2026 Canada Take Two

Plan trip

Day 7: June 29

Best day ever! Today was surreal. From watching whales to viewing a glacier up close and then to helicoptering and dog-sledding on a glacier.

To view Dawes Glacier, we were transferred from the big ship to a smaller boat. Within about 30 minutes of the trip, we were watching three humpback whales.

We then explored the Endicott Arm Fjord which was absolutely spectacular. It took quite awhile to reach the glacier, passing lots of icebergs and growlers as we went.

Many of these on the way. To be an iceberg, it has to be 5 metres above the water and 15 metres long. Smaller than this is called a ‘growler’. Only 10% of the iceberg is visible above the water.
The glacier ice is so dense due to compression, the blue light waves cannot travel easily through it and that is what our eyes see.
Danny captured part of the glacier falling into the water.
Holding a piece of ice fished from the water.

On our way back, the captain told us why the closer glacier to Juneau is no longer explored. In August 2025, a colossal landslide in Tracy Arm fjord, just south of Juneau, triggered a megatsunami that reached heights of over 1,500 feet (457m), ranking as the second-tallest wave ever recorded. 

So hard to comprehend.

The trip back was long and our jam-packed tour caught up with a number of us.

Beautiful views being ignored.
That big night has caught up!
Gone!
Just all too much!

We all came to life soon after returning when we embarked on our second excursion for the day. Helicopter ride to the Herbert Glacier for a bit of dog-sledding.

We helicoptered to the dog camp where we were put into groups of four. They had just moved the camp the day before. 240 dogs just raring to go. We’re not sure how the workers live there. Freezing cold and hard work.

240 dog kennels and dogs
Just before our dog sled took off without their musher. She had to jump on and save the day.
Hike (go forward)!
Gee (turn right)!

It was a long, absolutely packed day so eight very tired tourists hit the buffet. Four of us retired early and the other four took in the Juneau highlands. What a day!

Two of our late night stayers. Jo and Dave also stayed up but no evidence!

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