Where to Go Ashore: 5 Walking and Hiking Days Ashore Worldwide

1.Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145Our pick

You’ll hike two miles through temperate rainforest, climb roughly 300 feet on steep, uneven ground, then relax on a gentle Taiya River float. Guides such as Dominic, Danny, Rachel, Owen, and Bob add local stories, Gold Rush history, and sharp eyes for mushrooms, berries, eagles, and other wildlife. Port pickup, snacks, gear, and return transport are included.

“beautiful hike through forest …fairly steep path up with stone steps and down . Would of been good to have walking pole Spectacular float down Taiyu river Guide was good at pointing out eagles along river and local trees and plants during hike”

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2.From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · 4 hours · from $146

Take a comfortable bus from Olden’s cruise pier through the Olden Valley, then walk 45 to 60 minutes toward Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the Jostedal Glacier. You’ll pass waterfalls, streams, peaks, and alpine scenery before reaching a viewpoint above Olden Lake. English-speaking guides such as Sam, Anna, and Elisabet have led recent departures.

“Our guide, Sam, was fantastic - very informative and full of helpful tips. He seemed to have a scientific background, as he provided geographically-related info, along with specific area insights. Stunning sights of glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. This is what we traveled to Norway to see! 10 out of 10!”

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3.Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $402

You’ll paddle 5 to 6 miles across Mendenhall Lake in a canoe, then hike about 2 miles over rocky ground toward the glacier’s edge. Above and Beyond Alaska supplies boots, rain gear, paddling equipment, snacks, transport, and guides. The small-group trip takes about 5.5 hours and requires good fitness and swimming ability.

“Really great experience. Canoeing was fun a little strenuous going toward the glacier against the wind. Got up very close to the glacier. Good narration by the guide of the flora and fauna around the glacier. Organized, had all of our equipment out and ready to go when we arrived at the shop. Just really nice people overall.”

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4.Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $234

Spend about six hours hiking 7 to 8 miles through Tongass National Forest to a panoramic Mendenhall Glacier viewpoint. Your guide provides rain gear, a backpack, water, snacks, and hiking equipment. This is a demanding mountain hike, not a glacier trek, and sturdy boots plus good fitness are essential.

“We were fortunate enough to schedule this excursion prior to leaving for our cruise. Boy are we ever so happy we did. Simply put this excursion was well worth every minute and beyond description. We were hoping for a nice excursion where we would hike, climb and trek to and on the glacier as advertized and we were not disappointed. As a matter of fact we were surprised to the extent of time we spent on the glacier. Not only did we hike through the forest, climb bedrock, manage switchbacks, trek on the glacier but we also got to explore underneath the glacier and go into the ice caves. What…”

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5.Hilo Waterfall Swim and Hike with Hilo Cruise Ship Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $198

Meet your guide at Hilo’s cruise port, ride the Hamakua Coast to Honomu, then walk across a 300-acre working farm to three private waterfalls. You’ll see crops such as banana, ginger, sugar cane, and Okinawa sweet potato, with a possible swim at Kawainui Falls. The small group is limited to 12 people.

“Abby was an exceptional guide. Very knowledgeable about the indigenous plant life and history of the island. The waterfalls are breathtaking love the whole experience.”

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