Alaska, Yukon & the Inside Passage 15 days / 14 nights
Trip Overview
For all those dreaming of exploring the breathtaking and rugged north, this independent tour is right for you! Beyond typical Alaska adventure travel this self drive expedition combines the marvels of the Yukon’s wilderness with the dramatic state of Alaska and will see you through serene landscapes, majestic mountains and breathtaking coastal scenery. A three-day cruise from Alaska down the Inside passage offers the perfect way to unwind after your drive and provides the best opportunity for witnessing natural wonders like the great humpback whales and the magical Northern Lights.Trip Images
Fast moving creeks are home to many salmon species which attract grizzy bears.
Be sure to make some stops along route to catch your breath and take in the beauty.
Beaver - one of Canada's national symbols!
What more could you ask for when sitting out and seeing this scenery!
Sailing the inside passage from Alaska to Prince Rupert.
Map
1 night Anchorage
2 nights Denali National Park
1 night Fairbanks
1 night Tok
2 nights Dawson City
1 night Whitehorse
1 night Skagway
1 night Juneau
2 nights cruising aboard Alaska marine highway ferry
1 night Prince Rupert
1 night Vancouver
End in Vancouver
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Anchorage
Your Alaska travel adventure begins upon arrival in the charming city of Anchorage with its uniquely Alaskan frontier spirit. Make your own way to your hotel for check in, and spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the city’s many highlights. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2 – Anchorage to Denali (237 miles/379 km, 5 hrs)
The day’s activity begins with a comprehensive tour briefing in your hotel before picking up your rental car. Once behind the wheel to drive Alaska you will take the Glenn Highway north out of Anchorage. In Wasilla you continue on the Parks Highway north towards Denali National Park, driving through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Denali. If time allows we highly recommend a side trip to Talkeentna, a unique Alaskan town with lots of charm. Overnight Denali.
Day 3 – Denali National Park
In the morning board a bus for a full day scenic Alaskan wildlife tour into the heart of Denali National Park. This pristine wilderness is home to a number of different animal species including bears, caribou, moose, sheep, wolves, and a variety of birds. With luck (meaning the cooperation of the weather) you will also get an incredible view of Mt. McKinley! A snack is included on this tour. Return to the hotel for the evening.
Day 4 – Denali National Park to Fairbanks (125 miles/200 km, 2.5 hrs)
Leave the park behind for a spectacular Alaska drive north to Fairbanks. Mountain landscapes and forests form the backdrop for this leg of your Alaska self drive vacation as you travel through the towns of Healy, Nenana, and Ester, an old mining camp. Spend the night in Fairbanks.
Day 5 – Fairbanks to Tok (206 miles/330 km, 4 hrs)
Leaving Fairbanks as you follow the Richardson & Alaska Highways east towards Tok keep your eyes peeled for the elusive man in red and white. Just outside of Fairbanks you will drive by the North Pole, home to the legendary Santa Claus! Imagining St.-Nick will be another fun highlight to your Alaska tour. Leave the Pole and make your way to Tok and your home for the night.
Day 6 – Tok to Dawson City (185 miles/296 km, 5 hrs)
Driving along the Alaska Highway you will transition to Taylor Highway for your approach to Canada. The remarkable Top of the World highway will lead you into the Yukon, and, weather permitting, showcase incredible views of far reaching landscapes. A brief crossing of the Yukon River by state ferry will take you towards Dawson City and the beginning of this leg of your journey - your Yukon vacation. Spend the night in Dawson City. Note: Proper identification will be required at the border crossing.
Day 7 – Dawson City
Spend the day enjoying the unique old Gold Rush atmosphere Dawson City or on a tour of the Klondike goldfields. Relax overnight at Dawson City.
Day 8 – Dawson City to Whitehorse (333 miles/533 km, 6.5 hrs)
Take the Klondike Highway today and wind your way east through beautiful terrain to find yourself in Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital city. There will be plenty of time along this route to stop at the scenic Yukon River (which you will follow for part of the drive), or detour along the Silver Highway to the old mining towns of Mayo and Keno City, or to the abandoned Fort Selkirk. If you prefer you can head directly to Whitehorse and choose from a variety of optional activities including flightseeing, dogsledding, or canoeing tours. Spend the night in Whitehorse.
Day 9 – Whitehorse to Skagway (109 miles/175 km, 2.5 hrs)
Today’s drive from Whitehorse to Skagway is short, though very scenic as you travel by Emerald Lake and the Carcross desert. Spend your extra time over a leisurely morning in Whitehorse or take part in any of the many optional activities available in Skagway (such as any of the phenomenal adventures to Glacier Bay). Return your rental car this evening. Overnight in Skagway.
Day 10 - Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Skagway to Juneau
Early this morning depart on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Skagway to Juneau. The ferry will stop in Haines. In the afternoon arrive in Juneau. Rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore Alaska’s capital city. Overnight in Juneau.
Days 11 & 12 – Cruising the Inside Passage
Experience the natural beauty and spectacular scenery of Alaska’s Inside Passage while cruising the waters on board an Alaska Marine Highway Ferry. You will have your own private cabin but be free to explore the ship with its many vantage points for viewing the wildlife and the spectacular scenery. On-board naturalists will help point out the unique flora and fauna of the region, and entertainment will be provided in screening halls, reading rooms, and solariums with views.
Day 13 – Arrival in Prince Rupert
Arrival in Prince Rupert today. Depending on your arrival time you may have time to explore the city. Overnight Prince Rupert.
Day 14 – Prince Rupert to Vancouver
A scheduled flight will take to you Vancouver today. Rest of afternoon is at your leisure to explore this bustling metropolitan city. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 15 - Depart Vancouver
Your holiday with Fresh Tracks comes to an end today as you make your own way to Vancouver airport for your return flight home.
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| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Standard hotelsOptions & Upgrades
• Extra nights/tours may be added to the start or end of this trip in spectacular Anchorage, Alaska, or Vancouver, BC• Continue your adventure by exploring British Columbia by rail or road
Dates & Prices
2010 Departure Dates This trip starts Southbound (Anchorage to Vancouver) every Tuesday (May 25-Aug 24, 10)or
This trip starts Northbound (Vancouver to Anchorage) every Friday (May 28-Aug 27, 10)
| Southbound | USD$ | |
| Single | Double | |
| May 28 - Aug 13 2010 | 5,333 | 3,196 |
| Aug 20 - Aug 27 2010 | 6,399 | 3,729 |
| Northbound | USD$ | |
| Single | Double | |
| May 25 - Aug 30 2010 | 6,351 | 3,706 |
| Jun 1 - Aug 24 2010 | 5,809 | 3,434 |
• Prices are per person - Triple, Quad and Child rates are available
• Double means two people sharing
• Car pick-up on day 2 for Southbound and on Day 7 for Northbound
Includes
• 12 nights standard accommodation
• 2 nights Alaska Marine Highway ferry - Juneau-Prince Rupert (passenger and cabin fare)
• Alaska Marine Highway ferry - Skagway- Juneau (passenger fare)
• 8 day mid size vehicle rental between Anchorage and Skagway including unlimited mileage, LDW, one-way drop fee and taxes
• Bus tour into Denali National Park with snack
• Scheduled flight between Prince Rupert and Vancouver
• Detailed tour briefing and rental car assistance (in Anchorage only)
• Comprehensive documentation and information package including day-by-day driving descriptions and directions to hotels
Not Included
• Airport / hotel transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Optional Activities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
HAVE A CHAT
From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743
Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.