Unforgettable Skagway: Paddling to Davidson Glacier on an Alaskan Cruise Adventure

Our incredible Alaskan cruise aboard the Island Princess reached its penultimate destination: Skagway, Alaska. This charming gold rush town marked our fourth and final port of call before we embarked on the breathtaking journey through Glacier Bay, culminating our epic adventure in Whittier. Among the myriad of exciting excursions available, we chose a truly immersive experience: a canoe tour leading us directly to the magnificent Davidson Glacier. This spectacular journey, part of my sponsored trip with Princess Cruise Lines, provided an unparalleled connection with Alaska’s pristine wilderness. While Princess Cruise Lines generously sponsored my amazing trip, every opinion and vivid memory I share here is 100% my own, reflecting the genuine wonder and excitement I felt.

Back in May, I had the privilege of embarking on an extraordinary Alaskan Cruise alongside several cherished friends, all thanks to the incredible hospitality of Princess Cruises. As my very first cruise experience, it genuinely exceeded all expectations and quickly became the absolute time of my life! I am profoundly grateful for the unparalleled opportunity Princess Cruises provided, and since returning home, I haven’t stopped recounting the endless wonders and adventures of my Alaskan voyage. This journey to the Davidson Glacier perfectly encapsulated the spirit of exploration that defined our entire trip.

The Davidson Glacier Canoe Tour: A Wilderness Safari Experience

Before diving into the thrilling details of our canoe adventure, here’s a crucial and somewhat unexpected tip: make sure to use the restroom before departing from shore. While outhouses are available at our remote destination, they are, as one might expect, rather primitive and lack the pleasantries of modern facilities. These remote island outhouses are not serviced regularly, so taking care of business beforehand will ensure maximum comfort throughout your excursion. Your guides will echo this suggestion, and for good reason!

The highly recommended Glacier Point Wilderness Safari excursion truly begins with a picturesque 75-minute cruise departing from Skagway. Our vessel navigated through Alaska’s deepest fjord, an awe-inspiring passage carved by glaciers over millennia. The boat itself was specially designed for marine wildlife viewing and photography, similar to the one we enjoyed during our unforgettable whale watching excursion. This design allowed for unobstructed views and ample opportunities to capture the stunning scenery.

Far from being a mere transit, the boat ride itself was an integral and captivating part of the adventure. There was absolutely nothing boring about it! We were constantly surrounded by magnificent terrain, offering endless opportunities for photography. Keep your eyes peeled for potential wildlife sightings – eagles soaring overhead, seals basking on rocks, or even whales breaching in the distance. Our knowledgeable guide made a couple of strategic, quick stops for us to capture photographs of some of Alaska’s most breathtaking waterfalls cascading down the fjord walls, their power and beauty truly captivating.

Our onboard guide, Tex, was a veritable treasure trove of information. He shared fascinating insights into the land, the sea, the diverse peoples, and the rich history of this unique Alaskan region. He pointed out several remote homesteads where resilient individuals live entirely off the grid, sustaining themselves amidst the wilderness. Witnessing their self-sufficiency sparked a thought-provoking question: could you truly live without all the modern essentials we’ve grown so accustomed to?

Glacier Point Arrival and Preparation for Your Canoe Tour

Upon arrival, we disembarked at a remarkably remote and picturesque beach at Glacier Point, where we were warmly greeted by the local excursion guides. After a quick and energizing bite to eat, we boarded a robust bus. This vehicle then transported us down a winding dirt road, leading us through a truly enchanting, moss-covered forest to what was designated as the “staging area” for our safari. The air here was incredibly fresh, imbued with the scent of damp earth and pine, and the silence was profound.

Along the way, we passed several small, rustic cabins. These humble dwellings served as temporary homes for the dedicated tour guides, who live on the island for two to three weeks at a time, taking turns to rotate back into town. Their commitment to this remote lifestyle further underscored the unique wilderness experience we were about to undertake.

