The majesty of the Alaska Grand Adventure will inspire and move your heart as you take in the dramatic landscapes of Alaska
Tandem kayakers paddle glassy waters at Pedersen Lagoon, beside rocky shoreline & craggy green mountains on the Alaska Grand Adventure.
Light brown moose walks through very tall green grass amongst fir trees in Denali National Park on the AK Grand Adventure.
Icy blue glacier leads into a body of water beside green mountains under a blue sky on the Alaska Grand Adventure.
Travelers lean off a boat to photograph Dall's Porpoise coming above calm blue water on the Alaska Grand Adventure.
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North America Alaska Land Tour

Alaska Grand Adventure

The pace is relaxed on this once-in-a-lifetime, 11-day Alaska Grand Adventure. 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 on this Alaska national parks tour. Venture into the wilderness by raft, explore 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. 

Explore the Kenai Fjords National Park, home to glaciers, whales, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more. At the beachfront of Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, beachcomb and bird watch in the presence of Pederson Glacier. Take interpretive walks, go sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoe in the lagoon or simply relax in your private cabin. At Kenai Riverside Lodge, kayak, hike or try fishing in the Kenai River in Cooper Landing. Gear up at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge for a scenic rafting trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and search for moose, bald eagles and spawning salmon. Hike trails to the tundra and splendid ecological communities, then relax on the sundeck, in your private cabin, in the wood-fired sauna or welcoming common areas.

From the Talkeetna Lodge, choose from an array of activities that suit you best, including an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. Denali. Then travel into Denali National Park’s Alaskan wild, staying at the secluded Tonglen Lake Lodge. A unique portion of this Alaska Grand Adventure is an interpretive Wildlife Safari, a drive within Denali National Park, where caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, migratory and resident birds and Mt. Denali itself take residence.

Both journeys are designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or to make the most of an extra 11 days away from home. Take in the natural beauty of Alaska as you travel through some of the state’s most stunning wilderness: Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Denali National Park. Contact the Alaska experts at AdventureSmith Explorations to learn how to complement the Alaska Grand Adventure with one of our small ship cruises into Glacier Bay National Park for the ultimate experience!

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about visiting Denali National Park and AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.



Itinerary

Alaska Grand Adventure

The Alaska Grand Adventure begins in Anchorage, Alaska, travels south to the Kenai Peninsula, then north overland to Denali National Park, and ends with a southbound train ride back to Anchorage. Note: Days 9 – 11 may operate in a different order than published here.

Route map of Alaska Grand Adventure land tour, operating roundtrip from Anchorage, Alaska, with visits to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Talkeetna & Denali National Park.
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Day 1
MON - Anchorage to Seward, Alaska

Meet your trip leader and fellow travelers at 10:00am in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed with reservation). 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. A narrated hike provides an excellent primer on local flora and fauna. Tongiht, relax near the famed Exit Glacier and overnight in Seward.

Accommodations

Seward Windsong Lodge

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 2
TUE - Seward to Kenai Fjords

Embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at your exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront and views of the stunning Pederson Glacier. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabin. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations.

Accommodations

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
WED/THU - Kenai Fjords National Park

Enjoy two full days of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations. Or relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront.

Accommodations

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
FRI - Kenai Fjords National Park to Seward

This morning allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe or explore the beach for a half day before boarding the lodge boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward, followed by a roughly one-hour drive to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a fine dinner with your group and spend the evening relaxing at the Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing. After dinner, enjoy the wood-fired sauna, relax on the riverside deck or try fishing in a nearby eddy on the Kenai River.

Accommodations

Kenai Riverside Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
SAT - Raft the Kenai River

Gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of year, witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations.

Accommodations

Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
SUN - Kenai Wildlife Refuge

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lakeshore by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides.

Accommodations

Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
MON - Chugach State Park, Talkeetna & Mt. Denali

Cross the lake in the morning and say farewell to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once in Talkeetna, choose from several activities, including a guest favorite: flightseeing. Take to the skies on an add-on optional flightseeing tour of Mt. Denali and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through downtown Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and the town’s history. Tonight, dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own.

Accommodations

Talkeetna Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
TUE - Denali National Park

After breakfast, board a custom mini-coach from Talkeetna north to the campus of Denali Education Center, located near the Denali National Park entrance. By special arrangement, be welcomed by local specialists from the Center, who provide a Welcome to the Subarctic presentation on Denali’s history, ecology and geology. Head out on an interactive guided hike this afternoon to explore Denali’s beautiful front country sights and sounds.

Later, be welcomed to Tonglen Lake Lodge, a secluded 5-acre piece of paradise boasting incredible mountain views, lakeside solitude and authentically Alaskan crafted “hide-away” style guest cabins. Here, enjoy a rotation of optional activities, which may include local nature walks, yoga, evening art and music events, Native Alaskan cultural presentations and more.

Appetizers followed by a savory dinner in the main lodge await all this evening. Following dinner, settle in and relax. Tonglen Lake Lodge routinely offers evening bonfires and yard games as a fun option for guests. Overnight Tonglen Lake Lodge.

Accommodations

Tonglen Lake Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
WED - Wildlife Safari Tour, Denali National Park

Enjoy a peaceful morning and breakfast at Tonglen Lake Lodge, followed by a new perspective of Denaliby bus. Increase the odds of seeing Alaska’s charismatic wildlife on an interpretative bus tour. Start at the Denali Visitors Center and move on to awe-inspiring sights. Keep the camera and binoculars at the ready; there’s always the possibility to spot a majestic eagle overhead or a lumbering grizzly foraging along the road’s edge. Later, return to Tonglen Lake Lodge for dinner and unwinding. Overnight Tonglen Lake Lodge.

