Best of Alaska via Sunrise Tours
This trip was in August, 2025. I traveled with four friends who made this trip a memorable and fun time. Of course, the beauty and breathtaking air of Alaska made the trip unforgettable. I could have taken pictures every few minutes to capture every view, but I took enough time to enjoy everything myself. These pictures provide memories but just don't do justice to being there in person. (Click on the pics to enlarge.)
This trip was in August, 2025. I traveled with four friends who made this trip a memorable and fun time. Of course, the beauty and breathtaking air of Alaska made the trip unforgettable. I could have taken pictures every few minutes to capture every view, but I took enough time to enjoy everything myself. These pictures provide memories but just don't do justice to being there in person. (Click on the pics to enlarge.)
Day 1 we flew to Houston!!. Of course, that added flight time to Anchorage. Seven plus hours! We then checked in to Hotel Captain Cook. This was quite a lovely hotel. Day 2 we traveled south along the Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountain Range on our way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. We learned how this facility takes in orphaned and injured animals. Next, we cruised across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan. We were just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age. We returned to Anchorage for lunch before exploring the story of Alaska through numerous exhibits at the Anchorage Museum
Before dinner Kym, Jill and I went on a trolley tour of Anchorage. It was a historic and scenic 15-mile tour of Anchorage. Our Alaskan guides shared history, family stories and explored Anchorage’s past and present. From the most riveting moments of Anchorage’s yesterdays to present day living, our trolley tour visited cultural and historical sites, hit scenic viewpoints with mountain and ocean views, and traveled through Earthquake Park.
Day 3 we checked out of the hotel. An Alaskan visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing sled dogs in action! Met the champion dogs at Happy Trails Kennels, where veteran Iditarod racer Martin Buser shared stories of his races, and gave a dog sled demonstration. Then, we climbed aboard the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer as we headed to Denali for a two-night stay at this magnificent national treasure. We saw views of Mt. McKinley mountain top. We were told this is unusual because the top is usually among the clouds.
We checked in to Denali Lodge. The evening included dinner and entertainment by the Music of Denali. We enjoyed generous portions of Alaskan favorites while experiencing songs, stories, and historical highlights of the first people to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley.
Day 3 we checked out of the hotel. An Alaskan visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing sled dogs in action! Met the champion dogs at Happy Trails Kennels, where veteran Iditarod racer Martin Buser shared stories of his races, and gave a dog sled demonstration. Then, we climbed aboard the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer as we headed to Denali for a two-night stay at this magnificent national treasure. We saw views of Mt. McKinley mountain top. We were told this is unusual because the top is usually among the clouds.
We checked in to Denali Lodge. The evening included dinner and entertainment by the Music of Denali. We enjoyed generous portions of Alaskan favorites while experiencing songs, stories, and historical highlights of the first people to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley.
Day 4 we had a spectacular five-hour guided bus tour of Denali National Park, home of majestic Mt. McKinley, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. Our driver was on the lookout for wildlife, such as “The Big 5” mammals: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and grizzlies. He told us it was very unusual to see all five. However, we did get to see all five. The driver had a spotting scope that he could focus a great distance to see the animals. Many were too far away for our cameras or binoculars to see. He then projected the images to the TV screens on the bus so we could see the animals he was focused on.
Day 5 we checked out of the lodge. We coached to Fairbanks for a ride along the Chena River on The Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler. Along the way, we got up close to the famous Alaska pipeline. Onboard the sternwheeler we witnessed a showcase of Alaska’s history, indigenous culture, wildlife, and riverboat navigation in an immersive experience. We checked into Westmark Fairbanks, AK.
Day 6 we checked out of the hotel. We flew from Fairbanks into Canada’s majestic Yukon Territory. In the afternoon we visited MacBride Museum, a nod to all things Yukon. We heard the fascinating stories, saw the gold rush equipment, and more. Our home this evening is Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. We Checked in to the Best Western Gold Rush Inn.
Day 7 we checked out of the hotel. We bussed from Whitehorse to Skagway passing Emerald Lake and Carcross in the Yukon. Along the Klondike Highway, we visited the Yukon Suspension Bridge and outdoor museum for an impressive view over the white-water rapids of the Tutshi River. We were treated to the rustic charm of a meal that highlights the taste of the Yukon with spectacular views surrounding us. We checked into Westmark Skagway, AK. We spent the next two evenings in Skagway. (Laundry time for me.)
Day 8 was in Skagway. The group rode the local train. I caught a bad cough from someone on the tour so I stayed at the hotel. They traveled on the captivating White Pass Trail aboard an old-fashioned narrow-gauge train round trip from Skagway. The train retraced the original route to the White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. They saw breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites.
Day 9 we checked out of the hotel. We strolled the wooden sidewalks of this famous Gold Rush town, and did some last-minute souvenir shopping before embarking on our home away from home the next four nights, the MS Zaandam. We got acquainted with the ship’s amazing amenities before dinner; and including the evening entertainment, everything from Broadway reviews to stand-up comedians. Big party on ship was 'Orange' night. Great old music.
Day 9 we checked out of the hotel. We strolled the wooden sidewalks of this famous Gold Rush town, and did some last-minute souvenir shopping before embarking on our home away from home the next four nights, the MS Zaandam. We got acquainted with the ship’s amazing amenities before dinner; and including the evening entertainment, everything from Broadway reviews to stand-up comedians. Big party on ship was 'Orange' night. Great old music.
Day 10 we cruised the ice-studded fjords of this national treasure for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrated on board the ship. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.
Day 11 we explored this uniquely Alaskan port of Ketchikan, famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing, and scenic Misty Fjords. Ketchikan is 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. We saw intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. We shopped for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art.
All five of us were booked for ‘Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise. However, it was a very misty day and we were told the boat had mechanical issues, so our extra boat tour was cancelled.
We had several evenings eating at sit down dinners on the ship. This night all five of us dined at the Pinnacle Grill Dinner on the ship. It was very tasty and lovely.
Day 12 we glided through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world. We saw steep mountain walls on both sides of the ship, brilliantly colored forests, blue glaciers and seaside villages dotting the coastline. Sunrise Tours hosted a cocktail reception in the afternoon.
We all thoroughly enjoyed this tour and cruise. Alaska is one of the most scenic areas in the world.
We recognized our Tour Guides and the excellent job they did keeping us all informed and cared for as needed. (I believe it was like herding a bunch of cats!) Thanks so much for an excellent job Nina and Scott.
Day 13 We were unloaded at Vancouver to start our journey home. Stopping in Denver made our return trip much shorter.
Our fearless tour guides and driver;
All five of us were booked for ‘Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise. However, it was a very misty day and we were told the boat had mechanical issues, so our extra boat tour was cancelled.
We had several evenings eating at sit down dinners on the ship. This night all five of us dined at the Pinnacle Grill Dinner on the ship. It was very tasty and lovely.
Day 12 we glided through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world. We saw steep mountain walls on both sides of the ship, brilliantly colored forests, blue glaciers and seaside villages dotting the coastline. Sunrise Tours hosted a cocktail reception in the afternoon.
We all thoroughly enjoyed this tour and cruise. Alaska is one of the most scenic areas in the world.
We recognized our Tour Guides and the excellent job they did keeping us all informed and cared for as needed. (I believe it was like herding a bunch of cats!) Thanks so much for an excellent job Nina and Scott.
Day 13 We were unloaded at Vancouver to start our journey home. Stopping in Denver made our return trip much shorter.
Our fearless tour guides and driver;
