Our signature wildlife-oriented Alaska tour, complete with special lodgings inside Denali National Park and on a wilderness island off the Kenai Peninsula

Want to see Alaska but can’t decide between the mountains and coastline? Why not do both? As our most comprehensive itinerary of Alaska’s classic sites—Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks, there are activities galore for everyone to enjoy, from sea kayaking and whitewater rafting to biking and hiking. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with a chance to see whales, sea birds, sea lions, otters, porpoises, bald eagles, bears, wolves, caribou, dall sheep, and moose. Visit the Alaska SeaLife center, a world-class aquarium showcasing Alaska’s rich marine life, revel in the peace and quiet of Fox Island, enjoy the festive charm of the bush town of Talkeetna, and take in the sites of historic Anchorage, Alaska’s gateway to the north. Relax in comfortable wilderness lodges and hotels and delight in some of the bonuses that only MTS can offer: a three-night stay in your own private cabin in Denali National Park (a rare opportunity for most visitors) and a breathtaking bush-plane transfer over the Alaska Range—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
 

Activities

Easy to moderate day hikes, easy sea kayaking, scenic rafting, optional canoeing

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore two of Alaska’s crown jewels: Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks with two bonuses you’ll only get with MTS—a three-night stay inside Denali and a private bush-plane transfer over the Alaska Range
• See it all, from the sea to the mountains on our most comprehensive tour of Alaska
• Discover the vast wildlife of Kenai Fjords—one of the best one-day wildlife tours in Alaska—and the Alaska SeaLife Center
• Visit peaceful, remote Fox Island and the eclectic bush town of Talkeetna
• Enjoy a variety of great activities: kayak, canoe, hike, whitewater raft, fish, and bike
• Relax in rustic comfort in wilderness lodges and hotels
• Learn from the in-depth knowledge of our expert guides—the best in Alaska, bar none!

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Anchorage End Location: Anchorage

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Anchorage

  Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska. Transfer on your own to the group hotel.  Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 pm for a brief meeting.

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  Day 2 : Exit Glacier and Kenai Peninsula

   Today we will travel along the shores of Cook Inlet's Turnagain Arm and down the Kenai Penninsula, having lunch along the way. In the afternoon we will hike at Exit Glacier arriving to Seward, AK later in the afternoon.

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  Day 3 : Fox Island Wilderness Lodge

  After breakfast we board a day tour vessel bound for Fox Island. On the way out to the island, the naturalist and captain will be keeping a lookout for marine wildlife and will take time for wildlife viewing opportunities. After lunch at the Wilderness Lodge, we will embark on a 2-3 hour sea kayak excursion along the shores of Fox Island. When we return, the day tour passengers will have returned to Seward for the evening, and the solitude and serenity of Fox Island will be all ours.

  We will enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Wilderness Lodge, have a bonfire if we choose, and take in the peace and quiet of sleep in the cabins of the Wilderness Lodge.

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  Day 4 : Kenai Fjords National Park

  After breakfast we will embark on a six hour tour of Kenai Fjords National Park featuring marine wildlife, sea bird rookeries, and a visit to a tidewater glacier. Be on the lookout for whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, puffin and other marine species.

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  Day 5 : Alaska Sealife Center – Hiking on the Kenai Peninsula

  This morning we will visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. Heading back towards Anchorage, we will stop for a hike on the Kenai Peninsula and get back to Anchorage in the late afternoon. Dinner is on your own this night.

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  Day 6 : North to Denali – Talkeetna

  From Anchorage we head north towards the continental divide and the entrance to Denali National Park.  We will stop halfway up in the festive little bush town of Talkeetna, have some lunch, and take a great hike on the shores of lakes that are frequently inhabited by wildlife. After lunch we continue north over the continental divide and find our lodgings at the border of Denali National Park nested along the banks of the Nenana river.

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  Day 7 : Scenic Rafting on the Nenana River & Denali National Park

  This morning we jump into dry suits for a scenic rafting trip down the Nenana River. This exciting ride takes us through a dramatic canyon from the Denali Park entrance to the coal seams near Healy.

