Glacier Point Wilderness Adventure

Cruising along Alaska’s stunning shores and fjords offers an unmissable chance to immerse yourself in nature. Throughout our Dinogo cruise, I often remarked to my husband, Pete, that it felt as if we had awakened inside a beautiful painting, surrounded by crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery.

Choosing our shore excursions was quite a challenge. With so many options—from seaplane tours and dog sledding to nature hikes, glacier visits, and wilderness dining—it was hard to decide. Ultimately, we opted for the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari in Skagway, which promised an exciting mix of activities including hiking through a rainforest, canoeing, and getting a close-up view of a glacier.

On the morning of our arrival in Skagway, our tour commenced at 10:30 am, allowing us ample time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast aboard the ship before meeting our tour guide at the pier. After connecting with our group, we hopped onto a speedboat that would take us further into the fjord to witness the glacier and catch glimpses of local wildlife.

During our journey, our boat captain paused at one of the many waterfalls cascading into the fjord, showcasing the stunning sight of summer snowmelt flowing from the mountaintops. At the base of the falls, we spotted an adorable sea lion lounging on the shore, and I was amazed at how close we could get!

As we continued our water adventure, our guides highlighted a distant hanging glacier known as Rainbow Glacier, beautifully positioned between two mountain peaks with a magnificent waterfall pouring down in between. The sight was absolutely breathtaking, and with charming log cabins nestled among the evergreens surrounding the glacier, the entire scene resembled a fairy tale.

After about an hour on the water, we reached a rocky beach where our captain lowered a staircase for us to step onto a secluded island. There, another group of guides was ready to greet us. We took a brief break to enjoy a simple lunch of turkey sandwiches and trail mix at a picnic pavilion, surrounded by vibrant fields of purple fireweed.

Once our quick snack was finished, we hopped onto a vintage school bus to venture deeper into the woods, bringing us closer to Davidson Glacier. During the ride, our guides shared fascinating insights about the area, including the names of the flowers we spotted (that's how I learned about the fireweed) and the bear sightings nearby. The guides were entertaining, sharing jokes and stories, clearly enjoying their summer experience on the island.

The bus dropped us off at a trailhead where we were given soft rubber boots and waterproof jackets, perfect for the upcoming glacier visit. Surprisingly, the boots were comfortable, and the trail was easy to follow. A short walk through the forest led us to wooden canoes waiting on the shore of a fast-moving river, which we later discovered flowed directly from the glacier.

The rubber boots did a great job of keeping our feet dry as we stepped into the canoes and paddled into the river. Once we reached the middle, our guide took over, starting the motor so we could sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.

The river’s course shifts often, so the guides never know how close we’ll get to the glacier until we arrive. Luckily for us, the river had changed course, allowing us to dock the canoes and walk right up to Davidson Glacier. We even got to touch it! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the highlight of our entire cruise!

TIP: Outdoor excursions are a must when cruising through Alaska! Be sure to check out the activities at each port and plan your budget for the ones that catch your interest.
Recommended For: Adventure Seekers
Duration: 6.5 Hours
Highlights: Waterfalls, Wildlife, Forests, and Glaciers
Activities: Fjord Cruising, Hiking, Canoeing