One of the trickiest parts of planning a cruise? Choosing your excursions. There are so many to choose from, and if you leave it too late, the most popular ones can sell out before you’ve even packed your bags.
To help you out, I asked the Shore Excursions Group – one of the leading providers of cruise excursions – to find out which trips are getting booked the most. These are the tours cruisers just like you are snapping up across some of the world’s top cruise destinations.
And the top choices in Alaska? There are some surprising favourites and yet I think I would definitely like to tick all of these off my own personal bucket list!
1. White Pass Summit by Rail and Bus – Skagway
If you’re after big scenery without too much effort, this one’s hard to beat. You’ll start with a leisurely train ride up to White Pass Summit, winding through dramatic mountain passes, waterfalls, and historic Gold Rush landmarks.
Then it’s back down by bus, with a few well-placed stops for photos (including the classic “Welcome to Alaska” sign). It’s an easy-going way to soak up Skagway’s wild beauty from two different angles.a
2. Whales and Mendenhall Glacier – Juneau
This half-day tour ticks off two of Juneau’s biggest highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll start with a small-group whale watching trip on a quiet, jet-propelled boat designed to get you close without disturbing the wildlife – sightings are guaranteed.
Back on land, it’s off to Mendenhall Glacier, where you’ll have time to explore the visitor centre, take in the views, or follow a short trail to get a better look at the glacier’s face.
3. Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour – Juneau
This tour blends local culture with one of Alaska’s most famous natural landmarks. Starting in downtown Juneau, you’ll hop on a small, comfortable bus for a guided drive through the city and out toward Mendenhall Glacier.
Along the way, expect scenic views of harbours, wetlands, and maybe even wildlife. Once at the glacier, you’ll have plenty of time to explore trails, visit the interpretive centre, or just take in the views – bears and spawning salmon sometimes included.
4. Yukon Rail and Bus Adventure – Skagway
This full-day trip takes you beyond the Alaska border and deep into Yukon Territory, mixing epic scenery with a bit of quirky charm. You’ll start with a vintage train ride up to White Pass Summit, then switch to a bus for a scenic drive through Canada.
Expect photo stops at emerald lakes, tiny deserts, and historic towns – plus a stop for barbecue lunch, husky puppies, and some offbeat Yukon history along the way.
5. Helicopter Dog Sledding – Juneau
This is one of those bucket-list experiences that actually lives up to the hype. It starts with a helicopter flight over the vast Juneau Icefield, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of glowing crevasses and snow-covered peaks.
Then, you’ll land on a glacier and meet a team of huskies waiting to take you on a sled ride across the snow. You’ll even get some time with the mushers to learn how it all works – and snap a few photos with your new four-legged teammates.
6. Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan City Tour – Ketchikan
This tour offers a great mix of Ketchikan’s history, culture, and wildlife. You’ll start with a scenic drive past harbours and parks before stopping at Eagle Point, a quiet spot where bald eagles and harbor seals are often seen.
Then it’s on to Saxman Native Village to see the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles and hear the stories behind them. You’ll wrap up with a visit to historic Creek Street – once a lively red-light district, now full of charm and local colour.
7. Best of Sitka – Sitka
This small-group tour is a great way to get to know Sitka’s mix of nature, history, and culture. With just ten guests per group, you’ll explore with a local guide, starting with a scenic drive along the coast where you might spot bald eagles, deer – or even whales later in the season.
You’ll visit the Fortress of the Bear rescue centre, meet raptors at a local rehab facility, and finish at Sitka National Historical Park, where forest trails are lined with totem poles and rich stories.
8. Bennett Scenic Journey – Skagway
This relaxed day trip follows the same remote route once taken by Klondike gold seekers – but in far more comfort. You’ll travel by train through stunning mountain scenery to Lake Bennett, a spot so isolated it’s only accessible by rail or serious hikers.
There’s time to explore the old station and nearby trails before continuing on to Carcross, with a scenic drive back to Skagway that includes photo stops at Emerald Lake and other dramatic Yukon landscapes.
9. Helicopter Icefield Excursion – Juneau
This short but unforgettable tour takes you above Juneau’s massive icefields, with sweeping views of crevasses, peaks, and shimmering blue ice rivers.
After a scenic flight, you’ll land right on a glacier – your pilot-turned-guide will lead a relaxed walk across the ice, pointing out its unique features and sharing some of its natural history.
With snowshoes underfoot and endless white stretching in every direction, it’s a rare chance to stand on one of Alaska’s frozen giants.
