Alaska
8-Day Classic Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali
2024
$7,598 Go On Your Own
2 person minimum, “Group Rates” not available in 2024
A Little More Info
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.
SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.
New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our "Community" page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.
Questions? Chat with a Regional Specialist
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Singles: Find a Share
Alaska
8-Day Classic Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali
Destinations
- Anchorage
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Seward
- Talkeetna
- Denali National Park
Highlights
As wildlife specialists, we've carefully paired two of Alaska’s most popular and iconic national parks while avoiding crowds and maximizing wildlife possibilities. Kayak, canoe, hike and spot wildlife amongst the spectacular glaciers and fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park. Then avoid the traffic and crowds of Denali National Park's entrance area as we venture deeper into the park to search for wildlife along migratory paths and nature habitats in the heart of the wilderness.
- Explore two of Alaska’s favorite National Parks – Kenai Fjords and Denali – with access to remote deluxe wilderness lodges in both parks
- Sensational coastal Alaska wildlife viewing of Orca and Humpback whales, Stellar’s sea lions, puffins and more, along with the chance to paddle a canoe or kayak among bergy bits near stunning glaciers
- Exceptional tundra hiking amidst unforgettable mountain vistas of the Alaska Range, including the grandeur of Mt. Denali – North America’s tallest peak at 20,322 ft.
- Journey across sea and land in comfort and style aboard custom small ships, comfortable touring vehicles and the historic Alaska Railroad
- A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream Trip! Our experienced naturalist guides are experts in maximizing wildlife sightings!
Itinerary at a Glance
- DAY 1 Arrive in Anchorage
- DAY 2 Anchorage / Kenai Fjords National Park: Marie Wildlife & Glacier Cruise
- DAY 3 Explore Kenai Fjords National Park
- DAY 4 Kenai Fjords / Seward
- DAY 5 Seward / Talkeetna
- DAY 6 Talkeetna / Denali National Park
- DAY 7 Denali National Park
- DAY 8 Denali Sled Dogs, Alaskan Railroad to Anchorage
8-Day Classic Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali
Detailed Itinerary
(Included meals are noted: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included each day in Kenai Fjords & Denali).
Day 1 – Arrival in Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage any time today. Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage, Hilton Garden Inn, or similar.
Day 2 – Marine Wildlife & Glacier Cruise
Meet your trip leader at 6:30 a.m. this morning, then enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. 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 our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers stunning views of Pedersen Glacier and miles of pristine beachfront prime for combing. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (Breakfast Snacks, L, D)
Day 3 – Explore Kenai Fjords National Park
Enjoy a full day of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Our guides will discuss specific nature outings and options with our group this morning. All activities are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations. For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the main lodge offers ideal comfort within direct views of nature. Curious sea otters and seals frequent the lagoon, just steps from the main lodge deck. In a nearby meadow, we can sometimes glimpse bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. Or relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Upon return to the main lodge in late afternoon, share stories from your day’s adventure with other guests and join an evening natural history presentation, given by local expert guides or guest speakers. Overnight Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Kenai Fjords / Seward
This morning allows for a final half-day activity at the Glacier Lodge before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Savor another morning in the wilds of Kenai Fjords National Park with opportunities to kayak, canoe, hike or beach comb before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Tonight’s destination is the Seward Windsong Lodge, located in a spectacular glacier river valley. After dinner, enjoy an evening cordial at the Resurrection Roadhouse or stroll across the road to observe the braided river outwash or relax in our comfortable accommodations. Overnight Seward Windsong Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Seward / Talkeetna
Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once there, you'll have the freedom to choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing! Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Denali and its adjacent glacial canyons. Experienced pilots will share stories of how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later, enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier-filled valleys (As this is a weather dependent activity, you will also have options to flightsee during your time in Denali, with Denali Air, or other local operators).
Another casual activity to enjoy this afternoon is wandering through "downtown" Talkeetna. Tour the small-town museum, where artifacts and exhibits highlight native peoples, aviators, gold seekers and trappers from Talkeetna’s past and present. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own. Overnight Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. (B, L, D)
Special Note: For the remainder of this crafted journey, the following day-by-day itinerary sequence may be adjusted slightly for your trip to take advantage of best-available hiking trails and Denali bus tour options. Our itinerary will allow for flexibility so that we may take advantage of unique opportunities...plus a few special surprises along the way! Though the order of activity sequencing may look slightly different than the below outline, your trip will include a day hike to explore the ecosystem of Denali, a sightseeing and wildlife viewing bus tour, time to enjoy the Park Visitor Center and exhibits, as well as optional activities at Tonglen Lake Lodge, such as art walks, evening bonfires & more.
