Cruise - Alaska and Canada.

We had been on a cruise to Alaska for a week early this month. Since I was always very skeptic of the whole cruising experience thinking that I will feel trapped, confined and way too far from land to feel safe, I was actually surprised that I had a great time and enjoyed the whole expedition. I felt that cruising is a great way to travel with a toddler, compared to taking a flight or driving. It is easy to keep them entertained.

Our ports of call were Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska and Victoria BC in Canada. Each town had different things to offer. 

Juneau, the capital of Alaska has the Mendenhall Glacier - one of the few Glaciers which is easily accessible by road. 

Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau AK

Skagway is a very interesting town with its Klondike Gold Rush history. 

Skagway, AK

Cruise docked in Skagway, AK

Cruising the Glacier Bay National Park was a true Alaskan experience and the wildlife there is unbelievable. We spotted a bear walking down the grassy area in the mountains and just as we were leaving the bay there were a lot of seals, otters and whales swimming along us.

Glacier Bay, AK 

Margerie Glacier

Ketchikan, has the most number of original standing totem poles, scattered throughout the town. And is also called as the 'Salmon capital of the world'. It was truly amazing to see thousands of Salmon swimming upstream in the creek. 

Totem Bight State Historical Park - Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan, AK

Creek Street - Ketchikan, AK

We visited the Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC and saw the last fireworks for the season. 

Butchart Garden - Victoria BC, Canada

Our trip was almost during the end of summer but still the weather was just perfect. It did not rain in any of our ports of call even though we were warned that this time of year it might have already started raining. 

This trip was a very last minute decision and most of the planning was done by my cousin and we just got on board on a whim. The experience in the cruise was more than what I had expected but I should say I was a little disappointed with the Alaskan scenery. Most of the glaciers have started receding and it did not quite take my breath away as I had envisioned - thanks to Global warming. It was a laid back trip spent indulging in the cruising experience. I want to go back another time to explore more of Alaska's wilderness.