You arrive in Anchorage today from the “Lower 48.” Because travelers arrive throughout the day, no group activities are planned.

Byron Glacier & 26-Glacier Cruise: A special glacier-themed and action-packed optional excursion is available for those who arrive into Anchorage a day early. Consider joining us for the Byron Glacier Walk and 26-Glacier Cruise in Prince William Sound.

Driving along the Turnagin Arm, we stop for a three kilometer walk in the Portage Valley before continuing to Whittier for a 5-hour scenic cruise (which includes lunch), introducing you to one of the world’s largest concentrations of tidewater glaciers. ~ Price TBA

Walk #1: Russian Falls Walk ~ 8 km, rated 2B

Our first full day on the Kenai Peninsula takes us by coach to the active fishing village of Homer on Kachemak Bay, a 30-mile arm of the lower Cook Inlet. The scenic route offers chances to spot a variety of wildlife, including beluga whales, eagles, mountain goats, elk, and more.

On our way to Homer, we stop for a scenic walk at Russian River, where it’s sometimes possible to spy on black bears fishing for salmon as they jump the falls.

Walk #2: Grewingk Glacier Lake Walk ~ 8 km, rated 2C (with 11 km option)

Today we share with only the 2nd WAI group an exciting walk in Kachemak Bay State Park, accessible only by water taxi.

Following our bay crossing from Homer Spit, we meander through mixed cottonwood and Sitka spruce en route to a stunningly beautiful glacial lake, complete with floating chunks of ice adrift in frigid waters.

After a picnic in this picturesque setting, we hike over Saddle Trail and catch our return water taxi to Homer where the remainder of the day is free to explore the town’s local charm.

Walk #3: Historic Homer Walk ~ 6 km, rated 2B

Enjoy a free day in Homer, choosing from a variety of only-in-Alaska activities, including beachcombing, sea-kayaking, a half-day fishing charter, visiting the Alaska Islands & Oceans Visitor Center, or strolling through Homer on an historic 6 km walk.

Brown Bear Viewing and Flightseeing Excursion: Also available is a featured optional excursion, a once-in-a-lifetime Coastal Brown Bear Viewing & Flightseeing Adventure to either Katmai or Lake Clark National Park, where you will safely encounter these massive and majestic animals at close range. It is an unforgettable experience. ~ Price: TBA

Walk #4: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Walk ~ 5 km, rated 2B
Walk #5: Seward City Walk ~ 6 km, rated 1A

En route to Seward, today’s first stop briefly explores the former Russian village of Ninilchik with the distinctive domes of its Russian Orthodox Church. Further up the peninsula, a walk through Kenai National Wildlife Refuge provides a good chance to view wildlife.

Tonight’s hotel is located in Seward, an ice-free port on Resurrection Bay in a setting of great beauty, surrounded by lush green mountains and stark ice fields. Upon arrival, a 6 km introductory walk acquaints us with Seward.

The trail winds along Seward’s boat docks, by the shore of Resurrection Bay, through older, historic parts of town, and finishes in a fun area of shops and restaurants.

Walk #6: Exit Glacier Walk ~ 4 km, rated 2C

Our day begins with a lovely nature walk to the edge of Exit Glacier, where dense blue ice descends from the higher Harding Ice Field.

The middle part of the day is devoted to a relaxing Kenai Fjords lunch cruise on Resurrection Bay offering potential sightings of sea birds, puffins, dolphins, whales, seals, along with a plethora of Alaska coastal panoramas.

Back on shore, we return to landlubber ways with free time in the lively town of Seward.

Walk #7: Winner Creek Walk ~ 6 km, rated 2C

We head to Girdwood today, stopping along the way at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see rescued buffalo, moose, musk ox, caribou, eagle, and bear.

After lunch, we arrive in Girdwood for a nature walk along Winner Creek that features a stream-crossing on a unique, hand-drawn tram; you can pull yourself across the chasm by cable.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to enjoy a variety of activities among the inviting environs surrounding our resort property.

Walk 8: Anchorage Coastal and Historic Walk ~ 10 km, rated 1A

After breakfast, we depart for the Alaska Native Heritage Center to experience First Nations culture first-hand through storytelling, Native song and dance, artist demonstrations, and Native game demonstrations.

