Coastal OdysseyOur Coastal Odyssey voyage cruises over 1,600 miles between Vancouver BC and Anchorage, exploring the entire Inside Passage between British Columbia and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and the spectacular Gulf of Alaska coast. The graceful, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus, takes you to ports other cruise lines don't (or can't) reach, and brings you close to shore to find puffins in Glacier Bay, seals and sea otters in the Kenai Fjords, and bears feeding along the shoreline of Admiralty Island. Sailing between Vancouver and Anchorage, cruise the entire Inside Passage, including the stunning glaciers of Prince William Sound. SPECIAL GUEST LECTURERS: Join Dick Mackey on July 29, 2009 and Dr. Bruce Molnia on August 9, 2009 departures.
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Alaska OverviewVideo Gallery Special Guest Lecturers FAQ Inside Passage cruises Alaska's Inside PassageAlaska's Whales & Wilderness Gold Rush Inside Passage Glacier Wonderland cruises Glacier Bay HighlightsGlaciers of Prince William Sound Coastal Alaska & the Russian Far East cruises In Harriman's WakeVoyage to the Bering Sea Coastal Odyssey |
- Cruise Only
12 nights / 13 days - Cruise + Denali
15 nights / 16 days - Cruise + Redoubt Bay Lodge
13 nights / 14 days - Cruise + Winterlake Lodge
13 nights / 14 days
Directions: Vancouver BC to Anchorage / Anchorage to Vancouver BC
| Set Sail From Vancouver Transfer to the Spirit of Oceanus at Vancouver's inner harbor. Sail under the Lion's Gate Bridge as your panoramic Coastal Odyssey cruise begins. D | |
| Cruising British Columbia Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest that temptingly lead you north toward Alaska. These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and dolphins. This is a truly special place and, at 19 million acres, one of the earth's largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. We will keep an eye out for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the "Spirit Bear," this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight with its white fur. The day will be filled with interesting narrative from your Exploration Leader and relaxing cruising in the wilderness. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia A second day of cruising British Columbia. We'll make a brief stop at the Native village of Klemtu along our route. The First Nations of British Columbia have inhabited this rich region for thousands of years. The Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation are a coastal people whose ancient history remains alive and well today. While comitted to educating their children in the ways of modern man, they are equally committed to the preservation of their language and traditions. We'll have the opportunity to take a walking tour, meet with tribal members to hear their story and perspective on life in this remote region and be treated to a dance presentation. Then we'll spend the rest of the day enjoying the scenic cruising. Set your clocks back one hour before bedtime as we'll cross the Dixon Entrance and enter Alaska Daylight Time. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially-carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. All the important geological and ecological characteristics of Southeast Alaska are found within these 2.3 million acres of pristine wilderness. Seagulls and pigeon guillemots find the perfect nesting sites along glacier-carved granite walls in this tranquil temperate rainforest. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. This is just the beginning of our adventures within the United States' largest national forest. At 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the size of West Virginia and covers 80% of Southeast Alaska. We'll have the unique opportunity to visit Metlakatla on Annette Island. In a quest for religious freedom, Father William Duncan and a group of Tsimshian Indians moved 100 miles north of Metlakatla, British Columbia to Annette Island, the site of present day Metlakatla. In 1891, the United States government set aside Annette Island for the exclusive use of the Tsimshian Indians and other Alaska natives and it is now the only such reservation in Alaska. We will have the special opportunity to meet members of this community and be honored by observing a traditional dance performance in full Tsimshian regalia in their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, at the northern tip of Mitkof Island. Disembark for your shore excursions and adventures in "Little Norway," with a population of about 3,000. We'll be entertained with an included celebration at the Sons of Norway Hall. The Leikarring Dancers perform traditional Norwegian dance in colorful and authentic dress of bright blues accentuated by red, white and yellow embroidered flowers. You will also be treated to an introduction to the community and sample some homemade Norwegian pastries. There will be time to explore this tiny, picturesque fishing community. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound We will travel through Holkham Bay, the mouth of 2 spectacular, glacier-fed fjords. As we cross the bar look for signs of the strong currents tugging at the red and green navigational markers and for the many birds that feed on the rich nutrients stirred by these currents. We will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. The fjord twists and turns for 25 miles. We will come as close as safely possible to the face of a glacier and hope for a show of thundering ice splashing seawater hundreds of feet high. Arctic terns may buzz close to the bow, their shrill call warning you to stay away from their nests in the glacial till. We head back out of the fjord and follow the tenacious plant succession up and down the steel-gray mountainsides. As we exit Holkham Bay, we enter Frederick Sound, the body of water that hosts a world-renowned humpback whale population. Nutrient-rich waters compel large numbers of humpbacks to return from Hawaii every summer to feed and frolic in this region. We'll spend the afternoon seeking glimpses of these magnificent creatures. We may also be able to find and observe the massive and gregarious Steller's sea lions and harbor seals. You'll want to be on deck as we transit Wrangell Narrows, a waterway that separates Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands. Too narrow and shallow for the large ships to successfully navigate, our small ship is masterfully steered 21 miles along a snake-like path with 46 course changes. Seventy red and green navigational lights mark the course, earning it the nickname of "Christmas Tree Lane." This is a great area to look for Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears and large rafts of seabirds. BLD | |
