An Alaska family vacation is on many parent’s bucket list. While planning a trip to Alaska, most visitors arrive via cruise ship (almost 2 million in 2017) and spend time in Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skaway and Glacier Bay), which is itself an awe-inspiring experience. To really experience The Last Frontier, my family embarked on a one-week cruise on the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam to see just how kid-friendly Alaska is by boat, train and, yes, helicopter!
Exploring Vancouver
Our cruise departed from Vancouver so we took the opportunity to explore this cosmopolitan Canadian city. Wish we had had more time but we made the most of the 24 hours we had! Greater Vancouver is a paradise for kids of all ages! There are hundreds of outdoor and indoor activities to keep everyone in your family entertained year-round. Vancouver is one giant adventure playground, with interactive museums, cool attractions, fun festivals and amazing parks. We got a Tourism Vancouver Destination Experience Pass and were able to do a ton of things. Below are some suggested activities in and around Vancouver which families may find interesting.
Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing
Vancouver’s hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours give a great overview of the city, along with giving families the flexibility to make stops whenever suits them. Kids are thrilled to see Vancouver from an old-fashioned trolley or an open-air bus and adults get a fully narrated tour. Hop off to explore all the downtown attractions, then hop back on again to continue to the next exciting destination.
Granville Island
We loved meandering to Granville Island! In 1979, it was redeveloped into an island of treasures that is a must on any family’s list. A short drive from downtown hotels, and an easy journey by bus, bike or boat from any part of the city, Granville Island is always buzzing with activity. Take in free live entertainment in the waterfront courtyard. Sample freshly made fudge or warm doughnuts in the Public Market. Wander along beside the houseboats, or chat with authentic fisherfolk.
Kids Market
Not your usual plastic, mass-produced stuff by a long shot. Instead, this colorful building is home to a bustling play area and shops selling all kinds of off-beat, handcrafted, and educational toys, many of them locally made. Nifty junior-sized fashions too.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is truly Vancouver’s green heart. It’s 1,000 acres is mostly dense West Coast forest. Marked trails let families roam through the “jungle” of giant trees. Beaches offer a close up look at all kinds of boats. A playground with a vintage fire engine, a pool and water slides make this one of the city’s great escapes. If all the walking makes you tired, take a horse drawn carriage through the park and just sit back and relax a bit.
How to Do It?
Voted Number-One Cruise Line in Alaska by Cruise Critic Members, Holland America has been helping families explore Alaska for more than 70 years – longer than Alaska has been a state – and that experience and insider knowledge is reflected in the most immersive Alaska and Yukon itineraries available to travelers today. Holland America cruises offer more visits to Glacier Bay National Park, the “must-see” of every visit to Alaska. For families, a Junior Ranger Program in Glacier Bay lets kids interact with National Park Rangers and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. In port, families can choose from a wide array of excursion options like panning for gold, dog-sledding on a glacier, zip-lining, kayaking, whale watching or a crab fisherman’s tour.
Alaska cruises depart from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. For families that want to go deeper into Alaska, select Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, which combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali National Park and the Yukon.
How Long?
We chose the 7 day cruise roundtrip from Vancouver, BC, along the scenic Inside Passage of Alaska. Watch for whales, Dahl porpoises and bald eagles as you make your way from Juneau, to Skagway to Ketchikan.
The Ship
We were on HA’s Signature-class ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam, which celebrates historic New York City. While on board, we enjoyed cooking classes and hands-on workshops from America’s Test Kitchen as well as hundreds of other fun activities for people of all ages.
What to pack
The weather across Alaska can be un predictable and you need to bring a bit of everything. We got lucky and didn’t get a lot of rain and the temperature was usually spring like but there were places where it was downright cool. Layers are key. Bring fewer, hard-working items. Definitely bring raincoats and a heavy sweater.
Itinerary
Following is a sample itinerary, based on our 7-day trip.
Day 1: Vancouver, BC
Our ship departed in the late afternoon so we had the morning to enjoy Vancouver.
Day 2: Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
Cruise ships are a combination of everything fun! This is a great day to get a lay of the land and identify not only your cabin, but also spots where your kids are likely to hang out, including the kid’s club (Club HAL), the pool and their favorite restaurants.
Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They’ll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Aside from the kids clubs, families can also enjoy regional cooking demonstrations, BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities. Adults can rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. And, of course, nom at an array of specialty restaurants.
Day 3: Juneau, Alaska
The capital of Alaska has much to offer in the way of shopping and dining. The Juneau downtown street tour is worth your time to give you a historical perspective.
What to Do: We took a hike to Mendenhall Glacier, visited a Rainforest Garden, and learned a bit about Alaskan history at the State Museum in Juneau The guides on all Alaska excursions are knowledgeable and personable so rest assured, you are in great hands.
Where to Eat: Take a Juneau Food Tour to experience all the best local foods, including crab bisque, hot wings and salmon.
Day 4: Skagway, Alaska
Skagway will offer your longest day in port, so make the most of it with shopping and dining in town. There are no shortage of t-shirt shops and scenic historical building and statues around town.
What to Do: We took a beautiful and scenic ride on the White Pass Summit Rail Road. We retraced the original route to the White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. We even saw the original Klondike Trail of ‘98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed that way in search of fortune. Afterward, we took a jaunt over to Liarsville Camp and even panned for gold! .
Where to Eat: Skagway Fish Company for crab claws and fish and chips
Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park
Bring your layers and binoculars because this is a full-day cruising event around the spectacular Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll experience jaw-dropping views from every window. Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is home to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, highlight of your scenic cruise up this Alaskan fjord. Watch for breaching humpbacks alongside your ship, bears along the beaches, and so much more. We even saw a grizzly bear swimming near the boat! As a proud Authorized Concessioner for Glacier Bay National Park, Holland America Line partners with National Park Service Rangers and local Huna Tlingit cultural guides, who come aboard as you view Glacier Bay to provide expert insights into this diverse ecosystem and millennia-old culture.
TIP: Scope out the decks well in advance. There are some—like the top floor—that will be crowded, while others are quiet with few passengers.
Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is the shortest port stop for cruise ships, so if you are doing an excursion, you might not have time to explore the town.
What to Do: Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—you can try you luck on a sportfishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. We went to the Saxman Village and saw Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. And leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art, while exploring gold rush–era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show was a big hit with our clan!
Where to Eat: Alaska Crepes. Whether it’s strawberry shortcake or Nutella & banana, a sweet or savory crepe is a great way to start or end your day when you’ve had your fill of fish and chips.
Day 7: Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage Heading Back to Vancouver
Traveling with your family in Alaska can be relatively easy, especially if you opt for a cruise! The hardest part about the trip was deciding which excursions to take at each destination and port. The good thing is there are hundreds of options for different interests and ability levels. So grab your coat and hats and head to Alaska!
