Alaska Train Vacation Kenai Road Trip Combo

Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival Arrive in Anchorage and settle into Alaska’s largest city, set between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. The rest of the day is free to explore downtown, walk part of the coastal trail, visit local galleries or simply enjoy the mountain backdrop before your road trip begins.

Day 2 Anchorage to Seward via Whittier | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise Depart Anchorage and follow the Seward Highway toward Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors. The road traces tidal flats and mountain slopes below the Chugach Mountains, with waterfalls, rocky cliffs and sweeping inlet views along the way. Continue through Portage and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier, where you board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise. Cruise into a sheltered world of fjords, floating ice, waterfalls and tidewater glaciers, watching for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds and mountain goats. After the cruise, continue by road to Seward, set between Resurrection Bay and the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 3 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 12 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in Seward and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Explore Kenai Fjords by boat, paddle the protected waters around Resurrection Bay, hike near Exit Glacier, meet sled dogs at a summer training camp, or upgrade to a glacier flightseeing, dogsledding or iceberg kayaking adventure. Option 1. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Cruise from Seward into Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers, steep coastal cliffs, remote islands and rich marine habitat create one of Alaska’s classic coastal wilderness experiences. Watch for seals, whales, puffins, sea otters and other wildlife as expert narration brings the park’s glaciers, fjords and natural history to life. Option 2. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 3. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 4. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 6. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 12. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 4 Seward to Homer | 270 km/168 mi Leave Seward and continue across the Kenai Peninsula, following highways shaped by rivers, lakes, forest and mountain views. The route passes through some of Alaska’s best-known fishing country, with the Kenai River and nearby salmon streams giving the region much of its character. As you travel toward Homer, the scenery opens toward Cook Inlet, with possible views across the water to the volcanoes of the Alaska Peninsula. Arrive in Homer, set above Kachemak Bay and known for its long Spit, working harbor, mountain backdrop and strong coastal personality.

Day 5 Homer | Day at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure in Homer, one of Alaska’s most scenic coastal towns. Explore the Homer Spit, browse local galleries, walk the harbor, visit waterfront shops and cafés, or take in sweeping views across Kachemak Bay toward glaciers and distant peaks. Optional excursions include a bear-viewing flight across Cook Inlet to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park, or a guided halibut combo fishing charter from Homer Harbor. Homer | Optional Excursions Option 1. Katmai or Lake Clark Bear Viewing Flight Fly from Homer across Cook Inlet for a wilderness bear-viewing experience in Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Enjoy aerial views of volcanoes, glaciers and remote coastline before landing with an experienced pilot-guide to observe coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. Routing and timing depend on tides, weather and bear activity. Option 2. Homer Halibut Combo Fishing Charter Depart Homer Harbor on a guided fishing charter into the waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet. Fish for halibut and other local species depending on season and conditions, with gear, bait, instruction and onboard filleting included.

Day 6 Homer to Girdwood | 297 km/185 mi | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Continuing to Girdwood, take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation at Alyeska Resort.

Day 7 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 mi Enjoy a relaxed drive from Girdwood back to Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Though short, this route is rich in scenery, with mountains rising from the water, tidal flats stretching across the inlet and roadside viewpoints offering classic Southcentral Alaska views. Watch for Dall sheep on the slopes and eagles along the coast before arriving in Anchorage.

Day 8 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad Depart Anchorage aboard Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel north through the wide-open landscapes of Southcentral Alaska. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, watch the route pass Knik Arm, wetlands, river country and the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley, with the Chugach Mountains behind you and the Talkeetna Mountains rising to the north. On clear days, Mt. Susitna and possible views of Denali add to the sense of scale as the train approaches Talkeetna. This afternoon is free to stroll the historic main street, walk to river viewpoints or enjoy local restaurants in this characterful Alaska rail town. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.) Talkeetna | Optional Excursions While your trip includes a variety of carefully selected excursions, you might want to explore additional options to really make the most of your free time. Consider the following list of optional excursions that are available for purchase to further enhance your stay. Option 1. Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour Cruise into Alaska’s wilderness on a narrated jet boat tour with views of Denali when conditions allow. Travel along the river with a naturalist guide, learn about local history and wildlife, and visit a Dena’ina encampment and historic trapper’s cabin. Option 2. Denali Flightseeing Experience | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits for a dramatic view of rugged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater and the Great Gorge. This flightseeing experience showcases the scale of Denali’s rise from lowland forest to the highest peak in North America, weather permitting. Option 3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits and add a glacier landing, weather permitting. The route may include the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, the Great Gorge and brilliant blue meltwater pools, with time to experience the mountain landscape from the air and on the ice.

Day 9 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad Rejoin Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and continue north from Talkeetna toward Denali National Park Entrance. This is a wilder, more remote stretch of the rail journey, where the line moves beyond the main highway corridor into backcountry landscapes of river valleys, forest, mountain views and open northern sky. The route includes some of the railroad’s most memorable scenery, with clear-day chances to see Denali and the surrounding peaks before arriving near the park entrance. (Lunch is included onboard the train today.)

Day 10 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 11 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the journey north into Interior Alaska. The scenery changes as the train leaves the mountains around Denali and travels through broad river valleys, boreal forest, open sky and small northern communities. Settle into the dome car, step onto the outdoor viewing deck and watch the landscape grow quieter and more expansive before arriving in Fairbanks. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali National Park | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in Fairbanks and travel south through Interior Alaska toward Denali National Park Entrance. The route carries you past boreal forest, river valleys and small northern communities before the Alaska Range begins to define the horizon. Arrive near Denali with the rest of the day free to enjoy the mountain setting. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.)

