Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer

You will be transferred from the airport to your start hotel.

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Anchorage to Seward. The drive will take you along the winding road along the Turnagain Arm waterway.

Head out on an amazing hike to view Exit Glacier. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a well maintained trail which provides views of Exit Glacier. Follow this moderately strenuous 2.2 mile loop trail to the Exit Glacier Overlook and view the glacier in its own glacially carved valley.

Enjoy some time to explore this coastal town, go hiking or kayaking.

On the shores of the scenic town of Seward sits the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s premier public aquarium. This esteemed marine science facility offers a combined focus on research, wildlife rehabilitation, and educating the public. Enjoy a visit to the centre, which frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on various wildlife initiatives such as critter cams, expeditions, and the important Photo Ark project, which aims to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear to extinction.

Cruise through the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park on a large catamaran hosted and narrated by a National Park Ranger. See three different kinds of glaciers, including a piedmont glacier, several cirque glaciers and an active calving tidewater glacier. Take time to look for wildlife in the sky and surrounding waters as you learn about the region. Keep an eye out for Humpback Whales, Orcas, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbor Seals, puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and more.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Located in Portage Valley and surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center works hard to protect animals native to the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Founded in 1993 and turned nonprofit in 2000, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has been featured on National Geographic’s TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue. The caretakers work tirelessly year-round to take in orphaned or injured wild animals and give them a forever home on the sanctuary’s 200 acres of spacious habitats where they can display their natural wild behaviors. Experience the resident wildlife via the scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, bike, or by car, while learning about the wildlife via interpretive signs at each animal habitat. Be on the lookout for roaming brown bears, moose, wood bison, muskox, wolves, and porcupines!

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Get out and stretch those legs on a hike to Thunder Bird Falls. This trail is often called one of the best short hikes near Anchorage. The route is very moderate, all ages and fitness levels should be able to manage. Located just north of Eagle River, the trail follows Eklutna River and winds through a birch forest. You’ll finish at a viewing platform near a flowing 200-ft waterfall before returning to the starting point along the same trail. Duration: 1h-1.5h Distance: 2.8km (1.8 miles) Elevation gain: 347ft.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Head to Husky Homestead, led by four-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King, to learn about the Iditarod traditions in the demanding Alaskan wilderness. Get a behind the scenes view of the champion sled dogs during their summer training. Hear tales about the people who live in this unforgiving terrain year-round and the heroic huskies that help them survive.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.

Depart early to explore Denali National Park. Take the shuttle bus to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, getting deeper into the heart of the park. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and shows off the stunning wilderness of Denali.

Living next to the highest mountain in North America requires intense planning and preparation, and even then it's no easy feat. Learn how people live in this remote region, some without running water, and over a hundred miles from the closest grocery store. Meet a year-round resident of Denali and ask questions about surviving in a region with eight months of winter. Then head out with a naturalist on a guided hike to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Denali wilderness.

Spend the afternoon exploring Denali NP – with so much to see and do, your options are endless! Lunch will finish up around 12pm and the afternoon will be open for activities in the area until 5:30pm.

Enjoy a unique experience at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre as you journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, films, traditional dwellings, and in-depth exhibits. Regarded as THE cultural site to see on National Geographic Travel’s “Top 10-things to do in Anchorage” list, the Center is the perfect place to engage with history, discover a more in-depth look at Alaska’s past, and ask questions about what you learn.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.