| Skagway Early this morning we'll cruise the deep and mysterious waters of Lynn Canal, bordered by tall, rugged snowcapped mountain peaks. Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Your included tour is a 15-minute drive and overview of the town in a unique touring car. Tour guides are dressed in period costumes and are well versed in the raucous stories of this frontier settlement. Wooden sidewalks border historic buildings erected when this boomtown was jammed with thousands of folk lured by gold fever. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we cruise looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. We'll pick up a Glacier Bay Park Service Ranger and Tlingit Native Cultural Interpreter in Bartlett Cove. They'll join us onboard to help spot wildlife and other fascinating information on this evolving area. Over 65 miles of pristine terrain and habitat have been revealed in Glacier Bay since its giant rivers of ice have dramatically retreated over the past 200 years. We'll approach the Marble Islands and encounter a teeming multitude of seabirds such as black-legged kittiwakes, murrelets and puffins all swooping and swarming above the barking haul-out of Steller's sea lions. Keep an eye out for mountain goats on the Gloomy Knob or brown and black bears foraging on the shoreline. We may also spot harbor seals, sea otters and humpback whales. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. We will cruise through a zigzag of beautiful, narrow passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands to Sitka, the oldest non-Native settlement in Southeast Alaska. Along the way there will be an excellent opportunity to view bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer along the shorelines. Also look for sea otters feeding on sea urchings and floating close to protective kelp beds. Sitka is nestled on the shores of Sitka Sound, on the west coast of Baranof Island, protected from the Pacific by lush, forested islands and Mt. Edgecumbe, the "Mount Fuji of the West." This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park. Various optional shore excursions are offered to maximize your time in this small coastal community that was once called, "The Paris of the Pacific." BLD | |
| Exploring The Alaskan Coast Snowcapped mountains, some soaring to 15,000 feet, line the northern horizon today as you enjoy a full day of life at sea. BLD | |
| Prince William Sound We'll explore the more remote wilderness region in the southwestern part of Prince William Sound.Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we cruise through spectacular coves, inlets and view the steep rocky cliffs that demarcate the mainland and various islands. Knight Island Passage and Montague Straits supports an extraordinary plethora of marine mammals including humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals and sea lions. Snaggle-toothed rocky outcroppings on the periphery of the Gulf of Alaska are the perfect protected habitat for a multitude of nesting seabirds, particularly puffins, common murres and cormorants. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. BLD | |
| Whittier To Anchorage Disembark the Spirit of Oceanus and transfer to Anchorage via motorcoach. Included Anchorage sightseeing features the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Evening dinner will be enjoyed at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel or at your choice of restaurants in beautiful Anchorage, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the shoreline of Cook Inlet. Note: The August 31, 2009, cruise will disembark in Seward instead of Whittier. This will create a slightly longer motorcoach transfer to Anchorage, but will travel through scenic Turnagain Pass as well as along Turnagain Arm. BD | |
| Anchorage Prior to your transfer to the airport, enjoy a morning Anchorage tour. |
| Arrive In Anchorage Arrive in Anchorage, where you will be transferred to the Sheraton Hotel. Spend a relaxing evening nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the shoreline of Cook Inlet. | |
| Anchorage To Whittier Enjoy a morning Anchorage tour which includes a visit to the Museum of History and Fine Art. This afternoon transfer to Whittier to board the Spirit of Oceanus. BD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. Explore the more remote wilderness of Prince William Sound. Spectacular coves, inlets and steep rocky cliffs demarcate the mainland and various islands. Cruise narrow passageways, peaceful and abundant with bursts of birdcalls or languorously swimming sea otters. Knight Island Passage and Montague Straits support an extraordinary plethora of marine mammals including humpbacks, orcas, harbor seals and sea lions. Snaggle-toothed rocky outcroppings on the periphery of the Gulf of Alaska are the perfect protected habitat for a multitude of nesting seabirds, particularly puffins, common murres and cormorants. BLD | |
| Exploring The Alaskan Coast View the rugged Alaskan Coast, watching for wildlife that calls this remote landscape and seascape home. Conditions permitting, we may explore this area in small excursion craft. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. Cruise through a zigzag of beautiful, narrow passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands. There is an excellent opportunity to view bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer along the shorelines. Also look for sea otters feeding on sea urchins and floating close to protective kelp beds. Sitka is nestled on the shores of Sitka Sound, on the west coast of Baranof Island, protected from the Pacific by lush, forested islands and Mt. Edgecumbe, the “Mount Fuji of the West.” This one-time capital of Russian America and the oldest non-Native settlement in Southeast Alaska has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Enjoy a wonderful walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, whose forested beachside trail is lined with a number of finely carved totems. Various optional shore excursions are available in this small coastal community that was once called “The Paris of the Pacific.” BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Entering the park in the early morning we’ll pick up a Glacier Bay Park Ranger and a local Tlingit Cultural Interpreter in Bartlett Cove. They will provide a comprehensive day of narrative sightseeing. Over 65 miles of pristine terrain and habitat have been revealed in Glacier Bay since its giant rivers of ice began dramatically retreating 200 years ago. Approach Marble Islands and hurry outside to encounter a teeming multitude of seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, murrelets and puffins, all swooping and swarming above the writhing, barking haul-out of Steller’s sea lions. We may encounter mountain goats on Gloomy Knob or watch brown and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Look for more harbor seals, sea otters and the humpback whales that call Glacier Bay their summer home. BLD | |
