The 4 Best Walks & Hikes for Cruise Passengers

1.Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145Our pick

You’ll hike 2 miles through rainforest on the Chilkoot Trail, climb about 300 feet, then float the Taiya River for 40 minutes. Guides such as Danny, Owen, Rachel, and Dominic add local stories, plant knowledge, and Klondike history. Expect a moderate, wet-weather outing with port pickup and snacks.

“We really enjoyed our hike and float with Skagway Float Tours and highly recommend for an excursion. The experience was exactly as described and Erin was a great guide and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the area, the trees, various fungi, lichen, and berries we encountered along the way. I thought the hike was only moderately difficulty in some places, but the poles they provided did come in handy. They also provide boots for the float and dry bags for both shoes and backpacks.”

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2.From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · 4 hours · from $146

Meet your English-speaking guide near Olden pier, ride through Olden Valley, then hike about 45 to 60 minutes each way toward Briksdal Glacier. Expect steep sections, waterfall spray, cold mountain air, and time for photos. Guides may include Sam, Anna, Alyssa, or Elisabet.

“Fabulous day with gorgeous scenery!! Guide was patient friendly and knowledgeable.”

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3.Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $402

You paddle 5 to 6 miles across Mendenhall Lake toward Mendenhall Glacier, then walk about 2 miles on rocky ground near its edge. Above and Beyond Alaska supplies boots, rain gear, paddling equipment, snacks, water, and guides. The outing lasts about 5.5 hours.

“Paddling was hard work so that I got arm muscle pain for next three days. But the guides are very kind and skillful, making sure our safety on glacier. This tour is definitely the highlight of my Alaska trip!”

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4.Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $234

Hike from Juneau through Tongass rainforest and steep bedrock to a Mendenhall Glacier viewpoint. Your English-speaking guide provides rain gear, a backpack, water, snacks, and permits. This small-group outing covers roughly 7 to 8 miles and does not promise walking on the glacier itself.

“My boyfriend and I got incredibly lucky and this trek turned out to be the highlight of our trip to Alaska, though our experience was a bit unique. We were originally set to hike with 5 other travelers, but when we met the guides in the morning they informed everyone that due to very poor weather conditions, we likely wouldn't make it to the glacier they offered everyone the option to cancel with a full refund. After a pretty convincing you-should-probably-cancel pitch from one of the guides, who we think may have been exaggerating a bit the other 5 travelers canceled and we ended up with a de-facto private tour…”

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