9-day itinerary starting in Sitka and finishing in Juneau

Question

We are 4 active adults looking to maximize our trip in the Panhandle region! We will arrive in Sitka on May 25th followed by 2 days of fishing with a local who is a family cousin. May 28th is a free day in Sitka and then we plan to move along early on the 29th. I'm currently thinking of visiting Skagway and then finishing in Juneau for a return home on June 2nd or 3rd.

Looking for help on how best to logistically move around from the 29th until the 2nd/3rd.

Our focus is the outdoors, hiking, wildlife viewing, kayaking, chopper to a glacier, possibly the Skagway train if we can fit it in, and possibly a half-day fly fishing if there are good options along the way (low priority).

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer

For a 9-day Alaska Panhandle itinerary starting in Sitka and finishing in Juneau, with a focus on outdoors activities, wildlife, and adventure, here is a suggested plan for the period from May 29th to June 2nd/3rd:

May 29: Sitka to Juneau (via ferry or flight)

After your free day in Sitka, consider taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Juneau. The ferry offers a scenic journey through the Inside Passage and is an experience in itself, but it can take 6–7 hours. Alternatively, a short flight (about 45–60 minutes) is faster and maximizes your activity time in Juneau and surrounding areas.

May 30: Juneau Area Exploration

Use this day to explore Juneau and nearby wilderness:

Take a helicopter tour to a nearby glacier for hiking or ice trekking. Many tours also offer optional short hikes or photo stops.
Alternatively, consider kayaking excursions in the Gastineau Channel or Mendenhall Glacier area for a half-day adventure.
Evening wildlife viewing tours (whales, eagles) depart from downtown Juneau and are a great way to see local fauna without long travel.

May 31: Travel to Skagway

Drive (via rental car if you took the ferry or flight) or take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry north to Skagway. The journey by ferry takes roughly 4–5 hours; by road, via the Klondike Highway, about 2–3 hours. This scenic drive is stunning, with mountains, rivers, and potential wildlife sightings.

June 1: Skagway Adventures

Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a half-day scenic train journey through breathtaking mountainous terrain. This is a must-do if you like history and photography.
Explore local hiking trails near Skagway. Options like Lower Dewey Lake Trail or Chilkoot Trail segments are moderate hikes suitable for active adults.
Optional short kayaking or fishing excursions if available locally and your group wishes to add more water-based activity.

June 2: Skagway to Juneau (Return)

Return to Juneau via ferry or flight. Depending on your flight home (June 2nd or 3rd), you can:

Spend a final afternoon in Juneau visiting Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for easy walks and photo opportunities.
Enjoy downtown Juneau’s restaurants and local shops before heading to the airport.

Tips for Logistics:

Book flights and ferries in advance; May/June is popular for Alaska travel.
Consider combining ferry travel with car rentals if you plan flexible exploration between Juneau and Skagway.
For outdoor activities, book helicopter glacier tours or kayaking excursions early as slots fill quickly.
Pack layers; coastal Alaska in late May can be cool with variable weather, especially on water or glacier tours.

This itinerary balances travel days with adventure activities, hiking, and wildlife viewing, while keeping logistical connections manageable. You’ll experience Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway highlights without feeling rushed.

9-day itinerary starting in Sitka and finishing in Juneau

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