GLACIERS AND GRIZZLIES

Transcription

1 GLACIERS AND GRIZZLIES

2 Itinerary Overview Venture into the temperate coastal rainforest habitat of Southeast Alaska around Glacier Bay National Park, and the rugged interior wilderness of Denali National Park. Surrounded by the Alaska Range, dominated by towering Mt McKinley, the highest peak in North America, we explore with naturalist guides in Denali National Park based from Camp Denali in the heart of Kantishna. A scenic flight over Mt Denali takes us to Anchorage and then it's on to Juneau for an exciting helicopter glacier walkabout. It's a short flight out to Gustavus and the Bear Track Inn for several days of hiking, and excursions by boat watching whales, orcas and calving glaciers off Point Adolphus and in Glacier Bay National Park with opportunities for sea kayaking, fishing and other activities. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS THURS FRI SAT SUN MON TUE ANCHORAGE DENALI NATIONAL PARK DENALI NATIONAL PARK DENALI NATIONAL PARK ANCHORAGE Copper Whale Inn Camp Denali Camp Denali Camp Denali Copper Whale Inn BD BLD BLD JUNEAU Silverbow Inn B BD Arrival in Anchorage Land transfer to Denali Hiking in Denali National Park Hiking in Denali National Park Return flight or drive to Anchorage Fly to Juneau on own WED THURS FRI SAT SUN GUSTAVUS Bear Track Inn BD GUSTAVUS Bear Track Inn BLD GUSTAVUS Bear Track Inn BLD GUSTAVUS Bear Track Inn BLD DEPARTURE B Glacier trekking, fly to Gustavus Point Adolphus whale watching Glacier Bay National Park navigation Free day at Bear Track Inn for optional activities Departure -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN ANCHORAGE Arrive in Anchorage today and transfer on your own from the airport to the Copper Whale Inn, conveniently located in downtown Anchorage. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. DAY 2 CAMP DENALI NATURALIST BUS TO KANTISHNA Today we journey from Anchorage to the heart of Denali National Park. A comfortable shuttle takes us 5 hours to the Denali park entrance where we meet the Camp Denali naturalist bus. Resident naturalist guides narrate this 90-mile, 7-hour drive deep into Denali National Park stopping frequently to learn about the park s glaciology and flora, cultural heritage and legends, and its incredible mega-fauna. We have good chances of seeing grizzly and black bear, moose, caribou, loons, beaver, dall sheep, and possibly wolves. We learn how different species adapt to life in the subarctic and studies of the impacts of climate change in the high latitudes of North America. Total travel time is 12 hours. Overnight in the heart of Denali National Park in your own authentic wilderness cabin at Camp Denali. Cabins are heated by a wood-burning stove, lit by propane lamp and each has a water spigot and outhouse just outside the door flush toilets and hot water showers are in a communal building a short 2-7 minute walk to the main lodge where meals are served. [BD] DAYS 3-4 DENALI NATIONAL PARK Our days are spent exploring around Kantishna in the heart of Alaska's premier wilderness with resident naturalist guides leading easy to strenuous hikes through alpine and tundra ecosystems. We delve into this rich natural habitat along rivers, lakes and ridge-top trails with magnificent panoramic views of the Alaska Range. The beautiful scenery of Kantishna is also habitat for grizzly and black bear, caribou, dall sheep, wolves, Arctic fox, and moose. Activities offered include guided hikes, and opportunities to use canoes, mountain bikes, fishing gear, try your hand at gold panning, and evening presentations in the lodge. Overnight in your own cabin at Camp Denali. [BLD] DAY 5 MT. MCKINLEY SCENIC FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE Our morning bush plane back to Anchorage is a spectacular scenic flight passing over vast glaciers, through mountain passes, and around the snow-covered peaks of the Alaska Range including Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft), the tallest mountain in North America and the highest mountain from base to summit in the world! Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [B] Note: The flight is weather dependant. If we are unable to fly from Kantishna we will take the Camp Denali bus 5 hours back to the park entrance and either fly from there or take a motorcoach another 5 hours back to Anchorage. DAY 6 ARRIVAL IN JUNEAU Transfer on your own to the Anchorage International Airport this morning for your flight to Juneau. [Not included in land cost, this flight is booked as part of your personal flight arrangements to Alaska.] Upon arrival in Juneau take a taxi on your own to the Silverbow Inn, a charming newly remodeled 1914 building in the heart of historic downtown Juneau. Your afternoon is free to hike behind the down to an old mine, or stroll through this historic gold rush capitol and visit the Red Dog Saloon! Overnight at the Silverbow Inn. [B] DAY 7 GLACIER WALKABOUT Embark this morning on an unforgettable Alaska adventure. Glacier trekking is an exciting way to experience the extraordinary glaciers flowing from the Juneau Ice Field. After being outfitted with the proper clothing and gear, take off in a helicopter for an exciting flight over the coastal range. As soon as the helicopter touches down professional mountain guides demonstrate basic glacier skills and proper use of ice axe and crampons and lead you on an easy and exciting ice walk. No experience is necessary. Those not interested in trekking on the glacier can still enjoy the scenic helicopter flight on the Juneau -3-

