Outdoor Adventures

Fishing, Whale Watching, Bear Viewing, Kayaking & Multisport Tours

Not satisfied with just witnessing the spectacular beauty of Alaska and want to experience it on an active outdoor adventure? The Alaska adventure vacations below take you beyond the ordinary, allowing you to feel the wind in your face, the crunch of ancient glacier ice underfoot, or the tug of a feisty salmon on your line.

Alaska outdoor adventure trips include activities you’d expect to find in the 49th state (salmon and sport fishing, dog sledding, and kayaking) and others you may not have even dreamed of, such as a guided trek across the surface of a glacier or a bird watching expedition in the Pribilof Islands. Many adventure tours in Alaska also include quiet time, too. Glacier and wildlife-viewing day cruises, a bus trip to the heart of Denali National Park’s 6-million-acre wilderness, scenic rail travel, and flightseeing over hundreds of miles of Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness will give you plenty of time to relax between outdoor adventures.

Alaska tours range from a couple of hours to 11 days and can be added to an existing itinerary or stand alone as an unforgettable way to experience the Last Frontier. Many adventure tours combine a rental car with rail or air legs and even transportation on Alaska’s state ferry system. We’ve combined popular destinations like Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula with less-visited spots like the largest national park in the country, Wrangell-St. Elias, and the historic gold-rush town of Nome.

These outdoor adventure trips are the perfect combination of stimulation and rejuvenation – read on to learn more and reserve your Alaska vacation!

 

Choose from 115 vacations in Alaska related to Outdoor Adventures

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Active Tour

“Active Alaska” Rail Package

Experience Alaska’s must do outdoor activities: raft, hike, kayak, even take a zipline tour! You start your trip in Fairbanks and travel to Denali where you raft and hike. Then continue south to Seward via Anchorage for a... Browse itinerary

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a woman and two children sit on the shore of a glacial lake admiring Spencer Glacier

Family Fun Vacation by Car

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

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Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing

Depart from Anchorage by wheeled plane for a 90-minute scenic flight southwest over Cook Inlet toward the Chigmit Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska and Aleutian Mountain Ranges and two active volcanoes – Mt. Redoubt and Mt.... Browse itinerary

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Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike

This Juneau day trip begins paddling across Mendenhall Lake in 8 or 12-person canoes.  Take in the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier ahead and the blue icebergs of all shapes and sizes.  Upon reaching the beach near the glacier’s edge,... Browse itinerary

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two people kayaking in a glacial lagoon in front of an Alaskan wilderness lodge on shore

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Transfers to the lodge are from Seward via a cruise tour. The sailing route offers many of the same highlights as the popular Kenai Fjords National Park day cruises. Along the way, learn about the region's natural history... Browse itinerary

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Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour

This day tour from Talkeetna treats you to a scenic journey aboard a 15- to 52-passenger jetboat on the Susitna River. It will allow you to experience wildlife, folklore, and historical artifacts. Conditions permitting, enjoy the panoramic view... Browse itinerary

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Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

This active outdoor Juneau day trip begins with a 3-mile moderate to challenging hike through the Tongass National Forest along Mendenhall Lake.  The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain.  Once you leave... Browse itinerary

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a woman and two children look out at Alaskan scenery from the viewing platform of a passenger train

Alaska by Rail and Car Tour

This rail and road trip takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks on a classic Alaska train trip aboard the Alaska Railroad with an independent tour by car from Fairbanks to Valdez, driving the scenic Richardson and Glenn Highways.... Browse itinerary

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Bear Viewing Homer

Bear Viewing Expedition from Homer

Enjoy a scenic 1.5 hour flight in a float plane from Homer into the true Alaskan bush, flying past expansive glaciers that clothe towering mountains and steaming volcanoes. After landing, you and your group will hike 3–5 miles... Browse itinerary

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Juneau Helicopter Glacier Trek