| Skagway Cruise the deep and mysterious emerald-green waters of Lynn Canal, bordered by tall, rugged, snowcapped mountain peaks. Disembark in Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Your included tour is a drive and overview in a unique touring car. Tour guides dress in period costumes and are well versed in the raucous stories of this frontier settlement. Wooden sidewalks border historic buildings erected when this boomtown was jammed with thousands of folks lured by gold fever, all eager to ascend the foreboding and treacherous mountain trails to find the elusive mother-lode of gold. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm There will be time to search the waters for humpbacks and orca, seals, sea lions, and porpoises in Frederick Sound. You may spend time anchored in a secluded cove. Travel through Holkham Bay, the mouth of 2 spectacular, glacier-fed fjords. Crossing the bar, look for signs of the strong currents tugging at the red and green navigational markers and for the many birds that feed on the rich nutrients stirred by these currents. Travel up Tracy Arm, a glacially carved fjord filled with deep, emerald-green seawater, bordered by steep granite cliffs lining the waterways that are choked with icebergs, toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The fjord twists and turns for 25 miles. We’ll come as close as safely possible to the face of a glacier and hope for a show of thundering ice splashing seawater hundreds of feet high. Arctic terns may buzz close to the bow, their shrill call warning us to stay away from their nests. We’ll exit Holkham Bay and enter Frederick Sound, the body of water that hosts a world-renowned humpback whale population. Nutrient-rich waters compel large numbers of humpbacks to return from Hawaii every summer to feed and frolic in this region. Look for these magnificent creatures as well as Steller’s sea lions and harbor seals. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, at the northern tip of Mitkof Island. Disembark for your shore excursions and adventures in Alaska’s “Little Norway,” with a population of about 3,000. Begin with an included celebration at the Sons of Norway Hall, close to where the vessel moors. The Leikarring Dancers perform traditional Norwegian dances in colorful and authentic dress of bright blues accentuated by red, white and yellow embroidered flowers. You will also be treated to an introduction to the community and sample some homemade Norwegian pastries. Explore this tine seaside fishing community surrounded by 10,000-foot snowcapped mountain peaks jutting from the sea. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially-carved fjord where six inlets come together. All the important geological and ecological characteristics of Southeast Alaska are found within the 2.3 million acres of Misty Fiords National Monument. Steep-sided mountains become even more magical shrouded in mist. Mountain goats graze on new grasses. Black and brown bears forage on the bounty of the intertidal zone as they fatten up for their dormant phase of winter. Harbor seals frolic near the estuaries. Seagulls and pigeon guillemots find the perfect nesting sites along glacier-carved granite walls in this tranquil, temperate rainforest. We cruise into the United States largest national forest. At 17 million acres. The Tongass National Forest is the size of West Virginia and covers 80 percent of Southeast Alaska. We’ll cruise past the southernmost islands of the Alexander Archipelago, the 1,000 islands that comprise Southeastern Alaska. We’ll have the unique opportunity to visit Metlakatla on Annette Island. In a quest for religious freedom, Father William Duncan and a group of Tsimshian Indians moved 100 miles north of Metlakatla, British Columbia to Annette Island, the site of present day Metlakatla. In 1891, the United States government set aside Annette Island for the exclusive use of the Tsimshian Indians and other Alaska Natives and it is now the only such reservation in Alaska. Tour this community and meet residents, including local artisans. Be honored by a traditional dance performance in traditional Tsimshian regalia in their tribal long house.National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla greets you with a dance performance at their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia - Prince Rupert Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Situated at the mouth of the Skeena River, Prince Rupert, is a wild and dramatic place, where nature and humanity have intermingled for thousands of years. It is thought that Prince Rupert may be one of the oldest continuously populated locations on the planet and home to the Tsimshian Nation. Step ashore to explore this sliver of civilization tucked away amidst the rugged coastline and deep green forests of the Inside Passage. Your included highlight will be entry into the Museum of Northern British Columbia, which exhibits the ancient and modern First Nations history of the region. Appreciate the heady smell of cedar that fills the air around you. Cedar plays an integral role in the lives of the Coastal First Nations from Washington up to Alaska and has been beautifully highlighted in the architecture of the museum. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia - The Great Bear Rainforest At 19 million acres, this rainforest is one of the earth’s largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. Keep a quiet, watchful eye for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the “Spirit Bear,” this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight to behold with its white fur. The eagles and seabirds soar and seeing harbor seals and sea lions is always a possibility. BLD | |
| Arrive In Vancouver Transfer to the airport with lifetime memories. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Directions: Vancouver BC to Fairbanks / Fairbanks to Vancouver BC
| Set Sail From Vancouver Transfer to the Spirit of Oceanus at Vancouver's inner harbor. Sail under the Lion's Gate Bridge as your panoramic Coastal Odyssey cruise begins. D | |
| Cruising British Columbia Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest that temptingly lead you north toward Alaska. These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and porpoise. This is a truly special place and, at 19 million acres, one of the earth's largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. We will keep an eye out for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the "Spirit Bear," this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight with its white fur. The day will be filled with interesting narrative from your Exploration Leader and relaxing cruising in the wilderness. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia A second day of cruising British Columbia. We'll make a brief stop at the Native village of Klemtu along our route. The First Nations of British Columbia have inhabited this rich region for thousands of years. The Kitasoo / Xaixais First Nation are a coastal people whose ancient history remains alive and well today. While committed to educating their children in the ways of modern man, they are equally committed to the preservation of their language and traditions. We'll have the opportunity to take a walking tour, meet with tribal members to hear their story and perspective on life in this remote region and be treated to a dance presentation. Then we'll spend the rest of the day enjoying the scenic cruising. Set your clocks back one hour before bedtime as we'll cross the Dixon Entrance and enter Alaska Daylight Time. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially-carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. The Tsimshians of the Metlakatla community perform a traditional dance in their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, where you will be entertained by local folk dancers. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. Here you will explore amongst the ice and along the shoreline in our small inflatable excursion craft. There will be time to search the waters for humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises in Frederick Sound. BLD | |
| Skagway Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we cruise looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A Park Service Forest Ranger and Native Cultural Interpreter join us onboard to help spot wildlife and offer other fascinating information on this evolving area. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park. BLD | |
| Gulf of Alaska Snowcapped mountains, some soaring to 15,000 feet, line the northern horizon today as you enjoy a full day of life at sea. BLD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. BLD | |
| Arrive In Whittier / Anchorage Disembark the Spirit of Oceanus and transfer to Anchorage via motorcoach. Included Anchorage sightseeing features the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Dinner will be enjoyed at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel or at your choice of other fine restaurants. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel. Note: The August 31, 2009 cruise will disembark in Seward instead of Whittier. This will create a slightly longer motorcoach transfer to Anchorage, but will travel through scenic Turnagain Pass as well as along Turnagain Arm. BD | |
| Anchorage To Denali National Park and Preserve Via Motorcoach And Rail Breakfast at the Sheraton. Travel by motorcoach to Talkeetna, where you will board a deluxe domed railcar for your journey to Denali National Park. The domed cars allow spectacular views on both sides of the train, including, when weather permits, sweeping views of snowcapped peaks. Mt. McKinley, also known as "Denali, the Great One", soars to 20,320 feet, the highest mountain in North America. Lunch is included onboard the train. Attend an exclusive presentation by a naturalist from the Denali Education Center on Sub-Arctic Climate and overnight at a comfortable Denali hotel. BD | |
| Denali Exploration Choose from1 of3 included tours into the park.* On the longer tours you will venture into the heart of Denali National Park. Tour into the heart of Denali Park.The Denali Natural History Tour is a 4-5 hour tour that travels 20 miles into the park and leaves time for other optional tours later. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a 6-8 hour trip 55 miles into the park that leaves limited time for optional tours later. The Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour is a 12-13 hour, 90-mile trek into the park that does not allow enough time for any additional optional tours. A guide from the Park will help you search for moose, grizzly bear, caribou, Dall's sheep and more. Optional activities include up-close flightseeing around Mt. McKinley, heli-hiking, whitewater rafting or float trips. B *Tour must be chosen at the time of booking your cruise/land tour. | |
| Denali National Park To Fairbanks Breakfast at your Denali Hotel before boarding a comfortable motorcoach for Fairbanks. You will have a delightful day of sightseeing which includes a city tour, a visit to the University of Alaska Museum of the North and a ride down the Chena River on an authentic sternwheeler riverboat. Enjoy your farewell dinner and overnight at your Fairbanks Hotel. BLD | |
| Transfer To The Fairbanks Airport For your flight home. |
| Arrive In Fairbanks Transfer from the airport to meet your fellow traveling companions and your Tour Director at a casual wine and cheese reception. Overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. | |
| Fairbanks To Denali National Park At a little more than 125 miles from the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks truly can be considered, “the end of the road.” Breakfast at your Fairbanks Hotel. Then we'll take a brief tour of historical Fairbanks and make our way to the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and pay a visit to the highly acclaimed museum. Newly completed expansion of the museum has created one of the finest collections of artifacts from Alaska’s rich history, explanations of the indigenous cultures and displays of the natural wonders of this part of the world. You’ll be greeted at the door by Otto, the 8-foot, 9-inch-tall grizzly bear that is the museum’s mascot. You won’t want to miss the mummified remains of Blue Babe, a 36,000-year-old Alaska steppe bison on display. We’ll take an authentic sternwheeler ride of the Chena River before getting back into our motorcoach and heading off to the mountains. We’ll be following the George Parks Highway on our way to Denali. Finished in 1971, the highway links the major communities of Anchorage with Fairbanks and presents picture-postcard views at nearly every bend. En route you’ll enjoy spectacular sweeping vistas. When we reach Nenana, a large village at the confluence of the Tanana and Nenana Rivers, you will see how the river systems of Alaska’s Interior are comparable to highways, considering the amount of freight that is moved on barges to the small villages. We’ll climb the rolling hills north of the Alaska Range. These imposing mountains create a rain shadow in this area as the moisture that blows inland from the Gulf of Alaska precipitates on the south side of the mountains, leaving this area relatively cold and arid. You may notice the stunted and scattered vegetation and learn of the significance of the great expanse of permafrost. Those short, sickly looking trees you’ll see are actually hundreds of years old. Just past the town of Healy we will follow the Nenana River as it cuts through Healy Canyon and then it’s up to the village of Denali. Just past the town of Healy we will follow the Nenana River as it cuts through Healy Canyon and then it’s up to the village of Denali. The Denali Education Center naturalists will provide you with an exclusive presentation on the Sub-Arctic Climate. Enjoy a Denali Dinner Dine Around and overnight at your Denali Hotel. BLD | |
