Alaska Wildland Adventures

The company commenced operating trips in 1977, initially known as Alaska Campout Adventures. During the early years, they facilitated camping safaris for fifty to sixty individuals annually across Alaska. In 1987, a name change to Alaska Wildland Adventures coincided with a surge in Alaska travel interest, particularly in participatory vacations. Over time, the company expanded its offerings incrementally, catering to small groups and providing distinctive travel experiences in Alaska.

In addition to managing their own trips, they handle trips for various entities such as Lindblad Expeditions, the Nature Conservancy Legacy Club, and numerous national and international tour companies including International Expeditions and AdventureSmith Expeditions. Furthermore, they have hosted several affinity groups, including the National Audubon Society, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, St. Louis Zoo, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, MIT Alumni Association, Stanford Travel Study, Yale Educational Travel, among others.

Their headquarters is situated in Girdwood, Alaska, a picturesque mountain community located 40 miles south of Anchorage. The office, occupying two buildings across two scenic acres adjoining an undeveloped greenway, offers views of beaver ponds, nesting waterfowl, occasional moose and bear sightings, and a snow-clad mountain backdrop.

Kirk Hoessle holds the position of President and CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) at Alaska Wildland Adventures. He is presently a member of the Board of Directors for the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), comprising 1,000 members. From 2012 to 2016, he served as one of 32 travel industry leaders appointed to the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, advising the US government on travel and tourism-related issues and policies. In October 2015, Kirk was honored with the 2015 Stan Stephens Stewardship Award by ATIA, recognizing his commitment to safeguarding wild Alaska and promoting its beauty responsibly and sustainably. Kirk's journey with the company began in 1982, initially as a trip leader when the company operated only one trip. He gradually assumed managerial responsibilities before becoming the owner/operator in 1987. Before his involvement in Alaska tourism, Kirk directed the Youth Conservation Corp program in Tanacross, Alaska, was a partner in an interpretive planning and design firm, and contributed to the development of environmental education programs for elementary and high school students.

1. There’s just no substitute for experience. 
   With over 45 years of commitment to high-quality trips, Alaska Wildland Adventures leads the way in lodge-to-lodge adventures across Alaska.
2. Comfort and wilderness can peacefully coexist. 
   Alaska Wildland Adventures offers wild Alaska experiences without compromising on comfortable accommodations, prioritizing guest satisfaction and constantly refining offerings based on feedback.
3. The guides are Alaska Wildland Adventures' most important treasures.
   Passionate and knowledgeable, they are trained extensively and return year after year to inspire and guide guests with expertise and enthusiasm at Alaska Wildland Adventures.
4. Alaska’s legacy is theirs to protect.
   Alaska Wildland Adventures prioritizes responsible travel, honoring ecotourism principles to preserve the wild beauty and cultural heritage of Alaska for future generations.
5. Small groups mean a bigger experience.
   Embracing the philosophy of "smaller is better," Alaska Wildland Adventures ensures intimate encounters with Alaska's wilderness, fostering deeper connections, richer insights, and lasting memories for guests

Ecotourism serves as an innovative tool for promoting the conservation of wild areas. Frequently misconstrued as merely nature travel, ecotourism embodies a strategy for safeguarding remote wilderness regions through responsible and sustainable economic development. To achieve genuine success, ecotour operators must not only minimize their environmental footprint but also impose limits on their utilization of the land and its resources.

Alaska Wildland Adventures endorses Sustainable Travel International's Travel Better program, extending an invitation for our guests to participate at no cost.

Care and concern for the environment accompany travelers throughout Alaska with Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA). AWA encourages all its guests to participate in the " $2 a Day for Alaska Conservation" program, wherein guests voluntarily donate two dollars per day of their trip. These donations are equally distributed to various local Alaskan conservation organizations listed below. This contribution is entirely voluntary and tax-deductible, and guests can request to see the donation reflected on their final invoice.

AWA takes pride in its efforts to preserve Alaska, with guests collectively donating up to $10,000 per year through this program. Guests who opt out of the program can contact the Reservations staff at 800.334.8730 to have the optional donation removed from their final invoice.