On this Juneau day trip, board a helicopter to go flightseeing while traveling to a remote glacier. Then enjoy a 2-hour guided glacier hiking trip and learn how to use the glacier trekking mountaineering gear properly. Learn to... Browse itinerary

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Unique Itinerary

Alaska’s National Parks Tour by Car

Visit 4 National Parks: Kenai Fjords, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias and Katmai (or Lake Clark National Park for bear viewing). Plus, an add-on opportunity for a 5th national park with a visit to Gates of the Arctic National Park... Browse itinerary

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Active Tour
a group of people whitewater rafting in a canyon

Adventure Driving Tour

Enjoy an Alaska adventure vacation from Anchorage, exploring Alaska’s “playground” of the Kenai Peninsula and discovering Denali National Park by car. Raft, hike, and discover fantastic scenery and wildlife throughout your Alaska road trip. You’ll first leave Anchorage... Browse itinerary

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Cruise Specials Available
the small cruise ship "Wilderness Explorer" in calm water by a rocky shore

Alaska Fjords and Glaciers Cruise

Beginning in Juneau or Ketchikan on Alaska's Inside Passage, this adventure cruise sails through Dawes Glacier, the Wrangell Narrows, Behm Canal, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of... Browse itinerary

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Redoubt Bay Bear Viewing (Half Day)

Depart Anchorage on a half-day bear viewing trip to Redoubt Bay Lodge. Redoubt Bay is one of the most straightforward and accessible locations for bear viewing from Anchorage. You will travel by seaplane for a one-hour flight along... Browse itinerary

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Cruise Specials Available
two people in a sea kayak; a small cruise ship and snow-capped mountains in background

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Discover Alaska on this seven-night adventure cruise round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of this impressive... Browse itinerary

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people on a train looking at Alaskan scenery through dome-car windows; one woman holds a map of Alaska

Relax Alaska

Great for travelers looking to explore Alaska at a relaxed pace. This tour starts in Anchorage and combines travel by train and motor coach between Seward and Fairbanks, ending with a scheduled flight from Fairbanks returning to Anchorage.... Browse itinerary

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Northern Lights & Iditarod
a sled dog team in booties and jackets starts along a city street lined with spectators

Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

This comprehensive Alaska winter travel experience begins with sightseeing in Fairbanks, including a great chance to see the northern lights. Departing from Fairbanks, travel by motorcoach to the historic town of Healy on the outskirts of Denali National... Browse itinerary

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sled dogs mushing through a downtown city street

Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

All things Iditarod! Attend the Musher’s Banquet, visit a kennel, meet an Iditarod champion, and watch the ceremonial start and official start of the Last Great Race! Travel by van or coach from Anchorage: Tour Anchorage, the Anchorage... Browse itinerary

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Glacier Discovery Train and Guided Walk

This Anchorage day trip departs in the morning on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for a 3.5-hour ride along Cook Inlet’s spectacular Turnagain Arm to Spencer Glacier in the Chugach National Forest.  Upon arrival at Spencer Lake,... Browse itinerary

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Glacier Discovery Rail and Raft Trip

This Anchorage day tour starts with a southbound tour aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train—the 3.5-hour train ride tours along Cook Inlet’s scenic Turnagin Arm and the Chugach National Forest.   On arrival at Spencer Glacier, the Alaska... Browse itinerary

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A person with trekking poles hiking along an alpine trail in Alaska

Alpine Classic Guided Hike from Anchorage

This classic “Alpine Classic” guided Alaska hiking tour is the ideal Anchorage day trip for active adventurers, featuring hearty athletic challenges, rewarding sights, and a lasting payoff. You and your Alaska hiking guide will experience the thrill of... Browse itinerary

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Iditarod Race Official Start Tour

Based in Anchorage for five nights, this Iditarod experience begins with the ceremonial start on snow-covered city streets, where you can have up-close viewing of this unique dog sledding event. The next day, travel to the community of... Browse itinerary

