What Are Best Shore Excursionson Viking Orion Alaska Cruise

The Viking Orion Alaska cruise offers some of the most unforgettable shore excursions in the world, blending natural wonders with cultural immersion. From glacier trekking in Juneau to whale watching in Ketchikan, these expertly guided tours bring Alaska’s wild beauty to life in safe, enriching ways.

Key Takeaways

• Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tours offer close-up views of ice formations and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
• Skagway’s White Pass & Yukon Route Railway provides a historic journey through rugged mountain terrain with panoramic views.
• Ketchikan’s Totem Heritage Center and Misty Fjords flightseeing deliver rich Native Alaskan culture and aerial views of untouched wilderness.
• Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising and kayaking allows for intimate encounters with one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers.
• Wildlife-focused excursions like bear viewing and birdwatching highlight Alaska’s diverse ecosystems.
• Viking’s small-group, expert-led tours ensure personalized experiences with knowledgeable guides.
• Excursions are designed for all activity levels, from easy walks to moderate hikes, making them accessible to most travelers.

Why the Viking Orion Alaska Cruise Stands Out

The Viking Orion is more than just a ship—it’s a floating gateway to one of the most spectacular regions on Earth. Designed for comfort and exploration, this mid-sized vessel carries fewer than 950 guests, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed cruise experience. Unlike larger ships that can feel crowded or impersonal, the Viking Orion offers spacious public areas, elegant Scandinavian-inspired décor, and a focus on enrichment and discovery.

What truly sets the Viking Orion apart, however, is its carefully curated shore excursions. These aren’t just generic bus tours or crowded group outings. Instead, Viking partners with local experts and adventure specialists to offer immersive, educational, and awe-inspiring experiences. Whether you’re standing on a glacier, spotting a breaching whale, or learning about Tlingit culture from a tribal elder, each excursion is designed to deepen your connection to Alaska’s wild landscapes and rich heritage.

Alaska is a destination that demands more than just a quick photo op. It’s a place of raw beauty, dramatic weather shifts, and incredible biodiversity. The best shore excursions on the Viking Orion Alaska cruise are those that let you slow down, look closely, and truly absorb the majesty of this frontier. From the icy grandeur of glaciers to the quiet wisdom of Indigenous communities, these tours offer a rare chance to experience Alaska not as a tourist, but as a respectful visitor.

Top Shore Excursions in Juneau: Glaciers, Whales, and Gold Rush History

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is accessible only by air or sea, which adds to its remote, adventurous charm. Nestled between towering mountains and the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is a gateway to some of the state’s most iconic natural attractions. The Viking Orion typically docks here for a full day, giving passengers ample time to explore.

Mendenhall Glacier: A Walk on Ancient Ice

One of the most popular shore excursions on the Viking Orion Alaska cruise is the Mendenhall Glacier tour. This 13-mile-long glacier is one of the few in Alaska that’s easily accessible by road, making it a must-see for visitors. Viking offers a guided hike along the glacier’s edge, where you can walk on well-maintained trails that wind through lush rainforest and end at stunning viewpoints overlooking the ice.

The experience is both humbling and exhilarating. You’ll see deep blue crevasses, meltwater streams carving through the ice, and possibly even hear the thunderous crack of calving—when chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below. Guides share fascinating insights about glacial movement, climate change, and the local ecosystem. For those who want a more active adventure, Viking also offers a glacier trekking option, where you’ll don crampons and walk directly on the ice with a certified guide.

Whale Watching in the Inside Passage

No trip to Juneau is complete without a whale watching tour. The waters around Juneau are prime feeding grounds for humpback whales, and sightings are common from spring through fall. Viking partners with local boat operators to offer small-group excursions that prioritize both safety and wildlife respect.

These tours typically last about three hours and take you into the protected waters of the Inside Passage. Naturalists on board provide commentary on whale behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts. You might see humpbacks breaching, slapping their tails, or even feeding in groups using bubble nets—a coordinated hunting technique that’s both clever and mesmerizing. Orcas, sea lions, and harbor seals are also frequently spotted, adding to the excitement.

One traveler shared, “We saw a mother whale teaching her calf how to breach. It was like watching a ballet in slow motion—pure magic.” These moments remind you why Alaska is often called “The Last Frontier.”

Gold Rush History and City Exploration

For those interested in history, Viking offers a guided walking tour of downtown Juneau, focusing on its Gold Rush roots. You’ll visit historic buildings like the Alaska State Capitol (a modest structure compared to Lower 48 capitols) and the Last Chance Mining Museum, where you can see original mining equipment and learn about the hard lives of 19th-century prospectors.