4 Ice Field. Note: The glacier walkabout is about 1 hour walking on a glacier with crampons. For a more active option we can book a 2 hour or a 3 hour trek at an additional cost. This afternoon take a taxi on your own to the Juneau airport in time for your scenic flight to Gustavus. Transfer to the Bear Track Inn, a family-run lodge constructed from hand-crafted spruce logs in the middle of Alaska wildland. Enjoy inspiring views of Icy Straight from the great room during the day and a cozy fireplace and snug down comforter in the evening. Today is open to explore the surrounding forests where spruce and hemlock have grown in to cover an area that was buried underneath layers of glacial ice only 200 years ago. Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BD] DAY 8 POINT ADOLPHUS WHALE WATCHING Embark on an exciting half-day journey aboard a local whale-watching vessel. Across Icy Strait from Glacier Bay lies Point Adolphus, one of the premier Humpback Whale watching sites in the world. Each year these magnificent cetaceans gather here to feed in krill and herring-rich waters. Minke and orca whales, porpoise, seals, sea lions, sea otters, are present, as well as the numerous birds, bears and deer that populate the shore. Return to the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon to relax or explore. Overnight at the Bear Track Inn [BLD] DAY 9 GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK Board the M/V Spirit of Adventure and navigate into the far end of Glacier Bay's beautiful West Arm. The national park naturalist guide shares the ecological, natural and cultural history of the park and helps us imagine how it looked just 200 years ago when it was completely covered in ice. Since that time it has endured the fasted retreat of glaciers in recorded history, almost 70 miles. Throughout the journey you will be witness to the succession of habitats from old growth temperate rain forest at the entrance of the bay to bare rock near the glacier's face. Watch for resident wildlife including bear, whales, harbor seals, otters, bears, mountain goat, and moose. Dinner and overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BLD] DAY 10 FREE DAY AT THE BEAR TRACK INN Today is open to plan your own activity at the Bear Track Inn. Options include sea kayaking in Icy Strait or Glacier Bay, a biking tour, flight seeing, or charter fishing in either salt or fresh water. (Activities at additional cost.) Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BLD] DAY 11 DEPARTURE Your flight back to Juneau is included this morning to connect with your onward departure from Alaska after noon. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -4-

5 PRICING GROUP SIZE 2 3+ Adult $6795 $6395 Teen $ Child 11 and under $3895 $3895 * Teen and child rate based on sharing a room with 2 adults. Price includes flight from Denali to Anchorage and Juneau to Gustavus and return. Flight from Anchorage to Juneau is not included. Single supplement $895, but may be reduced if single cabin is available at Camp Denali. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions Naturalist guides land transportation where indicated Flight Denali Anchorage (weather dependant), flight from Juneau to Gustavus and return 10 nights hotel and lodge accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES Airfare to Alaska Airfare Anchorage - Juneau Tips and gratuities Airport-hotel transfers Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -5-

6 Accommodations COPPER WHALE INN, ANCHORAGE The Copper Whale Inn was voted the best bed and breakfast in Alaska by readers of the Anchorage Daily News. The 14 room B&B is located on the fringe of the heart of historic Anchorage, within convenient walking distance to the city's major attractions. The Copper Whale hillside location offers stunning views of the Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range, and the Mt. Spurr Volcano. Enjoy a great continental breakfast while you look for beluga whales in the Cook Inlet. Talk with resident innkeeper, Glen Hemingson, or any of the staff for recommendations on what to see and do and how to get around in Anchorage. CAMP DENALI, DENALI NATIONAL PARK Founded in 1951, this 30-year family owned and operated business retains grandfathered rights to take its guests on active and educational explorations deeper into the park and up to higher elevations offering daily excursions beyond the immediate developed area of other lodges in Kanthishna where we gain better wildlife viewing and mountain photographic opportunities. Each day guests choose from a range of naturalist-guided hikes based on your interests and abilities. You can also use the lodge's mountain bikes, go fishing for grayling, or canoe on Wonder Lake. Evening programs in the lodge are presented by staff naturalists and visiting specialists designed to expand your knowledge of Alaska's natural and cultural heritage. Eighteen log cabins are spaced apart on a ridge, each one strategically placed to offer stunning views of the Denali range. In the true spirit of an Alaskan homestead, each cabin is warmed by a wood stove and lit by propane light. There is no running water in the cabins, but a spigot and private outhouse kept meticulously clean are located right outside your door. Flush toilets and private hot showers with dressing rooms are available in a men's and women's bathhouse near the main lodge just a 2-7 minute walk from the cabins. Enjoy exquisite northwest cuisine and organic vegetables including fresh greens grown in the greenhouse. The bakery is always cooking up fresh breads and tasty treats. SILVERBOW INN, JUNEAU The Silverbow Inn is a boutique hotel in a newly remodeled 1914 building that blends the comforts and convenience of a modern bed and breakfast with the character and charm of an old-west, frontier-style accommodation. Rooms are not spacious but ensuite bathrooms have been updated. Enjoy the second-floor outdoor Jacuzzi with a view overlooking the town and harbor. The Silverbow is the oldest operating bakery in the state of Alaska preparing fresh baked goods and deli meals for their guests and local townsfolk including bagels, breads, cookies, sandwiches and hot meals. Relax in the outdoor beer garden with views of Juneau s spectacular mountains or enjoy dinner in the Back Room Cinema while watching a film on the 11-foot movie screen. -6-

7 BEAR TRACK INN, GUSTAVUS Relax in the ambience of this classic Alaska lodge located in Gustavus, a small outpost town in the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. The Bear Track Inn is a family-run 14-room lodge constructed from hand crafted spruce logs. The lobby is the focal point of the Inn. Sit by the walk-around fireplace on hand-made furniture in front of the 30 feet from floor to ceiling picture window bringing in the surrounding wilderness with inspiring views of streams, wildlife, mountains, forest, meadows, and the Icy Straight. Dine family-style with other guests on fresh seafood, summer berries and other northwest cuisine prepared by the local chef. Activities based from the Inn include fishing, hiking, bear viewing, sailing, whale watching, biking, golfing, and kayaking. -7-

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