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View glaciers, whales, bears and more on our up close exploration of Glacier Bay National Park. Stay in style at our exclusive wilderness lodge in the nearby homestead community of Gustavus. Witness the magnificent tidewater glaciers and wildlife of Glacier Bay National Park aboard a high speed catamaran. Watch whales, sea otters, sea lions and bald eagles on a private wildlife excursion to Point Adolphus. After a helicopter flight see over the Juneau Ice Field our local guides lead a trek across the surface of a glacier. Many travelers choose to extend this adventure to spend more time at the Bear Track Inn and Glacier Bay. Ask our expert staff about additional activities such as fishing, White Pass Railroad excursions, zipline adventures, sea kayaking, and more.

Day 1 - Arrive Juneau

Arrive independently at the Juneau airport where a hotel courtesy shuttle brings you to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore this historic gold rush city on your own.

Accommodations: Goldbelt Hotel

Day 2 - Glacier Trekking

Our up close exploration begins with a scenic helicopter flight over the incredible Juneau Ice Field, birthplace to many of the region’s glaciers. On your way you will have the opportunity to witness the landscape change from the lush forests at sea level to the granite peaks that surround the Juneau Icefield. As soon as the helicopter touches down your experience begins with professional glacier guides teaching the basic mountaineering skills and proper use of ice axe, crampons and other equipment. Professional glacier guides lead you on an exhilarating hike across the ice. No experience is necessary. This afternoon return downtown to explore, shop or relax on your own.

Accommodations: Goldbelt Hotel

Day 3 - Scenic Flight to Glacier Bay

Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight over Alaska’s inside passage to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Upon arrival in this quaint homestead community you are met by our local representative and transferred to our family run wilderness lodge. You’ll appreciate sitting by the roaring fire enjoying views of Icy Strait. The afternoon is open to explore the surrounding wilderness. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner made from scratch with local ingredients.

Accommodations: Bear Track Inn
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Point Adolphus Whale Watching

Across Icy Strait from Glacier Bay lies Point Adolphus, one of the premier Humpback Whale watching sites in the world. Nutrient rich currents from Glacier Bay attract these magnificent cetaceans. Each year they gather here to feed on krill and herring-rich waters. You may also see Minke and Orca Whales, porpoise, seals, sea lions, sea otters sharing in the bounty. The rich waters and pristine forests also attract numerous Bald eagles and seabirds, Brown bears and deer. Return to the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon to relax or explore.

Accommodations: Bear Track Inn
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Sea Kayak Alaska

Board the kayak outfitted vessel this morning to actively explore Alaska’s wilderness up close. Your captain knows the best locations for natural history exploration including whale watching, birding or marine mammals. Kayaks are on board and experienced guides are available to lead paddles with whales or walks on shore. Point Adolphus is a rich summer feeding ground for humpback whales but sightings may also include Orca or Killer Whales, Minke whales, porpoise, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and more. This trip lasts 6 hours and will generally leave at 9:00 AM and return around 3:00 PM.

Accommodations: Bear Track Inn
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park Day Cruise

Board the M/V Spirit of Adventure to voyage 70 miles up Glacier Bay’s beautiful West Arm where you will witness a spectacular congregation of tidewater glaciers. Take time to imagine how this entire bay must have looked just 200 years ago, when it was completely filled with ice. Since that time it has endured the fastest retreat of glaciers in recorded history, some 70 miles. Throughout the journey you will be witness to the succession of habitats from old growth temperate rain forest at the bay’s mouth to bare rock near the glaciers’ face. Watch for resident wildlife en route to the glaciers including whales, Harbor Seals, otters, bears, Mountain Goats, and moose. During the cruise a National Park Service Ranger will interpret the ecological, natural and cultural history of the Park. This evening fly back to Juneau and transfer to your downtown hotel.

