Viking cruise Seaward to Vancouver in September

Question

What highlights should we see for sure. Are restaurants recommended at the port of calls? Any other suggestions?

Answer

A Viking cruise from Seward to Vancouver in September offers an incredible mix of Alaska’s natural beauty and British Columbia’s vibrant coastal cities. Here’s a detailed guide to highlights, dining suggestions, and additional tips.

Alaska Highlights:

Glacier Viewing: Kenai Fjords National Park is stunning. Look out for tidewater glaciers like Aialik Glacier and the surrounding fjords. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting.
Wildlife Watching: Expect to see whales, sea otters, seals, puffins, and bald eagles along the route. Early mornings often give the best sightings.
Seward: If your cruise begins here, consider a short visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center or a scenic hike along the Resurrection Trail.
Juneau: Optional excursions include the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tours, or a tram ride up Mount Roberts for panoramic views.
Skagway: Explore the historic gold rush town, take the White Pass & Yukon Route scenic train, or enjoy a short guided hike.
Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” visit Totem Bight State Historical Park, Creek Street, or take a rainforest canopy tour.

Vancouver Highlights:

Stanley Park: Iconic seawall walk or bike ride with city skyline and coastal views.
Granville Island: Public market, artisan shops, and local eats; a great way to explore the city’s culinary scene.
Capilano Suspension Bridge: Scenic, slightly adventurous, and offers stunning forest views.
Gastown: Historic district with cobblestone streets, shops, and the famous Steam Clock.

Dining Recommendations:

At port calls, the cruise may offer optional excursions that include meals, which can be convenient. However, local restaurants are often excellent and give a true taste of the area:

Seward: Ray’s Waterfront or The Cookery for fresh seafood.
Juneau: Tracy’s King Crab Shack for Alaskan crab or Salt for fine dining.
Skagway: Skagway Brewing Company or The Red Onion Saloon for historic ambiance.
Ketchikan: Annabelle’s or Bar Harbor Seafood for fresh catches and local specialties.
Vancouver: Try local seafood at Blue Water Cafe, casual eats at Granville Island Public Market, or sushi along Robson Street.

Additional Suggestions:

Bring layered clothing—September can be cool, rainy, or sunny; deck time for glacier and wildlife viewing is best with waterproof jackets.
Binoculars and camera with zoom lens for wildlife.
Consider booking at least one shore excursion per port to make the most of your stops, especially for glaciers and wildlife.
Check tide schedules if planning kayaking or wildlife shore excursions—high tide often brings the best sightings.
Onboard lectures and presentations often provide excellent context about the history, geology, and wildlife of Alaska and British Columbia, enhancing the cruise experience.

Overall, focus on glaciers, wildlife, and a few key shore excursions in Alaska, and allow time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Dining locally at ports can be a fun complement to the cruise meals, but it’s optional depending on timing and mobility.

Viking cruise Seaward to Vancouver in September

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions