Denali National Park Pre-Voyage Extension

Arrive in Fairbanks, transfer to your hotel and settle into your river view room at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. This evening meet your leader and traveling companions at a welcome dinner.

In the morning visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum featuring collections that represent over 11,000 years of cultural traditions in the North. In the late morning, depart on a wilderness drive to your temporary home located within the heart of the park, the North Face Lodge. Travel in the lodge's private bus, on the otherwise highly restricted Denali Park Road, in order to access prime wildlife viewing areas; a privilege extended to the owners of North Face Lodge and their guests. The seven-hour, 90-mile drive is rife with opportunities to look for Denali's famed wildlife: grizzlies, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, eagles, Arctic terns and more. Enjoy a hearty, picnic-style dinner, served at the midpoint of the drive alongside the East Fork River. Regular bathroom stops at National Park Service facilities provide additional chances to stretch your legs.

Immerse yourself in the remote wildness and north country charm of the North Face Lodge, and become one with nature. See Denali’s rich wildlife, flora and fauna firsthand and learn about its natural history during the daily activities of your choice – hiking, canoeing, fishing and biking. Hiking is among guests’ favorite activities, as the lodge offers exclusive opportunities to hike with trained naturalist guides in the protected wilderness back country of Denali National Park. Optional flight-seeing offers breathtaking aerial views of Alaska and is available at an additional cost. Days wind down with nightly presentations by the fireplace that focus on various aspects of Denali’s natural and cultural history, including birds, mammals, wildflowers, tundra ecology, geology, mountaineering, land use and natural resource issues. Sleep in well-appointed, comfortable rooms and enjoy delicious meals featuring fresh baked goods and locally-grown produce throughout your stay.

This morning depart the North Face Lodge and enjoy the scenic drive back out to the park entrance. Continue to experience the grandeur of Alaska aboard the Alaska Railroad, enjoying the first class, GoldStar Service en route to Anchorage. Lavishly appointed cars feature custom-designed interiors highlighted with original Alaska art and a private outdoor viewing deck. Dinner will be served on board the train. Overnight at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel. 

This morning fly to either Sitka or Juneau to begin your Alaska voyage. 

Depending on your departure date, you may be responsible for one night on your own before or after joining the Denali extension. Please contact us for details.