12 Days • 11 Nights
Alaska & Yukon Explorer
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Denali National Park and its wildlife
- A Kenai Fjords glacier and whale cruise
- The historic White Pass railway from Skagway
- The Klondike gold-rush town of Dawson City
- Yukon wilderness around Whitehorse
- Frontier history and spectacular scenery
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Met at Anchorage airport and transferred to your hotel, with a welcome dinner and the frontier adventure ahead.
You ride the scenic railroad north to Denali National Park, settling into your lodge near the park.
A full-day wilderness tour into Denali, searching for grizzlies, moose and caribou beneath the great peak.
You travel south to the fishing port of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula through spectacular scenery.
A full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, watching glaciers calve and spotting whales, sea otters and puffins.
You travel to the historic gold-rush port of Skagway (via scenic transfer or short flight), a preserved frontier town at the head of the Inside Passage.
A ride on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route railway, climbing dramatically from Skagway over the mountains along the Klondike stampeders' trail, with time to explore the town.
You cross into Canada's Yukon to Whitehorse, the territorial capital on the Yukon River, exploring its gold-rush heritage and the SS Klondike sternwheeler.
A day exploring the Yukon wilderness around Whitehorse, from Miles Canyon to a wildlife preserve, immersed in the vast northern landscape.
You journey north along the Klondike Highway to Dawson City, the atmospheric heart of the 1898 gold rush, a preserved frontier town of wooden boardwalks and saloons.
A day exploring Dawson City and the Klondike goldfields, panning for gold, visiting historic claims and soaking up the frontier spirit of the gold rush.
After breakfast you transfer to the airport (via Whitehorse) for your onward flight, having journeyed across Alaska and the Yukon.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Kenai cruise lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and wildlife activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park entry and cruise fees as per itinerary
- the Alaska Railroad, a Denali tour, a Kenai Fjords cruise, the White Pass railway and Yukon touring
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Alaska is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected as elsewhere in the USA, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides, drivers and crew
- Best time to visit: The main season runs May to September, with long daylight hours, open roads and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest and busiest, while late August and September add autumn colour and early Northern Lights
- Northern Lights: The aurora is best seen from late August to April on clear, dark nights, especially around Fairbanks; the peak summer months have too much daylight for aurora viewing
- Wildlife: Alaska is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, moose, whales, eagles and more; always keep a safe distance, carry bear awareness in the backcountry and follow your guide's advice
- Weather & layers: Alaskan weather is changeable even in summer, so pack warm and waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and a hat; conditions can shift quickly, especially on glaciers and at sea
- Getting around: Distances are vast and some areas are roadless; itineraries combine scenic rail, small-ship or day cruises, flights and self-drive, all arranged for you. Daylight is very long in summer, so plan for plenty of activity
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly; bring insect repellent for summer mosquitoes. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this trip cross an international border?
Yes — it combines Alaska (USA) with Canada's Yukon, crossing the land border near Skagway. You will need the correct entry documents for both countries, which we advise on based on your nationality.
When is the best time for this journey?
Summer (June to September) is ideal, when the roads, railways and attractions are open, daylight is long and wildlife is active. This is a summer frontier journey; we advise on the best dates.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or cruise meals. Alaskan seafood, from king crab to wild salmon, is a highlight, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The main season is May to September, with long daylight and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest, and late August to September adds autumn colour and the first Northern Lights. Winter trips focus on the aurora and are timed separately.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Alaska is superb for wildlife, with excellent chances of seeing bears, moose, eagles, sea otters and, on the water, whales and sea lions. Our guides and cruises maximise sightings, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Can we see the Northern Lights?
In summer there is too much daylight for the aurora, but our autumn and winter itineraries (late August to April), especially around Fairbanks, offer excellent chances on clear, dark nights.
How do we travel around Alaska?
We combine the best options, the scenic Alaska Railroad, day or small-ship cruises among the glaciers and fjords, flights over roadless areas and comfortable self-drive or coach touring, all arranged and built into your itinerary.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of parks, cruises and wildlife, add a Denali stay, an Inside Passage voyage or an aurora extension, and tailor the pace and lodges to your interests.
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