Great Alaska Adventure
11 Days Starting and ending in Anchorage, USA
Visiting: Anchorage, Denali National Park, Denali Highway, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kennicott, Valdez, Prince William Sound
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DNW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Great Alaska Adventure" and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Alaska and Canada. This tour offers an array of thrilling activities including hiking, rafting, and canoeing in Denali National Park, a scenic bush flight into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and a glacier walk atop the Kennicott Glacier. Experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Chugach Mountains and paddle amongst glaciers and turquoise lakes. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife such as sea lions, seals, otters, whales, caribou, moose, and bears. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in hotels, lodges, and cabins, and savor 10 breakfasts and 9 lunches. This adventure promises unforgettable memories in some of North America's most breathtaking natural settings.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Coast Inn Hotel or similar
Arrive in Anchorage and make your way to the group hotel. Settle into your room, and explore wonderful downtown Anchorage. The hotel offers complimentary airport shuttles for ease and convenience. NB: If you wish to spend more time in Anchorage then we are able to book additional nights for you.
Accommodation: Coast Inn Hotel or similar
Day 2 : To Denali National Park - Hike En Route (3-4Hrs; 8Km; +/-500M)
Location: Denali National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge at Denali National Park
Meals Included: Lunch
We'll meet in the morning at the hotel lobby in Anchorage for a short tour briefing before heading north into the vast Alaskan Interior. We’ll stop along the way for a hike and picnic lunch in Denali State Park. This is a really great 3-4 hour alpine hike and, if the weather is kind, we may enjoy our first views of Denali (Mt. McKinley) and the rest of the mighty Alaska Range. That evening, we will check into our comfortable lodge at Denali National Park (3 nights).
Total drive time is approximately 4-4.5hrs total, with the hike about mid-way through.
Day 3 : Hiking And Rafting In Denali Np
Location: Denali National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge at Denali National Park
A fun day of activity today as there are a few short hikes to choose from in the morning (from 1.5 to 3 hours in duration) and then enjoy a half-day (approximately 2hrs) rafting trip on the mighty Nenana River. The Nenana is an exciting Class III/IV whitewater river and our expert guides will take us through canyons and rapids as we enjoy spectacular views of the peaks of the Alaska Range. Rafting the Nenana is a true classic.
Day 4 : Denali National Park & Wildlife Spotting
Location: Denali National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge at Denali National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll enjoy an delicious early breakfast at the lodge before boarding the park shuttle bus. The park road we travel is closed to regular vehicle traffic after the initial 15 miles. The shuttle bus provides the only way to visit the park’s amazing interior. Along the road corridor, keep your eyes peeled for Denali’s famous furry inhabitants carving out their existence amidst the some of the most amazing scenery in North America. Probability is high that you'll see caribou, moose, wolves, grizzlies, and Dall's sheep. And If the weather is kind, numerous chances to view Mt. McKinley – North America’s highest peak at 20,320’ - will greet you at every turn!
Day 5 : Maclaren River Via The Denali Highway (Hike Approx 2Hrs; 5-6Km; +/-250M)
Location: Denali Highway
Accommodation Name: riverside lodge
Today, we pack up and head east along the even more remote Denali Highway, paralleling the scenic southern side of the Alaska Range. This unlikely gravel 'highway' passes through some of the wildest, most remote, road-accessible country on Earth with amazing mountain, glacier, tundra, and river valley views. A beautiful short hike at the pass/divide is next, with tremendous 360-degree views of the mountains, rivers, and glacial lakes that are all about. There are lots of rare and interesting birds as well as moose, foxes, Arctic ground squirrels, beavers, muskrats, and occasionally grizzly bears to be seen throughout the whole area. In the afternoon we will check into our rustic and friendly, riverside lodge for the evening.
Total drive time is approx 3.5hrs with breaks in between for hiking and photos.
Day 6 : Wilderness Canoe Paddle And On To Wrangell-St. Elias Np / Mccarthy
Location: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Accommodation Name: rustic lodge in McCarthy
Today’s itinerary features a drive over Maclaren Pass (1,463m/4,800ft), but first, the morning begins with a canoeing adventure. We will be transported upstream to the put-in in the lodge’s air boat, an adventure in itself. We’ll float downstream (calm waters),on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, we’ll continue on to the Copper River, where small planes will meet us for a scenic flight across the volcanic and glacier-clad Wrangell Mountains into immense Wrangell-St.-Elias National Park, the largest in the USA and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our destination is the historic Copper Rush boomtown of McCarthy (pop. ~100), everyone's favourite ghost town! We’ll spend three nights here in our rustic lodge accommodation at the foot of the mighty Kennicott Glacier, deep in the heart of the park (twin share accommodation with shared facilities). 16,390' Mt. Blackburn looms up the glacier and other huge peaks are all about. Four major mountain ranges, 9 of the 16 tallest peaks in thee US, and the largest non-polar ice field on Earth all converge in this little-known and seldom-visited gem of a national park.
