Great National Parks of Alaska

Take an early peek outside: fjord cliffs reach skyward, floating ice and deep u-shaped valleys. There’s no abracadabra here. Mother Nature’s magic is real. Cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy blue twin Sawyer Glaciers of its furthest reaches. Tides permitting, the skiff driver knows the ropes and guides the skiff along. It’s a mash-up of towering walls, temperamental currents and the Coastal Mountains. So many waterfalls. Mountain goats show off fancy footwork on the cliffs—look for them.

Humpbacks beeline it here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse—Alaska’s oldest light station—and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Tonight, toast to a whale of a day in Alaska.

Before doing anything, look out the window. From kelp-lined channels to hemlock and spruce forests, every inch of this far northwest corner is worth exploring. And today’s adventures promise to be as big as the water is deep. Seals and sea lions haul out on rocky outcroppings, resting before they disappear in the water to search for food. If the tides are right, head out in the skiff with one of the guides for a closer exploration of the rugged shore, or perhaps, make it all the way to George Island. Whether wilderness trekking, skiffing or paddling, the expedition team guides the way.

This crown jewel of America’s national parks covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Instead, go the furthest and explore parts that 99% of visitors never go to and take two days to do it. Get started! Taylor Bay sea stacks and rocky shores make for good adventure. Or hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing. If motoring over to Dundas Bay, keep an eye out for bears, humpbacks, and with luck, a wolf sighting. Kayak the bay. Bushwhack into the forest. Discover Glacier Bay outback.

The camera’s memory card needs plenty of room. South Marble Island is abuzz with activity. Rare sea birds, black oystercatchers and orange-beaked tufted puffins can’t be missed. A colony of raucous sea lions adds to the hubbub. They add a distinct aroma to the air, too. Tucking into silent Tidal Inlet—the stomping grounds for bears, wolves, mountain goats, eagles—the backdrop is spectacular. At the end of the western-most arm of the bay sits Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. And possible views of glacial calving. Take it all in on deck.

Find a perch on the bridge with the captain or with the guides on the bow, and watch for whales and other creatures before tucking into Port Frederick or another inlet in the Tongass National Forest. Any spot is a good one to pull over and stretch the legs. Hike, paddle, or skiff through this remote corner with bears on the shoreline, seals bobbing on the surface and welcoming boughs of moss in the trees. Back on the boat, there’s a treat in store—the farewell dinner and some special mentions from the crew.

Linger over breakfast this morning while cruising into Juneau. Wish the crew and new friends goodbye. Then it’s off to the airport for your journey northwards. Upon arrival in Anchorage, a transfer to your hotel is included.

Today the adventure begins on a scenic, narrated drive along the Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali. Arrive at the Denali National Park train depot midday. Catch the naturalist-guided wildlife safari bus for a tour through North America’s premier wilderness. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent as you travel overland deep into Denali National Park. Look for grizzly bear, moose, caribou and possibly even wolves on this 92-mile, 5-hour trip with frequent stops for viewing and photographing wildlife. A picnic dinner is served in route, in the heart of Denali National Park, then arrive to Camp Denali in the evening for refreshments.

Spend the next three days exploring the heart of Alaska’s premier wilderness. A naturalist guide from Camp Denali leads you through alpine and tundra environments along rivers, lakes or ridge-top trails with magnificent panoramic views of the Alaska Range. The beautiful scenery of Denali National Park is also home to grizzly bear, black bear, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, arctic fox and moose. Activities offered at Camp Denali include hiking on daily outings that explore Denali’s trail-less terrain. The lodge’s longstanding history in the area has awarded it the opportunity to hike into the wilderness core of Denali National Park; its designation as the park’s historic operator means it holds the exclusive rights to commercial guided hiking. Each evening, staff naturalists and visiting specialists present evening programs to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Far North.

In addition to daily guided hikes, there are numerous independent activities you can pursue. There is a dock and five canoes at Wonder Lake for your use during your stay. Paddle across the lake to pick blueberries or take a nap in the tundra. Drift in silence into the reflection of Denali. The Kantishna air strip is just a few miles down the road and Camp Denali staff can assist in arranging flightseeing tours around Denali with Kantishna Air Taxi. Trail and topographic maps, self-guided interpretive booklets and bikes to ride on the park road may help you strike off on your own. There is fishing gear, walking sticks, daypacks, raingear and more for you to borrow. Bring your curiosity to Camp Denali’s resource center, with its natural history exhibits, plant, animal and insect collections, resource library and microscope. If quiet relaxation is your ambition, the living room at each lodge contains an extensive library of literature related to Denali, Alaska and the Far North, as well as photography and field guides. Pick out a book, stake out a comfortable seat, and relax by a cheery fire.

This morning brings a final chance to view wildlife on the return trip to the park entrance. You may instead choose to return to the park entrance by plane, enjoying a scenic flight over North America’s tallest mountain, Denali (additional cost). Upon arrival at the park entrance, board the historic railroad for the return trip to Anchorage, crossing over Alaska’s highest bridge at Hurricane Gulch. Skirt past the Matanuska Valley, the most fertile farming area in Alaska, which produces bushel-basket-sized cabbages along with other huge vegetables due to long hours of sunlight. Your conductor will keep you posted on points of interest along the way, with prime views from your luxury dome car. Meals are available for purchase on board. Arriving at the Anchorage Rail Depot around 8:00pm, a transfer is included to your Anchorage hotel.

This morning travel along the Alaska coast to Seward via the Alaska Railroad. Upon arrival check in to the Seward Windsong Lodge for your overnight stay. The remaining day is yours to enjoy at leisure or to partake in one of the many exciting activities the lodge has to offer at additional cost. Choose from a wide variety including: wildlife & glacier cruises, an Exit Glacier hike, sea kayaking, Alaska Sea Life Center, rafting tours and Iditarod sled dog tours.

This morning an included transfer brings you to the pier to embark on a four- to five-hour wildlife and tidewater glacier journey of Kenai Fjords National Park by boat. Upon arriving at the shores of your remote wilderness destination, take an easy 20-minute walk from the outer coast along a maintained trail to the lodge and guest cabins; motorized travel is provided if desired. Orientation, optional afternoon activity, dinner and an evening program await.

Choose from an array of daily activities including guided sea kayaking (short and long options), nature walks, exploring the lagoon by canoe and interpretive programs. Take a pack lunch during extended activities or join an in-camp lunch for shorter ones. There’s time to relax if you wish. Dinner and evening programs await you after each day’s adventures.

Choose a short morning activity to suit your interest. After an in-camp lunch, board the boat for a coastal wildlife and scenic tour of Kenai Fjords National Park as you return to Seward. Arrive early evening and board the Alaska Railroad, which departs at 6pm back to Anchorage. Dinner is available for purchase on the train. An included transfer brings you from the train depot to your Anchorage hotel for an overnight stay.

Take an included return transfer to the Anchorage airport for your journey home.