  After lunch we enter Denali National Park by way of the restricted access road with a Camp Denali naturalist guide as our driver. Along the way we’ll search for wildlife (moose, Dall sheep, caribou, bear, and wolves), stop for a picnic dinner, and begin to see a new side of Mount McKinley if the weather is good. When we arrive at Camp Denali, the staff will welcome us with a dessert reception and help us settle into our individual cabins.

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  Days 8 - 9 : Denali National Park

  Overlooking Wonder Lake and Mount McKinley, the traditions of excellence and community at Camp Denali go back 60 years. Each day here is filled with laughter and camaraderie, exploration, and relaxation. You will have the option to join a strenuous or a moderate hiking group for a full day hike or opt for an easier naturalist's foray. If you choose, you could skip on the guided activities and stay back at camp for independent options as diverse as canoeing, biking, fishing, or just reading and relaxing. Evening programs round out each day.

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  Day 10 : Fly out of Denali and return to Anchorage

  Today we journey back to Anchorage and fly to the entrance of Denali National Park by bush plane. Weather permitting, our flight will take a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring detour to circle the “big three”—Mounts Foraker, Hunter, and of course, McKinley (Denali). We make the drive back to Anchorage and stretch out our legs in the afternoon with a bicylcle ride on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

• Day 11 : Depart Anchorage

  We’ll enjoy breakfast together at the hotel and say our final good-byes as we head our separate ways for the journey home.  You can schedule your departure from Anchorage any time today.

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  Westmark Anchorage Hotel

  Anchorage, Alaska

  Perfectly located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, the Westmark Anchorage Hotel is a blend of sophistication and convenience. With  top-rated customer service and friendly staff, the Westmark Anchorage Hotel will take all the stress out of travel and feel like a home away from home.

  Take in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet from the private balconies that adjoin every guest room.

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  Breeze Inn

  Seward, Alaska

  A relaxing getaway in Seward, Alaska, the Breeze Inn offers a fulfilling lodging and dining experience in a breathtaking setting.  Where nesting eagles and patrolling sea lions are your neighbors, the Breeze Inn is also in the heart of Seward's busy small boat harbor on Resurrection Bay, within walking distance of most of the activities of our beautiful coastal town.

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  Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

  Fox Island

  Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge offers a unique remote island experience in the vast expanse of Resurrection Bay, near spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park. Located on a privately owned parcel of land on Fox Island, the Wilderness Lodge consists of eight guests cabins nestled in the woods between the oceanside pebble beach and a quiet island fresh water lagoon. Each cabin features a private bath with shower, propane heating, and solar-powered electric lighting. All meals are included, and prepared by an gourmet, on-island executive chef.  

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  Denali Grizzly Bear Resort

  Entrance to Denali National Park

  Pioneer-family owned and operated since 1968, this resort is nestled in a beautiful wooded setting overlooking the Nenana River. Enjoy the clean, invigorating air of the surrounding snowcapped mountains, or just relax and watch the river roll by from the warm comfort of your room.

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  Camp Denali

  Denali National Park

  Situated on 67 acres of rising terrain, Camp Denali is centered on a pond that reflects up to 11 major peaks of the Alaska Range. Family-owned and operated, this rustic homestead is complimented by traditional cabin amenities, such as wood stoves, propane lights, and hand-sewn quilts made by Denali's own staff.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Jeff Sloss

  Jeff Sloss, Alaska Discovery Kayak, Canoe, & River Guide: Jeff has been a lead guide for Alaska Discovery for over 20 years. He has helped set the high standards of quality and commitment that makes us a great company. Whenever we think of exploring a new area we turn to Jeff to make it happen. In the winter, Jeff teaches skiing and snowboarding in Juneau, works on film projects, and helps raise his two daughters. Jeff is an active conservationist and has lobbied Congress to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Jeff carries a deep love for Alaska onto all of his trips. Jeff writes, "Among the high points of this career are experiencing some of the world's finest places, and meeting new people as well as enjoying the company of returning guests that share an appreciation of this Great Land."

• Clint Fries

  Clint Fries, Alaska Discovery Guide: Calm, conscious and curious... Clint is an explorer. Guiding for 20 years from the Arctic to Latin America, he is always up for an adventure, and seldom at a loss for words. Clint entertains in front of some of the finest backdrops known. He likes to combine exquisite wilderness meals and an eye for the unseen. Join him for a trip and you will likely find the group positive, cohesive, and at ease in the wilds.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File