Canoe and Nature Walk

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, and this outing lets you meet it on foot and by water. The tour combines a paddle in a large canoe on calm water with a guided walk on forest trails, so you see the same landscape from two angles. Guides explain how the temperate rainforest works, from the nurse logs that feed young trees to the salmon that bring ocean nutrients inland, and they point out plants and wildlife along the way. Canoes are stable and paddling is easy, even for first-timers, and the pace is relaxed. Expect green light, soft moss and the sound of dripping water, with a good chance of birds and the occasional animal. It is a slower and quieter option than most shore excursions and suits visitors who like nature and photography.

Season. The outing runs in the summer visitor season, roughly late spring to early autumn, and the rain is part of the experience. Strong wind can affect the canoe portion, so confirm the weather policy when you book. Schedules are set around ship arrivals.

What to expect. The group meets the guide, receives life jackets and a short paddling lesson and launches onto calm water. Canoes carry several people, so you paddle as a team. After the paddle, a short walk takes you along a forest trail with stops at interesting trees, water features and viewpoints.

Wear waterproof shoes and a rain jacket, and bring insect repellent for the warmer months. The walk is easy to moderate, with some roots and wet ground, so wear shoes with grip. Wildlife may include birds, deer and, rarely, bears, and guides carry safety gear for the forest.

How it fits. This is a calmer alternative to the zipline and a more intimate forest experience than a big tour. Pair it with a totem park visit for a cultural and natural pairing, or with a seafood lunch afterward. Families with children who can paddle will enjoy it, and older travelers can manage the pace. Photographers will appreciate the soft light and reflections on the water.

Practical notes. Carry a dry bag for cameras and phones, and wear quick-drying layers. Use the restroom before the trip because facilities may be limited. If the weather turns, guides adjust the route, so be flexible. Allow a margin for the return to the dock before your ship leaves.

Good to know. The best photographs come from the water, where moss and trees reflect in still lakes, so keep your camera accessible in a dry bag. Guides often share simple plant identification tips, such as telling spruce from hemlock, and children enjoy a small scavenger-style game. If bugs are a concern, light long sleeves help more than spray. Slower walkers are welcome, and the guide adjusts the pace.

Check the group size, which is usually small, and ask what happens if rain becomes heavy, because many operators simply carry on with extra rain gear. Ask the guide about the plants used traditionally for food, medicine and building, because the forest here has been a pantry and a pharmacy for generations. Children often enjoy hunting for banana slugs, mushrooms and nurse logs along the trail.