Alaska Denali, Kenai & Wrangell Adventure

Once you have arrived in Anchorage, set between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet, make your way to the hotel. As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage offers a unique blend of urban life and surrounding wilderness, where moose and even bears are sometimes seen within the city limits.

If you arrive earlier in the day, you may wish to explore at your own pace or take in views of the surrounding mountain ranges, with a small chance of spotting Denali on a clear day.

We begin our journey with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where we meet our fellow travellers and guide. Afterwards, we head out together for a group dinner, a relaxed introduction to the days ahead and a chance to get to know one another.

Please note: An optional flightseeing experience to view Alaskan brown bears at Brooks River in Katmai National Park operates before the start of the tour on July departures. In other months, similar bear viewing experiences operate in alternative locations.

Starting point: 2200 Spenard Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, United States

Anchorage - Seward - Kenai Fjords National Park - Seward. Over the next 3 days, we travel to Seward, located on the eastern edge of the Kenai Peninsula along Resurrection Bay, and known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

The journey from Anchorage takes around half a day, with scenic views along the Seward Highway. On arrival, you have free time to explore the waterfront at your own pace.

We then experience Kenai Fjords National Park by boat, cruising through glacier-carved fjords while looking out for wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas and sea lions. We also witness the dramatic sight of a calving glacier.

We visit Exit Glacier, where we set out on a hike through forest and alpine terrain. For those seeking a challenge, there is the option to hike further towards the Harding Icefield, while shorter trails offer equally rewarding views.

During your free time, you may also choose to join optional activities such as kayaking or fishing.

Seward - Homer. Today, we travel to Homer, located on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula along Kachemak Bay. Known for its fishing heritage and creative community, Homer offers a mix of coastal scenery and local character.

On the way, we make scenic stops for photos and short walks. Depending on the season, we may pause to watch salmon running upstream at the Russian River or visit a Russian Orthodox church overlooking the bay.

On arrival, we explore the town and its waterfront, including the narrow spit lined with galleries, shops and fishing boats. You then have time to explore at your own pace and experience Homer’s laid-back atmosphere. You may also choose to join optional activities such as halibut fishing or bear viewing, which typically operates the following morning.

Homer - Kachemak Bay. For the next 2 days, we stay at our remote Adventure Camp, set along the shores of Kasitsna Bay within Kachemak Bay. Surrounded by wilderness, this is our base for the next two nights.

From our cabin, we explore the area on foot, walking along the beach in search of bald eagles and other coastal wildlife, or heading out on nearby hiking trails. The setting offers wide views across the bay and a strong sense of Alaska’s untamed landscape.

The following day, we take to the water for a half-day sea kayaking experience in Kasitsna Bay. Paddling along the coastline, we look out for sea otters and harbour seals, with bald eagles often seen overhead.

One evening, we come together for a salmon dinner, a chance to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Kachemak Bay - Homer - Hope. This morning, we take a water taxi back to Homer before continuing along the coastline towards Hope.

Overlooking Turnagain Arm, Hope is a small historic town known for its gold rush past and quiet setting. On arrival, we explore the town, including a visit to an open-air museum or similar, offering insight into early life in this remote part of Alaska. You may also choose to visit a local history museum during your time here.

Hope - Turnagain Arm - Anchorage. We travel back to Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm, where there is the chance to spot wildlife such as beluga whales or Dall sheep along the way.

We stop at Potter Marsh, a protected wetland known for its birdlife and a variety of other wildlife.

On arrival, you have free time to explore Anchorage at your own pace. You may wish to visit the Anchorage Museum or Alaska Native Heritage Center, or take a ride along the coastal trail. Despite being Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage remains closely connected to the surrounding wilderness, where moose and bears are often seen.

Anchorage - Denali National Park. Over the next 3 days, we head to Denali National Park, one of Alaska’s most iconic wilderness areas, known for its vast landscapes and abundant wildlife.

We set up camp and spend our time exploring the park, travelling along its single road by shuttle bus in search of grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. With over 6 million acres of protected land, Denali offers one of the best opportunities to experience untouched wilderness.

You also have the flexibility to explore on foot, with hiking options ranging from shorter walks to more challenging routes off the beaten track. There is also the option to take a flightseeing tour over Denali and the surrounding peaks.

In the evenings, we relax at camp, sharing stories from the day and taking in the stillness of the surrounding landscape.

Denali National Park - Maclaren River. For the next 2 days, we travel along the Denali Highway to Maclaren River Lodge, set within a remote alpine landscape surrounded by mountains and glaciers.

From the lodge, we board a jet boat and journey upriver to our remote glacier camp, where we spend the night immersed in the wilderness, far from roads and mobile signal.

The following day, we return by canoe along the Maclaren River, navigating its ever-changing braided channels as we make our way back to the lodge. There is also the option to take part in additional hiking during your time here.

Maclaren River - McCarthy - Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. For the next 3 days, we explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States, known for its vast wilderness, glaciers and mining history.

We travel along the McCarthy Road, following the route of the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway, before reaching our remote campground at the end of the road.

During our time here, we explore the area on foot, taking in the surrounding landscapes and remnants of the historic mining town. You also have the flexibility to plan your own activities, with a range of optional experiences available including ice climbing, glacier hikes, rafting, flightseeing or guided tours of the Kennecott mines.

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park - Valdez. Over the next 2 days, we travel to Valdez, a coastal town set against the dramatic backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and known as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

We explore the surrounding area, including a visit to the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery, a key spot for observing salmon and the wildlife they attract, including bears, sea lions and eagles.

You also have free time to explore at your own pace or join optional activities such as sea kayaking among icebergs, wildlife cruises, fishing or cycling.

Valdez - Anchorage. After our final breakfast, we begin our journey back to Anchorage, travelling through scenic mountain landscapes and glacial valleys.

Along the way, we cross Thompson Pass and pass the impressive Worthington Glacier before stopping near Matanuska Glacier for a break.

We arrive back in Anchorage in the late afternoon, where you will make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!