Day 6 – Talkeetna / Denali National Park
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy an immersive nature hike as we make our way further north to the eastern border of Denali National Park. Meet local naturalists for a presentation on Denali’s history, ecology, and geology, followed by an interactive guided hike. Check into Tonglen Lake Lodge in the evening, a secluded paradise boasting incredible mountain views. Optional activities include local nature walks, yoga, evening art and music events, and Native Alaskan cultural presentations. Overnight at Tonglen Lake Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Denali National Park
Enjoy a peaceful morning and breakfast at Tonglen Lake Lodge, followed by a bus tour of Denali. This interpretative tour increases the odds of seeing Alaska’s charismatic wildlife. Return to Tonglen Lake Lodge for dinner and unwind with evening activities. Overnight at Tonglen Lake Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Denali Sled Dogs, Alaskan Railroad to Anchorage
Spend the morning at Tonglen Lake before embarking on a journey to Anchorage. Visit Alaskan sled dogs and learn about their role in rural communities. Board the historic Alaska Railroad for sightseeing en route back to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m. Overnight arrangements in Anchorage are self-managed. (B)
Ask our Reservations team about Alaska Railroad GoldStar upgrades available on this trip, if you are interested in pre-arranging tickets to include domed-viewing car, lunch and dinner service onboard. We recommend making these upgrades in advance.
Departure: Plan to arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m. in case of possible transportation delays.
Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.
Alaska Lodging
ANCHORAGE
Hilton Garden Inn Anchorage
10 minutes from downtown and Anchorage International Airport, the Hilton Garden Inn offers a free shuttle to and from both. Enjoy the views at Westchester Lagoon, four miles away, or Beluga Point Sight, 15 miles. The Garden Grille restaurant and bar serves breakfast and dinner, with evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours for drinks and snacks.
KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
As the only wilderness lodge within Alaska’s 700,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park, a stay at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge offers unparalleled wilderness access for your Alaska vacation! Nestled within an Alaska Native-owned wildlife sanctuary, the lodge and guest cabins enjoy stunning views of Pedersen Glacier. The lodge features a beautiful dining room and lounge area, as well as a staffed bar for a glass of beer or wine. An expansive deck with rocking chairs and views of Pedersen Glacier are just steps out from the main lodge. Private cabins, fresh and hearty meals prepared with gourmet flair, and a relaxing cedar sauna equipped with a Finnish stove complete your experience in rugged seacoast Alaska.
Kenai Backcountry Lodge (Alternate)
Located in the heart of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on the shores of glacier-carved Skilak Lake, Kenai Backcountry Lodge is a remote wilderness retreat. Accessible only by boat, this historic property offers a chance to relax and reconnect with nature far from busy tourist areas. Activities are designed to highlight the stunning landscape, including the magnificent Cottonwood Trail overlooking the surrounding mountains and Skilak Lake below.
Cozy guest cabins are nestled into the forest and just steps away from the outdoor gazebo, wood-fired sauna and main lodge. Fresh and Alaskan-sourced gourmet meals are always a highlight of Alaska Wildland trips, and ask about the custom hydro-electric system, which utilizes the power of a nearby creek to lessen the dependence on generators.
Kenai Riverside Lodge (Alternate)
With cabins right on the banks of the turquoise Kenai River, Kenai Riverside Lodge is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is in close proximity to the nation’s second-largest national forest, Chugach National Forest, and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. During the day, hike through these wilderness areas, raft the mild class II+ rapids of Kenai Canyon, fish for world-famous Alaska salmon and trout, and keep your eye out for wildlife!
You’ll feel right at home in our cozy cabins, complete with private bath and porch. The authentically Alaskan ambience permeates this property, from the expansive riverside deck to the wood-fired sauna. Fresh and hearty gourmet meals complete your experience in gorgeous riverside Alaska.
SEWARD
Windsong Lodge
Set alongside the Resurrection River, on the edge of Chugach National Forest near the Exit Glacier, Windsong Lodge is a tranquil retreat designed to showcase Alaska’s wild beauty. While the bustling port of Seward and vast protected expanses of Kenai Fjords National Park are mere minutes away, Windsong’s peaceful setting and unique dining experiences offer a quiet and cozy escape after an exhilarating day of exploration.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Tonglen Lake Lodge
Tonglen Lake Lodge is a small boutique artisan lodge with just 11 cabins and some rooms in the main guest house. It is tucked away and surrounded by peaks of the Alaska Range. You will not be in the traffic and crowds of Denali's entrance area, which allows us to visit Denali National Park while keeping the spirit of a more intimate and authentic experience with the special arrangements we have made.
