Summer is prime time for Alaska cruises, so here’s an update on accessible shore excursions and tourist sites in the major Alaskan ports.

Juneau
Located in the waterfront area, the Mount Roberts Tramway features roll-on access for the six-minute ride up the mountain. Although it’s difficult for wheelchair users to see much during the ride, the view from the top—2,000 feet above the waterfront station—is spectacular. Advance reservations are not required, so it’s a perfect spur-of-the-moment activity.

Not to be confused with the tram, the Juneau Trolley also serves the cruise ship pier. This wheelchair lift-equipped trolley tour stops at 13 attractions as it makes a 30-minute loop through the downtown area. Passengers can get on and off along the way or just stay on board and enjoy the narrated tour.

For a different view of the glaciers surrounding Juneau, hop aboard an ERA helicopter, the only Alaska helicopter tour that offers lift boarding for wheelchair users. Their Glacier Adventure Tour features a 40-minute flight over the Taku, Dead Branch, Hole in the Wall and Norris Glaciers, plus a landing on Norris Glacier.

And for a prime whale-watching experience, join Captain Larry on one of his Auke Bay expeditions. Orca Tours offers a variety of accessible whale-watching expeditions with level boarding and wheelchair lift-equipped ground transportation to the boat.

Skagway
The showcase attraction in Skagway is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which offers a three-hour rail excursion from Skagway to White Pass summit. There is wheelchair lift access to one rail car, which has two wheelchair spaces but no tie-downs. Best bet is to book this excursion through the cruise line, as those bookings include dockside departures.

The Klondike Gold Dredge also offers accessible tours with transportation to and from the pier. This excursion includes a tour of the dredge plus a chance to try your hand at gold panning. Most parts of the tour are accessible. For guaranteed accessible transportation, however, we suggest you book directly with the provider.

Ketchikan
There are a number of things to do dockside in Ketchikan, including rolling around Creek Street. Here you’ll find buildings perched on pilings and connected by accessible boardwalks in this former red-light district.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is also located in the waterfront area, close to the cruise ship pier. The show features lumberjack classics such as log rolling, sawing, chopping, ax throwing and speed climbing, featuring level access and wheelchair seating up front.

Sitka
Don’t miss St. Michael’s Cathedral, which is located in the dock area within rolling distance of the ships. Built in 1848, St. Michael’s features a large collection of Russian icons, with excellent access throughout the sanctuary.

Last, but not least, the Alaska Raptor Center is a good choice if accessible transportation is available through the cruise line. Constructed in 2003, this raptor rehabilitation facility offers barrier-free access, plus the rare opportunity for some up-close-and-personal face time with Volta, the resident bald eagle.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

See Related Articles
Read Accessible Travel by Cruise Ship Tips for more information about making the most of your cruise.

Need help booking an accessible cruise?  See Choosing an Accessible Cruise to get started.