Heart of Alaska Tour

Heart of Alaska  

A blend of outdoors activity and vista-seeking, our Heart of Alaska Tour is one of our largest, covering 9 days and 8 nights. Led by local Alaskan guides, you’ll visit little-known wonders in Anchorage, Wasilla, Denali National Park, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Girdwood and Seward.

Heart of Alaska will lead you into the depths of the backcountry, with aerial views of Denali’s snow-capped mountains, salmon and halibut fishing, panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains, whitewater rafting, airboat rides to isolated glaciers, glacier trekking, panhandling in gold-rich rivers, kayaking and mountain biking, a fjord cruise and an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Heart of Alaska Tour Itinerary

A blend of outdoors activity and vista-seeking, our Heart of Alaska Tour is one of our largest, covering 9 days and 8 nights. Led by local Alaskan guides, you’ll visit little-known wonders in Anchorage, Wasilla, Denali National Park, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Girdwood and Seward.

Heart of Alaska will lead you into the depths of the backcountry, with aerial views of Denali’s snow-capped mountains, salmon and halibut fishing, panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains, whitewater rafting, airboat rides to isolated glaciers, glacier trekking, panhandling in gold-rich rivers, kayaking and mountain biking, a fjord cruise and an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Unwind with this immersive tour where your comfort and safety is our priority.

Day 1 - - Anchorage: (Meals Provided: Breakfast)

With beautiful scenery and wildlife right in town, Anchorage provides visitors with an undeniable charm. The 24 hour shuttle will take you straight to your downtown hotel where you have easy access to artisan shops and local cuisine. A short walk out of downtown can land you on a variety of trails, most notably the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which allows for seasonal sightings of beluga whales or moose.   

Day 2 - - Talkeetna & Iditarod Race Headquarters: (Meals Provided: Breakfast)

The day begins at Iditarod Race Headquarters, an Alaskan heritage and cultural sight. Historically renowned for its role as a trade and delivery route, this was once Alaska’s lifeline to medication, supply and post from the mainland. Today, Iditarod Race Headquarters maintains the tradition of mushing with the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Afterwards, a private flight from Talkeetna offers rare, aerial views of Alaska’s lush valleys and snow-domed mountains. For those who prefer to stay grounded, horseback riding and river boat safari provides an intimate opportunity to get immersed in the rugged environment. (Advanced Arrangement Required)

End the day with an overnight stay in the world-renowned Denali National Park.

Day 3 - - Talkeetna & Matanuska-Susitna Valley: (Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner)

Enjoy beautiful downtown Talkeetna  at your own leisure. This quaint town hosts numerous artisan shops with quirky Alaskan attributes. From here, our fishing boat adventure provides wildlife sightings and opportunities to catch seasonal species like salmon and halibut.

Dinner is provided on the way to your accommodation in Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Day 4 - - Hatcher Pass  & Knik Glacier: (Meals Provided: Breakfast, Light Snack & Beverages)

Explore an afternoon in Hatcher Pass  a high mountain pass of exceptional beauty. Walking trails give way to views of wildflowers, meadows and the valley below. Azure blue lakes offer an incredible sight while the historic Independence Gold Mine  provides a glimpse into gold mining's past. Enjoy lunch in a rustic mountain top lodge with panoramic views.

Afterwards, an airboat shuttle to Knik Glacier allows you to see crystal blue icebergs floating quietly in the serene  Knik Glacier. You won't find any crowds here, just spectacular glacier viewing. A short stop at Glacier Camp (a gravel bar across from the face of the glacier) provides opportunities to explore the terrain. Watch for eagles overhead, or sheep and bears on the mountainside.

Enjoy a lakeside dinner as dusk descends upon the range. Another night’s accommodation is provided in Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Day 5 - - Matanuska Glacier: (Meals Provided: Breakfast)

A drive along the Matanuska River provides views of deep canyons and distant, snow-capped mountains opening up to the Matanuska Glacier. As one of the few trekkable Alaskan Glaciers, this 3-hour hike across Matanuska Glacier provides a rare opportunity to gain insights into glaciology, geology and natural history.

Afterwards, a panoramic picnic lunch leads to roller coaster waves and holes with your white water rafting experience. Beginning near the face of the glacier where the flow is squeezed through canyon walls, you face several miles of Class III and IV white waters (recommended for all levels).

Another night’s accommodation is provided in Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Day 6 - - Eklutna Historical Park & Lake: (Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch)

Continue your journey to the pristine waters of Eklutna Lake. A more secluded state park, Eklutna Lake is a local secret. Its crystal waters are fed by mountain top glaciers for iridescent kayaking. Kayaking out, we’ll bike back along the shoreline, providing a rare opportunity to view Alaska’s local wildlife and fauna.

Return to Matanuska-Susitna Valley to refresh before departing for a lakeside dinner as dusk descends across the range. Another night’s accommodation is provided in Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Day 7 - -  Girdwood  & Seward: (Meals Provided: Breakfast)

Driving the Seward Highway presents memorable sights with colossal sloping mountain spires echoed across the horizon, while wildlife viewing possibilities exist en route. Lunch is held in the resort town of Girdwood before taking the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska, providing aerial views of far-off glaciers and deep peaks of the Chugach Mountains from all directions. While it may be hard to take your eyes off the horizon, it’s possible to see bald eagles in the canopy of the trees.

Afterwards, Big Game Alaska Conservation Center provides first-hand sights of some of Alaska’s renowned wildlife. After learning about the center’s mission and the animals that reside, a visit to Seward's Sealife Center, a $56 million project towards study and restoration of Alaska's marine wildlife provides opportunity to view harbor seals and sea lions, or partake in live exhibits.

Dinner is held before checking into your Seward accommodations. As dusk arrives, a walk along the harbor provides luminous twilight vistas.

Day 8 - - Seward & Kenai Fjord National Park Cruises: (Meals Provided: Breakfast)

Embark on a narrated cruise to Fox Island for a rare opportunity to view calving glaciers and migrating whales. Beautiful pebble beaches line the shore along with sculpted cliffs and quaint coves. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to paddle board and kayak for an intimate experience with the environment. A fresh salmon bake awaits for lunch.

Return to Seward to rest at your leisure. After dinner, a walk along the harbor provides vibrant views of dusk as it reflects off the glacial waters. Another night’s accommodation is provided in Seward.

Day 9 - - Anchorage: (Meals Provided: Breakfast)

Our trip culminates with our return to Anchorage. It’s advised to book return flights for after 1:00 P.M. for ample time to view its historic downtown and nature trails. If time permits, the Native Heritage Center and Anchorage Museum will introduce you to Alaskan art, culture and heritage.

Included in your Tour *All lodging *All transportation including flight seeing, van & boat *All park and entrance fees *National & State Park Fees *All activities except those stated as optional *Complimentary beverages, water, soda or juice *Some breakfasts & lunches where listed.

Not Included Airfare from your home to Anchorage, and some of your meals.