The " $2 a Day for Conservation" funds from AWA's Alaska Adventures and Lodge Packages are allocated among the following organizations, with occasional contributions to others not listed:

• Adventure Green Program
• The Alaska Center
• Alaska Conservation Foundation
• The Nature Conservancy of Alaska
• Northern Alaska Environmental Center
• Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance

The " $2 a Day for Conservation" funds from AWA's Fishing program and Day Trips are distributed among the following organizations, with occasional contributions to others not listed:

• Friends of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
• Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance
• Cook Inletkeeper
• Kenai River Sportfishing Association
• Kenai Watershed Forum

Alaska Wildland Adventures has received numerous awards and honors from leading local and national organizations in both the outdoor industry and from those involved in wilderness conservation and preservation.

• 2023 Best Workplaces Alaska Winner; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by the Alaska Journal of Commerce.
• 2023 Travelers’ Choice Winner; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• 2022 Travelers’ Choice Winner; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• 2021 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award Contest for Best White Water Rafting Tour; Alaska Wildland Adventures placed in the number four position based on votes from the public.
• 2020 Stewardship and Sustainability Award from the Alaska Sealife Center’s 2020 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge for the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources.
• 2020 Travelers’ Choice Winner; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• Best National Park Stay from Sunset Magazine’s 2019 Travel Awards; awarded to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and Alaska Wildland Adventures.
• 2019 Visit Anchorage’s Seymour Award for Sustainable Action; awarded to AWA President & CEO, Kirk Hoessle.
• 2019 Certificate of Excellence; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• 2009-2019 Gold Certification by Adventure Green Alaska; awarded Gold standard certification by Alaska’s only Ecotourism Certification program for leadership in the tourism industry and meeting standards of economic, environmental and social sustainability.
• 2018 Certificate of Excellence; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• 2017 Certificate of Excellence; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• 2016 Certificate of Excellence; awarded to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge by Trip Advisor.
• 2015 Stan Stephens Stewardship Award; awarded to AWA President & CEO, Kirk Hoessle, by the Alaska Travel Industry Association. Read more about the award here.
• 2015 Certificate of Excellence; awarded to Alaska Wildland Adventures by Trip Advisor.
• 2013 Certificate of Excellence; awarded to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge by Trip Advisor.
• AWA President & CEO, Kirk Hoessle, named to U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board by President Obama.
• Best New Wilderness Escape; awarded by Sunset Magazine in August 2011 for Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
• 2011 Trips of the Year; awarded by Outside Magazine for the Ultimate Alaska Adventure.
• 2011 Gold Certification by Adventure Green Alaska; awarded Gold standard certification by Alaska’s only Ecotourism Certification program for leadership in the tourism industry by implementing new technology, develop innovative sustainability practices, or help partner businesses implement sustainable practices.

What kind of food do you serve?
Meals are a highlight of every trip. Highly skilled and imaginative cooks emphasize freshness and flavor. From delicious Alaskan seafood with fresh garden salad, to homemade breads and rolls, to decadent desserts, you will be amazed at how well you can eat in the wilderness. We’re able to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements with advance notice, and there will be opportunities to let us know about those during the booking process.

What are the best trips to bring children on?
Kenai Riverside Lodge is ideal for parents and grandparents traveling with children 7-11. For well-traveled children and youth, ages 12-18, we recommend the more active Alaska Wildland Collection, although any itinerary is suitable for older teens.

Are there any physical requirements I should be aware of?
Most trips are for folks in average physical condition. Participants should be comfortable trail walking three to four hours with short breaks. Some trips offer non-exertive options while others include more strenuous hiking. Ask our reservations staff about the right trip for you.

Special Note about the Ultimate Alaska Adventure: Due to the unique activities on this trip – some of which require travel by helicopter and glacier trekking – safety protocols and seat rating limits require guests of the Ultimate Alaska Adventure to weigh no more than 290 lbs. As a condition of enrolling in this adventure, guests will be asked to provide weight information at the time of booking.

Will I have opportunities to see wildlife on my trip?
They intentionally plan their itineraries to venture into remote areas, encompassing visits to various national parks, state parks, and wildlife preserves across the state. Kenai Fjords National Park, a prominent feature in many of their trips, boasts a diverse array of marine life, including whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles, Dall sheep, puffins, murres, and various other aquatic species. In the interior regions such as Talkeetna and Denali, one can encounter moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, porcupines, foxes, wolves, golden eagles, ptarmigan, and other terrestrial creatures, although these species can also be spotted in numerous areas of the Kenai Peninsula. The longer guests stay in these wild habitats, the greater their opportunities to observe wildlife.