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8 Hours: Glacier and Whales

A full port day: Mendenhall Glacier in the morning, humpbacks in the afternoon.

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By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026

  1. Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget FallsTake a glacier shuttle (about 30 minutes each way) or the city bus plus a 1.5-mile walk. The flat trail to Nugget Falls takes you to the foot of the falls. Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls →
  2. Whale watching from Auke BayBoats leave from Auke Bay, about 12 miles from town. Combination tours do the glacier and the whales in one booking, with transport from the docks. Whale Watching from Auke Bay →
  3. A pint on South FranklinBack downtown, Alaskan Brewing's Public House pours the local beer a few minutes from the ships. Alaskan Brewing Public House →
  4. The state museum, if there's timeThe Alaska State Museum is a walk from the docks. The state lists Tuesday to Saturday hours, so check before you go. Alaska State Museum →
Browse bookable excursions →

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