Getting Ready for Your Alaska Canoe Tour

At the staging area, the friendly guides assisted each of us in getting fully outfitted for the adventure ahead. This comprehensive gear included chest waders, warm jackets, sturdy rubber boots, a comfortable life vest, and an oar. It’s an important detail to note that waterproof gloves were not provided as part of the standard kit, so I strongly advise bringing your own. In fact, selecting a truly waterproof pair is essential, as our hands were quite well soaked by the time we returned. The cold Alaskan air and glacier water can quickly make bare hands uncomfortable.

While the provided jacket does come with a hood, I still highly recommend bringing an additional scarf. Our visit was in mid-May, and we encountered a rainy day with temperatures hovering in the low 50s Fahrenheit. A scarf provides an extra layer of warmth and protection against the often-brisk Alaskan winds, keeping your neck and face much more comfortable. Being adequately prepared for the unpredictable Alaskan weather ensures a more enjoyable and memorable experience.

Essential Things to Bring on your Davidson Glacier Canoe Tour in Alaska:

• **Oilskin Cap:** My friend’s husband wore one of these during our canoe trip and swore by its effectiveness, especially since it rained on us for the entire duration! It offers superior water protection and warmth compared to a standard cap.
• **Waterproof Gloves:** This is a non-negotiable item. You are in a canoe, which means you are on the water, and your hands will be exposed. While a sunny day might make them seem unnecessary, Alaska’s weather is notoriously unpredictable – one day it can be bright sunshine, the next, a relentless downpour. Keep your hands warm and dry!
• **Scarf:** If your visit to Alaska is in late summer, you might find this less critical, but for a mid-May trip, with temperatures in the fifties and significant wind, a scarf was an absolute blessing. It traps warmth and protects against cold drafts.
• **Camera or Cell Phone with Excellent Camera:** Prepare for pictures, pictures, and more pictures! And don’t forget video! You’re going to be incredibly busy capturing the breathtaking Alaskan scenery and wildlife. Make sure your device is fully charged.
• **Mobile Charger (Power Bank):** If there’s one crucial lesson I learned on this entire Alaskan cruise, it’s that your cell phone battery will deplete at an astonishing rate due to the sheer volume of photos and videos you’ll be taking. Bring a reliable mobile charger so you never miss capturing those perfect, once-in-a-lifetime moments!

It takes a little time for everyone to get properly geared up, so remember not to rush when selecting your waders. I made that mistake, and didn’t pick a pair that was long enough, resulting in wet pant cuffs. And speaking of wet, be thoroughly prepared for it, especially if it’s a rainy day! Embracing the elements is part of the Alaskan adventure.

Once everyone is fully geared up and ready, you’ll embark on a short, scenic hike through the dense, emerald forest down to the tranquil lake shore. As you emerge from the trees, you’ll be met with a truly breathtaking panoramic view of the expansive lake, stretching out towards the distant, majestic glacier. Along the peaceful trail, keep an eye out for trees marked with specific years. These markers serve as poignant indicators, revealing where the glacier’s edge stood during those past times. It is an incredibly powerful and humbling experience to witness firsthand how far the glacier has receded over the last several decades, a stark reminder of our changing planet.

Paddling to The Davidson Glacier: An Unforgettable Journey

The impressive 31-foot long voyager canoes are specifically designed to accommodate groups, comfortably holding up to ten people. In our canoe, we had a total of nine – eight eager passengers and our experienced guide, who expertly navigated from the stern. Your dedicated canoe tour guide will provide clear and concise instructions, ensuring that everyone paddles in rhythmic sync, maximizing efficiency and camaraderie. Once you and your fellow canoe-mates have paddled gracefully out of the shallow waters, your guide will engage the quiet motor, and you’ll then cruise effortlessly towards the ancient glacier’s majestic shore, soaking in the panoramic grandeur of your surroundings.

