One of the biggest reasons people choose an Alaska cruise is the incredible shore excursions.

Whether you've dreamed of landing on a glacier by helicopter, riding a historic railroad through the mountains, spotting humpback whales, or walking through ancient rainforests, Alaska offers some of the most unforgettable excursions you'll find anywhere in the world.

With so many choices, deciding what to book can feel overwhelming.

We've gathered our favorite Alaska shore excursions in one place to help you make the most of every port on your cruise.

Planning your Alaska adventure? Browse our curated collection of the Best Alaska Shore Excursions on Viator to see our favorite tours across every major Alaska cruise port.

Juneau

Juneau is Alaska's capital, but it's best known for glaciers and incredible wildlife.

Some of our favorite excursions include:

• Whale watching

• Mendenhall Glacier tours

• Helicopter glacier landings

• Dogsledding on a glacier

• Rainforest adventures

• Glacier Gardens

Whether you're looking for adventure or breathtaking scenery, Juneau rarely disappoints.

👉 Browse our favorite Juneau shore excursions with Viator.

Skagway

Stepping into Skagway feels like traveling back to the Gold Rush.

Our top picks include:

• White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

• White Pass rail and bus combination tours

• Gold Rush history excursions

• Scenic mountain drives

• Yukon wilderness tours

The White Pass Railroad remains one of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

👉 Browse our favorite Skagway shore excursions with Viator.

Ketchikan

Known as Alaska's "First City," Ketchikan combines Native Alaskan culture with beautiful coastal scenery.

Don't miss:

• Misty Fjords flightseeing

• Rainforest wildlife tours

• Totem parks

• Lumberjack Show

• Wildlife cruises

• Kayaking adventures

This port offers something for nearly every traveler.

👉 Browse our favorite Ketchikan shore excursions with Viator.

Sitka

Sitka blends incredible scenery with fascinating history.

Popular excursions include:

• Whale watching

• Sea otter tours

• Fortress of the Bear

• Alaska Raptor Center

• Wildlife cruises

• Historic city tours

If seeing wildlife is high on your list, Sitka is one of Alaska's best ports.

👉 Browse our favorite Sitka shore excursions with Viator.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is one of Alaska's most unique cruise destinations.

Because it's less commercialized than many ports, visitors enjoy a more authentic Alaskan experience.

Top excursions include:

• Whale watching

• Wildlife cruises

• ZipRider adventure

• Nature tours

• Local cultural experiences

It's also one of the best places in Alaska to spot humpback whales.

👉 Browse our favorite Icy Strait Point shore excursions with Viator.

Victoria, British Columbia

Many Alaska itineraries finish with an evening stop in beautiful Victoria.

Popular excursions include:

• Butchart Gardens

• Victoria city highlights

• Whale watching

• Historic walking tours

• Craigdarroch Castle

Although visits are often short, Victoria is a wonderful way to end an Alaska cruise.

👉 Browse our favorite Victoria shore excursions with Viator.

Should You Book Excursions Before Your Cruise?

In many cases, yes.

Popular Alaska excursions often sell out months before sailing, especially:

• Helicopter glacier tours

• Dogsledding

• Whale watching

• White Pass Railroad

• Flightseeing tours

Booking early gives you the best selection and often provides more flexibility when planning your vacation.

Which Alaska Excursions Are Worth the Money?

If your budget allows, these are the experiences we think are truly unforgettable:

⭐ Helicopter Glacier Landing

⭐ White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

⭐ Whale Watching in Juneau

⭐ Misty Fjords Flightseeing

⭐ Glacier Dogsledding

⭐ Fortress of the Bear in Sitka

⭐ Butchart Gardens

These are the excursions people remember long after their cruise ends.

Final Thoughts

Alaska offers some of the most spectacular shore excursions in the world.

Whether you're standing on a glacier, riding through the mountains on a historic railroad, watching whales surface beside your boat, or flying over Misty Fjords, these experiences turn an incredible cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Take a little time before your cruise to choose the excursions that fit your interests—you'll be glad you did.

👉 Browse our curated Best Alaska Shore Excursions collection on Viator and start planning the adventures you'll never forget.

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