2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Alaska’s Inside Passage WHALES AND SEA KAYAKING IN A GLACIER-CARVED WORLD

Glaciers crackle, bald eagles soar, and the sea is filled with whales, orcas, and porpoises. Explore this natural wonderland the perfect way, on a historic 12-guest wooden vessel that can maneuver around icebergs, follow whales, get close to glaciers, and tuck into tiny coves that bigger vessels wouldn’t even dream of approaching. On this active adventure, your days are filled with sea kayaking in protected coves, hiking on glacial moraines, tracking wildlife, and exploring fjords, islands, and tidepools, their secrets unlocked by a wonderful naturalist guide. Back on board, you’ll be welcomed “home” for a delightful sea-to-table meal by the talented on-board chef. This is the way to experience the Inside Passage! (Juneau to Petersburg itinerary) Days 1-2 Juneau / Ford’s Terror From Juneau, head into Stephens Passage, watching for bald eagles and orcas. You’re likely to spot the first icebergs as the ship enters Endicott Arm, and a skiff ride upriver often reveals jumping salmon and nesting waterfowl. At the face of Dawes Glacier, witness the calving and booming of the bergs. In Ford’s Terror, known as “a flooded Yosemite Valley,” you’ll explore by kayak through

the tidal rapids into the majestic inner fjord—a spectacular and seldom-visited realm.

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore one of Alaska’s prime wildlife areas by historic small ship • Sea kayak amid icebergs and beneath towering granite walls • Hike on glacial moraine and in old-growth cedar, hemlock, and spruce forests • Watch calving glaciers, bald eagles, and breaching whales DETAILS • 7-day trip begins in Juneau and ends in Petersburg (or reverse) • 6 nights aboard a 75-foot historic boat with six cabins, some with private bath • All meals included

Days 3-5 Seymour Canal / Pack Creek Zoological Reserve Seymour Canal is home to the highest concentration of bald eagles in southeast Alaska, and its rich waters support a large population of Dall’s porpoise. At the Pack Creek Zoological Reserve, enjoy the best brown bear viewing opportunity in southeast Alaska. Head to Admiralty Island for an estuary paddle, and at The Brothers Islands, hike and watch for humpbacks and orcas in this prime summer feeding ground. From the ship’s idyllic anchorages, the sound of breathing whales or the call of an eagle frequently drifts across the evening calm. Days 6-7 Thomas Bay / Scenery Cove / Petersburg If whales are around, the ship will shadow the pod (and drop the hydrophone to listen to them), then head to Thomas Bay, watching for black bears on the beaches. Anchoring at Scenery Cove, ride upriver by skiff for a hike on the ice of the Baird Glacier. Depart on Day 7 from charming Petersburg, or extend to Denali National Park to look for moose and caribou. ON OUR WEBSITE ALASKA: JOURNEY TO SITKA Explore hidden bays, islands, and villages between Sitka, Juneau, and Petersburg. Jun 8-15, Jun 17-24, Jun 26-Jul 3, Jul 5-12, Jul 23-30, Aug 12-19, Aug 21-28, 2019. From $5755.

DATES Jun 2-8, 2019* Jun 9-15** Jun 16-22* Jun 23-29** Jun 30-Jul 6*

Jul 21-27**

Jul 28-Aug 3* Aug 4-10** Aug 11-17* Aug 18-24** Aug 25-31*

Jul 7-13**

Jul 14-20* *Juneau to Petersburg **Petersburg to Juneau

TRIP COST From $4500 depending on cabin type Denali extension: Call for details TRIP LEVEL 1 + 2 3 4 5 6 7 Easy to moderate hiking and sea kayaking (no previous kayaking experience necessary)

A classic wooden motor yacht gets us off the beaten path in the wildlife-rich glacier wilderness of the Inside Passage.

CHARLIE SUMMERS

ANDY FREEBERG

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR PACIFIC TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/PACIFIC 109