Bellingham to Port Browning: Alaska, Here We Come!

After six months of upgrades and elbow grease aboard OceanFlyer, we’re finally pointing the bow north—Alaska bound! We’ve got five months of cruising ahead and couldn’t be more excited. It’s our fourth run to Southeast Alaska, but the first in nine years. Time to rediscover some old favorites and chart a few new ones.

Calm Seas, And that’s just fine with us

Today marked our crossing into Canada, making us the first among our cruising circle to test the waters after recent political frostiness between U.S. and Canadian leadership. Would border agents be in a mood? Not at all. Canadian Customs was smooth, professional, and just as courteous as ever—zero drama.

Our first stop? Port Browning—a perennial favorite for clearing in and winding down. There’s usually plenty of room to anchor, and it’s a quick dinghy hop to shore and the welcoming Port Browning Pub. Stretch your legs another 20 minutes and you'll hit a solid grocery store, a liquor shop, a charming bakery, and the Copper Otter—a restaurant well worth the walk.

karen walks under the leaning tree at The Pub

Bob settles in for some good pub food

we celebrate the start of our trip with an over-the-top dessert

well stocked grocery store at port browning

Prefer docks over swinging on the hook? Good news: the marina’s been steadily improving under the Oak Bay Group’s stewardship, and we now recommend it without hesitation.

Great view of the Port Browing Resort and docks

there is always room to anchor at port browning

Next stop: northward and onward. The Inside Passage awaits.