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Itinerary help

We had plans to take cruise southbound but had to cancel (my son immunocompromised) so decided to explore on our own.

we r interested in seeing BEARS , GLACIERS, BIRDING & Marine life & maybe on railroad  …

( Prefer to avoid rental car but if necessary then will go for it )

Need create 7 days itinerary but not sure where star or end

1. For above options is Central Alaska or southeast Alaska a better option ? I assume southeast will be more costly ..

2. If southeast I have planned to fly from SFO to Juneau - maybe 2 days ( mendahall glacier & whale

Then Glacier bay from Juneau ( 1-2days )- ferry?

3. I see options for bear sightings at Ketchikan , Anan creek . Is that an option from Glacier bay ? Any other place to see bears ?

4. Prefer Skagway for train ride

Can change to Central Alaska if that’s better option for our must sees .

Pls help how to create the itinerary. Open to ferry and flying combo if that saves time. 

Planning a 7-day Alaska itinerary focused on bears, glaciers, birding, marine life, and a scenic train ride is very doable, especially in Southeast Alaska. Given your preferences and desire to minimize rental car use, a combination of flights, ferries, and local tours is the most practical approach. Central Alaska is great for wildlife and Denali, but seeing marine life and coastal bears is better in Southeast Alaska. Southeast will generally be more expensive, but it aligns well with your interests.

Here’s a suggested 7-day Southeast Alaska itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Juneau – Fly from SFO to Juneau. Check into your accommodation and explore downtown Juneau. If time allows, visit the local harbor for initial wildlife viewing or take a short scenic walk.
  • Day 2: Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching – Morning visit to Mendenhall Glacier for easy hiking and photo ops. Afternoon whale-watching tour from Juneau to see humpback whales and other marine life. Optional evening birdwatching at local trails.
  • Day 3–4: Glacier Bay National Park – Take a day or overnight cruise/ferry into Glacier Bay from Juneau. This area is rich in marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds, and offers stunning glaciers. You can choose a guided tour boat that does bear-viewing along the coast if available.
  • Day 5: Ferry to Ketchikan – Travel via Alaska Marine Highway ferry or flight to Ketchikan. Spend the afternoon exploring town or visiting local cultural sites.
  • Day 6: Anan Creek Bear Viewing – Take a guided tour from Ketchikan to Anan Creek for bear viewing. This is one of the most reliable sites for observing coastal brown bears fishing for salmon. Alternatively, you can explore nearby Tracy Arm Fjord for glaciers and wildlife.
  • Day 7: Skagway and White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – Travel by ferry or flight to Skagway. Take the scenic train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, enjoying dramatic mountain views and historic sites. Overnight in Skagway or return to Juneau depending on your flight schedule.

Additional Notes & Tips:

  • Flying between Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway saves significant time versus ferry-only travel, though ferries are scenic and part of the experience.
  • If you are comfortable with a rental car, it gives flexibility in Juneau and Ketchikan, but local tours can handle most sightseeing.
  • Bear sightings are most reliable in Southeast Alaska along streams and fjords in late June to early August. Anan Creek is excellent, as are certain guided trips near Ketchikan and Glacier Bay shorelines.
  • Booking whale-watching and bear-viewing tours well in advance is recommended for June–July.
  • Consider combining ferry and flight legs to optimize sightseeing and reduce travel time on the water.

Alternative Central Alaska option:

  • Anchorage base, day trips north to Denali National Park for wildlife, moderate hikes, and possible bear sightings (coastal bears less common here).
  • Flightseeing tours for glaciers around Talkeetna or Mount Denali.
  • Marine life viewing is limited, so Southeast Alaska remains superior for whales and coastal bears.

Overall, for your interests in coastal bears, glaciers, marine life, and the scenic train, Southeast Alaska with a Juneau → Glacier Bay → Ketchikan → Skagway sequence maximizes wildlife experiences while minimizing driving. Central Alaska is better if your focus shifts to interior wildlife and Denali.

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