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Glacier & Wildlife Flightseeing Tour

Enjoy a day tour from Anchorage with flightseeing from Lake Hood over the majestic Chugach State Park! You will soar above the expansive Knik or Triumvirate Glacier on your flight, rimmed with spectacular hanging ice formations. With a... Browse itinerary

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Discover Denali Flightseeing

This scenic flight from Anchorage to Denali National Park takes you within six miles of the 20,320 ft—Denali summit, North America’s tallest mountain. Fly by float plane, plane on skis, or even wheels (depending on lake / ice... Browse itinerary

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UNIQUE Experiences
two canoes at a dock in Pederson Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska Lodge Driving Tour

Travel to off-the-beaten-path locations, including overnights at wilderness lodges and inns that offer options for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. The touring route includes a spectacular flight into the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and the... Browse itinerary

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a Kodiak brown bear sow and her cub

Kodiak Brown Bear Center

The Kodiak Brown Bear Center in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge was developed to offer unparalleled opportunities to observe and learn about the legendary Kodiak Brown bear. Enjoy deluxe private cabins with all meals while at the lodge.... Browse itinerary

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Bird Creek ATV Backcountry Tour

Access Alaska’s backcountry on an ATV day tour out of Anchorage or Girdwood! To begin your day trip, you’ll drive to Bird Creek, located on the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood, and an area with a maze... Browse itinerary

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Gates of the Arctic Air Adventure

This flightseeing trip from Fairbanks in the evening takes you to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Arctic Region.  You will first fly from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle.  During... Browse itinerary

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Fairbanks Winter Dog Sledding Tour

This Fairbanks tour is full of dog sledding adventure and fun. Experienced guides showcase their Alaska sled dogs and share insights into Alaska’s unique dog mushing lifestyle and popular winter sport. Then spend 1-hour on the trails! Learn... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike with Kennecott Mill Tour

On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott’s history and landscapes on this hiking and sightseeing combination tour!  First, enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue... Browse itinerary

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People at a log-cabin lodge watching a float-plane take off from an adjacent lake

Redoubt Bay Lodge

Departing from Anchorage's Lake Hood, it is just a 50-minute flight by seaplane over Cook Inlet to the entrance of Lake Clark Pass. Nested in a 171,000-acre critical habitat area, Redoubt Bay Lodge has three rustic cabins and... Browse itinerary

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Cruise Specials Available
The small cruise ship 'Safari Endeavour' near a rocky coast; snow-capped mountains in the distance

Northern Passage and Glacier Bay Cruise

Seven nights of adventure cruising aboard your "floating lodge." Destinations include Chichagof Island, Icy Strait, and Glacier Bay National Park, where a national park ranger comes on board for a day. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience... Browse itinerary

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Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure

This Alaska ATV day tour from Denali is fun, exciting, and scenic for both novices and experienced ATV riders. You will ride your All Terrain Vehicle along trails surrounded by Denali National Park at speeds up to 30... Browse itinerary

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Denali ATV Side-by-Side Adventure

This Denali National Park guided ATV day tour is fun for everybody, whether an experienced ATV rider or a novice. On this all-terrain vehicle tour, you will ride along trails near Denali National Park in a side-by-side ATV... Browse itinerary

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Bettles Lodge Summer Experience

Fly from Fairbanks along the Yukon River to the foothills of Alaska's Brooks Range. Bettles Lodge offers simple but comfortable accommodations and genuine hospitality for all guests. Included is a guided tour of Bettles and the small village... Browse itinerary

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a log cabin lodge with chairs on a deck and steep mountain cliffs behind

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

The lodge is reached via boat from the Seward harbor. Positioned on the shores of Fox Island in Resurrection Bay, a stay at the lodge offers a scenic cruise in Resurrection Bay, private cabin accommodations, and a guided... Browse itinerary

