your way to Ketchikan and begin your journey to the Inside Passage. For the next seven nights, you and your family will sleep aboard the Wilderness Adventurer. 

Cruise through the Tongass Narrows   Your adventure begins in the Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island (where Ketchikan is located) from Price of Wales Island, the third largest island in the United States. Make sure your camera is close because the wildlife in this area is plentiful. With over 100 migrating species of birds, Sitka black-tailed deer, sea lions, seals, playful sea otters, porpoise and whales in the surrounding waters and trees , you're going to be busy trying to keep up with everything going on around you!

Day 2 – El Capitan Passage / New Tokeen

Wake to breathtaking views of the expansive Tongass Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, rising on either side of Devilfish Bay.  Paddle around the scenic Devilfish Cove in El Capitan Passage, a 27-mile long waterway dividing Prince of Wales and Kosciusko Islands. In the afternoon you'll get a taste of life in the remote wilderness when the Adventurer stops by Marble Island, named for the famous Tokeen Marble Quarry.

Devilfish Cove kayaking Work your arms with a guided, scenic 4-mile roundtrip kayak tour to the end of Devilfish Cove or take one of the kayaks available all day and explore the area on your own. Logging road hike Breathe in the fresh Alaskan air as you make your way up an old logging road through the Tongass Forest on the northern side of the entrance to Devilfish Bay. In addition to breathtaking vistas of “wild” Alaska, eagles and Sitka blacktail deer are often spotted along the way.

Day 3 – Klawock / Trocadero Bay

Spend the morning in Klawock, gaining a better understanding about the importance of carving in Alaskan culture, mixing with the locals and gazing up at the twenty-one restored totem poles that color the town. Later on you'll explore the Trocadero Estuary on foot or by kayak, keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds and whales. Skiffs will also be available all afternoon for touring at your leisure. 

Klawock Village, carving shed and Totem Pole Park tour Learn the local culture as native carvers train high school students in carving and the restoration of the many older totem poles in town.  Stroll Totem Pole Park and admire the fully restored and striking 21 totem poles that soar skyward. Trocadero trail hike Wander through the Trocadero Estuary, ford the Snipe Creek and cross over the Beaver Creek bridge. Surrounded by skunk cabbage and alder trees, this four-hour hike will surprise with prolific runs of salmon during late summer and fall and abundant wildlife including bears, eagles and a variety of sea birds. You may also choose the shorter, 1.5-hour hike. Trocadero Bay kayaking Whether you want to stay close to anchor or reach the end of the bay, our kayaks give you the freedom to frolic in the waters where whales lurk just beneath the surface.

Day 4 – Little Port Walter

Anchored in Little Port Walter, the day offers many options for how to experience the wondrous landscape. Potential ways to take in your amazing surroundings include fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming or snorkeling. But be sure to save up some energy for friendly competition in the afternoon! 

Kayak into Big Port Walter Paddle the gorgeous six miles between Little Port Walter and Big Port Walter - well-known herring and salmon country - with an expert guide. Sashin Lake Trail hike The Sashin Lake Trail wanders for about 4 miles through the untouched and remote beauty of the Tongass National Forest, offering a vigorous hike in Alaska’s beautiful back reaches. Snorkeling Plunge into the cool, blue Alaskan waters and get a whole new perspective. Dry suits and snorkeling gear are provided. Kayak racing Have you got what it takes?  Challenge your fellow passengers and cohorts to see who will come out ahead. Swimming races and platform diving Who will be the first one around the boat?  Do you have superior diving style? Only one way to tell – and the crew knows just what to look for.

Day 5 – Bay of Pillars

While you sleep soundly, we will slip through the waters between Little Port Walter for the Bay of Pillars.  Kayak the bay with a guide or hike the pristine forests of the Bay of Pillars Portage Trail, making sure to save room on your camera for the residents of Port Camden: a frisky, industrious beaver colony. Potential activities for the day include a skiff or kayak tour of the bay, swimming, snorkeling, rope swimming, fishing or hiking. However you spend your time, make sure you’re watching the coastline for birds, wolves and black bears, all of which live in the area.

Bay of Pillars Portage Trail hike The Bay of Pillars Portage Trail offers a 5-6 hour hike through a 2nd growth forest trail that winds up on an old, overgrown logging road.  The end of the trail brings you to Port Camden where many beavers have set up residence. Bay of Pillars kayaking Whether you choose a guided, 6-7 hour trip or just a few hours at your leisure, the Bay of Pillars offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching. Swimming races and platform diving Didn’t place in yesterday’s swimming or platform diving contest?  Maybe it’s time for a rematch!

Day 6 – The Brothers / Frederick Sound

The Brothers, a pair of islands in Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. No one will be immune to the wonderful pomp and pageantry of the Stellar sea lions that rest here. Join the guided kayak trip or skiff tour to the southern end of The Brothers, where the sea lions hang out. After lunch, we move into the waters of Frederick Sound – the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere.