| Denali Exploration When you book your Alaska land adventure, you will choose 1 of 3 optional Denali sightseeing excursions. The Denali Natural History Tour travels almost 20 miles into the park, including a stop at the Wilderness Access Center and includes a light snack and hot beverages. With this tour lasting approximately 5 hours, the History Tour leaves you more time for other, optional excursions in Denali. The Tundra Wilderness Tour takes visitors to the Toklat River, 54 miles into the park and leaves time for optional excursions as well. The Kantishna Wilderness Trails excursion journeys 95 miles into the park, with the last 30 miles allowing for full viewing of Mt. McKinley, weather permitting. At about 12 hours in length, the Kantishna Tour is the longest Denali Park wilderness excursion. Overnight at your Denali Hotel. B | |
| Denali To Anchorage Via Rail And Motorcoach Breakfast at your Denali Hotel before transfering to the Denali Depot via bus. One of the many highlights of this day is the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery aboard your luxury domed railcar. This segment of the Alaska Railway is considered by far the most scenic portion of the trip and takes travelers farther away from the Parks Highway and deeper into the virtually untouched wilderness. Moose, bears and bald eagles can often be sighted along the route and at certain times of the summer the salmon can be seen spawning in the streams. Of the many spectacular sights along the way, perhaps the most magnificent is Hurricane Gulch, where a bridge spans 914 feet and rises 296 feet above the creek below. Arrive in Anchorage, the largest city in the largest state in the union. Choose between four of Anchorage’s finest dining establishments or the Sheraton Hotel for dinner and overnight at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. BD | |
| Anchorage To Whittier Breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel. Take a tour of the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Board a motorcoach in Anchorage to travel to Whittier. This 2-hour scenic drive follows a significant portion of Turnagain Arm, named by Captain Cook in 1778, because his crew, exploring up the fjord in a small boat was forced to turn back. Watch for Dall’s sheep clinging to the rocky precipices. The marsh flats are the perfect habitat for a variety of birds and grazing moose. Look for lurking coyote and lumbering bears on the perimeters of the marshes and forests. In mid to late summer, the small beluga whales with bulbous foreheads are sometimes seen feeding on spawning salmon making their way up the arm. Sail from Whittier, located at the northern end of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound. The Sound is about 100 miles wide with an amazingly intricate coastline deeply cleaved by fjords and inlets. Prince William Sound is about the same size as Puget Sound in Washington and three times larger than San Francisco Bay. The steep, jagged Chugach Mountains crown this coastline. The snowy peaks capture much of the significant rainfall that occurs here, creating one of the larger ice fields in the world. Prince William Sound contains one of the largest concentrations of tidewater glaciers in Alaska and we visit most of them. Continue down Passage Canal, lined with hanging and valley glaciers and fringed by the verdant rainforest. Enter Blackstone Bay with its glacially carved valley lined with eight glaciers of various types, hanging, valley, or tidewater. Keep an eye out for sea otters, harbor seals and the occasional river otter. BD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. Spectacular coves, inlets and steep rocky cliffs demarcate the mainland and various islands. Cruise narrow passageways, peaceful and abundant with bursts of birdcalls or languorously swimming sea otters. Knight Island Passage and Montague Straits support an extraordinary plethora of marine mammals including humpbacks, orcas, harbor seals and sea lions. Snaggle-toothed rocky outcroppings on the periphery of the Gulf of Alaska are the perfect protected habitat for a multitude of nesting seabirds, particularly puffins, common murres and cormorants. BLD | |
| Exploring The Alaskan Coast View the rugged Alaskan Coast, watching for wildlife that calls this remote landscape and seascape home. Conditions permitting, we may explore this area in small excursion craft. BLD | |
| Sitka On the way to Sitka cruise through a zigzag of beautiful, narrow passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands to Sitka, the oldest non-Native settlement in Southeast Alaska. Along the way there is an excellent opportunity to view bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer along the shorelines. Also look for sea otters feeding on sea urchins and floating close to protective kelp beds. This one-time capital of Russian America is nestled on the shores of Sitka Sound, on the west coast of Baranof Island, protected from the Pacific by lush, forested islands and Mt. Edgecumbe, the “Mount Fuji of the West.” Enjoy a wonderful walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, whose forested beachside trail is lined with a number of finely carved totems. Various optional shore excursions are available in this small coastal community that was once called “The Paris of the Pacific.” BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Entering the park in the early morning we’ll pick up a Glacier Bay Park Ranger and a local Tlingit Cultural Interpreter in Bartlett Cove. They will provide a comprehensive day of narrative sightseeing. Over 65 miles of pristine terrain and habitat have been revealed in Glacier Bay since its giant rivers of ice began dramatically retreating 200 years ago. Approach Marble Islands and hurry outside to encounter a teeming multitude of seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, murrelets and puffins, all swooping and swarming above the writhing, barking haul-out of Steller’s sea lions. We may encounter mountain goats on Gloomy Knob or watch brown and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Look for more harbor seals, sea otters and the humpback whales that call Glacier Bay their summer home. Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we cruise looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays in this evolving area. BLD | |
