On the Alaska 9-Day Grand Adventure, experience the very best of Alaska in just over a week: the clear and crisp freshwater of the Kenai River, a cozy eco-lodge nestled in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and our exclusive Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge situated within Kenai Fjords National Park – a stunning seacoast environment teeming with marine wildlife. Activities include river rafting; hiking to alpine tundra to take in amazing views of a glacier-carved lake; a marine wildlife and glacier cruise; kayaking among glacier bergs; and more! Visit a quaint mountain town on your way to explore the splendors of Denali for two full days, followed by a luxurious journey back to Anchorage aboard the first-class Alaska Railroad Goldstar cars.
This adventure begins with a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach Mountains to Cooper Landing, where we’ll gear up to raft into the heart of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to our cozy Kenai Backcountry Lodge and spend day 2 exploring the Refuge. On day 3, you’ll travel to the picturesque seacoast town of Seward and embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise out to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Spend day 4 kayaking, canoeing and exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Day 5 will bring you back to Seward, then on day 6, you’ll journey north to Talkeetna, a quaint mountain town that serves as basecamp for those summiting North America’s highest peak, Denali. Spend days 7-8 exploring the six million acres of Denali National Park before returning back to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad in their first-class Goldstar cars.
Download a PDF version of the day-by-day itinerary here.
Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage.
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers this morning in Anchorage. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing. From our launch site on the Kenai River, gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, watching for moose, bears, bald eagles, salmon and other bird species. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shores of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.
Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and at the top, explore the tundra and enjoy captivating views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.
Cross the lake in the morning and head 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. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Enjoy a full day of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations. Or relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
This morning allows for a final half-day activity at the Glacier Lodge before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Enjoy a fine dinner with your group and spend the evening relaxing at Seward Windsong Lodge this evening. Overnight at Seward Windsong Lodge.
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, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own. Overnight in Talkeetna.
After breakfast, continue traveling north to the entrance area of Denali National Park. We'll make stops along the way to enjoy views of the Alaska Range from the southside, and on clear days, we may glimpse the awe-inspiring peaks of Denali. Today, we'll meet with Denali locals to learn about the park's rich geography, ecology and history, and we'll put our newfound knowledge to work in the field on a guided hike. Afterward, we'll retire to our delightful accommodations at Tonglen Lake Lodge, where cozy and private guest cabins await. Overnight at Tonglen Lake Lodge.
One of the best ways to spot Alaska's iconic wildlife is to spend devoted time to sightseeing inside Denali National Park alongside migratory paths and nature habitats. We'll explore the Denali Park road by bus today, scanning for caribou, moose, eagles, ptarmigan, Dall sheep and possibly grizzlies. This evening, share stories with your fellow travelers on your favorite sights from the day during appetizers, and after dinner, enjoy time around the bonfire or on a casual stroll around the property, enjoying the lake views. Overnight at Tonglen Lake Lodge.
On the last day of this active adventure, we’ll enjoy a more relaxed morning at Tonglen Lake. After breakfast this morning, we’ll make our way to visit Alaska’s 4-legged “celebrities” – Alaskan sled dogs! Next, we'll bid farewell to Denali and board the first-class Goldstar cars of the Alaska Railroad for your comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m.
You will 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.
Kenai Backcountry Lodge: Located on a glacier-carved lake accessible only by boat. Nine guest cabins in wooded settings are connected to the historic main lodge by gravel pathways and boardwalks. The newly renovated guest cabins each have a minimum of two comfy beds, a private bath and shower, a private porch and propane light and heat. Electrical outlets for recharging electronics are available in the main lodge and other public spaces on the property; we are able to support CPAP machines in certain cabins.
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge: The only lodge located in Kenai Fjords National Park, with views of Pedersen Lagoon and Glacier. A network of boardwalks connects the cabins to the main lodge. Each guest cabin features cozy beds, on-demand heat and electricity, full bath amenities, and a private porch with views of Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary.