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Orca Adventure Lodge

Start in Anchorage with a scheduled flight over glacier-carved Chugach mountains to Cordova's quaint historic fishing town. On arrival, transfer to the lodge and settle into one of the 40 cozy guest rooms for two nights. The lodge... Browse itinerary

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several wooden rocking chairs on a wooden deck overlooking the Kenai River in Alaska

Kenai Riverside Lodge

Transfer provided to Cooper Landing, just a 2-hour scenic drive from Anchorage. The lodge sits on the upper reaches of the Kenai River, a world-renowned for wild salmon and trophy trout fishing. This riverside retreat is the perfect... Browse itinerary

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Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Fly from Fairbanks across the tremendous interior region of Alaska, landing 35 miles across the Arctic Circle in the remote outpost of Bettles. The area surrounding Bettles boasts many clear sky nights and sits directly below the aurora... Browse itinerary

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Ice Fishing Day Tour from Fairbanks

Today you will be picked up from your Fairbanks hotel for a full day of guided Alaska lake ice fishing.  Learn traditional Alaska Native skills and techniques for ice fishing from experienced ice fishing guides.  While catching fish... Browse itinerary

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green aurora over a resort surrounded by snow and spruce trees

Alaska Winter Wonders Tour

Exploring Alaska in winter is easy and a great value. Start with a few nights at a luxurious hotel in the village of Girdwood, then travel aboard the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This... Browse itinerary

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a snowy boreal forest landscape, with the snow-capped mountain of Denali in the background

Winter Adventure to Denali

Travel to Denali National Park on a fall or winter adventure! This guided tour departs from Fairbanks and travels south through the Tanana Valley along the Parks Highway. Your guide will share areas of interest and stop at... Browse itinerary

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Resurrection Bay Kayaking Tour

This kayaking tour from Seward is a fun and adventuresome way to explore the spectacular beauty of Resurrection Bay!  Your kayaking tour starts with a transfer from Seward Small Boat Harbor to Lowell Point, where you board your... Browse itinerary

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Wilderness Dogsledding Ride & Tour

This Seward  day trip provides an Alaska dog sledding “insider’s tour.” Tour Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s Iditarod Racing Kennel, meet famous sled dogs, cuddle adorable puppies, dress up as an Iditarod musher, and take in the spectacular Alaskan... Browse itinerary

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Exit Glacier Ice Hike

During this guided glacier hiking tour from Seward, Alaska, you’ll follow a scenic hiking trail through an alpine valley to Exit Glacier which is a mixture of back-country and on-trail trekking (about 1.5 – 2 hours). The elevation... Browse itinerary

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a sled dog team pulling a family in a cart during the summer

Experience Seward & Real Alaska

Learn about Seward’s fascinating history and the Iditarod Trail while enjoying the beautiful scenery on this Seward summer day trip. You’ll travel to 2017 Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s sled dog kennel, where you can meet famous dogs, cuddle... Browse itinerary

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Denali Express Flightseeing

This 45-minute Denali flightseeing day tour via a small bush plane from the Denali Park Entrance lets you experience Denali National Park from a bird’s eye view and experience Mt. Denali from the air. Fly along the snow-capped... Browse itinerary

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Denali Heli-Hiking Tour

This Denali area heli-hiking day tour from the Denali National Park Entrance allows visitors to experience the backcountry of Alaska with a brief helicopter flight followed by a guided hike through Yanert Valley. A naturalist guide will lead... Browse itinerary

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two Jeeps on a remote highway, with Denali and spruce trees in the background

Denali Highway 4×4 Jeep Excursion

This guided Denali Highway Jeep, 4×4 day tour, allows you to explore the scenic Denali Highway, just south of Denali National Park. Since driving the Denali Highway is prohibited by most rental vehicle companies, this exclusive excursion provides... Browse itinerary

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Grand Denali Flightseeing from Talkeetna

