Dog Sledding
One of Alaska's oldest traditions, dog sledding tours can transport you back to a simpler time. Goodwin Glacier Dog Sled Tours is one of the highest-rated tours of its kind, with a rating of four and a half out of five from Trip Advisor. A helicopter takes you to Goodwin Glacier, where more than 80 trained Alaskan huskies will take you on a two-mile genuine dog sled tour. Unlike other similar tours that hook up dogs to wheeled vehicles, this is the real thing. The tour supplies rain gear, waterproof booties, hats, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. Dress in layers so you can remove clothing if you get too hot. The cost for the dog sled tour is $450 for adults and $420 for children.
Goodwin Glacier Dog Sled Tours
P.O. Box 2711
Seward, AK 99664
(480) 348-6440
alaskadogsled.com
Glacier Cruises
There are many glacier cruises and tours in Alaska, but not many that feature the less-common tidewater glaciers. The 26 Glacier Cruise, with a rating of four out of five from Trip Advisor, does that and more. In addition to alpine, piedmont and tidewater glaciers, cruise participants often see a variety of animals, including sea otters, seals, porpoises, bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, sea lions and even whales. A hot lunch is included in the cost of $139 for adults and $79 for children. The five-hour cruise leaves from Whittier each day at 12:30 p.m. from May through September.
Phillips Cruises and Tours
519 W. Fourth Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-276-8023
26glaciers.com
Whale Watching
wild orca 2 image by Maximilian Effgen from
Fotolia.com
In Alaska whales can be seen from many ports, ferries, cruise ships and the shore. But if you want to make sure you get a good look at a whale, whale watching tours are your way to go. With a rating of four and a half out of five from Trip Advisor, Orca Enterprises boasts an incredible rate of whale sighting of 99.9 percent between May 1 and Oct. 25. Orca is located in Auke Bay, about 15 minutes from Juneau, and participants usually see humpback whales and orcas. Boats must stay at least 100 yards away from the whales and keep their viewing time to 20 minutes or less per group of whales, but Orca Enterprises says the whales are friendly and often come closer to investigate the boats. Orca Enterprises' tours run for three-and-a-half hours, with two-and-a-half hours on the water. The cost is $119.70 for adults, $88.20 for children ages 5 to 12 and $56.70 for children under the age of 5.
Orca Enterprises
Auke Bay
Juneau, AK 99803
(907) 789-6801
orcaenterprises.com
