Alaska Coast to Denali

This morning in Anchorage, meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers before setting out on a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the coastal town of Seward. From here, board a small boat bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, renowned for its glaciers and abundant marine wildlife, including whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins, and more. A half-day marine wildlife cruise offers the chance to explore the park's dramatic coastline, with lunch served in front of a tidewater glacier.

Arrive at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, nestled in a protected tidal lagoon with sweeping views of Pedersen Glacier and miles of pristine beachfront perfect for exploring. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property before settling into your private cabin. The day concludes with dinner and an evening presentation.

Spend the day exploring the wild beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. After breakfast in the main lodge, select from a range of guided activities suited to your energy level and interests. Options include naturalist-led walks, sea kayaking, group canoe paddles, and more.

Guides will review tidal and weather conditions in the morning to determine the best nature outings for the group. All activities are beginner-friendly and require no prior experience.

For a more relaxed day, the main lodge offers comfort with direct views of nature. Sea otters and seals are often spotted in the lagoon, while bears and other wildlife may occasionally be seen in the nearby meadow. Indoors, the natural history library provides engaging resources and a welcoming place to read and relax.

Return to the main lodge in the late afternoon to share the day’s adventures with fellow guests and attend an evening natural history presentation led by local guides or guest speakers.

Enjoy another morning immersed in the wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park. Take part in a half-day outing with options to kayak, canoe, hike, or comb the beach before boarding the boat for a return wildlife cruise to Seward.

This evening’s stay is at the Seward Windsong Lodge, set within a stunning glacier-carved river valley. After dinner, unwind with a cordial at the Resurrection Roadhouse, take a short walk to view the braided river outwash, or simply relax in the comfort of your accommodations.

Travel north through the scenic landscapes of Chugach State Park to the mountain town of Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Steeped in gold-mining history, Talkeetna now serves as the starting point for many mountaineering expeditions to the Alaska Range and Denali (Mt. McKinley).

Upon arrival, you can have the opportunity to select from a variety of activities, with flightseeing as a guest favorite. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour over Denali and its dramatic glacial canyons. Experienced pilots will share how the last ice age shaped the land as you soar above towering peaks and expansive glacier-filled valleys.

For a more leisurely afternoon, stroll through downtown Talkeetna, visit the local museum, and explore exhibits showcasing native cultures, early aviators, gold seekers, and trappers. This evening, enjoy flexibility with dining—join fellow travelers for dinner or discover a local restaurant on your own.

After a hearty breakfast, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes for an immersive nature hike as you journey further north toward your intimate Denali accommodations.

Traveling aboard a custom mini coach, continue from Talkeetna to the eastern edge of Denali National Park. Along the way, learn about the park’s history, ecology, and geology, then put that knowledge into practice during an engaging guided hike through Denali’s scenic front country.

At day’s end, be welcomed to your northern retreat at Tonglen Lake Lodge. Nestled on five serene acres, the lodge offers sweeping mountain views, lakeside tranquility, and handcrafted “hideaway” style cabins that blend rustic charm with comfort. Guests can also enjoy a rotation of optional activities, which may include guided nature walks, yoga, evening art and music programs, Native Alaskan cultural presentations, and more.

In the main lodge, appetizers and a savory dinner await, followed by free time to settle in and unwind. Tonglen Lake Lodge often hosts evening bonfires and lawn games, providing the perfect end to the day.

This morning begins with a leisurely breakfast at Tonglen Lake Lodge before experiencing Denali from a new vantage point—by bus.

A favorite way to explore the park and maximize wildlife sightings is on an interpretive bus tour. Departing from the Denali Visitor Center, travel along the restricted-access Denali Park Road, taking in spectacular scenery and learning from expert narration. Keep your camera and binoculars close—whether it's a soaring eagle or a grizzly foraging along the roadside, wildlife encounters are always possible.

Following your drive through Denali, return to Tonglen Lake Lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

On the final day of this adventure, enjoy a relaxed morning at Tonglen Lake before beginning the journey south to Anchorage.

Following breakfast, visit Alaska’s famous four-legged “celebrities”—sled dogs. Learn how these remarkable animals play a vital role in daily life across rural and remote Alaskan communities.

Next, step aboard the historic Alaska Railroad in first-class GoldStar service for a comfortable and scenic ride back to Anchorage. Your journey includes reserved seating in the panoramic upper-level dome cars, access to a private outdoor viewing deck, and attentive service.

Arrive at the Anchorage Rail Depot around 8:30 p.m.