trip specifics

price

Alaska Coast to Denali Journey is a weeklong adventure offering an in-depth exploration of the magical worlds of two distinct Alaska national parks: Kenai Fjords & Denali. Explore the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park by kayak and small boat tours and then venture deep into the heart of Denali National Park to the region known as Kantishna. Along the way, visit the charming small towns of Seward and Talkeetna, and finish off your Alaska adventure trip in style with a ride on the historic Alaska Railroad.

This 7-day overland trip is designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or to make the most of only a week away from home. Journey from the snow-capped peaks and emerald waters of the Kenai Peninsula to the glacier-clad Alaska Range and its sweeping upland tundra valleys. Venture into the wilderness on foot or sea kayak, exploring the trails and shores used by gold seekers and trophy hunters. Hike up to see views of North America's highest peak, Denali, and ride the Alaska Railroad through scenic road-less valleys.

Day 1 - MON - Anchorage / Seward / Kenai Fjords

Meet your trip leader and fellow travelers at 6:30 a.m. in the Anchorage Clarion Suites hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Board a small boat bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters and puffins. A four-hour cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at your exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled on the edge of a protected tidal lagoon, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront and breathtaking views of Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property before settling into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - TUE - Kenai Fjords Exploration

After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge and peruse the natural history library, take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront or relax in a rocking chair taking in the spectacular view.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - WED - Cruise to Seward / Exit Glacier

This morning allows another opportunity to canoe, kayak or explore the area in the morning before bidding farewell to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Midday, embark on a return coastal wildlife cruise back to Seward followed by a delicious dinner at the Seward Windsong Lodge. In the evening, take a casual stroll to the face of the massive Exit Glacier located just down the road from the lodge.

Accommodations: Seward Windsong Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - THR - Talkeetna, Alaska

Begin the journey north to the historical town of Talkeetna, mountaineering gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mount McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and this quaint town's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own.

Accommodations: Talkeetna Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinnner

Day 5 - FRI - Denali National Park

Continue traveling north to Denali National Park and stop for lunch at the Denali Park entrance. After lunch, enjoy the park's highlights while traveling the length of the restricted access Denali Park Road. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds and, weather permitting, Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse, enjoy dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park.

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - SAT - Denali's Kantishna Region

Enjoy a full day of exploration in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. Available activities include guided hikes, natural history programs and dog sled demonstrations. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge (weather and space-dependent).

Accommodations: Kantishna Roadhouse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - SUN - Historic Alaska Railroad / Anchorage

Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife en route to the park entrance. Bid farewell to your trip leader and board the historic Alaska Railroad for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage. Meals are available for purchase on the train. After arriving to Anchorage at approximately 8:30 p.m., transfer (transfers not included) to your hotel or the airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining a small ship Adventure Cruise.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes this style of adventure travel unique.

Included: Meals as indicated on itinerary, accommodations in a mix of hotels and rustic lodges, entrance fees, leadership, crew, local guides, kayaking, hiking activities, private coach transfers to Talkeetna and Denali and Alaska Railroad return from Denali to Anchorage.

The remote wilderness lodges in Denali National park will only allow guests to bring 1 piece of luggage per person. Additionally, guests are allowed 1 small backpack, which they may take with them on the bus journey into the park. Each additional piece of luggage will incur a cost of $50.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from Alaska, airport taxes, excess baggage charges; return transfer from railroad to airport or hotel; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; some meals; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages; and insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: Single rooms are available for a 25% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will charge the 25% single supplement, then refund this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found the 25% single supplement will apply.

Families & Children: Minimum age is 7 years old. Triple/quadruple occupancy subject to availability; inquire for discounts.

Arrival & Departure: The Alaska Coast to Denali Journey begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Meet your expedition leader at 6:30am on Day 1 at the designated Anchorage hotel. The trip ends when your Alaska Railroad train arrives at the Anchorage station on Day 7 at about 8:30pm. Most travelers plan to arrive at the Anchorage airport (ANC) one day before and depart one day after the trip. If you choose to fly home on the night of Day 7, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $1400 per traveler is due at the time of booking. A second deposit of 50% of the trip total, less the original deposit, is due 120 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. If cancellation or change occurs, the cancellation fee is as follows for days prior to trip departure date:
$300 or 10% of total - 121 days
$600 or 20% of total - 91-120 days
50% of total - 36-90 days prior
100% of total per person cost - 0-35 days

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: Alaska Coast to Denali Journey will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors. Kayaking and hiking activities will satisfy novice and experienced paddlers and hikers alike.

Weather Delay Policy: On rare occasions, rough weather forces us to cancel boat transportation to the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. In the remote chance that the boat captains determine that safe and comfortable boat travel to the lodge is not possible, guests will have the option to select one of the following actions: 1) Reschedule your travel dates for the same amount of nights at another time during the season. 2) Refund the stay, or prorate the unused portion of the trip, and make alternative hotel arrangements. 4) If space is available, be transported to another lodge for full-service accommodations, activities, and meals, with a $150 per person, per night refund for this lodge substitution. Please note this option is based on availability.


return to top of page

AdventureSmith Explorations

Travel Specialists  |  Contact Us