Pack your camera and sense of adventure for this once-in-a-lifetime, small group journey through the wild and rugged landscape of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. From roaring waterfalls and the crack! of calving glaciers to the eerie silence of Resurrection Bay and stillness of a night lit by the midnight sun, experience the grandeur of America’s final frontier with the leading providers of best-in-class travel. Hike to expansive viewpoints of sprawling ice fields, bike along fern-laden roads, kayak the coves and shorelines of quiet bays and cruise beside tidal glaciers as our expert guides unveil the secrets behind Alaska’s majestic backdrop. All the while, relax in luxury accommodations, indulge in fresh seafood and regional cuisine and enjoy Austin Adventures’ signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service. This Alaska vacation package invites you to channel your inner-explorer and prepare to be humbled by nature’s awesome handiwork.
Experience the best of Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife on this six-day, all-inclusive adventure through the 650,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park. Action-packed days filled with exploring by bike, foot, kayak and boat are complemented with relaxing evenings by the fire with a cozy cocktail before savoring fresh seafood and the region’s finest gourmet fare. Answer the call of the wild and sign up today for this custom trip of a lifetime!
Listen for the sharp crack! of a glacier calving into an ice-studded sea on a glacier and wildlife cruise
Paddle the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay alongside seals, sea otters and puffins
Soak up a panoramic vista of Exit Glacier on a hikeoverlooking the Harding Icefield
Let the mist of a thundering waterfall cool your cheeks on a bike ride to the gold rush town of Hope
Hike through dense rain forest to the base of Byron Glacier and hunt for mysterious ice worms
Learn about the impact of global climate change on the local wildlife
Feast on fresh-off-the-boat wild salmon before unwinding in the comfort of the Fox Island Wilderness Lodge
*Operating under permit with the US Forest Service/National Park Service **Austin Adventures is an equal opportunity provider
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The Kenai Fjords nature cruise: be inspired by one of the premier marine wildlife tours in North America.
02
The seclusion of Fox Island: there's no sign of man as far as the eye can see.
03
Seward's SeaLife Center: born from the infamous Exxon Valdez oil spill, the center offers an up-close view of real-life animal rescue.
Early morning pick-up in Anchorage followed by a 4-hour scenic train ride on the famous Alaska Railroad, heading south to Seward.
Board a ferry in Seward for a short cruise to Fox Island. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your private chef before checking into your wilderness lodge.
Explore the shoreline and protected coves of Resurrection Bay by kayak, searching for Dahl’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions and Orca whales.
Relax after dinner by a bonfire on the Island’s pebble beach.
About Fox Island Wilderness Lodge
Charming, romantic and completely private, Fox Island is accessible only by boat and features cozy cabins in a rocky island cove setting. Arrive on the island and indulge in gourmet meals prepared by your island chef.
Awake to morning coffee or tea and watch Kenai Fjords National Park come alive from the comfort of your cabin. Get out your camera or sketchbook and capture the natural beauty of your surroundings. Treat yourself to hiking the trails of the Island, walking along the rocky shore, or skipping the smooth flat stones of the beach into the cove. Your time on Fox Island is your time.
On Day 2, set out to explore the inter-tidal life zone on Fox Island, while on the hunt for sea urchins, caves and waterfalls. Then, board a small ship for a Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise where lunch will be served.
While on board, check out tidal glaciers and abundant sea-life from the ship’s deck as naturalist guides share their expertise on the region!
Upon arrival back on shore, take a quick drive over to the Resurrection Trail where you’ll hike a short ways along this murky, glacier-fed stream. From there, shuttle to the Windsong Lodge, your home for the next 2 nights, and enjoy dinner at the Resurrection Roadhouse, where you’ll dine on local Alaskan cuisine.
About Windsong Lodge
Situated in a thick spruce grove with a panoramic view of the Resurrection River Valley, the Windsong Lodge is Seward’s finest accommodation. The guest lodges at the Windsong are connected to the main lodge and Resurrection Roadhouse by a series of paved trails that wind their way throughout the property.