| Skagway Cruise the deep and mysterious emerald-green waters of Lynn Canal, bordered by tall, rugged, snowcapped mountain peaks. Disembark in Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Your included tour is a drive and overview in a unique touring car. Tour guides dress in period costumes and are well versed in the raucous stories of this frontier settlement. Wooden sidewalks border historic buildings erected when this boomtown was jammed with thousands of folks lured by gold fever, all eager to ascend the foreboding and treacherous mountain trails to find the elusive mother-lode of gold. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound Travel through Holkham Bay, the mouth of two spectacular, glacier-fed fjords. Crossing the bar, look for signs of the strong currents tugging at the red and green navigational markers and for the many birds that feed on the rich nutrients stirred by these currents. Travel up Tracy Arm, a glacially carved fjord filled with deep, emerald-green seawater, bordered by steep cliffs. The fjord twists and turns for 25 miles. We’ll come as close as safely possible to the face of a glacier and hope for a show of thundering ice splashing seawater hundreds of feet high. Arctic terns may buzz close to the bow, their shrill call warning us to stay away from their nests. We’ll exit Holkham Bay and enter Frederick Sound, the body of water that hosts a world-renowned humpback whale population. Nutrient-rich waters compel large numbers of humpbacks to return from Hawaii every summer to feed and frolic in this region. Look for these magnificent creatures as well as Steller’s sea lions and harbor seals. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads you to picturesque Petersburg at the northern tip of Mitkof Island. Disembark for your shore excursions and adventures in Alaska’s “Little Norway,” with a population of about 3,000. Begin with an included celebration at the Sons of Norway Hall, close to where the vessel moors. The Leikarring Dancers perform traditional Norwegian dances in colorful and authentic dress of bright blues accentuated by red, white and yellow embroidered flowers. You will also be treated to an introduction to the community and sample some homemade Norwegian pastries. Explore this tine seaside fishing community surrounded by 10,000-foot snowcapped mountain peaks jutting from the sea. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially-carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. All the important geological and ecological characteristics of Southeast Alaska are found within the 2.3 million acres of Misty Fiords National Monument. Steep-sided mountains become even more magical shrouded in mist. Mountain goats graze on new grasses. Black and brown bears forage on the bounty of the intertidal zone as they fatten up for their dormant phase of winter. Harbor seals frolic near the estuaries. Seagulls and pigeon guillemots find the perfect nesting sites along glacier-carved granite walls in this tranquil, temperate rainforest. We cruise into the United States largest national forest. At 17 million acres. The Tongass National Forest is the size of West Virginia and covers 80 percent of Southeast Alaska. We’ll cruise past the southernmost islands of the Alexander Archipelago, the 1,000 islands that comprise Southeastern Alaska. We’ll have the unique opportunity to visit Metlakatla on Annette Island. In a quest for religious freedom, Father William Duncan and a group of Tsimshian Indians moved 100 miles north of Metlakatla, British Columbia to Annette Island, the site of present day Metlakatla. In 1891, the United States government set aside Annette Island for the exclusive use of the Tsimshian Indians and other Alaska Natives and it is now the only such reservation in Alaska. Tour this community and meet residents, including local artisans. Be honored by a traditional dance performance in traditional Tsimshian regalia in their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia - Prince Rupert Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and dolphins. Situated at the mouth of the Skeena River, Prince Rupert, is a wild and dramatic place, where nature and humanity have intermingled for thousands of years. It is thought that Prince Rupert may be one of the oldest continuously populated locations on the planet and home to the Tsimshian Nation. Step ashore to explore this sliver of civilization tucked away amidst the rugged coastline and deep green forests of the Inside Passage. Your included highlight will be entry into the Museum of Northern British Columbia, which exhibits the ancient and modern First Nations history of the region. Appreciate the heady smell of cedar that fills the air around you. Cedar plays an integral role in the lives of the Coastal First Nations from Washington up to Alaska and has been beautifully highlighted in the architecture of the museum. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia And The Great Bear Rainforest At 19 million acres, this rainforest is one of the earth’s largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. Keep a quiet, watchful eye for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the “Spirit Bear,” this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight to behold with its white fur. The eagles and seabirds soar and seeing harbor seals and sea lions is always a possibility. BLD | |
| Arrive In Vancouver Transfer to the airport with lifetime memories. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Directions: Vancouver BC to Anchorage / Anchorage to Vancouver BC
| Set Sail From Vancouver Transfer to the Spirit of Oceanus. Sail under the Lion’s Gate Bridge as your panoramic cruise begins. D | |
| Cruising British Columbia Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest that temptingly lead you north toward Alaska. These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and dolphins. This is a truly special place and, at 19 million acres, one of the earth's largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. We will keep an eye out for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the "Spirit Bear," this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight with its white fur. The day will be filled with interesting narrative from your Exploration Leader and relaxing cruising in the wilderness. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia A second day of cruising British Columbia. We'll make a brief stop at the Native village of Klemtu along our route. The First Nations of British Columbia have inhabited this rich region for thousands of years. The Kitasoo / Xaixais First Nation are a coastal people whose ancient history remains alive and well today. While committed to educating their children in the ways of modern man, they are equally committed to the preservation of their language and traditions. We'll have the opportunity to take a walking tour, meet with tribal members to hear their story and perspective on life in this remote region and be treated to a dance presentation. Then we'll spend the rest of the day enjoying the scenic cruising. Set your clocks back one hour before bedtime as we'll cross the Dixon Entrance and enter Alaska Daylight Time. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla greets you with a dance performance at their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, where you will be entertained by local folk dancers. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. There will be time to search the waters for humpbacks and orca, seals, sea lions, and porpoises in Frederick Sound. You may spend time anchored in a secluded cove. BLD | |
