Road Trip: Alaska’s Majestic Landscapes

Experience the grandeur of Interior Alaska on a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks. Located on the banks of the Chena River, it has an information facility, cultural center and museum. Its exhibition hall has world-class displays and dioramas showcasing the region’s people, landscapes and seasons, including a walk-through exhibit of an age-old fish camp. Enjoy cultural performances, participate in craft-making demonstrations conducted by native artisans, and watch films on Alaska’s history and nature. A signature emblem of the state, the Antler Arch, is constructed with more than 100 moose and caribou antlers collected from all over Interior Alaska. On the grounds, you can see a restored 100-year-old pioneer cabin. Look out of the cabin window for the northern lights. The center’s friendly and knowledgeable staff provide you with information about the area’s hiking trails, excursions and restaurants. (Duration: 1-2 hrs; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Available year-round; Bring along your camera, good walking shoes, hat and sunscreen)

Set out on an unforgettable, fun-filled guided fishing excursion to the freshwater rivers, lakes and streams around Fairbanks, which provide excellent opportunities for skilled anglers and beginners alike. Drift down some of interior Alaska’s most scenic slow-moving wilderness waterways, where the fish are plentiful. Enjoy an eight-hour session with either fly fishing or spin fishing gear, angling for northern pike, arctic grayling, and rainbow trout. Try your hand at a combination of float fishing and wade fishing. Your experienced in-the-know fishing guide will show you the best spots, depending on prevailing conditions, and offer instructions to sharpen your skills. A light lunch of cold cuts, cheeses, breads and beverages will be served on shore. This excursion includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and guarantees an incomparable adventure. You are sure to walk away with amazing memories. (Duration: Full Day; Shared Activity; Included: Shared Transfers from hotel in Fairbanks, licensed fishing guide, all fishing gear, lunch and fishing license; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear multiple layers of jackets and walking shoes. Carry a hat, gloves, rain gear, sunglasses and mosquito repellent)

The Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus were built in 2005. The campus includes the Denali Visitor Center, Wilderness Access Center, Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) and more. Though the park is open all year round, the Denali Center, the park’s main welcome and information point, is operational only in the summer months. Here you can learn more about the park through Heartbeats of Denali, a 20-minute film. This documentary plays throughout the day, giving information on the various seasons, landscapes, and wildlife of the park. You can also speak with park rangers for more information, or take some of the ranger-led activities scheduled in or beginning at the center. In fall, winter and spring, the MSLC acts as the visitor center. (Duration: 1 hr; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Available May-Sept; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket.)

Get a unique perspective of Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, on this thrilling flightseeing tour. Buckle into your window seat as you take off from a private airstrip on the eastern edge of Denali National Park. Take in bird’s eye views of Wickersham Wall, a 14,000 ft sheer wall of ice, and the Great Gorge with its dramatic granite walls. Keep an eye out for the colorful Carpe and Karstens ridgelines and glaciers such as Traleika and Brooks during the 200-mile flight across the park. As you get closer to your destination, your experienced pilot weaves between snow-capped peaks such as Silverthrone, Mather, and Huntington that make up the Denali Massif. Fly at an optimal altitude to within half a mile of Mount Denali that towers over its surroundings at a height of 20,320 ft. On a clear day, your pilot will circle the mountain to let you enjoy spectacular views from different perspectives. Gain insights into the history and ecology of the region on this fully narrated tour. (Only Possible From Mid-May to Mid-September; Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity; Group Size: Min 2 Guests; No Transfers; Total flight time is about 60 to 70 minutes)

Take a popular and scenic hike along the Horseshoe Lake Trail in Denali National Park. The trail circles Horseshoe Lake and traces a stretch of the Nenana River, allowing you to have many scenic photo stops and the chance of encountering wildlife along the way. This is a well-maintained, moderately easy trail, with only one steep section and plenty of pretty lake views. From the trailhead, hike up a short steep hill to reach a bench overlooking the lake. Just beyond, the trail drops sharply (about 250 feet) to the level of the lake and forks in two directions, forming a loop around the lake. Along the way, there are several viewing platforms offering stunning views of the Nenana River, the development called ‘Glitter Gulch’ right outside the park, and the surrounding mountains. A beaver dam and beaver lodge can be seen within the lake. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy-moderate; Available year-round; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket)

