Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness

Expert Local Guides

Award Winning Adventures

Nature First Adventures

Support Local Communities

14 Days from

0 Days from

~~USD 7,199~~ USD 6,799

USD 7,204

incl. Taxes

Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

6 - 13

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

PAWE2

Cruise round Resurrection Bay and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

This all-encompassing Alaska wilderness tour definitely delivers the 'wow factor'! This is the ultimate Alaskan wildlife adventure complete with bear viewing opportunities, wildlife cruises and wilderness walks. Alaska contains glaciers, forests, lakes and rushing rivers as well as some of the most beautiful hikes on the continent. The wildlife is legendary, thriving both in the sea and on land. With Alaska being one of the last bastions of true wilderness, it's the perfect place to see animals in their natural habitat. Visit the vast expanse of peaks and glaciers in Wrangell-St Elias and Denali National Park, where you'll hike in the shadow of the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali. Enjoy excellent opportunities to see marine life in Kenai Fjords National Park on this once in a lifetime wildlife holiday.

Highlights

Full day wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
Two full days exploring Denali National Park with bus pass
Hike around the ranges of Wrangell-St Elias National Park
Visit the magnificent Worthington Glacier

Key Information

10 nights participatory camping, 3 nights hotel
2 daywalks, and up to 8 shorter walks
Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs

Countries visited: Alaska, USA

What's Included

All accommodation
12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners
Transportation including1 cruise
All camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags)
We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.

What's Not Included

Flights
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Airport transfers
Bear Viewing Float Plane
Optional activities (paid locally)

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re-usable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. In this trip we visit the Denali National Park.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Our local partner is a member of the San Francisco Green Business Program. The San Francisco Green Business Program recognizes businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions in the City and County of San Francisco that meet high environmental standards.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re-usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Itinerary

Welcome to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska with only 300,000 people and a city which has undergone quite a change since the earthquake of 1964. Now a bustling city fuelled by the oil boom and tourism, it wasn’t that long ago that Anchorage was the last outpost before heading into the ‘Last Frontier’, this is a city mixed with metropolitan luxuries and unrivalled natural wonders. It’s not uncommon to find bear roaming the outskirts of the city, this is one truly wild place. A great way to spend your day is to wander around town getting a feel for the 49th state, speaking to the locals and checking out some of the great cafes and restaurants. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs for you to meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions.

Optional Activities:
• Alaska Native Heritage Center US$25
• Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center US$15
• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail US$free
• Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum US$10

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)

Leaving Anchorage, you enter the wilderness pretty much instantly and make your way towards Talkeetna where you stop for the opportunity to try a local delicacy, reindeer sausage, before arriving in Denali National Park. Home to the highest mountain in North America, legendary Mount Denali (6,194m), the park covers six million acres and houses some of the most unspoiled wilderness and spectacular scenery in the whole of Alaska.

Optional Activities:
• Dogsled demonstration in Denali US$free
• Mountain biking in Denali, US$20-$57
• Whitewater rafting in Denali US$92-$187

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy two full days exploring the park with an included bus pass on the Elison Shuttle - the only way to get out into the incredible (and vast) wilderness. Try to spot Alaska's 'Big Five'; Caribou, Dall Sheep, Moose, Grizzly Bear and Wolves. Denali is one of the only national parks where you are encouraged to find your own path off the trails, great for those of you looking for pure unadulterated adventure. There are plenty of optional walks and activities in Denali. As the trails are wild and unmarked, the hiking opportunities are endless. Your tour leader will suggest some local spots of scenic beauty and the best spots to view wildlife.

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we get to discover more of Denali National Park and its vast wilderness, exploring the many optional walks in this spectacular location.

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head into the heart of the Alaska Range to spend the night camping at the Maclaren Lodge. With spectacular views of the surrounding valley, this campsite provides the ideal setting for an authentic Alaskan experience. Its remote location is something to savour with the chance to look out for grazing caribou near the quiet lakes of the tundra. This is also a birder's paradise with many species often sighted.

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The scenery keeps on coming thick and fast and today is no different. Drive through the dramatic Copper River Valley and stop for a short walk on the Liberty Falls Trail, just off the Edgerton Highway en route to the small town of McCarthy (population 40 in the summer, 17 the remainder of the year). This quaint settlement at the centre of a mass of mountains, glaciers and wilderness will be your base to explore Wrangell-St Elias for the next two nights. Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve contains nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States, including the second highest, Mount. St. Elias (5,488m), and is the most glaciated region in the North American continent.

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll have the chance to enjoy more of the optional activities available in Wrangell-St Elias. This imposing area of glaciers, mountains, forest and wilderness has wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities - Dall Sheep, Mountain Goats, Caribou, Moose, Grizzly and Black Bear are just some of the parks inhabitants.

Optional Activities:
• Ghost Town tour - Kennecott Copper Mill US$28

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your journey continues towards Valdez, passing through the Chugach Range. On the rivers, fish wheels have been built to catch salmon migrating upstream to spawn. Stop at the famous Worthington Glacier, adjacent to the Thompson Pass for a short walk. Explore the busy seaside town of Valdez, a return to civilisation after the mountainous isolation of McCarthy. Valdez is a new town, as a major earthquake destroyed the old one in 1964. There are various hiking trails in and around Valdez such as the Mineral Creek Trail or the Keystone Canyon Pack Trail. You can also visit the historical museum to learn about the native culture, gold rush history and the famous pipeline. Why not opt for a sea kayaking excursion to get up close and personal to the glacier?. For the next 2 nights, we will enjoy some home comforts staying at a hotel. On the second day in Valdez, the day is left free to discover this fascinating area.

