A Journey Through Alaska and The Yukon

Glacier Bay, Juneau and Ketchikan: Alaska's most popular cruise ships destinations

Having been there many times on ships, I was able to really experience a lot of what Southeast Alaska has to offer. As well, for you working travelers, Alaska has a lot of opportunities for seasonal work. To call this beautiful land home for a summer would be a dream come true.

Look for opportunities to work with sled dogs, tour boats, or the National Parks. Positions become available in early spring. You can either find them on a site like coolworks or go to each of the companies you are most interested in working for and apply directly.

We also have several panoramic photos of Alaska and Yukon Territory.

Glacier Bay, Alaska - Glacier Bay National Park is located in the Southeast corner of Alaska. It is also a UNESCO world Heritage site. It wears many hats and is beautiful whether rain or shine. It is amazing to see ice that is thousands of years old finally breaking through to the sea. There are many glaciers in the park and you can find tour boats throughout the summer season

Juneau, Alaska - In Juneau, there are two great places to contemplate. The first is at The Viking. Its a bar in downtown. The second is atop Mount Roberts. You get there via a Tram that drops you off several hundred feet up the mountain. Once there you can eat or shop for souvenirs, or go hiking.

The trails on top Mount Roberts are well worn in and easy to walk. I guess you could say they have more trails than you could shake a stick at. But don't drop that stick too soon, as there are bears up there too. It is a great walk and a great activity if the Viking isn't open yet. Then when it does open there are much faster ways to get down to sea level

For the more daring person try parachuting into town. Depending on the weather, they can travel up to 12 miles down the path of the river. It is a much more scenic way down and gets you into the Viking faster than the Tram.

Haines, Alaska - When traveling to Alaska don't forget to embark on your eagle watching adventure. This is the place to observe the wild in its natural element. Up here technology ends and nature begins. On this trip we spotted two moose, two brown bear, and dozens of bald eagles.
Unfortunately, when I snapped their picture the baby moose blinked. Upon returning, I hired a local artist make a visual representation of what the picture would have looked like, had it turned out the way I experienced it.
To experience this for yourself, be sure to check out the Chilkat bald eagle raft trip next time you are in Alaska.

Juneau, Alaska - Dog Sledding in Alaska is a more traditional way to get around. Several hundred dogs live and play on glaciers in the mountains near Juneau. They work harder than any dogs I have seen and live to please there trainers. Dog sledding tours are expensive for tourists, but if you are up for an adventure they do hire seasonal employees to work and train the dogs all summer. The employees live on the glacier and care for the dogs while taking tourists on trips during the day.

Yukon Territory, Canada - Yukon Territory borders Alaska in the Northwest province of Canada. The area is very desolate but is called home by mountain goats, bears, and moose.

Rock stacking is still a bit of a mystery to many. Why do people stack rocks? What satisfaction do they get out of it? If you have some insight on this phenomenon, please, Let us know, we'd love to share your story.

Ketchikan, Alaska - Every year around August and September, adult salmon end their life journey by coming to the place of their birth to release the eggs of future salmon into creek beds and then they die. It is not pretty and it smells like dead fish throughout the lands. Perhaps if they were to smoke and flavor themselves before they die, we could all go out with crackers and chow down.

And of course, then come the bears. It is surprising to know that these bears are mainly interested in the eggs of salmon and the protein they provide. They also have no interest in humans with so much salmon pickens around. This however was not enough to get ME any closer to the bears for a photograph, so go take one yourself if you want a close up.

If you do go to Alaska and find yourself not invited back, then don't be offended.
They maintain bridges for some and burn bridges for others.

Enjoy your trip to Alaska and the Yukon. It truly is the most beautiful place in America. Be sure to check out our other photos from the Great White North.