Traverse the Denali Highway by jeep for a unique exploration of the Alaskan wilderness. Listed second among National Geographic Traveler magazine’s picks for ‘Drive of a Lifetime’, this 135-mile gravel road runs adjacent to Denali National Park. Make yourself comfortable in a new, four-door Wrangler Jeep that can accommodate up to four adults. If you have a valid driver’s license, you could try driving the jeep during this fully guided tour. Enjoy splendid views of snow-capped peaks, icy glaciers and serene lakes as you travel down the road that once served as the gateway to the famous national park. With most rental companies prohibiting driving along this road, you can expect minimal traffic along the way. Drive for over a hundred miles, stopping for photo opportunities along the way. Make use of the CB radio in your jeep to let your guide know whenever you want to halt. On a clear day, you might be able to enjoy beautiful views of Mount Denali. Look out for wildlife such as moose crossing your path or in the foliage along the roadside. (Duration: Half Day; Timing: 7:30am or 6:30pm/5:30pm starting Aug 6; Shared Activity & Transfers from select hotels; Snacks and Drinks Included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please note that you need to be 25 years or older and have a valid driving license in order to drive a jeep; This tour does not travel on Denali Park Road and does not go into the national park; Binoculars are provided in the jeep; You may have to share the vehicle with other guests)

Enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion on the eastern fringes of the Denali National Park. Arrive at Kingfisher Creek Confluence for a safety briefing, and then hop on to your raft to take on these glacial waters. Choose between an oar raft, which is rowed by a guide or a paddle raft, which is rowed by all rafters onboard, following the guide’s instructions. Navigate wave trains that create mostly class III and IV rapids as you head to Healy, located about 11 miles down the Nenana River. Feel the adrenaline rush on rapids such as ‘Cable Car’, ‘Coffee Grinder’ and ‘Royal Flush’. Alpine forests, the lofty Alaskan Range highlighted by Mount Healy, and the Nenana River Gorge are sights to look out for in this pristine wilderness. Learn about Alaska’s wildlife and the history of this region. (Duration: Half Day; Time: 0730 & 1500 hrs May 20-Sept 10, 1000 hrs June 5 -Sept 3, 1830 hrs May 20-Aug 23, 1730 hrs Aug 24-Sept 3; Shared Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate, for ages 12 and above; Kindly note that a Gore-Tex drysuit, neoprene booties, and a life jacket will be provided for each guest; Please wear warm clothes)

Explore pristine glaciers and mountainscapes as you go dog-sledding 3200 meters above sea level! Set off from your Girdwood hotel for a thrilling helicopter flight that takes you across over the mountains, offering stunning aerial views of the landscape below. Right after you land on the Punchbowl Glacier, meet your dog sledding guide together with the team of friendly Alaskan huskies from mushing icon Mitch Seavey’s Ididaride Kennel. Learn more about these majestic dogs, their training and the mushing way of life. Get onto your sled to kick off an invigorating ride over a 2K-to-3K loop that runs along snowy fields and icy glaciers. Use your new-found mushing skills to help drive the sled or sit back and enjoy the passing northern vistas. Finally, unwind in the company of cute little huskies before you take off for your return trip to Girdwood. (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity; Transfers included; Tour includes guide & 15-minute round trip helicopter flight; Guests are requested to wear warm comfortable layered clothing, sturdy shoes and sunglasses; Fitness level: easy)

Spend a day at this sprawling wildlife sanctuary dedicated to conservation, research, animal care and wildlife rehabilitation programs. After breakfast or lunch in your hotel, drive over to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The sanctuary, hemmed in by the Placer River and the Portage River, is home to vast natural enclosures for reindeer, caribou, brown bear and wolf packs, among many other local wildlife. While you can also go cross-country skiing, biking and sledding at the center, the more popular ways of visiting the animal enclosures are by car or on foot. Catch herds of bison roaming the pastures and bears visiting the natural pools along the loop trail encircling the center. Take part in the many interactive and informative wildlife events and programs hosted by the center. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes, ice grippers recommended in winters)

Discover the many attractions of Resurrection Bay and Fox Island while you stay at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Set off at noon for an enjoyable tour of Resurrection Bay that takes you past jagged cliffs and alpine glaciers. Watch out for endemic marine species such as whales and porpoises. Spot seabirds such as cormorants and puffins as you cruise the turquoise waters. Step ashore at a remote island for a delicious gourmet meal before you sail back. You could also take your pick of water activities such as kayaking and canoeing to explore the rocky coves at your own pace. Nature walks and interpretive programs let you make the most of the rugged wilderness. (Included hotel activities)