Optional Activities:
• Valdez Sea Kayaking US$259

Accommodation: Best Western (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Board the Alaska state ferry, leaving Valdez behind and crossing Prince William Sound to reach Whittier (approx. 6 hours). The views of the mountains, bays, fjords and glaciers are unforgettable and the water is home to a unique array of marine life, Harbour Seals and sea lions. From Whittier we will transfer (approx. 3 hours) to the small fishing town of Seward. In its past life, Seward was a railroad port which means there is now plenty of great shopping and a picturesque old-time downtown area.

Participatory Camping

*Please note for 2023 departures, the ferry company will release the 2023 schedule between November-January. If a ferry doesn't operate on the correct day for a specific departure, we will arrange an overland transfer instead.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Set off on a full day wildlife viewing cruise around Resurrection Bay and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. To maximise your experience on board your guide will give a detailed commentary on the wildlife you see and the local area. On previous trips, travellers have spotted sea lions, otters, Dall's Porpoise and an endless variety of seabirds including puffins and eagles. Orcas are often spotted and if you're lucky, Humpback Whales can also be seen!

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The staggeringly beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park offers wonderful wildlife and bird watching opportunities amidst dramatic fjords and glaciers. Within the park is the huge Harding Icefield, claiming 300 square miles in its entirety. If weather conditions permit, take a spectacular walk from Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield for views of deep crevasses and huge seracs. At an elevation of 900m you will eventually reach a lookout point over the icefield and the views will be out of this world. The walk is strenuous and entirely dependent on weather conditions; if there is too much snow and ice on the trail, it may be impassable. There's an easier option available if you prefer, using an accessible trail to reach a different viewpoint of the glacier. Afterwards we transfer (3 hours) to the quirky fisherman's town of Homer, our destination for the next 2 nights.

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have free day in Homer. Take a deep breath and enjoy Alaska at your own pace. Sitting at the end of the Sterling highway, Homer is surrounded by wilderness, wildlife and ocean. So take your time, enjoy a low tide beach exploration, check out the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center exhibits, or stroll through town and grab a snack at a local cafe or brewer. For those who want to add a bit of activity and explore Kachemak Bay, Homer is great for adding an optional kayak paddling adventure.

Optional Activities:
• Kayaking $40

Participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast and packing up camp, you'll drive for a couple of hours to Alyeska in the Chugach Mountain Range which is ideal for a final wilderness walk before returning to the state's capital, Anchorage. Containing around half the population of the state, Anchorage in some ways looks just like any other sprawling American town and after nearly two weeks in the small towns and villages the bustling streets of the city will feel somewhat different. Explore the art galleries and craft shops where you can see the beautiful Eskimo handicrafts being made.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel in Anchorage at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. People booking Flight Inclusive with Exodus will have an extra night in the hotel and depart tomorrow.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Essential Info

Visa

USA

Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.

Vaccination

USA

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners included

Your tour leader will coordinate local shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners.

Occasionally, you will eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget for these meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-$12, lunches from US$8-$15 and dinners from US$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle. Please be aware that a tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.

Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Alaska, specific food types can be limited.

Weather

Alaska has quite a pleasant climate in the summer, with generally sunny days and long, light evenings: in the far north the sun does not set at all in June! There are, however, great differences between the weather on the coast and in the interior. Average daytime temperatures will be around 16ºC to 18ºC on the coast, a few degrees higher inland; however, temperatures in the high 20's are not unusual. Night time minimum temperatures are around 12ºC, but a little colder inland and during June (occasionally as low as 0ºC) and towards the end of August. June is typically drier than July and August, but on all departures you should be prepared for times of potentially heavy rain, particularly on the coast, where rainfall is higher than inland.

Weather Charts

Alaska – Anchorage weather map

Is this trip for you?

This tour has been graded Leisurely/Moderate.
It is an active and varied trip, suitable for people of all levels of fitness. You will be able to choose from a whole range of optional activities. Walks, hikes and activities cater to everyone from beginner to expert, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.

Your tour leader will organise the optional activities on your behalf and you will pay locally in cash. You’ll find the main optional activities listed under each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices which although correct at the time of publication, can fluctuate throughout the season. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.

Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year.

All travellers over the age of 70 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness form prior to travel. Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm!

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Hotel, Participatory Camping & Multi-Share Cabin

Our US camping tours use national and state park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers. Please note your campsite in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is more basic in nature without showers and has a long drop toilet. The campsite in Seward charges an additional fee of $1-$3 for showers. The Denali campground offers close proximity to the park, but is close to the highway so can be quite noisy. If you are a light sleeper, it is recommended you take earplugs. You will sleep in high quality, heavy-duty tents and solo travellers will share with one other passenger of the same sex (unless opting to purchase the single supplement). Our camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns. Most campsites have a quiet time from 22:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.

CAMP DUTIES
An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp duties and every one will assist with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your Tour Leader will provide guidance on what to do, and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors. Your tour leader will also co-ordinate and assist the group with food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

Availability

Availability

Availability

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

View Trip Notes

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

Then why not try our Self-Guided holidays that put you in control

For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your flight in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on flights departing from most UK airports.

If you are booking your own flights, you are free to arrive at any time on day one but it is advisable that you arrive in plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting. We also suggest that you book your return flight the day after your tour finishes. If you do have to return home on the day your tour finishes, please make sure that your flight does not depart before 21:00 hrs.

Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations, changes to your flights, or any missed flights. We are unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due to your flight times.