CAMPING TOUR: On this 9-day tour, we’ll depart from Anchorage to explore Seward and discover the stunning scenery and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike to the Harding Icefield, see Exit Glacier and enjoy free time for optional activities. We’ll then travel to Homer and set off by boat to Seldovia for a two-night luxury camping experience featuring beach exploration, sea kayaking and the freshest salmon.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Anchorage!
Welcome to Alaska's largest city, often mistaken for the state’s capital. Anchorage is the most populated area in Alaska, yet it's home to wildlife such as bears, moose, and wolves. Our tour commences at 6pm with a welcome meeting, so make sure you arrive in time to meet the group and your tour guide. We are staying in a hotel in Anchorage tonight.
Please note: This tour has a flexible itinerary, and the below is a general guide of what you can expect on tour. Your tour guide may alter certain night stops to maximize your enjoyment; maybe you opt to visit a local event or stay longer in a certain place. The beauty of a small group tour is that the itinerary can also be adapted to suit the group’s preference! We encourage you to relax and go with the flow!
Overnight: Anchorage
Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park
Anchorage - Seward - Kenai Fjords National Park - Seward. This morning after breakfast, we depart Anchorage in our overland truck, bound for Seward. Our destination is located on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula and Resurrection Bay. Seward is known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" and is about a half-day drive from Anchorage. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore Seward’s scenic waterfront.
On day 3, we’ll embark on a wildlife cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. We’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife such as beluga whales and orcas, as well as being able to view the dramatic calving of glaciers.
No visit to Seward is complete without a hike along the picturesque Exit Glacier, which we enjoy on day 4. We may even spot local black bears feeding on berries. The 13.2-kilometre round trip to the Harding Icefield is a spectacular day hike. Starting from the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes through meadows filled with heather, and climbs above the tree line to reveal a breathtaking view of the Harding Icefield. The top of the trail provides a glimpse into past ice ages, with a horizon of ice and snow stretching as far as the eye can see. For those not up for the full hike, shorter trails with equally stunning views are available. If you’re seeking additional adventure while in Seward, you can speak to your guide about arranging a half-day or full-day kayaking excursion, fishing trips, or even a karaoke session, all of which are available for an extra fee.
For our three nights in Seward, we will be camping. On this tour, all camping equipment is provided at a full service campground with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers and flush toilets. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag, or can hire one for $40 per person per tour. Must be booked in advance, please let us know at time of booking.
Overnight: Seward | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3
Seward to Homer
Seward - Homer. This morning after breakfast, we will make our way from Seward to Homer. Situated on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula and Kachemak Bay, Homer is the starting point for our two-night luxury camp. However, don’t overlook this artist-inspired town, with its many galleries along the spit. We will have some time to explore the picturesque town and its fishing culture. You could take in the Salty Dawg Saloon, a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink.
On our way to Homer, we’ll have plenty of opportunities for scenic photo stops and short walks. Depending on the time of year, we might stop to watch the salmon run up Russian River or visit one of the orthodox churches with stunning views of the volcanoes across the bay. We will be camping in Homer.
If you are looking for more excitement while in Homer, you can discuss with your guide the option of going halibut fishing in the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” or arranging a bear viewing trip to Lake Clark/Katmai, which lasts approximately 5 hours. Both experiences are available for an additional fee.
Overnight: Homer | Breakfast, Lunch
Luxury camping & sea kayaking
Homer - Seldovia. On day 6 we travel by boat from Homer to Seldovia, a journey that takes us about half an hour. We arrive at a lovely and relatively untouched beach on the peninsula. For the next two nights we are "luxury camping". Our accommodation will be in canvas tents, fully equipped with beds and all the essentials. There’s a beautiful main house where we’ll enjoy our meals, with comfortable chairs and a constant supply of coffee and tea. From here, we can explore the beaches, keep an eye out for eagles and other marine wildlife, or take a walk to uncover hidden coves and scenic viewpoints.
Day 7 sees us embark on a half day sea kayaking adventure around Jacklof Bay, which is home to sea otters and harbour seals, while bald and golden eagles soar above us. During one of our nights in Seldovia, the camp owner, Tony, will even cook us his famous salmon dinner.
Overnight: Seldovia | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Coastal journey to Hope
Seldovia - Homer - Hope. In the morning after breakfast, we’ll take a water taxi back to Homer before continuing along the coastline to Hope. This quaint little town overlooks Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm and is only a short drive from Anchorage.
During the summer weekends, we might even catch a live concert at the local fishermen's bar, adding to the town's charm. In Hope, we will be bush camping, so there will be fewer facilities available. Don't worry, the guide will ensure we have everything we need!
If you’re interested in trying something different, you can speak to your guide about adding a gold panning experience to your itinerary. This optional activity is available for an additional fee.
Overnight: Hope | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Anchorage
Hope - Turnagain Arm - Anchorage. After breakfast today, we’ll take a short drive around Turnagain Arm back to Anchorage, stopping at the famous Beluga Point. Here, we may spot Beluga whales. Our tour comes to an end on arrival back in the city.
Breakfast
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Springhill Suites Midtown, Anchorage
This straightforward all-suite hotel is located 2 miles from the Anchorage Museum and 4 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The modest suites feature free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, pull-out sofas, and desks, as well as minifridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Guests enjoy complimentary perks such as breakfast. The hotel also offers an indoor pool, a hot tub, an exercise room, a business centre, and laundry facilities.
Campsite, Seward
At the campsites, all necessary equipment will be provided (except sleeping bags, if specified on itinerary). Provided equipment includes tents, foam sleeping pad, camp chairs, cooking equipment and access to facilities such as electricity, flush toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor hot tub, though amenities may vary between campsites.