Leaving the Center, we continue through verdant Alaskan countryside to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city.

Upon arrival in Anchorage, we take in the town’s green spaces and historic core during our walk; free time is available afterward to explore this bustling city on your own!

Travelers participating in Alaska—Kenai Peninsula fly home today. You return to the “Lower 48” with a greater appreciation of the marvelous Alaskan diversity that is the Kenai Peninsula!

Denali Delights travelers arrive in Anchorage today from the “Lower 48.” Because travelers arrive throughout the day and evening, no group activities are planned. Your WAI guide team is finishing up the Kenai Peninsula (Part 1) segment of the Adventure.

A representative of WAI will greet you on the morning of July 16 and transport you to meet this group of Adventurers.

Walk #1: Anchorage Coastal and Historic Walk ~ 10 km, rated 1A

Your first activity today is a rendezvous with Kenai Peninsula travelers (Part 1) at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Visitors to the Center experience Alaska Native culture first-hand through engaging storytelling, authentic Native song and dance, artist demonstrations, and Native game demonstrations.

Leaving the Center, we enjoy vistas of lush Alaskan countryside on our drive back to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Upon arrival in Anchorage, take in the town’s green spaces and historic core during our walk, with free time available afterward for you to explore this bustling city on your own!

Walk #2: Talkeetna Lakes Walk ~ 6 km, rated 2B

Boarding our motorcoach for a scenic transfer north, we depart Anchorage on our way to Kahiltna Birchworks to learn about birch syrup and sample some tree-tapped tasty treats.

Walking at Talkeetna Lakes introduces us to quiet, forested trails in the shadow of the Alaska Range before we continue through grand Alaska landscapes to Denali National Park, where we spend the next two nights.

Today’s main event is an early-morning Tundra Wilderness Tour through Denali National Park. Though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, past WAI groups have spotted numerous animals and enjoyed surprisingly frequent views of remarkable Denali (reportedly seen by only about 20% of visitors), tallest peak in North America.

Later this evening, we regroup at the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater; a memorable and zany look at the history of Denali, presented with an all-you-can-eat, family-style meal.

Walk #3: Denali National Park Walk ~ 9 km, rated 2B

Today’s full slate of activities begins with a walk in Denali National Park. Nature trails in the environs of the park visitor center take us to Horseshoe Lakes and over Riley Creek Suspension Bridge, providing wonderful hiking through stands of birch and fir with a low groundcover of colorful wild blueberry bushes.

After the walk, we board the train for a nostalgic four-hour journey aboard the Alaska Railroad through the Alaska Bush to Fairbanks. An optional “Dinner on the Rails” is available (includes one dinner entrée and dessert, non-alcoholic beverage, and gratuity). ~ Price TBA

We start the day with a stop at the iconic Alaska Pipeline to learn its secrets for carrying oil across miles of frozen tundra through a mind-boggling array of challenging terrain and seemingly impossible weather conditions.

Gold Dredge #8 Mine is our next exposure to Alaskan heritage, complete with a chance to try your hand at panning for gold!

Following lunch, a fun, educational, and relaxing sternwheeler cruise takes us down the Chena River aboard the Riverboat Discovery. The ship’s crew enlists the help of a colorful group of locals to teach us about bush pilots, dog-sled racing, and the native peoples of Alaska.

Walk #4: Creamer’s Field Fairbanks Walk ~ 7 km, rated 1A

We kick off our last full day in Fairbanks with a delightful stroll among birds and birch trees at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

The fun continues in the afternoon in the boreal forest of the Gold-stream Valley as we enjoy a one-of-a-kind walk with reindeer at a local family farm.

Wrapping up this memorable day, we savor a Farewell Dinner at the historic Pumphouse Restaurant along the Chena River.

Our Adventure “Way up North” ends in Fairbanks, just 125 miles from the Arctic Circle. We return home with fond memories of our 49th state—its fabulous scenery, the fascinating story of its settlement, and its irresistible pull to return and explore more of “The Great Land.”

Midnight Sun Walk – 5 km, rated 2B

If the Arctic Circle is on your Bucket List, today is the day to scratch it off during an informative and interactive northerly drive to remote Coldfoot Camp.