Accommodations: Goldbelt Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 7 - Depart

Transfer to the Juneau Inernational Airport to catch your flight home or begin your Alaska trip extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Extend your Glacier Bay Adventure:
Extra days and activities at the Bear Track Inn can be added to your itinerary. Choose from several exciting activities that can be added to your adventure including:

Alaska Fishing
A fishing trip in this region is about more than simply catching fish. Another day on the water means more opportunities to view whales, bears and eagles among spectacular Alaskan Wilderness. But you can also catch the fish of your dreams! Choose from salt water charters for barn-door sized halibut and hard-hitting salmon or Blue Ribbon stream fishing. along secluded streams for Pink, Silver, Sockeye, or Chum Salmon. Also catch Dolly Varden, Cutthroat Trout, or Steelhead in their season.

Skagway and the White Pass Railroad
Depart early from the Gustavus airport for a scenic flight over Glacier Bay and Lynn Canal to Skagway, Alaska. Skagway is the home of the famous While Pass Yukon Railroad. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark - a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. The WP&YR climbs nearly 3000 feet in just 20 miles and features steep grades of up to 3.9%, cliff-hanging turns of 16 degrees, two tunnels and numerous bridges and trestles. See the steel cantilever bridge which was the tallest of its kind in the world when it was constructed in 1901. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage passenger coaches. Tens of thousands of men and 450 tons of explosives overcame harsh climate and challenging geography to create “the railway built of gold.” After the train trip there is time to explore historic and colorful Skagway, Alaska before the return flight to Gustavus.

Hoonah ZipRider™
Depart from the Gustavus airport for a short scenic flight to the nearby native Tlingit village to Hoonah. Originally a sleepy fishing outpost Hoonah’s cultural traditions have made it a popular cruise ship port in recent years. You will beat the cruise ships there to experience the world famous ZipRider™ without the tourist crowds. The ZipRider™ cable ride is the longest Zip Line in the world at 5,330 feet, and includes a 1,300 vertical drop. Your adventure begins with a narrated bus ride through the village of Hoonah, which leads up the beautiful mountainside. Once on top of the mountain, you take a short walk to the launching area, located at a cool 1,300 feet above sea level. After suiting up into your special harness seat gear, you'll have a moment to take in the breath-taking mountaintop views. The ZipRider™ is six cables wide, and after all the riders are in position, you'll take off in what seems like an exhilarating race to the bottom! Accelerating to a maximum speed of 60 mph, you'll pass through a thick wooded area; soon afterward, the bottom drops out and you'll be soaring 300 feet above the open ground. If your eyes are still open, you'll see sweeping views of Port Frederick, Icy Strait and the cruise ship dock! Your approximately 1.5 minute long ride ends with a gentle touchdown on the beach at Icy Strait Point. To participate in the ZipRider™ travelers must weigh between 90 and 275 pounds and be comfortable with heights. Participants should wear warm layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, and closed toe shoes. Loose and dangling clothing and objects are strictly prohibited. In addition, pregnant women and persons with back and/or neck problems are not permitted to participate. After the ZipRider™ there is time to explore shops and cultural attractions at Icy Strait Point before the return flight to Gustavus.

Sea Kayaking
Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sea otters, seals, bears and whales as you glide along tranquil shoreline. Your guide will introduce you to the fascinating geologic history of this region which was covered with glaciers only 200 years ago. No experience is necessary. All equipment is provided. Half day and full day options are available.

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

Land Cost Includes: Airport arrival transfer via courtesy shuttle, most meals, accommodations in a mix of hotels and rustic lodges, entrance fees, leadership, crew, local guides, kayaking, hiking activities, private coach transfers in Gustavus.


Not Included: Airfare to Alaska, airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Gustavus or Juneau; some meals, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: Your trip starts and ends in Juneau, Alaska. Arrivals may be at anytime on Day 1 and departures may be at anytime on Day 7. Transfers will be provided both upon arrival on Day 1 from Anchorage International Airport and on Day 7 for your return flight home.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Deposit of 50% of the total tour cost is required to book this trip. The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due 90 days before departure.

Cancellation fees are as follows:

Days Prior to Departure Fee
91 days or more 50% of deposit
31-90 Days 50% of total tour cost
0-30 100% of total tour cost

Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors. Kayaking, rafting and hiking activities will satisfy novice and experienced paddlers alike.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining an Adventure Cruise or Extra days and activities at the Bear Track Inn. Choose from several exciting activities that can be added to your adventure.

General Information: 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, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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