Another option is a visit to the Alaska State Museum, which features exhibits on Native Alaskan cultures, natural history, and the state’s political journey. These excursions are ideal for travelers who want a quieter, more reflective experience after a day of outdoor adventure.

Skagway Adventures: Railroads, Trails, and Frontier Spirit

Skagway is a town frozen in time. With its wooden boardwalks, false-front buildings, and saloon-style bars, it feels like stepping into a Western movie. But beneath the tourist-friendly façade lies a rich history of ambition, struggle, and survival during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway: A Journey Through History

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is arguably the most iconic shore excursion on the Viking Orion Alaska cruise. This narrow-gauge railroad was built in 1898 during the Gold Rush to transport prospectors and supplies over the rugged Coast Mountains to the Yukon. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the steepest railways in North America.

The train ride takes about 2.5 hours and climbs over 2,800 feet in elevation, passing through tunnels, over trestles, and alongside cascading waterfalls. The views are nothing short of spectacular—sheer cliffs, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys stretch out in every direction. Onboard, guides share stories of the men who built the railway under brutal conditions, often with hand tools and dynamite.

One of the most dramatic moments is crossing the “Summit,” where the train reaches the U.S.-Canada border. The air is cooler, the landscape more rugged, and the sense of history palpable. Many passengers describe the experience as both thrilling and moving.

Hiking the Chilkoot Trail

For the more adventurous, Viking offers a guided hike along a portion of the historic Chilkoot Trail. This trail was once used by thousands of gold seekers heading to the Klondike. While the full trail is a multi-day trek, the guided excursion covers a scenic, manageable section with interpretive stops.

You’ll walk through dense forest, cross wooden bridges over rushing streams, and see remnants of old tramways and supply caches. Guides explain how prospectors carried thousands of pounds of supplies over the pass, often in stages, battling snow, ice, and exhaustion. It’s a powerful reminder of human endurance and the lengths people will go for a dream.

Gold Rush Reenactments and Local Culture

Back in town, you can catch a live reenactment of a Gold Rush-era play at the Days of ’98 Show. It’s cheesy but fun—think melodrama, slapstick, and audience participation. It’s a lighthearted way to cap off a day of history and adventure.

For a quieter experience, visit the Skagway Museum or take a self-guided walking tour to see preserved buildings like the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, famous for its driftwood façade.

Ketchikan: Rainforest, Totems, and Aerial Wonders

Ketchikan calls itself the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by lush rainforest and dotted with fishing boats, this charming town is a hub of maritime culture and Native Alaskan heritage.

Exploring the Tongass National Forest

As the largest national forest in the U.S., the Tongass is a temperate rainforest teeming with life. Viking offers several excursions that take you deep into this green wonderland. One popular option is a guided nature walk through the forest, where you’ll learn about native plants, wildlife, and the importance of sustainable forestry.

You might spot bald eagles perched in towering spruce trees, hear the chatter of red squirrels, or see salmon spawning in shallow streams. Guides often point out medicinal plants used by Indigenous peoples and explain the forest’s role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation.

Totem Heritage Center and Native Culture

Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world outside of the Pacific Northwest. The Totem Heritage Center preserves and displays original 19th-century totems salvaged from abandoned villages. These towering carvances tell stories of clan lineage, spiritual beliefs, and historical events.

Viking’s cultural excursion includes a guided tour of the center, followed by a visit to a local Native Alaskan village or cultural center. Here, you might watch a traditional dance performance, learn about totem carving, or even try your hand at weaving or beadwork. These experiences are respectful and educational, offering a rare glimpse into living Indigenous traditions.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing: A Bird’s-Eye View of Paradise

For a truly unforgettable experience, book the Misty Fjords flightseeing tour. This 1.5-hour scenic flight takes you over one of the most dramatic landscapes in Alaska—towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers.

The plane flies low over the water, giving you a pilot’s-eye view of the wilderness. You’ll see sea lions basking on rocks, eagles soaring above the trees, and possibly even a bear foraging along the shore. The silence inside the plane, broken only by the pilot’s commentary, makes the experience feel almost spiritual.

One passenger said, “I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places, but nothing compares to flying over Misty Fjords. It’s like Earth before humans.”

Hubbard Glacier: Ice, Kayaking, and Arctic Majesty

Hubbard Glacier is one of the largest and most active tidewater glaciers in North America. At over 70 miles long and up to 700 feet high, it’s a force of nature that commands respect. While the Viking Orion doesn’t dock here, it sails close enough for passengers to experience its grandeur up close.

Scenic Cruising and Glacier Viewing

The ship typically spends several hours cruising near the glacier, allowing passengers to observe from the deck or panoramic lounges. The experience is both peaceful and awe-inspiring. You’ll see massive icebergs calving into the water, creating thunderous booms that echo across the fjord.

