For years, Alaska had been on my bucket list—a place of wild beauty, rugged landscapes, and untamed wilderness. But I knew that when I finally visited, I wanted to do more than cruise. After poring over countless options, I found my perfect match: a cruisetour with Holland America Line that combined the best of land and sea, taking me through Denali National Park, Canada’s Yukon Territory, and Glacier Bay National Park.
Enjoy My Alaska Adventure with my photo journal.
The Journey Begins: Anchorage and Denali National Park
Our adventure kicked off in Anchorage, where my daughter and I decided to arrive a day early, just in case of travel delays. This extra day gave us the chance to explore the city before our cruisetour officially began. We stayed at the same hotel where our group would meet the following night and took the opportunity to discover Anchorage’s charm.
Our first full day in Anchorage was a whirlwind of activity. We started by walking a portion of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, followed by a one-hour trolley tour of the city. The trolley driver, a true performer, entertained us with songs, stories, and a bit of history, and even gave us our first glimpse of Alaska’s wildlife—a momma moose and her calf tucked in the trees at Earthquake Park.
In the afternoon, we rented e-bikes and explored more of the city, including a stop for reindeer hot dogs at a park near the airport and ice cream at Wild Scoops after returning to town. That night, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Orso, savoring the last bit of Anchorage before the real adventure began.
The next morning after a quick breakfast at Snow City Cafe, we boarded the Holland America Princess train bound for Denali National Park. The glass-domed cars offered stunning views of the landscape, including a peek at Denali himself. Fun Fact: It is reported that only 30% of visitors to Denali National Park and Preserve are ever able to fully view the namesake mountain. The train host kept us entertained with tales of Alaskan history as we made our way to the McKinley Chalet Resort, our home for the next three nights. I was a bit disappointed that we did not stop in the town of Talkeetna, inspiration for “Northern Exposure’s” Cicely, Alaska, but that does leave something to include in a future trip.
Our time in Denali did not disappoint. From an evening chuckwagon dinner under the Alaskan sky to a day-long Tundra Wilderness Tour deep into the park, we were surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Our highlight was spotting Denali again, along with caribou, Dall sheep, and more.
But the adventure didn’t stop there. That evening, we flew above the Arctic Circle to visit a tiny town with just 11 year-round residents. Our host, Jack, opened his home to us, sharing how they live a subsistence lifestyle in one of the most remote places on Earth. The flight over Gates of the Arctic National Park was a dream come true, especially when our pilot, Cree, allowed me to document the moment we crossed into the park’s airspace. My Denali adventure continued the next day when I faced my fears and tried zip-lining. It was a blast, and I will absolutely go again. We kept ATV riding on our list for a future visit!
From Denali to the Yukon: A Journey Through History
After our time in Denali, we journeyed to Fairbanks, with stops along the way to admire the stunning landscapes and indulge in local treats. In Fairbanks, we explored the Gold Dredge 8, where we learned about the history of gold mining and even tried our hand at panning for gold. I was thrilled to win the group prize for collecting the most gold! The highlight for me was our tour guide at the dredge; I wish every tour guide could be as articulate and engaging as our guide that day. He packed a ton of information into a short tour and that information provided a foundation for understanding so much of what we would see over the next three days.
The next leg of our trip took us to the Yukon Territory, a place steeped in gold rush history. Dawson City felt like stepping back in time, with its dirt roads and historic buildings. We spent our days exploring the town, marveling at the tailing trails left by old mining practices and enjoying the unique charm of this remote outpost.
After Dawson City, we visited Whitehorse, where we had planned a bike tour, only to have it canceled. Instead, we took a leisurely stroll around town, soaking in the beauty of the landscape and the quiet, unhurried pace of life.
Fairbanks
Dawson City (Customs, Dawson City (with a stop at the grocery store for snacks), my tour with the historic society, Dawson City overlook), our drive to Skagway, nanaimo, Whitehorse, and Carcross.
The Final Leg: Skagway and Beyond
Our journey continued south to Skagway, where we boarded the White Pass and Yukon Railway. The historic train ride took us back almost to Carcross, offering more views of the footpaths stampeders once took on their way to the gold fields. That evening, we were treated to a local production sharing tales of the stampeders and the history of Skagway. There may have been a brief appearance by one of us on stage, dancing the can-can!
The next day’s adventure was one I’ll never forget: a dog-sledding excursion! Since we had no snow, we rode on a wheeled cart through the wilderness, guided by an expert musher, before meeting the adorable sled dog puppies. It was a thrill to experience this quintessential Alaskan activity and learn about the dogs and their training. This excursion was most meaningful to me because it was such a treat for my daughter. She loved spending time playing with the puppies.
Our final excursion before boarding the ship was the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari. This exclusive tour took us by boat to a remote area where we hiked and canoed to a glacier. The short quarter-mile hike was a bit challenging for some, with rough, uneven terrain, but the reward was worth every step. Standing before the glacier, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, was an awe-inspiring moment. After a sandwich lunch we had a few minutes to pick strawberries before our boat ride back to town to board our ship.
Sailing South: Glacier Bay and the Journey Home
Finally, we boarded Holland America Line’s Koningsdam in Skagway and set sail for Vancouver. The cruise was the perfect way to unwind after our land adventure. Glacier Bay National Park was the crown jewel of the voyage, with its towering glaciers, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. As we sailed through the park, we marveled at the beauty of Alaska’s coastline, a fitting end to an unforgettable journey.
Our cruise - The Koningsdam, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Vancouver
My Alaska Adventure
This cruisetour was everything I’d hoped for and more—a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Alaska, I highly recommend a cruisetour that takes you beyond the ship, deep into the heart of this wild and wonderful land. Whether you’re spotting wildlife in Denali, panning for gold in Fairbanks, or standing in awe before a glacier, Alaska is a place that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
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