Petersburg (Frederick Sound), Alaska Cruise Port

Petersburg, Alaska is often referred to as Little Norway because it has the appearance of a quaint Norwegian coastal village with ample fishing, and Scandinavian culture to boot. Located on the north end of Mitkof Island where Frederick Sound meets Wrangell Narrows, Petersburg toes the line between the Canadian and U.S. border as well as the Juneau communities. Surrounded by expansive forests, lakes, and impassable mountains, this cruise port is a perfect escape from the ordinary. The Norwegian influence can be seen all through the humble fishing village by the rosemaling panels on the windowsills of storefronts, homes, and even fishing shacks. These designs go as far back as 1750 Norway, a Baroque and Rococo artistic style with a lasting hold on the culture. The Leikarring Dancers, a local troupe, adds to this European connection with their spirited versions of their traditional dances at Petersburg’s Sons of Norway Hall.

• Tour the many lakes of the region by taking up oars and paddling along with any of the numerous kayak and canoe adventures.
   
• Gaze in wonder at the majestic whales on a chartered whale watching tour. The humpback whales in the area are no strangers to putting on shows, leaping from the water and doing various turns before splashing back down.
   
• Take in the stoic glaciers, formed thousands of years ago during the ice age. Local boats will take you right up beside the monstrous glaciers making it easy to hear that indescribable noise when they calve and break apart.
   
• Get an overview of the region in just a few hours at the Clausen Memorial Museum. Learn about the glaciers, how to catch halibut, trap fish, and harvest a forest. Don’t forget to check out the world’s largest mounted salmon!