INSIDE PASSAGE HIGHLIGHTS Alaska’s capital, Juneau, has no roads leading in or out. Instead, you’ll travel by by plane, ferry, or cruise ship to reach this beautiful, verdant city. Nestled by two mountains and the Gastineau Channel, Juneau has a special charm thanks to its surrounding natural beauty, nearby Mendenhall Glacier, and Alaska Native arts and culture. WANDER JUNEAU EMBARK ON A BOAT TOUR Petersburg’s Norwegian history is evident in the rosemaling painted on homes and shops. Founded by Norwegian fishermen who took advantage of glacier ice to preserve salmon, this photogenic town is a great base for a day trip out to the massive LeConte Glacier or to watch migrating humpback whales. STROLL THROUGH SITKA ENCOUNTER GOLD RUSH HISTORY Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka’s wealth of culture and history remains. The Tlingit have called Sitka home for thousands of years, and you can experience this vibrant culture in the town’s museums, cultural centers, and the beautiful Sitka National Historical Park. Wilderness, rugged coastline, and remote island cabins are part of this port town’s charm. Alaska’s most southern major settlement, Ketchikan has a colorful Gold Rush and Prohibition history, memorialized on the boardwalked Creek Street. Great hiking abounds, and a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument is a must-do. State of AK/Jocelyn Pride (totem pole) CATCH GLACIERS CRASHING INTO THE SEA Calving tidewater glaciers, bears meandering along the shore, and steep mountains diving into the fjords: Glacier Bay National Park is a stunner. Most folks visit by cruise ship, but a day trip from Gustavus or Bartlett Cove is easy for the independent traveler. TRAVELALASKA.COM 27
Alaska Official State Vacation Planner 2024: Page 27