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10. Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search – Icy Strait
Known as “Bear Island” for good reason, Chichagof has one of the highest brown bear concentrations on Earth. This small-group tour is all about flexibility – your guide will take you to the best viewing spots based on real-time bear activity.
Along the way, you’ll learn about local wildlife and Tlingit culture, and keep an eye out for eagles, deer, otters, and more. It’s a chance to explore off the beaten path, with a real possibility of seeing Alaska’s top predator in the wild.
11. Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip – Juneau
This relaxed rafting trip offers a fresh perspective on one of Alaska’s most famous glaciers. You’ll start by floating across iceberg-dotted Mendenhall Lake with views of the glacier itself, then drift down a five-mile stretch of river that winds through forested valleys and past towering mountains.
There’s a bit of splashy fun through some mild rapids, but mostly it’s about soaking up the scenery. Keep an eye out for eagles – and maybe a bear or two – along the way.
12. Glacier View Sea Kayaking – Juneau
This peaceful paddle gives you a chance to explore Juneau’s coastline from the water, just like the area’s early inhabitants once did. After a short drive and a quick lesson in kayaking basics, you’ll set off in small groups to glide along the shores of North Douglas Island.
From here, you’ll have distant but dramatic views of Mendenhall Glacier and a great chance to spot local wildlife – from bald eagles overhead to seals or even whales in the water.
13. Self-Guided Jeep to the Yukon – Skagway
This one’s all about freedom. You’ll get your own 4×4 Jeep and head off on a self-guided drive into the Yukon, following the Klondike Highway past waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wide open wilderness.
Armed with a guidebook, map, and audio narration, you can take your time at spots like Emerald Lake, Lake Bennett, and the tiny Carcross Desert. No crowds, no schedules – just you, the road, and maybe a few mountain goats along the way.
14. Zipline Adventure Park – Ketchikan
This high-flying excursion takes you into the rainforest canopy of the Tongass National Forest for a zipline course that’s more fun than fear.
After a short scenic drive, you’ll gear up and glide through the trees on seven ziplines – passing ocean views, ancient cedars, and maybe even a bald eagle or two.
There’s also a climbing tower for those wanting a bit more challenge, and a staircase with sweeping views for those who’d rather watch than dangle.
15. Yukon Dog Musher Adventure Tour – Skagway
This excursion mixes Yukon scenery with a dose of adventure and a lot of huskies. After a drive through the White Pass and into Canada, you’ll stop at Emerald Lake before arriving at Caribou Crossing for lunch and a wander through its quirky wildlife museum.
The highlight? A visit to the musher’s camp, where you’ll meet real sled dogs, learn how they train year-round, and go for a short ride in a wheeled cart led by a team of racing huskies.
16. Rainforest Walk and Totem Park (2 Hours) – Ketchikan
This gentle two-hour tour is ideal if you want to experience Ketchikan’s natural beauty without the crowds. After a short drive, you’ll take a relaxed walk through the mossy trails of the Tongass National Forest, with a guide pointing out native plants, wildlife, and cultural insights along the way.
Then it’s on to Totem Bight State Park, where towering totem poles and a traditional Clan House offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. A longer 3-hour version of this tour is also available.
17. Gold Panning and Gold Creek Salmon Bake – Juneau
Step back into Juneau’s gold rush days with a fun, hands-on panning experience at Gold Creek, led by a prospector in full 19th-century getup. You’ll learn how to pan like the old-timers – and yes, you get to keep whatever gold you find.
After striking it rich, it’s time to refuel with an open-air salmon bake in a forest setting, complete with live music, blueberry cake, and marshmallows by the fire. It’s equal parts history, food, and good fun.
Why I Use Shore Excursions Group
I love booking with Shore Excursions Group because it gives me more choice, better value, and peace of mind. Their tours are often cheaper than the cruise line’s – sometimes up to 40% – but with smaller groups and more personal experiences.
They offer a huge range of excursions worldwide, including private options, and focus on authentic, local adventures.
Most importantly, they guarantee to get you back to the ship on time – and in the incredibly rare cases where they didn’t, they’d get you to the next port and give you US $1,000 as compensation. With 24/7 support and excellent reviews, it’s a trusted way to explore beyond the ship.
Final Word
Alaska is one of those cruise destinations that really rewards getting off the ship – and with excursions like these, it’s easy to see why.
Whether you want to soar over glaciers, spot bears in the wild, or learn about Native Alaskan culture, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.
By booking with a trusted party such as Shore Excursions Group, you can enjoy top-rated experiences at great value, all with the reassurance of their return-to-ship guarantee. So if you’re heading north, don’t wait too long – the best adventures tend to book up fast!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Great info on Alaska/Canada Jenni. Thanks