Not far from the lodge is the entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park. Access by foot via the Resurrection Trail and Exit Glacier trail system provides hours of exploration into Alaska’s backcountry.
This morning, pack your lunch and eat a hearty breakfast, we have a big day ahead of us!
Take an easy hike along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail or opt for a more challenging hike to view the 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field, the largest in North America (7 miles wide!).
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to experience close encounters with puffins, octopus, sea lions and other sea life. And this evening, dine on fresh-off-the-boat seafood at Chinook’s Waterfront Restaurant.
On Day 4, wake with a morning bike ride beginning on the Johnson Pass bike trail where you’ll pedal along Granite Creek, past wildflowers, waterfalls and alpine valleys to the old Gold Rush town of Hope (ride up to 25 miles).
After lunch, we’ll transfer to our luxury accommodations at the Alyeska Prince Hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own, explore the many options at the Alyeska or in Girdwood (ask your guides for suggestions!).
About the Alyeska Resort
Nestled in the Chugach Mountains, this elegant hotel boasts lovely guestrooms, expansive views, a full-service spa and the award-winning Seven Glaciers restaurant 2,000-feet above the hotel.
Alaska’s premier year-round resort destination first opened their doors to guests in 1994. Today, their newly renovated chateau-style hotel makes the perfect base camp for your Alaskan vacation. During your stay here, you’ll experience supreme comfort with perfect modern touches and rich Native influences, bringing the natural beauty of Alaska’s great outdoors inside.
On Day 5, depart from the resort for a hike through America’s northernmost temperate rainforest filled with Sitka spruce, prickly Devil’s Club and feathery ferns with a surprise along the way.
Afterward, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can view most of Alaska’s wildlife up close and personal. Complete the day by hopping on your bike for a twisty cruise along the Trail of Blue Ice.
Our final dinner is at Jack Sprat, known for its fresh and creative cuisine.
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll depart for a short bike ride to Indian Creek.
Then it’s back to Anchorage to say our fond farewells. We hope you’ll join us again soon!
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, trail, ocean, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
June 16, 2019
June 21, 2019
Limited Space Available
July 14, 2019
July 19, 2019
Confirmed
August 18, 2019
August 23, 2019
Confirmed
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 5:45 am or 6:00 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Anchorage airport (2:00 pm) or your Anchorage hotel (2:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 3 to 8 miles per hike, easy to challenging terrain
Biking: 6 to 25 miles per ride, easy to moderate terrain
Kayaking: Protected coves and inlets, no experience necessary
Boating: Interpretive small ship wildlife cruise with captain and crew
Cultural Visits
Alaska is a land of diversity…known for its rich history, geographic wonders, incredible wildlife and challenges and opportunities of today… (and that as they say is just the “Tip of the Iceberg”). Learn about the wildlife recovery efforts put forth after the largest oil spill in this country’s history at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Understand how glaciers formed Alaska’s unique topography and the “story” behind the scenes regarding the effects of global warming. As you pedal into the town of Hope, try to guess how this tiny mining community came to receive its name (it’s probably not what you think!) Visit the bustling seaport of Seward and witness fisherman (both sport and commercial) as they come ashore with the day’s catch.
With any luck you will see for yourself the difference between a Black and a Grizzly Bear. Is a Killer Whale really a killer? That is just the beginning, there is so much more to this place they call the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions except one dinner on your own are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners except one dinner on own your own refreshments and receptions .
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Alaska Expert
Dan Austin
Not sure what to expect when you get your boots on the ground—or bike on the road or paddle in the water—in that dream destination? Dan Austin would love to tell you. More than likely, he’s been there, done that, and then some. The founder and president of Austin Adventures, Dan is a boots-on-the-ground influencer in the company, helping guests, ensuring guides lead the way he would, and curating new trips by personally experiencing and evaluating every detail. While always happy to add to his list of 64 countries and counting, Dan most highly values helping guests experience their adventure in the most inspiring and energizing way possible.
