Unforgettable Alaska: The Top Excursions That Make Your Cruise Truly Magical

 

Excursions in Alaska – Ketchikan & Skagway Adventures

 

Alaska is one of those destinations that lingers in your heart long after you leave. Known for its vast wilderness, dramatic fjords, snowcapped peaks, and incredible wildlife, it’s a place where every turn feels like stepping into a postcard. At over half a million square miles, it’s the largest U.S. state—and yet one of the least populated, making it feel rugged, raw, and untouched. Nearly half of America’s entire coastline belongs to Alaska, which explains why cruising is one of the best ways to experience it all.

Unlike other destinations where you cruise for the ship, in Alaska you cruise for the destination itself. Ships glide through the famous Inside Passage, where towering mountains rise on either side, waterfalls tumble down cliffs, and you might spot whales breaching or bald eagles soaring overhead. It’s a humbling reminder of how wild and majestic our planet can be.

But the real magic happens when you step off the ship. Shore excursions transform your Alaska cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They bring history to life, give you a taste of the local culture, and let you see landscapes up close in ways you simply can’t from the deck.

Two excursions, in particular, stand out as unforgettable highlights: the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway. Both are very different experiences—one lighthearted and interactive, the other historic and awe-inspiring—but together, they capture the soul of Alaska.

 

1. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – Ketchikan

Ketchikan is often the first stop on an Inside Passage cruise, and it sets the tone beautifully. Known as Alaska’s “First City,” it’s a charming town with colorful buildings perched along the waterfront, a vibrant arts scene, and the largest collection of totem poles in the world. But perhaps its most famous attraction is also its most entertaining: the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Just steps from the cruise pier, this action-packed, family-friendly event is equal parts history, competition, and comedy. Imagine world-class lumberjacks squaring off in contests of strength, speed, and skill, with the audience cheering them on every step of the way.

Some of the events you’ll see include:

• Axe Throwing – Watch as competitors hurl axes with pinpoint accuracy.
• Log Rolling – Two lumberjacks balancing on a floating log, spinning it beneath their feet until one splashes into the water.
• Speed Climbing – Athletes race up 50-foot poles in seconds, then free-fall back down.
• Chopping & Sawing – Seven-pound axes and six-foot saws make quick (and thrilling) work of massive logs.
• Chainsaw Stunts – Modern tools rev up the energy as logs are sliced and shaped in seconds.

The best part? It’s Canada vs. the U.S., and the audience gets to pick sides. Expect lots of playful banter, laughter, and a chance to root for your team while jeering the opponents. The energy is contagious, and the humor makes it just as fun for kids as it is for adults.

But the show isn’t just about entertainment—it also tells the story of Ketchikan’s logging past. For much of its history, logging was the backbone of the economy in Southeast Alaska. Seeing these skills performed live, with traditional tools and techniques, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once depended on them.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Lumberjack Show:

• The show lasts about an hour, making it easy to pair with other excursions in Ketchikan.
• It’s a great option if the weather is rainy (and in Ketchikan, it often is!).
• Book early—it’s one of the most popular excursions in port.
• Don’t forget to stay after the show to meet the lumberjacks and snap a photo.

 If you’re looking for something lively, unique, and completely Alaskan, the Lumberjack Show is a must.

 

2. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway – Skagway

While Ketchikan delights with laughter, Skagway takes you deep into Alaska’s dramatic past. Once the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway was a boomtown that saw tens of thousands of prospectors flood in, chasing dreams of striking it rich. Today, its historic wooden boardwalks and preserved buildings still whisper of that era—but nothing tells the story quite like a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

This narrow-gauge railroad was built in 1898, at the height of the Gold Rush. Constructed against incredible odds, it climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, cutting through cliffs and valleys that once defeated even the most determined fortune seekers. It’s considered an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, on par with the Panama Canal and Eiffel Tower.

From the comfort of restored vintage railcars, you’ll set out on a breathtaking three-hour roundtrip journey. The train departs right from the cruise dock, rising from sea level in Skagway to the White Pass Summit and beyond into Fraser, British Columbia.

Along the way, you’ll pass:

• Waterfalls tumbling down sheer rock faces
• Glacier-carved valleys blanketed with greenery in summer
• Narrow tunnels carved through mountains
• Trestle bridges that seem to hang impossibly over the cliffs
• Panoramic views of jagged peaks and deep ravines

Onboard narration shares stories of the Gold Rush stampeders, many of whom braved these very same routes on foot, burdened with heavy loads and dreams of riches. The scenery is stunning, but it’s the combination of history and landscape that makes the ride so powerful.

 

Who Will Love This Excursion:

• History buffs fascinated by the Gold Rush era
• Nature lovers eager for some of the best mountain views in Alaska
• Photographers looking for dramatic landscapes
• Anyone who wants a relaxing yet unforgettable way to explore Alaska’s interior

 

Things to Know Before You Go:

• The ride is about three hours. Complimentary bottled water is included.
• The train cars have old-style charm, including vintage details and basic restrooms.
• Photos can be tricky through glass windows—step onto the small outdoor platforms for the best shots.
• If you’re afraid of heights, be prepared for some thrilling (and slightly nerve-wracking) moments.

For those who want more than just the train, the Best of Skagway excursion adds even more to the day. After your rail journey, a motorcoach takes you to The Lookout for sweeping valley and glacier views. You’ll then head to the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, a recreated 1898 tent city where you’ll enjoy a delicious salmon bake buffet and fun Gold Rush reenactments. Finally, the adventure ends with champagne and storytelling at the historic Red Onion Saloon, where costumed guides share tales (and even a few ghost stories) during a tour of the upstairs Brothel Museum.

 The White Pass & Yukon Route is more than an excursion—it’s a journey into the past and a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.

 

When Is the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?

Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April to early October, with the most popular months being June through August. Each has its perks:

• May & September: Fewer crowds, lower prices, and vibrant spring/fall colors.
• June to August: Warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and the best chance for wildlife sightings.

If your heart is set on excursions like the Lumberjack Show or White Pass Railway, rest assured—they run throughout the season. Just be prepared for changing weather and pack layers, no matter when you go.

 

Final Thoughts

An Alaskan cruise is unlike any other trip you’ll ever take. The scenery alone—towering glaciers, snowcapped mountains, endless coastline—is reason enough to go. But what transforms the journey into something truly unforgettable are the excursions.

In Ketchikan, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show delivers fun, laughter, and a playful taste of history. In Skagway, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway transports you through breathtaking landscapes while immersing you in the drama of the Gold Rush. Together, they capture two very different but equally magical sides of Alaska.

Whether you’re traveling for the history, the adventure, or simply the chance to soak in some of the world’s most beautiful views, Alaska will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

 Tip: These excursions are extremely popular—book them in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your time in port.

 

Why Excursions Matter

An Alaska cruise without excursions is like watching a movie with the sound turned off. The landscapes are jaw-dropping, but excursions let you engage with the culture, history, and people that make this place so special. From small-town experiences like the Lumberjack Show to world-class engineering marvels like the White Pass Railway, each one adds depth and richness to your journey.

In the next part of this series, we’ll cover tips for planning your Alaska cruise—how to choose excursions, what to pack, and the little details that can make or break your trip. https://www.globaltraveldesigns.com/BlogPosts/view/ultimate-alaska-cruise-guide-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-go