Whale watching Little else compares to the glamour and wonder of whales in their natural habitat.  Scan the water for movement and thrill as humpbacks, Orcas and Stellar sea lions feed, swirl, jump and crash back down to the surface.  Learn fascinating facts and behavioral theories about the whales from our onboard naturalists as you watch the action. Frederick Sound kayaking Whether you choose a guided, 5-mile trip or just an hour or so at your leisure, Frederick Sound offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, especially the loveable Stellar sea lions.

Day 7 – Endicott Arm and Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area

On the last full day of your journey, prepare to have your breath taken away by sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountains.  Endicott Arm frequently offers respite to seals on the smaller ‘bergy’ pieces and sometimes it gets a little crowded.  Later in the day, tides permitting, the Adventurer will move up to Ford’s Terror, where the wilderness and wildlife are sure to amaze your whole family. 

Dawes Glacier kayaking Whether you choose a guided 6-hour or 1.5-hour trip, the magnificence of the Dawes Glacier will prove to be a humbling experience.  Keep an eye out for sea lions on the bergs. Ford’s Terror skiff excursion Wind through the smaller waters of Ford’s Terror  and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys and pristine wilderness that surround it. Bears, birds and other wildlife lie around every corner (conditions permitting).

Day 8 – Juneau

When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as we voyage into Juneau. A Bon Voyage breakfast ends your ship journey – say goodbye to new friends as you prepare to either head home or extend your Alaskan adventure.

*This itinerary displays the Western Route - which will take place 070211. The Eastern Route runs opposite this itinerary, and will take place 070911. Give us a call at 800.262.6255 for more details!

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Alaska?

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the most “wow” place on earth Alaska, our country’s last frontier, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Icy blue glaciers, shimmering waterfalls, old growth forests, glorious flowering meadows — your family will be in heaven as you hike, kayak and cruise among the diverse beauty and splendor of our 49th state. Not to be missed is kayaking around the palatial glaciers and hiking for panoramic views of the majestic wonders of Alaska. This is one vacation you family will never forget one breathtaking moment of! Twice the size of Texas Twice the size of Texas, Alaska has 33,000 miles of coastline, contains one-half of the world’s glaciers and is home to Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Explore the timeless beauty of ancient forests, remote bays, fjords and wildlife-rich coastlines. Keep on the lookout for spectacular sights all around you — you might spot giant Humpback whales breaching or witness the powerful roar of calving glaciers. Eagles, bears, sea lions, humpback whales, wolves, puffins, kittiwakes, marmots… oh my! Alaska is home to incredibly rich and diverse habitats for hundreds of species of plant and wildlife, including the largest populations of bald eagles and brown and black bears in the world. Imagine eagles soaring high above against the backdrop of 15,000 foot peaks, or brown bears ambling along the shoreline. Throughout your journey, as you cruise to areas that are only accessible by small boat, you might see whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea otters feeding, swimming and frolicking in the seas. Stay on the lookout for moose, sheep and caribou, too! Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park Known as Alaska’s Playground, Kenai Peninsula is 15,000 square miles of remote, unspoiled natural beauty and adventure! From ice fields to four active volcanoes to a stunning array of wildlife that includes whales, sea otters, puffins and bears, there is never a dull moment on the Kenai Peninsula. Or experience Denali National Park, six million acres of wildlands crowned by North America’s highest peak, 20,320 foot Mount McKinley. Denali National Park is surrounded by the Alaska Range, which creates a stunning backdrop of countless spectacular mountains and many large glaciers. What’s more, Denali encompasses a complete sub-arctic eco-system, home to large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou and moose. Kenai or Denali, either is not to be missed and can be booked as extension to your Alaska adventure!

Why Alaska with Thomson?

Your kids will be amazed by the majesty and grandeur of Alaska’s untamed wilderness. From the dramatic, truly breathtaking glaciers to the highest mountain in North America to the pristine seas — all home to some of the world’s most wondrous creatures — this is a vacation that won’t soon be forgotten. Picture your children’s delight as curious sea otters swim beside their kayak, staring in wonder at the rare humans who have entered their habitat! The adventure of a lifetime! On this vacation, your family will explore remote, untouched parts of Alaska that few people have the opportunity to see. This is one destination where it truly isn’t about how you get there, it’s all about where you are going — to one of the most “wow” places on earth! Explore remote wilderness up close and personal on a small private ship Your family will see Alaska aboard the Wilderness Adventurer, a small boat that accommodates just 49 passengers. The size of the Adventurer allows your family to travel deep into the Alaskan wilds, with the comfort of clean, soft beds and private baths. You and your family will be lulled by the cool, crisp evening twilight as you nestle into cozy beds your first night on board. Awaken to see bears on the beaches and incredible vistas of snow-capped mountains. Limited Group Sizes By touring on a small boat with limited capacity, your family is assured an intimate experience in America’s last true wilderness. Generally we have three to four families on each departure, which is large enough for your kids to make new friends, but small enough that you can be sure of having a unique, once-in-a-lifetime vacation.