Itinerary Help Alaska by land followed by Cruise

Question

Hi,

We are planning to visit 1st week June We fly into Anchorage on 2nd Night and travel by land until we board our cruise on the 8th evening at 7:30pm. I am looking for suggestions on activities and places to visit while we are on there for the land portion of our trip.

We plan to rent a car.

We are interested in Flight with Glacier landing, wildlife sighting, hiking, and a train trip.

Not sure, which train route or flight experience is the best.

Any suggestions on how to get to Whittier after dropping the car on 8th June at Anchorage

Our 1 way cruise is from Whittier -Vancouver from 8th June. Our itinerary is as follows:

Hubbard Glacier

Glacier Bay

Skagway

Juneau

Ketchikan

I am looking for suggestions on excursions at the ports for my family of 4( 3 adults and 1 kid(14))

1st time visiting and would appreciate any insights from the group

Answer

Your Alaska plan combining a land tour with a cruise is a fantastic way to see the state, especially for first-time visitors. Since you have a full week on land before your cruise from Whittier, you can experience a mix of wildlife, glaciers, hiking, and scenic train travel. Here’s a suggested itinerary and tips for your interests:

Land Portion (Anchorage Arrival – June 2nd Night to June 8th Evening)

Day 1: Anchorage Arrival – Settle into your hotel after your flight. Depending on arrival time, you could explore downtown Anchorage or take a short stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
Day 2: Anchorage to Talkeetna – Drive about 2 hours north to Talkeetna. Consider a flightseeing tour with glacier landing from Talkeetna, which offers views of Denali and surrounding peaks.
Day 3: Talkeetna to Denali National Park – Drive approximately 2–3 hours to Denali. Spend the afternoon hiking easy trails like the Horseshoe Lake Trail or Savage River Loop. Wildlife sightings are common along park roads.
Day 4: Denali National Park – Take a guided bus tour into the park (shuttle or naturalist tour) for a chance to see bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. These tours are the most reliable way to spot wildlife deep in the park.
Day 5: Denali to Seward – This is a longer drive (~6–7 hours). Consider stopping at viewpoints along the way, such as Talkeetna or the Matanuska Glacier area. Overnight in Seward.
Day 6: Seward / Kenai Fjords – Book a Kenai Fjords National Park boat tour for wildlife, glaciers, and sea kayaking options. Short hikes near Seward, such as Exit Glacier Trail, are excellent for families.
Day 7: Seward to Whittier / Anchorage – Drive north to Whittier (~2 hours from Seward). If you prefer a scenic train ride, consider taking the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier or from Seward to Anchorage, then transfer to Whittier by road. You can drop the rental car in Anchorage or Whittier depending on the route. Ensure you arrive at Whittier with plenty of time for your 7:30 pm cruise boarding.

Train Options

Alaska Railroad: Anchorage to Talkeetna or Denali: Great for scenic views with options for dome cars. Consider this if you want a relaxed travel day.
Coastal train Seward to Anchorage: Stunning views of mountains, rivers, and glaciers. Combine with your Seward activities if time permits.

Whittier Access

If driving: Whittier is roughly 1.5 hours from Anchorage. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel requires paying a fee and following the one-way schedule. Rental car drop-off in Anchorage is possible if you prefer using a shuttle to Whittier.
Shuttle services: Several companies operate transfers from Anchorage to Whittier, which can be more convenient than driving on your own.

Cruise Excursion Suggestions (Family-Friendly)

Hubbard Glacier: Glacier-viewing deck, optional small boat tours or kayak trips near tidewater glaciers.
Glacier Bay: Ranger-led talks, wildlife watching (seals, whales, otters). Consider guided photography tours if interested in family-friendly learning.
Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – scenic historic train ride into the mountains. Walking tour of town for gold rush history.
Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier hike or tram to Mount Roberts for views. Whale watching tours are highly recommended for families.
Ketchikan: Creek Street walk, Totem Bight State Park, or short forest hikes. Some cruise-specific excursions offer salmon fishing experiences suitable for teens.

General Tips:

Book flightseeing tours and Kenai Fjords excursions well in advance, as June is peak season.
Layered clothing is essential; even in early June, weather can vary from chilly to mild.
For families, consider shorter hikes or split activities into half-days to avoid exhaustion.
Check tide and wildlife schedules for optimal viewing times on cruises and park visits.

With this plan, you will experience the highlights of south-central Alaska before cruising the Inside Passage. The combination of driving, short train rides, and boat tours ensures a balance of adventure and relaxation for your family.

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