Alaska Self Drive & Alaska Railroad Vacation

Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival Arrive in Anchorage and settle into Alaska’s largest city, set between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. The rest of the day is free to explore downtown, walk part of the coastal trail, visit local galleries or simply enjoy the mountain backdrop before your road trip begins.

Day 2 Anchorage to Seward via Whittier | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise Depart Anchorage and follow the Seward Highway toward Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors. The road traces tidal flats and mountain slopes below the Chugach Mountains, with waterfalls, rocky cliffs and sweeping inlet views along the way. Continue through Portage and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier, where you board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise. Cruise into a sheltered world of fjords, floating ice, waterfalls and tidewater glaciers, watching for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds and mountain goats. After the cruise, continue by road to Seward, set between Resurrection Bay and the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 3 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 12 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in Seward and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Explore Kenai Fjords by boat, paddle the protected waters around Resurrection Bay, hike near Exit Glacier, meet sled dogs at a summer training camp, or upgrade to a glacier flightseeing, dogsledding or iceberg kayaking adventure. Option 1. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Cruise from Seward into Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers, steep coastal cliffs, remote islands and rich marine habitat create one of Alaska’s classic coastal wilderness experiences. Watch for seals, whales, puffins, sea otters and other wildlife as expert narration brings the park’s glaciers, fjords and natural history to life. Option 2. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 3. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 4. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 6. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 12. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 4 Seward to Girdwood | 143 km/89 mi | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Begin the day with a short drive to Exit Glacier, where an easy walk offers close-up views of one of Alaska’s most accessible glacier landscapes. Continue north through the mountain scenery of the Kenai Peninsula to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where admission is included. This spacious sanctuary cares for injured and orphaned wildlife, giving you the chance to safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals, including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Continue to Girdwood and ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram up Alyeska Mountain for sweeping views over Turnagain Arm, up to seven hanging glaciers and the peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram, settle in for the night at Alyeska Resort, surrounded by forest, mountain scenery and one of Southcentral Alaska’s most memorable alpine settings.

Day 5 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 mi Enjoy a relaxed drive from Girdwood back to Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Though short, this route is rich in scenery, with mountains rising from the water, tidal flats stretching across the inlet and roadside viewpoints offering classic Southcentral Alaska views. Watch for Dall sheep on the slopes and eagles along the coast before arriving in Anchorage.

Day 6 Anchorage | Floatplane Fly-in Bear Viewing Excursion Today, fly from Anchorage by floatplane into one of Alaska’s remote bear-viewing regions. Depending on season, weather and bear activity, your destination may be Redoubt Bay, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark or Chinitna Bay. From the air, Alaska opens into a vast landscape of coastline, rivers, mountains, wetlands and wilderness valleys. After landing, join professional guides for a bear-viewing experience in natural habitat, with opportunities to watch brown or black bears fishing, foraging or moving through the landscape. (Lunch is included today.)

Day 7 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel north from Anchorage toward Denali National Park Entrance. The journey begins with the wide landscapes of Southcentral Alaska, passing Knik Arm, river country, wetlands and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley before continuing toward the Alaska Range. From the dome car or outdoor viewing platform, watch the scenery build from forest and braided rivers to mountain horizons, with possible clear-day views of Denali along the way. (Breakfast and lunch are included onboard the train today.)

Day 8 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 9 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the journey north into Interior Alaska. The scenery changes as the train leaves the mountains around Denali and travels through broad river valleys, boreal forest, open sky and small northern communities. Settle into the dome car, step onto the outdoor viewing deck and watch the landscape grow quieter and more expansive before arriving in Fairbanks. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali National Park | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in Fairbanks and travel south through Interior Alaska toward Denali National Park Entrance. The route carries you past boreal forest, river valleys and small northern communities before the Alaska Range begins to define the horizon. Arrive near Denali with the rest of the day free to enjoy the mountain setting. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.)

Day 2 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 3 Denali National Park to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel south from Denali toward Anchorage. The route follows river valleys, forested backcountry and open northern landscapes before continuing through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley toward the coast. On clear days, watch for views of Denali and the Alaska Range before the scenery softens into wetlands, rivers and the broad valley landscapes north of Anchorage. (Lunch and dinner are included onboard the train today.)

Day 4 Anchorage | Floatplane Fly-in Bear Viewing Excursion Today, fly from Anchorage by floatplane into one of Alaska’s remote bear-viewing regions. Depending on season, weather and bear activity, your destination may be Redoubt Bay, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark or Chinitna Bay. From the air, Alaska opens into a vast landscape of coastline, rivers, mountains, wetlands and wilderness valleys. After landing, join professional guides for a bear-viewing experience in natural habitat, with opportunities to watch brown or black bears fishing, foraging or moving through the landscape. (Lunch is included today.)

Day 5 Anchorage to Seward via Whittier | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise Depart Anchorage and follow the Seward Highway toward Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors. The road traces tidal flats and mountain slopes below the Chugach Mountains, with waterfalls, rocky cliffs and sweeping inlet views along the way. Continue through Portage and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier, where you board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise. Cruise into a sheltered world of fjords, floating ice, waterfalls and tidewater glaciers, watching for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds and mountain goats. After the cruise, continue by road to Seward, set between Resurrection Bay and the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 6 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 12 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in Seward and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Explore Kenai Fjords by boat, paddle the protected waters around Resurrection Bay, hike near Exit Glacier, meet sled dogs at a summer training camp, or upgrade to a glacier flightseeing, dogsledding or iceberg kayaking adventure. Option 1. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Cruise from Seward into Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers, steep coastal cliffs, remote islands and rich marine habitat create one of Alaska’s classic coastal wilderness experiences. Watch for seals, whales, puffins, sea otters and other wildlife as expert narration brings the park’s glaciers, fjords and natural history to life. Option 2. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 3. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 4. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 6. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 12. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 7 Seward to Girdwood | 143 km/89 mi | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Begin the day with a short drive to Exit Glacier, where an easy walk offers close-up views of one of Alaska’s most accessible glacier landscapes. Continue north through the mountain scenery of the Kenai Peninsula to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where admission is included. This spacious sanctuary cares for injured and orphaned wildlife, giving you the chance to safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals, including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Continue to Girdwood and ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram up Alyeska Mountain for sweeping views over Turnagain Arm, up to seven hanging glaciers and the peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram, settle in for the night at Alyeska Resort, surrounded by forest, mountain scenery and one of Southcentral Alaska’s most memorable alpine settings.

Day 8 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 mi Enjoy a relaxed drive from Girdwood back to Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Though short, this route is rich in scenery, with mountains rising from the water, tidal flats stretching across the inlet and roadside viewpoints offering classic Southcentral Alaska views. Watch for Dall sheep on the slopes and eagles along the coast before arriving in Anchorage.

Day 9 Anchorage | Departure Check out of your hotel and say goodbye to Alaska after a journey shaped by coastal fjords, mountain highways, glacier country, national park scenery and wide-open northern landscapes.