| Skagway Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we cruise looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A National Park Service Ranger and Native Cultural Interpreter join us onboard to help spot wildlife and share other fascinating information on this evolving area. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park. BLD | |
| Exploring The Alaskan Coast View the rugged Alaskan Coast, watching for wildlife that calls this remote landscape and seascape home. Conditions permitting, we may explore this area in small excursion craft. BLD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. BLD | |
| Floatplane To Your Lodge Travel by floatplane to Redoubt Bay Lodge. Redoubt Bay Lodge overlooks Big River Lakes, with one of the densest bear populations in Alaska. As the only accommodations in a critical habitat area, this cozy lodge and 3 cabins offer rustic comfort in a remote and spectacular setting. BD | |
| Redoubt Bay Lodge Enjoy sport fishing for salmon, canoeing or kayaking, hiking, animal tracking, and experience the natural beauty of the area. See bears up-close as they come down to the lake to fish. BLD | |
| Travel By Floatplane To Anchorage Transfer to the Anchorage Airport for your flight home. B |
| Arrive Anchorage / Floatplane To Redoubt Bay Lodge Travel by floatplane to Redoubt Bay Lodge, overlooking Big River Lakes, with one of the densest bear populations in Alaska. As the only accommodations in a critical habitat area, this cozy lodge and 3 cabins offer rustic comfort in a remote and spectacular setting. D | |
| Redoubt Bay Lodge Enjoy sport fishing for salmon, go canoeing or kayaking, hiking, or animal tracking, and experience the natural beauty of the area. See bears up-close as they come down to the lake to fish. BLD | |
| Floatplane To Anchorage, Transfer To Whittier Travel by floatplane to Anchorage. This afternoon our shore staff will direct you to motorcoaches that will take you to your ship moored at Whittier. Once you are settled in your stateroom, join your traveling companions for refreshments in the lounge. BD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. BLD | |
| Exploring The Gulf of Alaska Snowcapped mountains, some soaring to 15,000 feet, line the northern horizon today as you enjoy a full day at sea, watching for wildlife that calls this remote landscape and seascape home. Conditions permitting, we may explore this area in small excursion craft. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park. BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we cruise looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A National Park Service Ranger and Native Cultural Interpreter join us onboard to help spot wildlife and share other fascinating information on this evolving area. BLD | |
| Skagway Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. There will be time to search the waters for humpbacks and orca, seals, sea lions, and porpoises in Frederick Sound. You may spend time anchored in a secluded cove. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, where you will be entertained by local folk dancers. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla greets you with a dance performance at their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Situated at the mouth of the Skeena River, Prince Rupert, is a wild and dramatic place, where nature and humanity have intermingled for thousands of years. It is thought that Prince Rupert may be one of the oldest continuously populated locations on the planet and home to the Tsimshian Nation. Step ashore to explore this sliver of civilization tucked away amidst the rugged coastline and deep green forests of the Inside Passage. Your included highlight will be entry into the Museum of Northern British Columbia, which exhibits the ancient and modern First Nations history of the region. Appreciate the heady smell of cedar that fills the air around you. Cedar plays an integral role in the lives of the Coastal First Nations from Washington up to Alaska and has been beautifully highlighted in the architecture of the museum. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia This truly is a special place. At 19 million acres, this rainforest is one of the earth’s largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. Keep a quiet, watchful eye for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the “Spirit Bear,” this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight to behold with its white fur. The eagles and seabirds soar and seeing harbor seals and sea lions is always a possibility. These nutrient-rich waters are also home to whales and dolphins. BLD | |
| Arrive In Vancouver Transfer to the airport with lifetime memories. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Directions: Vancouver BC to Anchorage / Anchorage to Vancouver BC
| Set Sail From Vancouver Transfer to the Spirit of Oceanus. Sail under the Lion’s Gate Bridge as your panoramic cruise begins. D | |
| Cruising British Columbia Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest that temptingly lead you north toward Alaska. These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and porpoise. This is a truly special place and, at 19 million acres, one of the earth's largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. We will keep an eye out for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the "Spirit Bear," this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight with its white fur. The day will be filled with interesting narrative from your Exploration Leader and relaxing cruising in the wilderness. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia The First Nations of British Columbia have inhabited this rich region for thousands of years. Today, we'll make a brief stop at one of the Native villages along our route. The Kitasoo / Xaixais First Nation are a coastal people whose ancient history remains alive and well today. While committed to educating their children in the ways of modern man, they are equally committed to the preservation of their language and traditions. We'll have the opportunity to take a walking tour, meet with tribal members to hear their story and perspective on life in this remote region and be treated to a dance presentation. Then we'll spend the rest of the day enjoying the scenic cruising. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. U.S. Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla greets you with a dance performance at their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, where you will be entertained by the Leikarring dancers. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. Explore amongst the ice and along the shoreline in our small inflatable excursion craft. There will be time to search the waters for humpbacks and orca, seals, sea lions, and porpoises in Frederick Sound. You may spend time anchored in a secluded cove. BLD | |