Day 7 : Glacier Walk (~4-5 Hrs; 10-11Km; And Up To 100M Elevation Gain)
Location: Kennicott
Accommodation Name: rustic lodge in McCarthy
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll strap on some crampons and venture out onto the ice with a local mountaineering guide to explore the blue crevasses, moulins, and the rest of the fascinating glacial geography. The walk starts from the small town of Kennicott and follows the lateral moraine of Kennicott Glacier out to were the blue ice begins. The more adventurous can challenge themselves with an optional introductory ice-climbing course on the glacier (at additional cost + and an additional 2hrs). Other optional extras include flight-seeing over the immense fields of glacial ice, various ranger-led activities, and/or the Historic Kennicott Copper Mine tour. Our glacier hike is suitable for beginners and is an amazing adventure on a real moving glacier.
Day Hike Or Free Day In Wrangell-St. Elias Np (5-8Hrs; 15-16Km; +/-1250M)
Location: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Accommodation Name: rustic lodge in McCarthy
Today, we hike up to the abandoned Bonanza Mine (1,798m/5,900ft) for incredible mountain and glacier views. This vigorous hike is the consensus favorite of both clients and guides, year after year. Less strenuously, you can either hike along the lateral moraine of the Root Glacier, along the old Wagon Road, or out to the toe of the huge Kennicott Glacier, where you can witness it actually moving, depositing the boulders and debris it has carved and carried from the mountains into the terminal lake it has formed (headwaters of the Kennicott River). Or, if you prefer, take a day off to simply relax and soak up the mountain village ambiance. You won't want to leave McCarthy!
Day 9 : Worthington Glacier Hike And Valdez (Approx 2Hrs; 5Km; +/-100M)
Location: Valdez
Accommodation Name: Totem Hotel and Suites
Driving out of Wrangell-St. Elias NP, we'll cross yet another tremendous range: The heavily-glaciated Chugach Mountains. The Worthington Glacier, a Natural Historic Landmark, is a spectacular glacier that tumbles from the Chugach Mountains. At alpine Thompson Pass, we can hike either to the toe or up the sweeping moraine to stunning views of the blue ice and crevasses of the glacier and magnificent vistas of the mighty Chugach. Dropping down and out of the mountains toward the picturesquely-set town of Valdez, we'll get our first taste of magnificent coastal Alaska. The young and geologically very active Chugach range rises up literally out of the sea, ringing super-scenic Prince William Sound. Glaciers are all about, some of them spilling their loads of ice directly into the sea. Tonight choose from Valdez’s many restaurants. This walkable town offers many options just steps from our hotel, the centrally located Totem Hotel and Suites.
Total drive time is approximately 4-4.5hrs broken up by the hike and other scenic stops en route to Valdez.
Day 10 : Sea Kayaking At Columbia Glacier (Approx 9-10Hr Day With 4-5Hrs Of Paddling)
Location: Prince William Sound
Accommodation Name: Totem Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Lunch
Today we'll experience some of the best sea kayaking anywhere - in calm and spectacular, glacier-carved Prince William Sound. Timing with the tides, the trip will begin with an orientation by our sea kayaking guides, followed by a water taxi ride down the Valdez Arm. We'll continue to the face of incredible Columbia Glacier and enjoy lunch at the foot of the ancient tidewater glacier.
Day 11 : Prince William Sound Crossing And Return To Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
This morning, we'll board the Alaska state ferry for a beautiful crossing of Prince William Sound, on the lookout for whales, bald eagles and other wildlife. Following a short hike (time permitting), we'll drive back to Anchorage (approximately 1hr). On some trips (depending on the ferry schedule), a flight over the glacier-clad Sound from Valdez back to Anchorage may be substituted, but the ferry is preferred. Either way, the trip will end in Anchorage around 5pm. Please schedule homebound flights to depart after 8pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights hotel/lodge/cabin -
10 breakfasts and 9 lunches
Enjoy 10 breakfasts and 9 lunches during your tour.
