Alaska, Denali and the Yukon

We fly North to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city where we are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Anchorage Area Hotel (1 night)

Luxuriate in our private, full-dome railcar as the McKinley Explorer takes us into Denali National Park, one of America's greatest wilderness preserves. While in the park, perhaps enjoy a walk by the river, watch for different species of local birds, or raft down the Nenana River.

Denali Area Hotel (2 nights)

Today’s excursion takes us deep into the park in search of big game: moose, caribou, Dall sheep and perhaps a glimpse of a grizzly bear. Watch for views of Denali, North America's highest peak towering at 20,392 feet.    

We depart via deluxe motorcoach to Fairbanks, Alaska's “golden heart” city. In the afternoon we embark on a leisurely riverboat tour to explore the area’s notable sites.

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel (1 night)

This morning we fly to Dawson City where we will fall in love with this perfectly preserved Gold Rush city. Its wooden boardwalks, weathered banks, and saloons appear just as they did back in 1898.

Westmark Inn Dawson (2 nights)

In the morning we will have free time to explore Dawson. Consider visiting the rustic cabin of British-Canadian poet Robert Service, famously known as “The Bard of the Yukon”. In the afternoon we will go on a tour to visit the historic site that sparked the Klondike Gold Rush.   

Enjoying spectacular scenery this morning as we depart Dawson by deluxe motorcoach passing Lake Laberge, the inspiration for Robert Service’s poem. It’s on to Whitehorse, where prospectors gathered before heading out to the gold fields, now the capital of the Yukon Territory.

Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre (1 night)

Enjoy the sights at your leisure as we journey to Skagway. We continue our travels by coach along the Trail of '98, the torturous route followed 100 years ago, passing Emerald Lake and Carcross. At Fraser, we board the legendary White Pass and Yukon Railroad and descend through the most treacherous parts of the trail, enjoying the spectacular scenery en route to Skagway, the staging ground for the gold rush, now restored to its former glory.

Westmark Inn Skagway (1 night)

Today enjoy exploring this delightfully restored frontier town, complete with its boardwalk and authentic shops from a bygone era. We say farewell to our Yukon guide as we embark on the ms Zaandam, our floating home for the next four nights. 

Embark / Sail 9:00pm

We spend the day cruising in Glacier Bay, viewing the world's most extraordinary display of glaciers: sixteen mighty rivers of ice converge here, including Grand Pacific and Margerie Fl, two of Alaska's most active.

Arrive 7:00am / Sail 4:00pm

Be sure to explore Creek Street, a boardwalk lined with interesting shops and old buildings. You may also want to book an excursion to visit Totem Bight State Park and the Totem Heritage Centre to see the world’s best collection of totem poles, or join one of the various fishing excursions.

Arrive 11:00am / Sail 7:00pm

Homeward bound, we sail along the scenic Inside Passage, relaxing with newfound friends and enjoying the majestic scenery of forest clad mountains and snow capped peaks.

After an early arrival in Vancouver, our transfer to the airport will be waiting. Upon arrival, we will board our flights for home.

Arrive 7:00am / Disembark / Fly Home