Alaska Holidays, Cruises and Tours

The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train, links Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali Park. On this route, sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape.

Anchorage to Talkeetna - Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Fairbanks begins here. Several miles into the trip, the heavy birch forests of Eagle River and Chugiak lead to the Knik and Matanuska Rivers.

The expansive watershed harbor's wildlife like moose, bear, the occasional wolf and abundant waterfowl. About 40 miles from Anchorage comes the Matanuska Valley, Alaska's agricultural center and home to the towns of Palmer and Wasilla.

Just south of Talkeetna, 70 miles further, the first view emerges of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak. The train takes its first stop in Talkeetna, a small town with a mining history and now, a popular takeoff point for climbers to Mt. McKinley.

Talkeetna to Denali - From Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Mt. McKinley emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. Black and brown bear frequent the sandbars and scuttle into the brush as the train approaches.

Next, the Indian River Canyon is home to many beavers and beaver lodges can be seen in the ponds along the way. The track climbs toward tree line, first crossing Hurricane Gulch, the longest bridge on the railroad just over 914 feet and 296 feet above Hurricane Creek.

The train moves into Broad Pass, at 2,363 feet it's the highest point on the railroad, and where caribou migrate through during the fall. Thousands of travellers visit Denali National Park and Preserve to see wildlife like wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and bear, and, of course, Mt. McKinley.

Experience the wonders of Talkeetna, gateway to South Denali and the centre for stunning flight seeing tours of Mt McKinley. A three hour train trip takes you to the 4-star Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge with panoramic views of Mt McKinley and the Alaskan Range.

Built of wood and stone, the lodge has 212 deluxe rooms with mountain or forest views, a stunning lobby with a three storey high river rock fireplace, a full-service restaurant, lounge and gift shop.

Nestled beneath towering mountains and surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of Resurrection Bay is coastal town of Seward, gateway to the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park.

Here you will have the opportunity to see an incredible variety of marine wildlife including Stellar Sea Lions, sea otters, Harbour Seals, Humpback Whales and Orcas. Extra nights and optional activities such as marine tours, sea kayaking, hiking and glacier walks can be arranged.

Brooks Lodge overlooks famous Brooks Falls in the heart of Katmai National Park. Each year from mid June - to mid September large numbers of bears congregate here to catch spawning salmon. The lodge offers 16 ensuite rooms accommodating up to 4 people each.

Bears are very active in Katmai, with numbers increasing to more than 2,000. As they are not hunted, and food during the summer months is plentiful the bears are extremely tolerant of humans, and extraordinary viewing is possible. Katmai is also famous for the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, a stunning landscape filled with ash flow from the eruption of Novarupta in 1912.

Experience the Alaskan wilderness at its finest including spectacular fjord scenery, glaciers and the continent's highest peaks Sweeping scenic views, vast wilderness lands and the chance to view abundant wildlife all combine to offer you an experience unparalleled anywhere.

Spending a night in a rustic lodge, gives you a taste of how it is to live like an Alaskan. Along the way you stay in comfortable accommodation and travel at a leisurely pace - an ideal way to appreciate the highlights and experience the striking beauty of Alaska.

Your experience includes 8 nights accommodation in comfortable lodges and cabins, all transport in comfortable private vehicles, a professional tour leader, sightseeing and entrance fees to National parks.

Accessed by float plane, Redoubt Bay Lodge nestles amongst spectacular scenery at the entrance to Lake Clark National Park. Activities include wildlife viewing by boat or on foot with a naturalist guide, fishing and canoeing. There is a main log cabin with dining room, and 3 guest cabins.

Enthusiastic staff, a professionally trained chef and excellent food ensure a memorable stay.

Denali National Park is a scenic wilderness with a vast array of wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, wolves and many species of raptors. It is also home to Mt McKinley, the highest peak in North America Within Denali National Park there are only a few select backcountry lodges that offer comfortable and cosy accommodation in a picture postcard setting.

Rustic Camp Denali has 17 log cabins that are set along an ascending ridgeline to take advantage of the surrounding views. Each cabin has an immaculate outhouse, wood stove for heat, and propane lights. Hot showers are available in a separate building close to the main area. Activities include guided hiking by staff naturalists, canoeing, fishing and biking.