Seward Windsong Lodge: We partner with Seward Windsong Lodge, owned by Pursuit Collection, to give our guests a peaceful experience during our stay near Seward. This lodge features charming Alaska ambience and a great location along the Resurrection River and near Exit Glacier.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge: We partner with Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, owned by Pursuit, to provide our guests amazing views of Denali while staying in the quaint mountain town of Talkeetna. Set on a ridge just above the town, this lodge features a giant river rock fireplace, a beautiful selection of Native art and award-winning cuisine.
Tonglen Lake Lodge: We’ve partnered with local Alaskans at Tonglen Lake Lodge, to ensure a high-quality wilderness experience at the eastern border of Denali National Park. Your stay here will feature private cabins, views of a local lake and mountains, an array of activities, and fresh and seasonal cuisine.
Payment Policies
All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Taxes and seasonal fuel surcharges, when applicable, are not included in trip price and are subject to change prior to trip departure. We accept personal checks and major credit cards.
| Payment Schedule: | Amount Due per Person: |
| 121+ days prior to departure: | $1,000 or 50% of trip total, whichever is less |
| 120 to 61 days: | 50% of total |
| Within 60 days: | 100% of total |
For Alaska Trip Add-Ons, additional deposits will apply in accordance with the specific Trip Add-On and operator. These deposit terms will be explained at the time of booking.
Reservations made within 60 days must be guaranteed with a credit card. Late payments may result in releasing your reservation and rebooking will be subject to availability. Cancellation fees will apply.
Upon receipt of your initial deposit, we will send you written confirmation, trip planning materials and a travel insurance application. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
Our policies go into effect at the time of book and upon receipt of deposit. Written cancellations and changes must be received in our reservations office to be valid. Non-appearance for program will result in no refund. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
If the cancellation or change occurs:
| 121+ days prior to departure: | The fee is $300 or 10% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 120 to 91 days: | The fee is $600 or 20% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 90 to 46 days: | 50% of total trip cost, per person |
| Within 45 days: | 100% of total trip cost, per person |
Refunds
No refunds will be made on individual features, transfers or sightseeing voluntarily omitted by the participant. No refunds for unused services will be issued. Our tours operate rain or shine. Refunds for cancelled flights or any services reserved outside of Alaska Wildland Adventures will be made in accordance with the rules of the carrier.
Travel Protection
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more.
A Note About Occupancy
In addition to our standard double occupancy, we also offer solo supplement, triple and quad pricing options for our Alaska adventure vacations. Requested solo accommodations, when available, are subject to a solo supplement fee; however, for a solo traveler interested in sharing accommodations with another same sex traveler, we will make every effort to pair you, and the solo supplement fee will be waived. Occasionally, pairing is not possible and a “forced solo” rate will apply during the Alaska vacation. If you are a solo traveler and you’d like to experience an Alaska vacation with Alaska Wildland Adventures, we will do all we can to have you join us!
A Note About Weather
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is located in pristine, remote Alaskan wilderness and is only accessible by boat. In rare circumstances, due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, we are unable to access the lodge at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations have been planned for this uncommon occurrence and will be discussed with you when you check in at our Seward office if necessary.
Please visit Our Policies for additional information.
We want you to have everything you need to be comfortable during your trip with us. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual.
The weather in Alaska is quite variable so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Of special note is to make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet. Cotton is not recommended for Alaska outdoor activities as the fabric does not easily dry and won’t help keep you warm once wet.
The summer in Alaskan is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We liken the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! We have found that when our gear and spirits are well suited, the weather is always perfect.
For a complete item-by-item list, visit our Packing List page. Please note that this packing list is designed for a trip eight to nine days in length. You will need most items on this list and we’ve provided an “Optional Items” section for other things that we find useful in Alaska’s backcountry. Also note that there are no laundry facilities available at our wilderness lodges.