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10 nights twin share accommodation in lodges and hotels with mostly private bathrooms
Stay in twin share accommodation in lodges and hotels with mostly private bathrooms. Shared facilities are available in McCarthy.
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Scenic bush plane flight to McCarthy
Experience a scenic bush plane flight to McCarthy.
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Private transport in good quality vehicles throughout
Travel in private transport in good quality vehicles throughout the tour.
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Anchorage hotel airport shuttle
Benefit from an Anchorage hotel airport shuttle for ease and convenience.
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Denali National Park wildlife-viewing shuttle
Use the Denali National Park wildlife-viewing shuttle to explore the park.
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Prince William Sound ferry (or over flight)
Cross Prince William Sound by ferry or over flight.
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Guided hiking and paddling as described
Participate in guided hiking and paddling activities as described in the itinerary.
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Professional guide throughout
A professional guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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All group gear and safety equipment
All necessary group gear and safety equipment are provided.
What's Not Included
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International airfare and airport taxes
International airfare and airport taxes are not included.
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Transportation to and from Anchorage
Transportation to and from Anchorage is not included.
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Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Dinners/meals not listed in inclusions
Dinners and meals not listed in the inclusions are not provided.
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Alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities as described in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, etc
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and other similar items are not included.
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Tips & Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
Please refer to pre-departure notes for guidelines.
Accommodation
This journey uses a mix of hotels, cabins, and lodges. All rooms will be double occupancy and will have private bathrooms when available. Due to the remoteness of some of the destinations, lodging options are extremely limited and some can be considered rustic and remote. However, all of the accommodation is both clean and comfortable. A limited number of single rooms will be available on each departure. A single supplement charge will be required for single room requests. If you are a single, we will try to match you with another person of the same gender, but this is often not possible. If it is not possible to provide a roommate of the same gender then it will be necessary for us to charge you the advertised single supplement.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Grading
This tour includes a variety of 2-6 hour scenic day hikes over mixed terrain. Glacier trekking, canoeing and sea kayaking are introductory-leve and rafting is Class III-IV. Although active and activity-oriented, no previous experience is necessary for any activity, and you don’t need to be a well-conditioned athlete to enjoy yourself. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that the healthier you are, the better prepared you are, and the better shape you are in, the more you are going to enjoy yourself and the various hikes and activities. If you are not already doing so, starting a regular aerobic and strength exercise regimen today is a very sensible idea that will pay great dividends. Alaska is a land of mountains, so any kind of hill or mountain trail hiking, stair climbing, or other aerobic activity you can do now will be especially beneficial. And make sure you wear any new hiking boots as you train to begin breaking them in!
Mode of Transport
Private transport in good quality vehicles throughout, including an Anchorage hotel airport shuttle, Denali National Park wildlife-viewing shuttle, and Prince William Sound ferry (or over flight). Additionally, a scenic bush plane flight to McCarthy is included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Great Alaska Adventure?
During the Great Alaska Adventure, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sea lions, curious seals and otters, porpoises, whales, caribou, moose, and bears. In Denali National Park, there is a high probability of seeing caribou, moose, wolves, grizzlies, and Dall's sheep.
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What types of activities are included in the Great Alaska Adventure?
The Great Alaska Adventure includes a variety of activities such as hiking, rafting, canoeing, sea kayaking, and a scenic bush flight. You will also have the opportunity to walk atop a glacier, cross Prince William Sound by ferry, and go on a nature tour in Denali National Park.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 10 nights of accommodation in a mix of hotels, cabins, and lodges. All rooms are double occupancy with private bathrooms when available. Due to the remoteness of some destinations, lodging options are limited and can be considered rustic and remote, but they are clean and comfortable. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional supplement.
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Is previous experience required for the activities on this tour?
No previous experience is necessary for any of the activities on this tour. The activities, including glacier trekking, canoeing, sea kayaking, and rafting, are introductory-level. However, being in good physical condition will enhance your enjoyment of the various hikes and activities.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing depending on the altitude, location, and weather, a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm.
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What is the difficulty level of the hikes and activities on this tour?
The tour includes a variety of 2-6 hour scenic day hikes over mixed terrain. The glacier trekking, canoeing, and sea kayaking are introductory-level, and the rafting is Class III-IV. While the tour is active and activity-oriented, it is designed to be enjoyable for participants without requiring them to be well-conditioned athletes.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. For example, on the glacier walk day, you can opt for an introductory ice-climbing course or a flight-seeing tour over the immense fields of glacial ice. There are also various ranger-led activities and the Historic Kennicott Copper Mine tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.