Top 5 Reasons to Host Your Next Family Reunion at Boardwalk Lodge

Nestled in the lush Tongass Rainforest on Prince of Wales Island, Boardwalk Lodge offers the perfect setting for a family reunion that weaves adventure, fishing, and togetherness into memories that last for generations.

Our Family Reunion Package is designed for family gatherings of all sizes. It includes two distinct options: the Together Option for intimate family groups of more than 10, and the Extended Family Whole Lodge Booking for up to 37 guests. Both plans deliver all-inclusive experiences with chartered floatplane transfers from Ketchikan, luxurious suites, gourmet meals, top-tier fishing gear, catch processing, and a range of lodge activities.

Boardwalk Lodge offers an all-inclusive experience, including luxurious suites, gourmet meals, top-tier fishing gear, catch processing, and activities like whale watching, bear viewing, bald eagle watching, kayaking, and much more.

Picture a family stepping off the floatplane, the misty Alaskan air alive with anticipation: children gasp at bald eagles soaring above, parents marvel at the shimmering fish in the crystalline waters, and grandparents smile at the promise of whale sightings and firepit stories. Our Family Reunion Package immerses families in Alaska’s vibrant adventures, sparking laughter, discoveries, and traditions that echo for years.

Here are five reasons Boardwalk Lodge transforms family reunions into epic Alaskan adventures.

1. Diverse Fishing Opportunities That Unite Generations in Adventure

Southeast Alaska’s waters teem with fish, where families bond over thrilling catches in one of the world’s richest fishing grounds. In May through early July, king salmon surge through the channels, their powerful leaps flashing silver against the waves, delivering a fight that sets pulses racing.

From July to September, coho salmon arrive in lively schools, perfect for fast-paced action that keeps everyone engaged. Halibut patrol shallower waters in summer, their broad bodies tugging lines with stubborn might, while lingcod lurk near rocky bottoms from late May to August, rewarding persistence with trophy catches. For freshwater fans, rainbow and cutthroat trout dart through forested streams from June to September, their vibrant colors catching the light as families cast along mossy banks.

The region’s rainy weather feeds these waters, swelling rivers and creating ideal conditions for fishing. Incoming tides pull baitfish closer to shore, drawing hungry predators and making every outing a potential story.

Imagine a family boat swaying in a misty bay, where lines are cast together. A child’s rod bends with a coho’s tug, and the clan erupts in cheers. Grandparents share pointers on spotting baitfish ripples, while cousins swap bets on who lands the biggest catch. Family moments, set against Alaska’s wild beauty, transform fishing into a shared triumph.

2. Guided Trips Tailored to Spark Joy for Every Family Member

Boardwalk Lodge offers guided fishing trips led by Coast Guard-certified captains for saltwater adventures and Orvis-endorsed guides for freshwater fishing. All gear, including boats, rods, reels, waders, and tackle, is provided, and guides adapt each outing to the family’s skill levels so everyone can participate confidently.

On the water, families experience fishing together at their own pace. Young anglers feel the tug of their first trout while older relatives cheer and offer guidance. Teens and adults test their skills with halibut or coho, reading the currents and adjusting lines together. Along quiet streams, family members practice casting under expert instruction, sharing tips and celebrating small successes. Laughter, encouragement, and shared excitement carry across the water, turning each outing into a memory the whole family enjoys.

Guided trips at Boardwalk Lodge bring generations together. Landing a first fish, helping a relative reel in a catch, or mastering a new technique creates stories and memories that last long after the boats return to the dock.

3. Educational Practices That Build Family Traditions Through Shared Knowledge

Guides at Boardwalk Lodge teach families responsible fishing practices, including catch-and-release methods for trout and selective salmon. They show how to handle fish carefully and protect local populations, giving every family member a chance to participate.

Morning mist rises from forested streams as children practice casting, rods steady in small hands, while grandparents point out subtle ripples that hint at fish below. Teens and adults test new techniques, feeling the pull of coho or halibut on the line and adjusting with guidance from expert captains. Sunlight glints on the water, and the scent of pine and salt air fills the family’s senses. Every cheer and shared tip strengthens bonds and turns each outing into a story the family tells together.

Casting, handling fish, and reading the water create lasting family traditions and connections that continue long after the trip ends. Stories of first catches, clever techniques, and shared victories fill meals, firepit evenings, and future adventures with laughter and memories.

4. Amenities That Nurture Comfort and Family Connections

After returning from a morning on the water, families can spend the afternoon enjoying lodge activities. Children race along trails on eBikes while siblings and parents challenge each other in cornhole, billiards, or on the floating golf green. Kayaks glide across calm bays, carrying parents and kids through quiet waters. A hot tub and sauna offer a quiet retreat for those who want to unwind.

As the day winds down, children can rest in comfortable beds while adults step onto the deck to watch the sunset over the Tongass Rainforest. Families stay in the lodge’s spacious suites, which provide comfortable accommodations and beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.

Meals at Slacktide Grill bring everyone together. Fresh salmon, prime rib, and seasonal sides fill plates as laughter rises over the day’s catches. House wine and beer accompany dinner, and desserts tempt even the most tired anglers. The chefs craft each dish with care, allowing families to focus on sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.

Evenings gather the whole family around the fire pit under starlit skies. Stories of the day’s adventures, first catches, and wildlife sightings mix with the crackle of the fire, creating moments that linger long after the trip ends.

Staff handle all catch processing, including filleting, vacuum-packing, and boxing fish for the trip home, so families can focus entirely on fun and connection. Every moment at Boardwalk Lodge encourages togetherness, letting generations create memories in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.

5. Customized Experiences for Timeless Family Stories

Boardwalk Lodge tailors each reunion to create unforgettable memories with custom touches that turn Alaska adventures into family stories. We design fishing derbies for the biggest halibut or most trout, adjusting plans for weather and tides to ensure thrilling competition. A young angler hooks a winning fish while cousins, parents, and grandparents cheer, their laughter echoing across the bay.

Whale-watching excursions become shared quests with everyone gasping as an orca breaches nearby. Bear-viewing trips to Traitors Cove and bald eagle tours add excitement, while cultural visits to Kasaan bring history to life. Sea kayaking, glacier tours, flightseeing, nature walks, and beach exploration provide opportunities for fun, awe, and playful discovery for all ages. Four generations might ride together on a boat, kids squealing at a whale’s dive while guides share stories of the Tongass Rainforest.

Back at the lodge, families gather to reflect on the day’s highlights, recounting derby victories or marveling at wildlife sightings. We coordinate every detail, from scheduling trips around tides to curating activities, so families can focus on connection and shared experiences. Moments like cheering a child’s first catch, laughing over a missed putt on the floating green, or spotting a black bear in the wild become stories that families retell for years.

Plan Your Family Reunion Today!

As families board the floatplane home, arms full of vacuum-packed fish and hearts brimming with stories, they carry the magic of Southeast Alaska with them. Boardwalk Lodge blends world-class fishing with warm hospitality, crafting reunions where generations unite in adventure and joy.

Visit the Family Reunion Booking page or call to start planning your family’s unforgettable Alaskan experience. Let us help you create memories that echo through the years.