Alaska Activities
At a Glance
We know you've chosen to travel with us for our wildlife emphasis, so we've included a wide variety of adventure activities designed to educate, inspire, and bring out the wonder in you. All of our Alaska vacation's activities are flexibly designed to accommodate different skill levels and interests, while exposing you to a variety of unique eco-systems in order to see the most amount of wildlife. And did we mention fun?
Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing
Spot brown bears, moose, snowshoe hares, bald and golden eagles, mountain goats, spawning salmon, river otters, ptarmigan, sea lions, seals, Dall porpoises, humpback & minke whales, orcas and more.
Exclusive Wildlife Activities
Marine wildlife and glacier-viewing cruise:
A half-day cruise for marine wildlife and natural wonders along the spectacular coastal fjords and glaciers.
Canoeing at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge’s Pedersen Lagoon:
A casual paddling experience with no experience necessary
Kayaking:
Half-day and full-day kayaking options include the calm waters of the protected Pedersen Lagoon and the more moderate to challenging kayaking near Aialik Glacier, in open-sea conditions. No experience is necessary for either, and our guides will help discuss each kayaking route and option with you in advance to help you select the best option for your desired activity level.
Hiking:
Choose from amongst casual, moderate and challenging hikes with varying altitude gain, from a few hundred feet to a few thousand feet. Many hikes will offer the opportunity to access alpine tundra with excellent mountain views.
Optional, unguided activities include:
Beach combing, gold panning and mountain biking.
Optional Flight-Seeing:
Available on the afternoon of Day 5 through the morning of Day 8, either in Talkeetna or in Kantishna sector of Denali National Park. a 60 plus minute flight throughout the Alaska Range starts at about $300/per person and up, depending on the flight pa
Alaska Wildlife
Likely Sightings
- Whales (Orca, Humpback, Dall’s Porpoises)
- Stellar’s Sea Lions
- Harbor Seals
- Sea Otters
- Puffins, Bald Eagles, Owls, Ravens and a wide variety birds
- Dall Sheep and mountain goats
- Alaskan Brown Bears
- Moose
- Caribou
- Ground Squirrels, Ermines and Ptarmigan
Rare or Endangered Possible Sightings
- Wolves and Arctic foxes
- Porcupines
- Lynx
- Beluga, Fin, Sperm and Blue Whales
- Wolverines
- Muskox
Alaska Guides
Brooke Edwards
Brooke Edwards; Expert Naturalist Guide
Brooke Edwards started guiding in 1998 and has shared her travel expertise in various roles throughout the years. With a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Whitman College and a Master’s degree in Environmental Education specializing in Ecotourism from The Audubon Expedition Institute, she loves sharing her passion and knowledge of the natural world and wildlife with intrepid travelers, building meaningful relationships along the way. In addition to being an expert naturalist guide throughout The Last Frontier, Brooke can also be found guiding skiing tours in Japan or surfing in Central America. Her guiding has led her on adventures all over the world from Antarctica to Alaska. She calls Girdwood, Alaska home and looks forward to sharing her favorite Alaska stories with you, all while helping scan and point out Alaska’s charismatic wildlife along the way.
Alaska Departures
Alaska-8-Day Classic Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali
| Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
| Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024 | 8-days | $7,598 |
Alaska FAQ
Alaska Facts for Visitors
Location:
Alaska is a U.S. state located on the northwest extremity of the North American Continent, just across the Bering Strait from Asia. An exclave of the U.S., it borders the Canadian province of British Columbia and territory of Yukon to the east and southeast and has a maritime border with Russia's Chukotka Autonomous Okrug to the west. To the north are the Chukchi and Beaufort seas of the Arctic Ocean, while the Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest.
Geography:
Alaska has more than three million lakes. Marshlands and wetland permafrost cover 188,320 square miles (487,700 km2) (mostly in northern, western and southwest flatlands). Glacier ice covers about 28,957 square miles (75,000 km2) of Alaska. The Bering Glacier is the largest glacier in North America, covering 2,008 square miles (5,200 km2) alone.