| Skagway Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we look for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A U.S. Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter join us onboard to help spot wildlife like kittiwakes, puffins, sea lions and bears and offer fascinating information on this evolving area. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park. BLD | |
| Exploring The Gulf Of Alaska Snowcapped mountains, some soaring to 15,000 feet, line the northern horizon today as you enjoy a full day at sea, watching for wildlife that calls this remote landscape and seascape home. Conditions permitting, we may explore this area in small excursion craft. BLD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. BLD | |
| Floatplane To Your Lodge Arrive in Whittier and transfer by motorcoach to Anchorage where you’ll experience the thrill of a floatplane ride over Alaska to Winterlake Lodge. From Anchorage it is 198 miles to Winterlake Lodge, sitting on 15 acres by Winter Lake. Located on the historic Iditarod Trail, this remote, rustic lodge offers seclusion and spectacular scenery. Trimble Glacier, Rainy Pass and Wolverine Mountain are all visible from the Lodge. Enjoy savory Alaskan foods prepared by owner / chef Kirsten Dixon who has written 2 cookbooks and was named one of the 10 best chefs of the Pacific Northwest by Pacific Northwest Magazine. The main lodge has large picture windows for lake viewing, a dining room, library, a massage therapy room and services. Daily activities include narrated walks, cooking classes, lake tours by canoe and seasonal opportunities like berry picking. BD | |
| Winterlake Lodge Other activities include floating the Happy River, fishing the Canyon Creek area, exploring the Upper Skwetna River and Red Creek. Hiking, wildlife viewing and canoeing. Your experience here includes a floatplane flightseeing tour which will show you this beautiful wilderness from a new and dazzling perspective. BLD | |
| Travel By Floatplane To Anchorage Transfer to the Anchorage Airport for your flight home. B |
| Arrive Anchorage/ Floatplane To Winterlake Lodge Arrive in Anchorage where you’ll experience the thrill of a floatplane ride over Alaska to Winterlake Lodge. From Anchorage it is 198 miles to Winterlake Lodge, sitting on 15 acres by Winter Lake. Located on the historic Iditarod Trail, this remote, rustic lodge offers seclusion and spectacular scenery. Trimble Glacier, Rainy Pass and Wolverine Mountain are all visible from the Lodge. Enjoy savory Alaskan foods prepared by owner / chef Kirsten Dixon who has written 2 cookbooks and was named one of the 10 best chefs of the Pacific Northwest by Pacific Northwest Magazine. The main lodge has large picture windows for lake viewing, a dining room, library, a massage therapy room and services. Daily activities include narrated walks, cooking classes, lake tours by canoe and seasonal opportunities like berry picking. D | |
| Winterlake Lodge Other activities include floating the Happy River, fishing the Canyon Creek area, exploring the Upper Skwetna River and Red Creek. Hiking, wildlife viewing and canoeing. Your experience here includes a floatplane flightseeing tour which will show you this beautiful wilderness from a new and dazzling perspective. BLD | |
| Floatplane To Anchorage Transfer To Whittier Travel by floatplane to Anchorage. This afternoon our shore staff will direct you to motorcoaches that will take you to your ship moored at Whittier. Once you are settled in your stateroom, join your traveling companions for refreshments in the lounge. BD | |
| Prince William Sound Keep your binoculars and camera handy as we explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Our years of exploration here enable us to show you the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders. BLD | |
| Exploring The Gulf of Alaska Snowcapped mountains, some soaring to 15,000 feet line the nrothern horizon today as you enjoy a full day of life at sea, watching for wildlife that calls this remote landscape and seascape home. Conditions permitting, we may explore this area in small excursion craft. BLD | |
| Sitka Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park. BLD | |
| Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, as we cruise looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter join us onboard to help spot wildlife and offer fascinating information on this evolving area. BLD | |
| Skagway Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. This is the home of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. BLD | |
| Tracy Arm And Frederick Sound You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. Here you will explore amongst the ice and along the shoreline in our small inflatable excursion craft. There will be time to search the waters for humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and porpoise in Frederick Sound. BLD | |
| Petersburg Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg, where you will be entertained by the Leikarring Dancers. BLD | |
| Misty Fiords National Monument And Metlakatla The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument welcome you to Alaska's grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. U.S. Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer information about this area. The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla greets you with a dance performance at their tribal long house. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. The First Nations of British Columbia have inhabited this rich region for thousands ofyears. Today, we'll make a brief stop at one of the Native villages along our route. The Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation are a coastal people, whose ancient history remains alive and well today. While committed to educating their children in the ways of modern man, they are equally committed to the preservation of their language and traditions. We'll have the opportunity to meet wiht tribal members to hear their story and perspective on life in this remote region. The rest of the day, enjoy scenic cruising. BLD | |
| Cruising British Columbia This truly is a special place. At 19 million acres, this rainforest is one of the earth’s largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest. Keep a quiet, watchful eye for the Kermode Bear. Known locally as the “Spirit Bear,” this rare and elusive subspecies of black bear is a phenomenal sight to behold with its white fur. The eagles and seabirds soar and seeing harbor seals and sea lions is always a possibility. These nutrient-rich waters are also home to whales and porpoise. BLD | |
| Arrive In Vancouver Transfer to the airport with lifetime memories. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
