Specific Alaska Excursion ?'s

[yogagal47]

We are on Shadow Voyage 3913, a 9 day r.t Vancouver. We definitely want to do a helicopter trip to a glacier where we can walk around. There are trips offered in both Juneau and Skagway but we can't decide which would be better. Also in Ketchikan we are considering the "Misty Fjords Wild Explorer" or the "Misty Fjords Floatplane" trip.

Finally, we were thinking about the JEt boat whale watching when we visit Victoria as that was rec. on this board but friends we are traveling with suggested private wine tasting tour. Perhaps we could do the whale watching in another port?

We are going to Wrangell but it will be too early for bears so we like the sound of the trip up the Stikine River.

I would appreciated any input as these are rather expensive excursions so we want to choose carefully. Thanks!

[tupper10]

On these boards you should go to the Alaska message board site where people talk about the various expeditions. We did flight seeing and loved it but passed on the helicopter rides since we had seen the glaciers on an overland trip. In my humble opinion wine tasting is not what you want to be doing in Alaska you are there to see the scenery and the wildlife. I would take the excursion that actually lets you hike on the glacier - since it is incredible to see it up close. You also want to see whales, other sea mammals and the fabulous birds. I don't think you can go wrong on any thing you pick.

[yogagal47]

Found this company http://www.northstartrekking.com/content/

that runs glacier heli-treks out of Juneau and decided to book independently as SS offers only the equivalent of Northstar's level 1 trip. We signed up for the level 3 which offers a more challenging experience with the maximum amount of time spent on the glacier. They get rave reviews on the Alaska board.

[tupper10]

It sounds great - I find the boards very helpful and have used the recommendations to plan my excursions vs using the ship ones. I looked at your trip and I am impressed - wow rock climbing on the glacier it should be incredible.