Population:
Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area and the seventh-largest subnational division in the world. It is the third-least populous and the most sparsely populated state, with an estimated population of 738,432. Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. The state capital of Juneau is the second-largest city in the United States by area, comprising more territory than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware.
Alaska's indigenous population is proportionally the highest of any U.S. state, at over 15 percent. Close to two dozen native languages are spoken, and Alaskan Natives exercise considerable influence in local and state politics.
Language:
English is the official language and is spoken commonly across the statee. According to the 2011 American Community Survey, 83.4% of people over the age of five spoke only English at home. About 3.5% spoke Spanish at home, 2.2% spoke another Indo-European language, about 4.3% spoke an Asian language (including Tagalog), and about 5.3% spoke other languages at home.
Entry Requirements:
Whether you can travel to Alaska without a visa will be determined by your country of origin. Meaning, if you are a citizen of one of the 39 countries member of the Visa Waiver Program you do not have to apply for a tourist visa to Alaska. Instead, you can obtain the ESTA Alaska by completing an online form with your personal details and passport info.
Though Alaska is not a common destination, it is still part of the United States and travelers must follow US immigration regulations and laws. Upon arrival in Alaska, travelers will be required to present a valid passport and a valid ESTA or US tourist visa.
Please contact your local US Embassy / Consulate for up-to-date entry requirements.
Banking and Currency:
The currency of United states is the United States Dollar (USD). Current exchange rates can be found at http://x-rates.com. Many, but not all, locations accept credit cards, mainly Visa and MasterCard.
Climate and Weather:
The climate in Southeast Alaska is a mid-latitude oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfb) in the southern sections and a subarctic oceanic climate (Köppen Cfc) in the northern parts. On an annual basis, Southeast is both the wettest and warmest part of Alaska with milder temperatures in the winter and high precipitation throughout the year. Juneau averages over 50 in. (130 cm) of precipitation a year, and Ketchikan averages over 150 in. (380 cm). This is also the only region in Alaska in which the average daytime high temperature is above freezing during the winter months.
The climate of Anchorage and south-central Alaska is mild by Alaskan standards due to the region's proximity to the seacoast. While the area gets less rain than southeast Alaska, it gets more snow, and days tend to be clearer. On average, Anchorage receives 16 in. (41 cm) of precipitation a year, with around 75 in. (190 cm) of snow, although there are areas in the south-central region which receive far more snow. It is a subarctic climate (Köppen: Dfc) due to its brief, cool summers.
Summer in Alaska begins in June and lasts through early September. Travel during these months is usually very comfortable. Each month has its features - June's daylight, July's flowers, August's berries, September's fall colors and northern lights - so there's always a "best time!"
Electricity and Plug Standards:
Electrical outlets, plugs and voltage are all exactly the same as in the rest of the United States (120V).
WIFI - All the hotels we use have wifi. Some places have faster/better service than others, but it is generally available.
Time Zone:
Most of Alaska falls withing the Pacific Time Zone (PST) while the western Aleutian Islands observe Hawaii-Aleutian Time, 1 hour behind the remainder of the state.
Sales Taxes:
The State of Alaska does not levy a sales tax; there are, however, several municipal governments that do. Inidividual municipalities have wide authority to set their own taxation rates, and sales tax can be as high as 7.5%.
Tipping:
Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated. General guidelines are:
This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:
- Wildlife-focused ecotour, packed with specially-designed activities to maximize wildlife viewing
- Explore two of Alaska’s favorite National Parks - Avoiding the crowds at the entrance to Denali National Park, and instead traveling deep into the heart of Denali for maximum wildlife viewing!
- Sensational coastal Alaska wildlife viewing of Orca and Humpback whales, Stellar’s sea lions, puffins and more, along with the chance to paddle a canoe or kayak among bergy bits near stunning glaciers
- Journey across sea and land in comfort and style aboard custom small ships, comfortable touring vehicles and the historic Alaska Railroad
- Wildlife-focused ecotour, packed with specially-designed activities to maximize wildlife viewing
- Explore two of Alaska’s favorite National Parks - Avoiding the crowds at the entrance to Denali National Park, and instead traveling deep into the heart of Denali for maximum wildlife viewing!
- Sensational coastal Alaska wildlife viewing of Orca and Humpback whales, Stellar’s sea lions, puffins and more, along with the chance to paddle a canoe or kayak among bergy bits near stunning glaciers
- Journey across sea and land in comfort and style aboard custom small ships, comfortable touring vehicles and the historic Alaska Railroad
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