Denali National Park is a scenic wilderness with a vast array of wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, wolves and many species of raptors. It is also home to Mt McKinley, the highest peak in North America Within Denali National Park there are only a few select backcountry lodges that offer comfortable and cosy accommodation in a picture postcard setting.

North Face Lodge has 15 well-appointed guest rooms each with ensuite bathrooms and joined by a common veranda leading to the lodge's sitting room, dining area and library. From North Face Lodge you will enjoy prime access to some of the most wonderful terrain and wildlife opportunities in the park. Activities include guided hiking by staff naturalists, canoeing, fishing and biking.

Spectacular Denali National Park, calving glaciers and abundant wildlife combine to create the ultimate Alaska experience.

Board the 26 Glacier Cruise in Prince William Sound, ride a gondola to the top of Mt. Alyeska for panoramic views over the mountains and Cook Inlet, explore Alaska Native Heritage Centre in Anchorage and board the world famous Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali and view spectacular scenery from its panoramic dome cars.

Day 1: ARRIVE ANCHORAGE. Welcome to Anchorage Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, your airport transfer service takes you to your hotel. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and light buffet.

Day 2: ANCHORAGE SIGHTSEEING. Get acquainted with downtown Anchorage, the "City of Lights and Flowers" and the largest state's largest city, on this morning's orientation tour. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the rich heritage and traditions of Alaska's first people during this private presentation.

Then, drive around Lake Hood to visit the largest float plane base in the world. Meet an Alaska Bush Pilot, who shares fascinating stories about the joys and hazards of flying in rural Alaska. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own, browsing Anchorage's shops and native art galleries. Join your group for a Highlight Dinner at a popular downtown restaurant.

Day 3: ANCHORAGE - DENALI NATIONAL PARK. Ride the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali and view the spectacular scenery from your window seat and through the transparent roof-top vista domes of its shared cars.

Travel to the heart of Alaska's rugged interior to the six million acre Denali National Park and Preserve, home to majestic Mt. McKinley, North America's highest mountain. The park is a sub-arctic ecosystem and an internationally designated biosphere preserve with moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and wolves.

Tonight, get a taste of frontier Alaska at a rollicking Highlight Dinner theatre featuring old-time sourdough song-and-dance and hearty Alaska fare.

Day 4: DENALI NATIONAL PARK. Begin your day with an easy one-hour guided hike to learn about the tundra and wildlife in the park. The remainder of the day is open for optional activities including an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River, helicopter flight seeing for a close-up look at Mt. McKinley or stop at the Denali Visitor Center and join the various park tours on your own.

Day 5: DENALI - MOUNT ALYESKA. Board a deluxe motorcoach for your journey south on the George Parks Highway. Stop in Big Lake along the way for an exclusive visit and lunch at the home of champion dog musher and four-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser. Martin welcomes you to his home to meet his dogs and share the challenges of competing in the 1,049 mile dogsled race.

Continue on the Seward Highway along Turn again Arm with its dramatic views. Arrive in the town of Girdwood, home of Alyeska Resort and ski area. Ride the aerial gondola for panoramic views of the mountains and sea at your leisure. In the evening, join your Tour Director and newfound friends for a celebration dinner.

Day 6: PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND CRUISE. Spend the day on the 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord. Not only will you get up close enough to hear the thundering calving of glaciers, but you'll have the chance to spot sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, kittiwakes and whales among the prolific wildlife.

Day 7: MOUNT ALYESKA - ANCHORAGE. Travel to Seward for an exclusive presentation at the Alaska Sea Life Center. Learn about the center's research, observe its aquarium and wildlife rescue center. Have lunch and explore downtown on your own. Return to Anchorage for a departure transfer to the airport.

Katmai Wilderness Lodge claims to offer 'the world's most spectacular bear viewing'. The scenery is spectacular and unspoiled as the lodge is the only private establishment on the coast of Katmai National Park's 3.6 million acre wilderness. The lodge is situated on Kukak Bay against a backdrop of majestic mountains and dramatic glaciers.

Comfortable accommodation is provided in modern log cabins and deluxe meals are served in the dining room. Brown Bears are very active in Katmai, with numbers increasing to more than 2,000. As they are not hunted, and food during the summer months is plentiful the bears are extremely tolerant of humans, and extraordinary viewing is possible.