Updated 04.15.2013
Canoes motor close to the face of Davidson Glacier
Active travelers cruising through Alaska should put this cruise excursion on their “must do” list.
When cruise ships dock in Skagway, many passengers board the White Pass Railway for a train ride to the top of White Pass. While the scenic journey is beautiful, a speedcat ride to Glacier Point combines a fast boat ride with a canoeing adventure that takes baby boomers close to “wild” Alaska at the face of Davidson Glacier.
Alan and I tried this adventure provided by Chilkat Guides Ltd, when Regent Seven Seas Mariner stopped in Skagway during a mid-September Alaskan cruise. The 7-hour journey began on a high-speed jet catamaran for an approximately 1-hour ride to Glacier Point. Traveling through Alaska’s deepest fjord, we watched for whales, porpoises and glaciers of all types as one of Chilkat’s knowledgeable guides provided commentary.
At Glacier Point, the group boarded a school bus to be transported to the staging area, where boats and waterproof clothing are provided for guests. Along the way, we observed old versus new growth of the temperate rainforest as the glacier continues to retreat.
Geared up for the ride to Davidson Glacier
After gearing up, we hiked a quarter of a mile through the rainforest to the river’s edge, where 30 ft. motorized canoes waited to transport us to Davidson Glacier. Once in the canoe, our group paddled the river for a while before Jennifer, our guide, started the canoe’s motor. The process of rowing kept us warm as chilly winds began to whip the cold, glacier-fed waters. Turning the motor back on, Jennifer passed back and forth in front of the face of the glacier, providing equal views to all of the photographers onboard, as well as educating the group about glacial activity.
Davidson Glacier close up
On the catamaran ride back to Skagway, we enjoyed a box lunch plus bottled water. Guides continued to share their knowledge about the area.
This is one of the best cruise excursions that Alan and I have ever taken. The exhilarating experience provided a brief glimpse of “wild” Alaska. And, no helicopter or plane tours marred the sounds of water rushing from Davidson Glacier or the wind’s whistle as it blew across the ice.
Have you cruised to Skagway? Post a comment to share your excursion experience. Can you guess where this conversation is heading? Alan wants to take an Alaskan road trip.
To read more about my first week sailing in Alaska, read “Dispatches from Donna” at Luxury Cruise Bible.
A boomer travel and lifestyle authority who is exploring the world one activity at a time. Besides writing and publishing My Itchy Travel Feet, she also writes about boomer travel for My Well-Being Powered by Humana, Make It Missoula and is the author of My Itchy Travel Feet: Breathtaking Adventure Vacation Ideas.
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Since 2008, we've published articles and photographs focusing solely on travel for boomers: where to go, what to do and how to do it.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh man, I am SO green with envy – about everything but the cold. You look WAY too bundled up for September.
Twitter: frugalkiwi
September 22, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Wow, that first photo by the glacier is spectacular!
I want to take the Alaska Highway, and am storing all your comments about side excursions that we can build in.
Canoeing near a glacier sounds superb. There is something truly mesmerising about glaciers – their power, their graceful slow movement, their staggering size, their subtle blue colourings – not sure what it is.
What an amazing adventure!
Donna, I too am a bit jealous of your excursion and trip! Be safe, live well.
Did you talk to the glacier and ask it to stop melting? Tell it to be cool? What a great trip!!! I'm jealous.
Did you talk to the glacier and ask it to stop melting? Tell it to be cool? What a great trip!!! I'm jealous.
Since your blog title has your foot in the pic, you should try to get pics of all your tours and travels with your foot (bare or not) in a pic…LOL