Naturalists on board provide commentary on glacial formation, movement, and the impact of climate change. Many passengers bring binoculars to get a closer look at the ice formations, which range from deep blue caves to jagged spires.

Kayaking Among Icebergs

For a more intimate encounter, Viking offers a kayaking excursion in the waters near Hubbard Glacier. Participants paddle in stable, two-person kayaks with certified guides, navigating through a maze of floating ice.

The silence is profound—just the sound of paddles dipping into the water and the occasional crack of ice. You might see seals resting on ice floes or seabirds diving for fish. It’s a meditative experience that connects you directly with the raw power of nature.

Safety is a top priority. Guides provide dry suits, life jackets, and thorough instructions. The excursion is suitable for beginners, though a basic level of fitness is recommended.

Wildlife and Nature-Focused Excursions

Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise, and the Viking Orion offers several excursions designed to maximize your chances of spotting animals in their natural habitat.

Bear Viewing in Pack Creek

On the island of Admiralty, near Juneau, Pack Creek is one of the best places in the world to see brown bears. Viking partners with local outfitters to offer a guided bear viewing tour, typically accessed by floatplane.

You’ll land on a remote lake and take a short hike to a viewing platform overlooking a salmon stream. From June to September, bears gather here to feast on spawning salmon. Guides use spotting scopes to help you observe the animals from a safe distance, sharing insights on bear behavior, diet, and conservation.

One traveler recalled, “We saw a mother with three cubs teaching them how to catch fish. It was both thrilling and deeply moving.”

Birdwatching and Marine Life Tours

For bird enthusiasts, excursions to seabird colonies or coastal wetlands offer chances to see puffins, bald eagles, and migratory shorebirds. Marine life tours focus on sea otters, porpoises, and even the occasional minke whale.

These tours are often led by ornithologists or marine biologists, adding an educational layer to the experience. Binoculars and field guides are usually provided.

Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions

With so many options, it can be hard to decide which excursions to book. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your Viking Orion Alaska cruise:

• Book early: Popular tours like the White Pass Railway and Misty Fjords flightseeing fill up quickly. Reserve your spots as soon as bookings open.
• Consider your fitness level: Some excursions involve hiking, kayaking, or long walks. Be honest about your abilities and choose tours that match your comfort zone.
• Layer your clothing: Alaska’s weather can change rapidly. Dress in layers, bring rain gear, and wear sturdy shoes.
• Bring a camera with extra batteries: You’ll want to capture every moment, but cold weather drains batteries fast.
• Ask questions: Viking’s guides are experts. Don’t hesitate to ask about wildlife, geology, or local history.
• Respect the environment: Stay on marked trails, don’t disturb wildlife, and follow all safety instructions.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery

The best shore excursions on the Viking Orion Alaska cruise are more than just sightseeing—they’re transformative experiences that connect you with the wild heart of Alaska. Whether you’re standing on a glacier, riding a historic railway, or watching a whale breach in the distance, these moments stay with you long after the trip ends.

Viking’s commitment to small-group tours, expert guides, and cultural sensitivity ensures that each excursion is both enriching and respectful. You’re not just a tourist; you’re a learner, an observer, and a participant in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.

Alaska doesn’t just show you beauty—it challenges you to see the world differently. And with the Viking Orion as your guide, you’ll return home not just with photos, but with stories, insights, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for shore excursions on the Viking Orion Alaska cruise?

The best time is typically from late May to early September, when weather is milder, wildlife is active, and daylight hours are long. Peak season (June to August) offers the most stable conditions and highest chances of wildlife sightings.

Are Viking Orion shore excursions suitable for seniors or less mobile travelers?

Yes, Viking offers a range of excursions for all activity levels. Many tours are wheelchair accessible or involve minimal walking, and guides are trained to accommodate different needs. Be sure to review excursion descriptions and consult with Viking staff when booking.

Do I need to bring my own gear for excursions like kayaking or hiking?

No, Viking provides all necessary gear, including life jackets, dry suits, crampons, and binoculars. Just bring comfortable clothing, layers, and sturdy footwear.

Can I book shore excursions independently, or do I have to go through Viking?

You can book independently, but Viking’s excursions are carefully vetted for safety, quality, and cultural sensitivity. Booking through Viking also ensures seamless logistics and priority access to popular tours.

How far in advance should I book Viking Orion shore excursions?

It’s recommended to book as early as possible—ideally when you book your cruise. Popular tours like the White Pass Railway and Misty Fjords flightseeing often sell out months in advance.

Are children allowed on Viking Orion shore excursions?

Most excursions are family-friendly, but some have age or height restrictions for safety reasons (e.g., flightseeing or kayaking). Check individual tour details and consult with Viking if traveling with kids.