Tucked away in the heart of Alaska's wilderness, Tenakee Springs is a charming and intimate village that exudes a sense of peaceful seclusion. Accessible by boat or seaplane, this picturesque hamlet is known for its soothing natural hot springs, which offer a rejuvenating experience amidst the stunning backdrop of towering forests and glistening waters. With no roads and a small population, Tenakee Springs offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and embrace the simple pleasures of nature. Visitors can explore the quaint boardwalks, engage in friendly conversations with locals, and partake in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Tenakee Springs captures the essence of remote Alaskan living, providing a tranquil retreat for those seeking solace in the lap of untamed beauty.
The largest of the Alaskan ABC Islands, Chichagof is reputed to have the largest concentration of brown bears in Alaska. There are four settlements on the island, the biggest by far being Hoonah from where you can experience interesting tours. These include coastal kayak tours, whale watching and bear searching tours. It is wisest to be accompanied by an experienced guide when venturing into the wilderness from the city. The island is rich in culture and a cultural tour will leave lasting impression. Dining options here are not of the fine dining variety but wholesome and flavoursome.
The first alphabetically of Alaska’s ABC Islands, Admiralty is home to more bears than humans, and more bald eagles than bears. A prime activity on the island is watching brown bears interacting in their natural habitat from safe observation posts in the pack creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, for which a permit is easily obtained. Main activities on the island include hiking, cycling, back-packing, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking in fjords, white-water rafting and snorkelling. If you plan on spending some time on the island, cabins in the wild can be rented from the Forest Service. There are no restaurants on the island and it is best to get provisions from Juneau if necessary.
Pybus Bay captivates with its stunning natural beauty and remote tranquility. Encircled by lush forests and framed by towering peaks, this bay offers a serene escape into the heart of the Last Frontier. Pybus Bay is renowned for its remarkable fjords, where gleaming glaciers descend to meet the emerald waters, creating a breathtaking tableau of ice and sea. Adventurers can explore its pristine shores, observing diverse marine life and avian species, while kayakers navigate its calm waters, soaking in the awe-inspiring surroundings. With its untamed landscapes and the occasional echoing crack of calving glaciers, Pybus Bay provides an enchanting gateway to the unspoiled wilderness that defines the Alaskan experience.
Endicott Arm, located in Southeast Alaska is an ideal yachting destination for guests looking for a great outdoor adventure. With views of the majestic Tracy Arm Fjord, guests can marvel at the towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. The area features an abundance of wildlife sightings including sea lions, orcas, porpoises and bald eagles, along with fishing opportunities for halibut and salmon. Guests can explore the caves and kayak the endless bays, or stroll the ash-covered shoreline; the possibilities for exploration around Endicott Arm are endless. Those more comfortable staying on the boat have the options of cruising around Endicott Arm, anchoring off shore, or visiting the local marina located nearby. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous one, Endicott Arm is the perfect destination.
The Tracy Arm fjord is accessible only by boat or seaplane. It is a wonderful place to visit and should be included in any charter in the region. It is a place to view some marvels of nature from the water, surrounded by mountain peaks and waterfalls. Apart from the two glaciers, North and South Sawyer which are major spectacles themselves, you will see much land and marine life. On land you will probably see bears, wolves, deer and goats. Because the ice interferes with whales’ communication, it is a good spot for seals to have their pups. Above these spectacles you will see majestic eagles and other minor birdlife flying around. The glacier is live, in that it is flowing and “calving” or losing pieces of ice into the water. You will enjoy the stillness and the sounds of the ice if the boat’s engines are turned off. A loud and memorable crash normally accompanies larger pieces of ice hitting the water. In the water and on the ice flows you may see whales, orcas and seals of various sizes.
At the Alaskan end of the Inside Passage, lies Juneau, the capital city of Alaska. The nutrients provided by the glaciers attract humpback whales and orcas which are a must see. Water activities include water-skiing, kayaking, and rafting which is also a good way of sight-seeing along the coast. Bear viewing tours, dog sledding and ziplining are also on offer. Nearby Mount Roberts provides excellent views and can be ascended either on foot or by tram. The Juneau Icefield is a massive area of ice which is best explored by trekking or flightseeing. If you’ve had enough of the outdoors, the Alaska State Museum is well worth a visit.