There’s no better way to see some of the “real” Alaska than by ferry. The ferry maintains an extensive route network in Southeast Alaska, or the “Inside Passage”. I snapped this shot between Wrangell and Petersburg:
Check out some of the new options:
a. Golden Circle Route. This summer, the m/v Malaspina sails each day between Juneau, Haines and Skagway. It’s a great opportunity to build a road trip through the Yukon, including these two cities. Stop off in Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory. Visit Haines Junction in the midst of the Yukon’s wilderness. Here are the times for the Malaspina this summer:
Leave Skagway: 7:00 am.
Leave Haines: 9:00 am.
Arrive Juneau: 1:30 pm.
—
Leave Juneau: 4:30 pm.
Leave Haines: 10:00 pm.
Arrive Skagway: 11:00 pm.
It’s important, especially in the summer, to make your reservations for your car/RV early. The Malaspina has room for 88 standard-size vehicles. Remember, the Alaska Marine Highway is an “All American Road”. Sail this summer on the ferry and find out why!
b. Prince Rupert. This summer, Prince Rupert is the ferry’s most convenient southern terminus. Plus, there is a 10 percent discount on Prince Rupert sailings through Sept. 30! The Columbia still sails once each week from Bellingham north to Ketchikan and Juneau–but it’s tough to get space for your car or RV. Every other day, either the Taku or the Matanuska sails from Prince Rupert north to Ketchikan and points beyond. Prince Rupert is a 1,000-mile drive from Seattle. Or, it’s a 1,300-mile drive from Great Falls, MT on a route that includes three national parks: Glacier National Park on the U.S.-Canada border, then Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Train lovers also can take Canada’s VIA rail from Prince Rupert to Jasper. You’ll need to book a hotel room in Prince George–it’s part of the trip.
Here’s a shot of the M/V Tustemena as it sails from Kodiak (courtesy Marion Owen!). I love these ships.
c. See Alaska Pass. Save up to 25 percent when you sail northbound or southbound between Prince Rupert, BC and Haines/Skagway. Make up to three stops–the See Alaska Pass is open-ended. Explore Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau or Haines for just $160! If you want to book a cabin or take a vehicle, you can add those features at the regular prices.
Share this Post
