Glaciers and Grizzlies

ITINERARY

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN ANCHORAGE

Arrive in Anchorage and transfer on your own from the airport to the Copper Whale Inn, located in downtown Anchorage. [Meals on own]

Day 2 - CAMP DENALI BUS TO KANTISHNA

Begin our journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park. Naturalist guides narrate this 90-mile, 7-hour trip into the park, stopping to learn about the park's glaciology and flora, cultural heritage, and wildlife.

Wildlife viewing includes grizzly and black bear, moose, caribou, and possibly wolves. We learn how different species adapt to life in the subarctic and the impacts of climate change. Overnight near Wonder Lake in your own authentic wilderness cabin at Camp Denali. [BD] 

Days 3-4 - DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Our tour of Denali National Park includes naturalist guides leading hikes through alpine and tundra along rivers, lakes, or ridge-top trails. In addition canoeing, fishing, biking, and gold-panning are available as independent activities. Enjoy evening presentations in the lodge with special guest lecturers. There are outstanding views and great photographic opportunities of Mt. McKinley. Overnight at Camp Denali. [BLD]

Day 5 - SCENIC FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE

Arise early for a spectacular flight over Denali National Park to Anchorage. This flight over vast glaciers and through snow-covered peaks of the Alaska Range includes gorgeous views of Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft), the tallest mountain in North America. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [B]

Day 6 - ARRIVAL IN JUNEAU

Transfer to the Anchorage Airport for your flight to Juneau [not included in land cost]. Your afternoon is free to hike to an old mine or stroll through this historic gold rush capitol! Overnight at the Silverbow Inn. [B]

Day 7 - GLACIER WALKABOUT

Glacier trekking is an exciting way to experience the extraordinary glaciers flowing from the Juneau Ice Field. Mountain guides demonstrate basic glacier skills and proper use of ice axe and crampons and lead you on an easy  ice walk, no experience necessary. Those not interested in trekking on the glacier can still enjoy the scenic helicopter flight on the Juneau Ice Field. 

This afternoon you fly to Gustavus and transfer to the Bear Track Inn, a family-run lodge constructed from hand-crafted spruce logs. Enjoy inspiring views of Icy Straight and a cozy fireplace in the evening. Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BD]

Day 8 - POINT ADOLPHUS WHALE WATCHING

Embark on an exciting half-day whale watching journey to Point Adolphus, one of the world's best humpback whale watching sites. Each year these magnificent cetaceans gather here to feed. Minke and orcas, porpoise, seals, sea lions, and sea otters are present as well as birds, bears, and deer that populate the shore. Return to the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon to relax or explore. Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BLD]

Day 9 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Board the M/V Spirit of Adventure and navigate into Glacier Bay. The park naturalist guide shares the ecological, natural, and cultural history of the park. Glacier Bay has endured the fastest retreat of glaciers in recorded history, almost 70 miles.

Watch for wildlife including bears, whales, harbor seals, otters, mountain goat, and moose. Dinner and overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BLD]

Day 10 - FREE DAY

Today, plan your own activity at the Bear Track Inn including sea kayaking, a biking tour, flight seeing, or charter fishing (at additional cost). Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [B]

Day 11 - DEPARTURE

Your flight back to Juneau is included this morning to connect with your onward departure from Alaska. [B]