Alaska Side Trips

While a cruise to Alaska provides breathtaking views of the coastline, probably the most fascinating destinations in the state await onshore. The best way to see these places is to require a side trip a couple of hours or maybe a day while your ship is within port. In case your ship docks at Whittier, as an example, you possibly can rent a motor vehicle or make reservations that has a private shuttle plan to take that you numerous well-known sights in the area.



Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Lower than four miles from Whittier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center focuses on wildlife rehabilitation and public education. The guts treats injured or orphaned native animals -- including moose, grizzly bears, eagles and caribou -- then releases them to the wild or offers them permanent homes at the Center or another facility. Website visitors to the middle can take walking around the reasons, find out about the wildlife and view the animals in natural, enclosed environments. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is open seven days per week, year round -- except in January and February in the event the Center is open on weekends only. Discount rates are obtainable to seniors, active duty military and commercial tour groups.

Portage Glacier Cruises
Portage Glacier is really a favorite Alaska destination automobile close proximity to both Whittier and Anchorage, the just an hour's turn back. Take a cruise towards calving glacier about the only boat that operates on Portage Lake, "mv Ptarmigan," an 80-foot vessel by having an enclosed, heated cabin and large windows for extensive viewing from the surroundings. Narrated by way of a representative of the U.S. Forest Service, cruises last approximately sixty minutes. Extend your tour with the glacial area having a hike within the Portage Pass Trail, or visit the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center to determine the glacial science exhibits. Cruises in 2011 are scheduled from May 19 through September 18 and depart several times each day.

Alaska Native Heritage Center
Positioned in northeast Anchorage, The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a place where visitors can read about the history and heritage of Alaska's 11 indigenous cultural groups. Inside you will see expansive collections of native tools, drums, watercraft, artwork along with historical components of the museum's Hall of Cultures, observe native Alaskan dancing, games and feats of strength inside the Gathering Place, or watch cultural films from the theatre. Outside you are able to tour authentic, life-sized native dwellings nestled across the shore of adjacent Lake Tiulana. The Alaskan Native Heritage Center is open only over the summer seasonn and provides discounted prices to residents, families and tour groups.