Your day trip from Talkeetna transports you by bush plane on a flightseeing adventure circling Denali, North America’s tallest mountain. The Denali Flyer route explores the south side of Denali, including the Kahiltna Glacier, the famous west buttress,... Browse itinerary

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Denali Flyer Tour from Talkeetna

This Denali flightseeing tour from Talkeetna by bush plane is an extended version of the Denali Experience Tour. In addition to covering that entire flight route, you will fly to the remote western end of Denali National Park.... Browse itinerary

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Talkeetna River Fishing (Half Day)

This Alaska fishing half-day tour from  Talkeetna takes you by jet boat to the best fishing holes on the Talkeetna River. Talkeetna is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna Rivers, offering a few possible... Browse itinerary

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Talkeetna Lakes Evening Hiking Tour

On this evening hiking tour from Talkeetna, explore Talkeetna’s best hiking trail with an experienced and informative naturalist guide. A new beauty scene unfolds around every turn on this 3-mile moderate hiking trip. Look for loons and kingfishers... Browse itinerary

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Shoup Glacier Kayaking Tour

This Valdez kayaking tour to Shoup Glacier offers an intimate experience at one of Prince William Sounds’ many calving tidewater glaciers. This day trip is perfect for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Climb aboard a motor boat for... Browse itinerary

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Columbia Glacier Kayaking Tour

On this Valdez day tour, search for wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and sea lions as you cruise for two hours to the Columbia Glacier by water taxi. This is Alaska’s second-largest tidewater glacier. Since the early... Browse itinerary

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a group of people in a raft in front of a tidewater glacier

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

This Juneau day trip is a perfect and gentle introduction to Alaska rafting.  This Juneau float trip begins with a scenic drive to Mendenhall Lake, where you will suit up in appropriate rafting gear and board your 8... Browse itinerary

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Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari

On this exciting tour out of Ketchikan, fill your senses with adventure and excitement as you take control of a 4-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler and wind your way up old rugged logging trails to scenic overlooks. Then grab... Browse itinerary

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Ice Climbing on Root Glacier

For those traveling to the Kennicott-McCarthy area to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and want to find a fun Alaska day tour, enjoy this introduction to ice climbing! Root Glacier offers the perfect venue for people of all... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike (Full Day)

On this glacier hike day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, enjoy all the benefits of the half-day hike but with additional time to explore the Root Glacier’s dynamic features.  After “lunch with a view,” the possibilities are endless.  You... Browse itinerary

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a pool of water atop a glacier

Root Glacier Hike (Half Day)

On this half-day glacier hiking out of Kennicott-McCarthy, depart Kennicott hiking down a two-mile trail built in the 1920s as a wagon road.  Along the way, stops will be made to discuss glaciology and local geology and enjoy... Browse itinerary

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Halibut Fishing in Homer (Half Day)

Enjoy fishing in Kachemak Bay from Homer, known as the “Halibut Capital of the world,” This half-day fishing charter reaches nearby fishing grounds for halibut.  This Homer fishing adventure is recommended for families or those who only have... Browse itinerary

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Kachemak Bay Glacier Lake Hike

In the morning, travel by water taxi from Homer across Kachemak Bay to Glacier Spit in Kachemak Bay State Park. Join your Alaska guide for a hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Your guide will identify and allow you... Browse itinerary

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Kachemak Bay Eagles Nest Kayaking Tour

Homer, Alaska, is surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks, remote fjords, and abundant wildlife, making Homer’s Kachemak Bay a premier destination for sea kayaking. This half-day kayak trip provides a short but wonderful introduction to kayaking and to this... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Dog Sledding Tour

This Anchorage day tour puts you in the Alaska dog sledding driving seat. After a scenic drive north to Talkeetna and dog mushing country, you will arrive at an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel and get an introduction... Browse itinerary

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Iditarod Starting Line Event

On this day tour from Anchorage, experience the official start of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Every year hundreds of people line the streets of Willow Lake just north of Anchorage for the start of this iconic... Browse itinerary

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