It’s truly remarkable how the immense scale of the Davidson Glacier can be deceptive from a distance. Even upon first arriving at the shore of the lake, the glacier doesn’t always appear as vast as one might expect. However, the moment we stepped out of the canoe and directed our gaze towards the towering ice face, its true grandeur became undeniably apparent. We spotted other people trekking near the glacier, and from our perspective, they looked like mere specks – tiny ants against the colossal blue and white ice. This visual contrast powerfully underscores the sheer, overwhelming majesty of Alaska’s glaciers.

If you examine the photo above very closely, you might discern small, dark dots near the face of the glacier. Indeed, those are people! This perspective truly highlights the monumental scale of Alaska’s glaciers, which are nothing short of awe-inspiring and profoundly humbling to experience firsthand.

After disembarking from the canoes, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to trek across pristine black sand beaches directly to the foot of the Davidson Glacier. Here, amidst the serene majesty of the ice, you can quench your thirst with a taste of fresh, pure glacier water, an experience unlike any other. This is also the perfect moment to capture truly memorable photographs, and perhaps even hold up a significant chunk of ancient ice that has broken off from the glacier’s face – feeling its incredible weight and texture in your hands is unforgettable.

The ground leading up to the glacier is a fascinating tapestry of smooth, river-worn stones, presenting a multitude of colors. We were particularly drawn to some deep green ones, each encircled by a distinct white stripe. Our guide shared a captivating local lore, telling us these were known as “moon rocks,” though they are often recognized more widely as “story stones.” He explained that these unique stones are traditionally believed to bring good luck, and we were kindly permitted to collect a couple as cherished souvenirs, a tangible piece of our Alaskan adventure to take home.

Finally, after an exhilarating and deeply moving visit to the glacier, you’ll once again hop back into your trusty canoes. With paddles in hand, you’ll embark on the return journey across the serene waters back to the camp. From there, it’s a comfortable ride back aboard the boat, making your way back to the charming port town of Skagway, filled with fresh memories and unforgettable sights.

Exploring the Historic Town of Skagway

Upon your return to Skagway after your invigorating canoe tour, take advantage of the convenient shuttle service into town to discover this quaint, tiny, and historically rich community. Skagway, famed as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, offers a delightful glimpse into Alaska’s adventurous past.

Despite its modest size – the main street is only about a mile long at best – Skagway boasts a surprising number of attractions. You’ll find a plethora of shops, including an impressive number of jewelry stores (more than I’ve ever seen clustered in one small town!), alongside local craft shops selling unique Alaskan souvenirs. There are also a couple of excellent places to eat, offering hearty meals perfect for refueling after an adventure-filled day.

For all the dedicated Harley-Davidson enthusiasts out there, you’ll be pleased to know you can find the Chilkoot Pass Harley-Davidson shop right here in Skagway! It’s a unique stop for collectors and fans.

**Fun Fact:** The town’s name was originally spelled “Skaguay” until the United States Post Office formally insisted on a spelling change to “Skagway” to standardize mail delivery. Interestingly, the historic News Depot building in town proudly still carries the original, older spelling on its facade, a small nod to Skagway’s rich and quirky history.

As the day gracefully winds down, the ultimate convenience of a Princess Alaskan cruise truly shines. There’s no need to stress about fighting traffic or navigating back to a hotel room. Instead, simply climb back aboard your luxurious ship, the Island Princess. Once settled, you can reward yourself after an exhausting but deliciously fun day of exploration by ordering a refreshing Key Lime Pie Martini or indulging in a decadent serving of Espresso Creme Brulee. Relax, recount the day’s incredible adventures, and let the ship’s comforts soothe you as you sail into the Alaskan night.

Curious about the rest of my unforgettable Alaskan Cruise journey?

Delve deeper into my travel reviews of other incredible Princess Cruises excursions! Discover the thrilling whale watching excursion I experienced at Icy Strait Point, offering unparalleled close encounters with marine giants. Read about the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour I embarked on while in Juneau, Alaska, providing a bird’s-eye view of a majestic icefield. And finally, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the boat cruise through the iconic Glacier Bay! Each experience was absolutely breathtaking and showcased the unparalleled natural splendor of Alaska.