Exploring Alaska: From Glaciers to Gold Rush Towns

Cruise through Alaska's top ports—glaciers, gold rush towns, and stunning wildlife in one unforgettable journey! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Season 5, Episode 239

A Week in Alaska: Cruise Ports That Captivate

Cruising through Alaska offers a front-row seat to some of the most stunning natural wonders and rich historical destinations in North America. Here's a breakdown of our unforgettable week at sea upon Holland America Line’s Noordam ship and the incredible ports visited.

Ketchikan: Totem Poles & Salmon Capital of the World

Nestled along the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is famous for its towering totem poles and world-class salmon fishing. Visitors can stroll through downtown's historic Creek Street, explore Native Alaskan culture at the Totem Heritage Center, and shop for unique artisan gifts. It’s a shopper’s paradise with a rich cultural flair.

Highlights:

• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Salmon ladder at Creek Street
• Waterfront shopping & art galleries

Juneau: Glaciers, Gold, and the Capital You Can’t Drive To

Juneau, Alaska’s remote and scenic capital, is best known for the Mendenhall Glacier and its Gold Rush history dating back to 1880. Accessible only by air or sea, Juneau offers a sense of adventure unlike any other capital city in the U.S.

Must-Sees:

• Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Mount Roberts Tramway
• Whale watching tours

Skagway: Ride Through History

Step into the past in Skagway, a charming town with epic excursions that recall the Klondike Gold Rush. Take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway through mountain passes, hike the historic Chilkoot Trail, or go dog sledding atop a glacier.

Top Experiences:

• White Pass Railroad
• Gold Rush Cemetery
• Glacier helicopter tours

Glacier Bay National Park: Nature in Motion

Glacier Bay offers a surreal day at sea, where you can witness glacier calving — massive ice chunks cracking and falling into the ocean. Covering 3.3 million acres, this national park is home to rugged mountains, tidewater glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

What to Watch:

• Glacier calving with binoculars
• Harbor seals and sea lions
• Breathtaking fjord views

College Fjord: Ice and Wildlife Wonderland

Another day at sea brought us through College Fjord, a magical location with glaciers named after Ivy League schools. Wildlife spotting here is a treat, with playful otters and seals dotting the icy waters.

Scenic Wonders:

• Harvard and Yale Glaciers
• Otters, seals, and seabirds
• Panoramic views from ship decks

Onward to Whittier & Denali by Rail

Our cruise concludes in Whittier, Alaska, where we begin the land portion of our journey aboard the McKinley Explorer Train. Traveling through Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, Mount McKinley (Denali), promises a dramatic finale to our Alaskan adventure.

From glacier calving and historic train rides to remote capitals and scenic fjords, Alaska delivers an awe-inspiring experience that’s both majestic and humbling. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, the Last Frontier always offers something new to discover.

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