Day 2 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel south from Denali National Park Entrance toward Talkeetna. The line follows remote river valleys, forested backcountry and open northern landscapes, with the Alaska Range receding behind you and possible clear-day views of Denali along the route. Arrive in Talkeetna, a characterful rail and river town known for its climber history, local restaurants and frontier feel. (Lunch is included onboard the train today.)

Day 4 Talkeetna to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad Enjoy much of the day at leisure in Talkeetna, where wooden storefronts, river views, local cafes and a frontier-town character make it one of Alaska’s most memorable small communities. Stroll the historic main street, walk to the river overlook for possible clear-day Denali views, browse local shops or choose an optional excursion before continuing your journey. Talkeetna | Optional Excursions While your trip includes a variety of carefully selected excursions, you might want to explore additional options to really make the most of your free time. Consider the following list of optional excursions that are available for purchase to further enhance your stay. Option 1. Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour Cruise into Alaska’s wilderness on a narrated jet boat tour with views of Denali when conditions allow. Travel along the river with a naturalist guide, learn about local history and wildlife, and visit a Dena’ina encampment and historic trapper’s cabin. Option 2. Denali Flightseeing Experience Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits for a dramatic view of rugged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater and the Great Gorge. This flightseeing experience showcases the scale of Denali’s rise from lowland forest to the highest peak in North America, weather permitting. Option 3. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing Fly toward Denali’s north and south summits and add a glacier landing, weather permitting. The route may include the Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Amphitheater, the Great Gorge and brilliant blue meltwater pools, with time to experience the mountain landscape from the air and on the ice. Late afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and continue south from Talkeetna to Anchorage. Settle in as the train leaves this historic rail town and travels through river country, boreal forest, wetlands and the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On clear evenings, watch for final views toward Denali and Mt. Susitna, known locally as Sleeping Lady, as the landscape shifts from open wilderness to the lights of Anchorage. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 5 Anchorage to Seward via Whittier | 239 km/149 mi | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise Depart Anchorage and follow the Seward Highway toward Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors. The road traces tidal flats and mountain slopes below the Chugach Mountains, with waterfalls, rocky cliffs and sweeping inlet views along the way. Continue through Portage and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier, where you board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise. Cruise into a sheltered world of fjords, floating ice, waterfalls and tidewater glaciers, watching for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds and mountain goats. After the cruise, continue by road to Seward, set between Resurrection Bay and the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 6 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 12 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in Seward and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Explore Kenai Fjords by boat, paddle the protected waters around Resurrection Bay, hike near Exit Glacier, meet sled dogs at a summer training camp, or upgrade to a glacier flightseeing, dogsledding or iceberg kayaking adventure. Option 1. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Cruise from Seward into Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers, steep coastal cliffs, remote islands and rich marine habitat create one of Alaska’s classic coastal wilderness experiences. Watch for seals, whales, puffins, sea otters and other wildlife as expert narration brings the park’s glaciers, fjords and natural history to life. Option 2. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 3. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 4. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 5. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 6. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 12. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 7 Seward to Homer | 270 km/168 mi Leave Seward and continue across the Kenai Peninsula, following highways shaped by rivers, lakes, forest and mountain views. The route passes through some of Alaska’s best-known fishing country, with the Kenai River and nearby salmon streams giving the region much of its character. As you travel toward Homer, the scenery opens toward Cook Inlet, with possible views across the water to the volcanoes of the Alaska Peninsula. Arrive in Homer, set above Kachemak Bay and known for its long Spit, working harbor, mountain backdrop and strong coastal personality.

Day 8 Homer | Day at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure in Homer, one of Alaska’s most scenic coastal towns. Explore the Homer Spit, browse local galleries, walk the harbor, visit waterfront shops and cafés, or take in sweeping views across Kachemak Bay toward glaciers and distant peaks. Optional excursions include a bear-viewing flight across Cook Inlet to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park, or a guided halibut combo fishing charter from Homer Harbor. Homer | Optional Excursions Option 1. Katmai or Lake Clark Bear Viewing Flight Fly from Homer across Cook Inlet for a wilderness bear-viewing experience in Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Enjoy aerial views of volcanoes, glaciers and remote coastline before landing with an experienced pilot-guide to observe coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. Routing and timing depend on tides, weather and bear activity. Option 2. Homer Halibut Combo Fishing Charter Depart Homer Harbor on a guided fishing charter into the waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet. Fish for halibut and other local species depending on season and conditions, with gear, bait, instruction and onboard filleting included.

Day 9 Homer to Girdwood | 297 km/185 mi | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Continuing to Girdwood, take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation at Alyeska Resort.

Day 10 Girdwood to Anchorage | 62 km/38 mi Enjoy a relaxed drive from Girdwood back to Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Though short, this route is rich in scenery, with mountains rising from the water, tidal flats stretching across the inlet and roadside viewpoints offering classic Southcentral Alaska views. Watch for Dall sheep on the slopes and eagles along the coast before arriving in Anchorage.

Day 11 Anchorage | Departure Check out of your hotel and say goodbye to Alaska after a journey shaped by coastal fjords, mountain highways, glacier country, national park scenery and wide-open northern landscapes.