Alaska Coast to Denali Journey

Explore the wild delights of Kenai Fjords National Park for a full day. After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from a wide array of activities those that are best suited to your energy level and interest. Guided options include naturalist walks, sea kayaking, group canoe paddles and more. In the spirit of adventure and to take advantage of tidal and weather patterns, guides will discuss specific nature outings and options with the group this morning. All activities are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience.

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, one can sometimes glimpse bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. The natural history library offers amazing resources and interesting reads–cozy up with a good book and let your worries drift out with the tide! 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.

Savor another morning in the wilds of Kenai Fjords National Park. A morning outing allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe, hike or beach comb for a half-day before boarding the 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 your comfortable accommodations. Overnight Seward Windsong Lodge.

Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to the mountain town of Talkeetna, the gateway to the Alaska Range. Talkeetna is rich in gold-mining history and, presently, is the starting point for many mountaineering expeditions for climbers on the Alaska Range and Denali (Mt. McKinley). Once in Talkeetna, 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.

After a hearty breakfast, lace up your most comfortable trekking shoes to prepare for an immersive nature hike as you make your way further north, en route to the charming and small-scale Denali accommodations. Aboard a custom mini coach, travel in comfort from Talkeetna north to the eastern border of Denali National Park, where you’ll meet local naturalists for a special presentation on Denali’s history, ecology and geology. Directly afterward, put your newfound knowledge to use during an interactive guided hike, as you explore Denali’s beautiful front country sights and sounds.

After your day of exploring Denali by foot, be welcomed to your northern home away from home at Tonglen Lake Lodge. This secluded 5-acre piece of paradise boasts incredible mountain views, lakeside solitude and authentically Alaskan crafted “hideaway” style guest cabins. In addition to rustically elegant and private guest accommodations, you’ll have the opportunity to 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 you this evening. Following dinner, take some free time to settle in and relax. Tonglen Lake Lodge routinely offers evening bonfires and yard games as a fun option for guests. Overnight Tonglen Lake Lodge.

Today, enjoy a peaceful morning and breakfast at Tonglen Lake Lodge, followed by a new perspective of Denali–by bus. A favorite way to explore Denali and increase the odds of seeing Alaska’s charismatic wildlife is by way of an interpretative bus tour. Your bus trip will start at the Denali Visitors Center and will include awe-inspiring sights along the way. Make sure to have your 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. After your drive tour adventure, return to Tonglen Lake Lodge for dinner and unwinding. Overnight Tonglen Lake Lodge.

On the last day of this active adventure, enjoy a more relaxed morning at Tonglen Lake before embarking on your voyage south to Anchorage. After breakfast this morning, make your way to visit Alaska’s 4-legged “celebrities”–Alaskan sled dogs! You’ll be able to learn more about how sled dogs serve an important role throughout rural and remote Alaskan communities.

Next, board the historic Alaska Railroad’s first-class GoldStar cars for comfortable sightseeing en route back to Anchorage. This deluxe train trip features confirmed seating in the upper-level dome cars for enhanced wilderness and wildlife viewing as well as a private outdoor viewing deck; lunch and dinner are included with your GoldStar service, and the onboard service staff will assist you with your dining options. You’ll arrive at the Anchorage Rail Depot 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.