An early morning departure from Fairbanks by motorcoach takes us up the rugged Dalton Highway along the route of the Trans Alaska Pipeline, crossing the mighty Yukon River for a fun stop to commemorate our crossing of the Arctic Circle.

Completing our tundra trek in Coldfoot, we settle in for a rustic but relaxing evening at the northernmost truck stop in the world. Before turning in for the night travelers have a couple of options to consider:

1) Since the sun never sets this time of year above the Arctic Circle, we’ll explore the area around Coldfoot on a Midnight Sun Walk (though we except to finish well before midnight).

2) An opportunity may be available to experience an optional midnight sun flightseeing excursion through the Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park. NOTE: The flight will only be available if the necessary small planes are available on the date we are there.

Before heading south back to Fairbanks, we visit the quirky and fascinating wilderness community of Wiseman, the only village along the Dalton Highway that is occupied year-round. Learn how these hearty and resourceful residents carved out a unique lifestyle along the banks of the Middle Fork Koyukuk River.

After returning to Coldfoot for lunch on your own, consider visiting the nearby award-winning Arctic Interagency Visitor Center, featuring excellent exhibits, as well as some short nature trails.

There may also be the possibility to participate in other optional activities such as a Koyukuk River Float or a Fat Tire Bike Adventure. More info will be provided closer to the time of the tour if these activities become available.

By late afternoon, we re-cross the Arctic Circle on a scenic flight back to Fairbanks. The evening is free to enjoy dinner near our hotel or to catch some final activities in town!

Our brief Arctic Extension has provided a newfound appreciation for the hearty souls who brave the elements to forge a life in this starkly beautiful land.

We return from Fairbanks to the “Lower 48” with warm memories of our fortnight in the frontier of Alaska!

2025 Adventures, including Alaska ~ the Great Land, are currently in the initial planning phase. Travelers who wish to hold their spot on this tour are encouraged to submit a refundable $100 pre-registration deposit by clicking the green PRE-REGISTER button below.

Tours popular in the pre-registration phase will be finalized with firm dates, updated itineraries, and final pricing. The tour is then released for full registration. Pre-registered travelers have one week of priority access to full registration, which requires an additional $200 ($300 total registration). Registration deposits are non-refundable.

We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. Several walks on this trip are oriented more towards education, and therefore take longer due to stops for guide commentary. Nature walks, on the other hand, generally continue at a steadier pace because we’re stopping less to talk.

In most cases, we are not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand in order to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion. If you have questions about your ability to participate, please call our office at 1.360.260.9393.

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

INCLINE

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet.
2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet.
3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

TERRAIN

A. Almost entirely on pavement.
B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).

Alaska: Kenai Peninsula: The official start and finish point for Part 1 of this Adventure is our hotel in Anchorage, served by Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Alaska: Denali Delights: The official start point for Part 2 is our hotel in Anchorage, served by Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The official finish point is our hotel in Fairbanks, served by Fairbanks International Airport. Fairbanks is also the end point of the optional Arctic Midnight Sun Extension.

Airport transfers are not included in the tour price but taxi service is easily arranged to and from the airports listed above. WAI guides will help batch travelers who share a similar departure schedule into taxis or airport shuttles.

We recommend that you contact Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. In this age of airfare complications and airport uncertainty, using a travel agent is a good investment! More details about flight arrangements and travel agent contact information will be provided in an Adventure Advice PDF by email after you register for the Adventure.  Please do not book your airfare prior to receiving these flight details from us!

• Laura Pfahler: 503.434.6401 or [email protected]

• Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.
• Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.
• Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc).
• If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.
• If you feel ill, isolate yourself towards the back of the bus and away from others

Click WAI Wellness on Tour Policy to view the WAI policy on Wellness on Tour.

Tours popular in the pre-registration phase will be finalized with firm dates, updated itineraries, and final pricing. The tour is then released for full registration. Pre-registered travelers have one week of priority access to full registration, which requires an additional $200 ($300 total registration). Registration deposits are non-refundable.

A final payment is due 90 days before departure (April 10, 2024) and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us a week or two in advance. Please see our General Tour Conditions for the full terms and conditions for participation in this Adventure.

Around 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final email packet with details of the program, including hotel names and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.

We look forward to exploring the Great Land of Alaska with you!