Accommodations

Tonglen Lake Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
THU - Sled Dogs & Alaska Railroad to Anchorage, Alaska

On the last day of this active adventure, enjoy a more relaxed morning at Tonglen Lake before embarking on the return trip south to Anchorage. After breakfast, visit Alaska’s 4-legged celebrities—Alaskan sled dogs! Learn more about how sled dogs serve an important role throughout rural and remote Alaskan communities.

Next, board the first-class Goldstar cars of the historic Alaska Railroad for comfortable sightseeing en route back to Anchorage. Arrive safely at the Anchorage Rail Depot (located at 411 West 1st Avenue) at approximately 8:30 p.m. Taxis are located directly outside the rail terminal and are easy to access. Although transfers to the airport or local hotels are not included, some hotels include courtesy shuttle service from the rail depot to their property.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Transportation from Anchorage, meals served family style in lodges indicated in itinerary, guided activities, return fare (including dinner) on the Alaska Railroad in Goldstar service, fees and gratuities for included services and activities while in Seward, Talkeetna and Denali.

Exclusions

Airfare, taxes ($234.38 per person for 2024 double occupancy; taxes are determined by each borough and municipality in Alaska and may change before final payment), beer and wine, fishing upgrades or extensions, cabin upgrades at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, optional flightseeing excursion, gratuities and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 121 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – $300 or 10% of total trip cost, whichever is less
120 to 91 days – $600 or 20% of total trip cost, whichever is less
90 to 46 days – 50% of total trip cost
45 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Alaska Grand Adventure Trip begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, meet your trip leader at 10:00am in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed with reservation). The trip ends when your Alaska Railroad train arrives at the Anchorage station on Day 11 at approximately 8:30pm. If you choose to fly home on the night of Day 11, we suggest you book a flight that departs Anchorage after 11:30pm, in case of possible transportation delays. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include interpretive nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking, coastal explorations, wildlife observation, flightseeing tours (added cost), gold panning and self-guided mountain biking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a 25% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability. Single travelers interested in sharing accommodations with another guest of the same gender, will be charged the 25% single supplement then refunded this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found then the 25% single supplement will apply. Triple and quad rates with applicable taxes subject to availability, please inquire about discounts. Upgrades may be available, contact us for details.

Families & Children

Kids 7 years and older are welcomed to participate on all adventures.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captains’ and guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique. Note that in rare circumstances due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, access to the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge may not be permitted at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations are planned for this uncommon occurrence, but please be prepared for a possible change in schedule.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Dates

Jun 10 - Jun 20, 2024
11 days
From $10595USD
Per Person
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Jun 24 - Jul 04, 2024
11 days
From $10595USD
Per Person
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Jul 08 - Jul 18, 2024
11 days
From $10595USD
Per Person
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Jul 22 - Aug 01, 2024
11 days
From $10595USD
Per Person
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Aug 05 - Aug 15, 2024
11 days
From $10595USD
Per Person
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Aug 19 - Aug 29, 2024
11 days
From $10595USD
Per Person
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Aug 25 - Sep 04, 2024
11 days
From $9945USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Wilderness Lodges on Your Itinerary

Lodge
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

The wilderness eco lodge Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is completely surrounded by Kenai Fjords National Park and is the only lodge located within the park.

Lodge
Kenai Riverside Lodge

Conveniently located on the scenic Upper Kenai River near Cooper Landing, Alaska, the Kenai Riverside Lodge is more than a world-class fishing lodge. You can hike, raft, fish, attend naturalist programs or stroll the nature trail overlooking the breathtaking Kenai River.

Lodge
Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Rustically elegant and heated by wood stove, the Kenai Backcountry Lodge is an exemplary backcountry lodge, offering an intimate Kenai Peninsula experience with up to 18 guests and off-the-grid sustainability efforts that help preserve and protect the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Lodge
Talkeetna Lodge

Set on a ridge above the small community of Talkeetna on the south side of Denali, the 212-room Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers unforgettable views of Denali and the Alaska Range, spacious rooms, casual and fine dining and hiking, sightseeing and activities right out the front door.

Lodge
Tonglen Lake Lodge

Celebrate the arts, community and a spectacular setting at this Denali lodge located conveniently near the park entrance but far enough away to feel like a private retreat. Mountain views, lakeside solitude, onsite activities, hearty food and private cabins tucked into spruce forest make Tonglen Lake Lodge a special place to stay while exploring Denali National Park.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • May 30th, 2014
Expert Review: Alaska Grand Adventure

Adventure Specialist Andrew Browning reviews his 9-day Alaska Grand Adventure to coastal Alaska and the interior, including Denali National Park.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Everything About This Trip Was Outstanding"

Everything about this trip was outstanding. The guides, the accommodations, the food and everything!! Every adventure was very organized and each guide was well versed and obviously loved their jobs.

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"Our Trip With Alaska Wildland Adventures Was Excellent"

Our trip with Alaska Wildland Adventures was excellent. The accommodations were outstanding, each unique, well equipped and comfortable. A variety of experiences were available at each of the lodges for different ability levels. The guides enthusiastically shared their knowledge and love of Alaska.

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