We're going to Alaska in Aug. on the Coral Princess. We want to do some kayaking and a heli ride to Mendenhall glacier. Any suggestions on which are good trips? Is it better to book through an indep. company or book through Princess? Is there a cost difference?

I never book ship excursions and always independent. Tours may be cheaper, but most always smaller groups and more personal attention. I would not limit myself to a landing on Mendenhall glacier, only one company has the permits TEMSCO, any glacier in the Juneau icefield is excellent, look also at Coastal helicopter. Kayaking is just excellent with Southeast Kayaks in Ketchikan.

Good advice BQ. BTW we will be in Victoria in Aug. I have heard having hi tea there is great. Any rec. for a specific place and are reservations needed? Thanks, Larry

Larry
Try tea at the Empress Hotel ... nice.

If you are into gardens be sure to do Buchert Gardens while in Victoria. If you like fish and chips check out Barb's. Here is info on Barbs
http://www.bcexplore.com/barbs.htm

Thank you Curt. Actually i just spoke with someone at the gym and he recommended the Empress as well.

Be aware that the "tea" at the Empress runs about $40ca pp. There is also a nice tea at Butchart Gardens.

Right down the road from Butchart Gradens (which are fabulous) is a butterfly garden that is wonderful. You walk right among them - one landed on my shoulder and rode around for a while. We did a Princess cruise also, and there was four glacier helicopter package out of Juneau - we took that one. It was fabulous. We landed on a glacier far fron anyone else, so it was just the four of us.