For cruise travelers looking for waterways off the beaten path, it’s hard to beat Alaska’s Inside Passage. Bays, coves and inlets draw small ships to their shores where time is measured by incoming tides and seasonal shifts.
Among the small, remote communities found here, Tenakee Springs stands out. Within this peaceful enclave, colorful homes perch on pilings in a single line along the waterfront. Each share a heart-stopping view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and wildlife. Behind the buildings runs the only road through town, an unpaved path for walking and biking.
At the dock we’re greeted by friendly canines who accompany us on our stroll through town. We linger at the Tenakee Hot Springs Lodge, before moving on to the beautifully restored St. Francis Chapel, followed by Snyder’s Mercantile for coffee, pastries and a few mementos of our visit.
I can easily imagine holing up here for a couple of weeks, hiking the nearby trails, kayaking in calm waters, whale-watching, only to cap off the days with good, long soaks in the hot springs.
After catching up on my sleep, I’d browse the stacks at the Dermott O’Toole Memorial Library, borrow a few books, and most certainly start writing my travel memoir. Ahh . . .
Have you cruised Alaska’s Inside Passage, Wanderboomers? If not, what are you waiting for?? If so, what’s your favorite spot?
What a lovely post to start the day with – this one made me smile, Nancy! We rarely get there, but Tenakee’s one of my favorite places in Southeast. (Although when returning to the boat from the women’s bath hours after dark, my imagination often runs wild, going through that particularly dark stretch right before the harbor. I sing very wobbly, off-key versions of Ani DiFranco songs to assure myself that I won’t walk into a bear!)
I was hoping you’d spot my post, Tele! So glad it brings back fond memories for you. I know just what you mean about whistling, singing, talking really loud when imagining a surprise bear visit. You have to check out my next post on Tenakee Springs, Tele. Look at the photo of the cabin door and you’ll see what I mean :-).
Hi Nancy,
This spot is very tempting. When I travel I usually “hole-up” in a quiet spot. I recommend Lago Atitlan in Guatemala and Danau Toba on Sumatra.
I’ll add Tenakee Springs to my “Must Visit and Take a Soak” list.
Jan Polatschek
Thanks for your recommendations, Jan! I’ll have to check them out first chance I get. Thanks for stopping by ~
Looks beautiful. I haven’t been that far north yet.
You would love it, Christopher. How far north have you been?
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post, Nancy. Sounds like a great place to relax and get inspired. We’ve never been to Alaska, but I’m sure my family would love it at Tenakee Springs. We love touristy places, but prefer areas in off-the-beaten locations even more.
Hmmm…is your travel memoir in the works? Can’t wait.
You’re welcome, Cristina! There’s still so much of Alaska I have yet to discover. Maybe I should give that travel memoir a try, hmm? Stay tuned :-).