Roadtrippin’ 2022: Riding the Alaska Marine Highway from Juneau to Skagway

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - On board the M/V LeConte, two members of our Roadtrippin’ crew headed from Juneau to Skagway via Haines; a trip that takes a little more than six hours.

The ferry left Auke Bay Ferry Terminal bright and early before 7 a.m. Drivers are asked to arrive an hour early so that vehicles can be carefully parked on the ferry.

Setting off, passengers can look back at Juneau as they depart and at the towering ice of the Mendenhall Glacier. Wildlife sightings from ferries in the Lynn Canal are common. Humpback whales, dolphins, and bald eagles all can be seen by passengers.

“The opportunity to meet other people who are like-minded doing similar travel with their vehicles, the opportunity to see things you can’t see from the road,” said Nancy Smith, a tourist who was visiting Alaska for the first time.

Meals are offered on board, but due to short staffing, it took a little longer than usual to get breakfast. As the food service staff are state of Alaska employees, tipping is prohibited.

The M/V LeConte has a small cafeteria to sit and eat. There is also comfortable seating indoors near the bow of the ship, and in the movie lounge.

People also gather under the Solarium, a room equipped with sunlamps under a glass roof on the top of the LeConte. Lawn chairs are set up there for those who are on a long journey and need a warm place to lay down or others who are looking for an unforgettable nap.

The ferry is an excellent way to take a trip on the way to the trip, and getting to see all of the sights and sounds of Southeast Alaska really allows people to appreciate the remoteness of Skagway.

Copyright 2022 KTUU. All rights reserved.