The Great Frontier Alaska Expedition Cruisetour Itinerary
Day 1 : Vancouver, British Columbia
Among the world’s most liveable cities – diverse, cultural, beautiful – this culinary capital treats you to fresh local seafood, farm-to-table produce, and authentic Asian flavors. West Coast architecture – modernism with a woodsy bent – emerged here. But while downtown shines with steel and glass, its epicenter is green Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre oasis of spectacular beaches, trails, and views. North of town, ride scenic Sea to Sky Highway along the coast and through the forest toward Whistler, 2,200 feet above sea level. On your way, behold lofty Shannon Falls and brave the heart-pounding Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.
Day 2 : Inside Passage (Cruising)
You’ll sail beyond the Inside Passage into the more protected Alaska Inside Passage in south-eastern Alaska. This complex labyrinth of fjords, bays, and lush green islands is home to an abundance of wildlife, including orca, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters and much more.
Day 3 : Ketchikan, Alaska
You’ve never tasted salmon so fresh. Known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who have carved the world’s largest collection of totem poles. If you’re up for an adventure, take a canoe and nature trail excursion through the rain forest or a wilderness exploration followed by a sumptuous crab feast you’ll long remember.
Day 4 : Sitka, Alaska
A Russian settlement until the Alaska Purchase of 1867, Sitka’s Russian heritage is still very much rooted in the city. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral for a pristine example of period architecture. Nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, there’s much natural beauty to explore on a Sitka cruise. A walk along the promenade in Whale Park offers a chance to view breaching humpback whales while a trek into Sitka Historical Park reveals stunning coastal trails and hundred-year-old totem poles. Venture to Tongass National Forest for up close views of wildlife.
Day 5 : Juneau, Alaska
Here’s your chance to take a glacial dogsled adventure in Alaska’s capital, where cultured sophistication meets the ruggedness of the Last Frontier.
Day 6 : Icy Strait Point, Alaska
For thousands of years, the Tlingit Indians have called this place home. Located near the city of Hoonah, and home to a historic cannery, Icy Strait Point also offers travelers the chance to view wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, and brown bears, or to explore monuments to the region’s fishing heritage.
Day 7 : Hubbard Glacier, Alaska – Cruising
The Hubbard Glacier is located about 30 miles north off the coast of Yakutat and is by far one of Alaska’s most exciting natural treasures. On your cruise to Hubbard Glacier, enjoy incredible picture-perfect views of this glorious mount of ice from about every angle on your ship. Named after Gardiner Hubbard, the founder and president of the National Geographic Society, Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world. Dramatically massive at about 7-miles wide, 76-miles long and as tall as a 30-story building above the waterline, it’s the largest river of ice in North America. How this magnificent block came to form begins about 400 years ago from the snowfalls on the slopes of Mount Logan. While most of the world’s glaciers are retreating, the Hubbard Glacier has continued to thicken over the years and on rare occasion will partially block Russell Fjord, temporarily damming its passage.
Day 8 : Seward, Alaska
Edging the Kenai Peninsula and framed by the glacier-covered Kenai Mountains that run along its southeastern spine, Seward is a rustic port town whose grand terrain will leave you breathless. Discover the wonder of the Kenai Peninsula on a Seward cruise. The pristine wilderness is home to nesting seabirds, countless islands, wetlands, and breathtaking views. And, as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield — an expanse of ice and snow created over 23,000 years ago — is easily within reach and culminates in 40 glaciers that dramatically calve into the sea. The throngs of wildlife that course below, and glide above the glacial waters, are legion. Pods of humpback whales are known to breach when hunting, seals and sea lions lounge on rocky outcroppings and bald eagles hover overhead.
Day 8 : Seward – Anchorage (Touring)
Board your deluxe motor coach for a scenic drive to Anchorage, where you’ll enjoy lunch on your own before visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about indigenous cultures. From 3:30 p.m., Anchorage is yours to explore. Visit the Anchorage Museum on an optional land excursion and see its extensive collections of native art and artifacts, before taking in the city scene by the light of the evening sun. Overnight at the Anchorage Marriott.
Day 9 : Anchorage – Talkeetna (Touring)
In the morning, set off on an exciting ride aboard the Wilderness Express, a glass-domed railcar, to Talkeetna. From 11:00 a.m., Talkeetna is yours to discover. Its Main Street provides a place where you can mill with the eclectic collection of individuals who call the town home. Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.
Day 10: Talkeetna – Denali (Touring)
Explore the nature trails that surround the lodge in the morning, before boarding the luxurious Wilderness Express for Denali. From 3:30 p.m., Denali is yours to explore. Experience Denali’s beauty on a range of optional activities, from flight seeing trips to leisurely hikes on quiet trails. Overnight at Denali Park Village.
Day 11 : Denali (Touring)
In the morning, you’ll venture deep into the Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Admire the area’s diverse landscapes while searching for wildlife. After your tour, Denali is yours to discover, with the hinterland open to biking, hiking or off-road fun. Overnight at Denali Park Village.
Day 12 : Denali – Fairbanks (Touring)
Spend the morning exploring Denali on your own, or consult with your Tour Director to book an optional land excursion. In the afternoon, board the Wilderness Express for a scenic journey to “Alaska’s golden heart,” the historic city of Fairbanks. From 8:00 p.m., Fairbanks is yours to explore. Enjoy dinner out on your own and the lively summertime ambience. Overnight at Sophie’s Station Suites.
Day 13 : Fairbanks (Touring)
In the morning, explore Fairbanks’ natural sights and historic landmarks. Take in the beautiful landscapes cruising down the Chena River on the Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler, and visit the Museum of the North. From 5:30 p.m., Fairbanks is yours to explore. Overnight at Sophie’s Station Suites.
Day 14 : Fly Out- Fairbanks
Your Tour Director will see that you are transferred to the Fairbanks airport for your flight home.
