Time in Ports

[Newbietoo]

We're on an upcoming cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and have booked shore excursions in every port..Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Straits, Juneau.  While those will certainly keep us busy, what else is there to do in each town?  We're not looking to do any more excursions, but wondering if we would have time to stroll around and take in the areas.  Any thoughts, how much time should we anticipate we would need?

[wgeo]

There are tons of things to do in most of the towns (not a huge amount in Icy Strait) but to really answer your question you're going to need to say which excursions you've already booked and how long you have in port each day.  Some excursions can be 2 hours long and some can be 7, so it all depends.

[geoherb]

In Ketchikan, you can walk over to Creek Street. If there's time, continue your walking up the Married Man's Trail. In Juneau, you could tour the capitol, the Alaska State Museum, or just stop by the Red Dog Saloon for a drink. In Skagway, you could walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls.

[KansCocoa]

We like to check out the local pubs & restaurants when we visit each port - have a quick drink/snack, etc and take in the local ambiance. There’s ALWAYS souvenir shops located next to ports, so you should have time to pop in and shop for trinkets or gifts to take back home. Be sure to look for the “Made in Alaska” logo to insure you’re getting a true local product, and supporting local artists. There should be short little walking trails and/or hikes close by - great for photo opportunities. Have fun! 

[capriccio]

Ketchikan:  Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is located steps away from the docks and near Creek Street (https://www.alaskacenters.gov/visitors-centers/ketchikan)

 

Skagway:  Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center located in 'downtown' Skagway has ranger walks, exhibitions, etc. (https://www.nps.gov/klgo/index.htm)

 

 

[Eileen G]

If you're walking around Juneau stop by this life sized statue of a humpback whale in a small park along the water at the bridge to Douglas Island.

 

 

 

We were returning from Douglas Island when we saw it. We had never seen any pictures of it and weren't aware of it being there.