Alaska Trip Planning

[trip]

Hi all,

We are planning a trip to alaska by the end of this may. We are taking a 7 day cruise from Vancouver to seward keeping 2 days both at vancouver and seward...

I will highly appreciate if anyone can help me with things to do at these places (Ketchikan, juneau, skagway) as we will be short of time at each port and will love to capture the best. Is it advisable to take the tours provided by the cruise people or should we plan things for our own at each of these ports.

also if you can help with things to do in Vancouver and Seward/anchorage..?

the best Kayaking place in this entire route?

any other suggestions?

This will be my first cruise ever.. help me out.
Thanks

[everyann]

Vancouver

You’ll definitely want to make a stop in Granville Island. Since it’s springtime, you’ll get the best of the market! Besides the food at Granville, you’ve got a wide array of artsy shops and galleries.

If the island isn’t really your scene, maybe go to Stanley Park. In recent years, it has seen some damage from the storms but still a very nice place to go for a walk, ride a bike, see the First Nations totem poles, or take a carriage ride. Stanley Park is definitely one of the largest parks I’ve ever seen. I’m not even sure if I’ve been to all sides of it. Great photo ops here!

One thing to note, Spring brings in a lot of tourists and I’ve never had the best experiences driving in Vancouver, so if you can start your day early, I highly recommend it.

Seward/Anchorage

If possible, check out the Aurora Borealis. Personally, I’ve never seen this natural wonder but it amazes me. Many people go out of their way to plan specific vacations for this. If there’s a tour available, I’d recommend going with someone who can advise you on this phenomenon.

[trip]

Thanks for your help, but i think Aurora Borealis is not the right thing to do in this season.
We would love to do some kayaking spending some time near glaciers. Shopping and art is not our taste..

Though stanley park sounds a good option.. I will love if you could add some information on scenic beauty, glaciers etc..

Thanks again