ALASKA. Nowhere in America is it as easy to tread where no human foot has trodden before as in. Off the Beaten Track. October 2016

Transcription

1 Off the Beaten Track ALASKA October 2016 Nowhere in America is it as easy to tread where no human foot has trodden before as in Alaska. This wild northern frontier is home to Katmai National Park, a sprawling landscape of volcanoes, mountains and mud flats where huge brown bears snatch sockeye salmon out of streams, fearless of man. Farther north is Denali National Park, another scenic wilderness harbouring more bear, moose, wolf and North America s highest peak. To the south is the celebrated Inside Passage, a network of islands, fjords and sheltered waterways favoured by mariners. Getting around Alaska often requires hours of travel and complete reliance on the skill of your bush pilot, captain or guide. However, remote backcountry lodges and small cruise ships ultimately provide the best ways to experience America s 49th state. Discover some of our favourite places for grizzlies, glaciers and the grandest scenery the country has to offer. For a personalised itinerary, call our Alaska specialists on or ask your travel agent today.

2 Truly wild, Katmai National Park is more than just a destination, it s a life experience! Glenn and Jan Smith KINGDOM OF THE GRIZZLY The site of the 20th century s most dramatic volcanic eruption, Over the years, Natural Focus Safaris has curated a selection of Katmai National Park was originally formed to protect the wildlife lodges in this area accessible from the historic town of steaming fissures and hissing vents left behind afterwards. Today, Kodiak, located in postcard-perfect environments. Accessible it is better known as one of the world s premier grizzly viewing by floatplane, guests at these isolated properties may take boat destinations. With some of the highest bear densities on the planet, cruises or hike to observation platforms to view bears playing, Katmai s open meadows, fecund mud flats and salmon-filled streams grazing and fishing from close quarters. Many past clients have set the stage for one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth. even reported grizzlies mere minutes from their lodge! Although the reserve spans over 4 million acres, visitors have very Whilst sightings are never guaranteed, these pristine locations have restricted access to this untouched part of the world in part due to a reputation for being amongst the world s finest places to see the rugged terrain covered in thick vegetation. More importantly, brown bears and other wildlife such as fox, orca and sea lion. To this is so that Katmai s 2,200 bears have the space to remain book an unforgettable bear experience in Alaska, call our experts absolutely wild. now on Phone or ask your Travel Agent

3 DESTINATION DENALI Six million acres serviced by just one road, Denali National Park encompasses arctic tundra, alpine forests, extensive glaciers and the snow-capped granite peaks of the Alaska Range, including its namesake Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), highest summit in North America. Still very much the preserve of intrepid travellers, this awe-inspiring park is a wonderful place to spot grizzlies and moose often found browsing along the famous Denali Park Road. While an organised coach tour is a great way to see the park, Denali National Park deserves more than a day trip by bus. While there only few backcountry lodges within park boundaries, they are well worth considering for a more profound experience of the wilderness. Rustic but comfortable properties deep in the interior such as Kantishna Roadhouse offer genuine Alaskan hospitality plus rewarding activities such as guided hikes and mountain biking. Spend your days seeking out the Denali Slam : moose, caribou, wolf, Dall sheep and brown bear. Some properties also offer scenic flights a fantastic way to view the 6,190m mountain known to native Athabascans as The Tall One. If short on time, consider staying in Talkeetna, just 2 hours by road or 3 relaxed hours by train north of Anchorage and centre of flightseeing tours over Denali and the park. Home to massive salmon runs and three majestic rivers, Talkeetna abounds with outdoor opportunities from glacier landings to jetboating, nature trails and rafting. For more information or to include Denali into your holiday, please contact our Alaska specialists on

4 LIFETIME ADVENTURES IN ALASKA 34 Phone or ask your Travel Agent

5 Experts on big experiences, UnCruise promises small ship adventures of a lifetime. Go where bulky vessels simply can t and connect with the wilderness around you. Explore the secluded fjords and pristine channels of Alaska s incredible Inside Passage with just your crew and fellow passengers for company, and enjoy an unrivalled array of activities bringing you unbelievably close to icebergs, glaciers and wildlife. KAYAK Almost every Alaskan voyage comes with the opportunity to paddle, with a fleet of stable kayaks. Guided excursions last around 1.5 hours, with time to scour the whale-rich waters on your own. STAND UP PADDLE BOARD Start the morning with a downward dog on your board or raise your heart rate while racing your shipmates. Stand up paddle boards are available on virtually all UnCruise vessels. HIKE Traverse rugged backcountry on foot while hearing stories about Tlingit and Haida cultures, wander immense Tongass National Forest and walk along coastlines writhing with seals. SKIFF Take it easy in an inflatable skiff, learning about the region s incredible geology and birdlife as you glide across shallow waterways in the shadow of saw-toothed mountains. At the end of every day, unwind in the onboard hot tub beneath the stars or in the convivial bar and lounge, with a refreshing drink in hand. Discovery at your own pace, first name service and heart-healthy cuisine are what define the UnCruise difference. CENTRAL AMERICA & HAWAII Unearth the riches of Costa Rica, Panama and the Hawaiian islands the UnCruise way. Listen for howler monkeys at Curu Wildlife Reserve and marvel at the Panama Canal. Savour languid island life in Moloka i and climb a volcano on Lana i. For more information on all UnCruise programs in these tropical destinations, call Natural Focus Safaris on