Seven week tailored tour for three couples that were all motorhome enthusiasts. In conjunction with members of the group, we developed an Alaska and Canada itinerary, which included a combination of motorhome rental, travel on Alaska Marine Ferries, rail journeys and a variety of different sightseeing tours. |
Anchorage began as a tent city during the building of the Alaska Railroad in 1914. It is located in a valley at the base of the Chugach Mountains. During the summer months, the streets are filled with brightly coloured hanging flower baskets.
The Alaska Railroad route spans more than 500 miles from the coastal community of Seward, to the wilderness of Denali National Park before reaching its terminus in the Interior city of Fairbanks. Travelers on this journey pass through alpine forests, coastal regions, and traverse two major mountain ranges. On board the train, local guides provide informative and interesting commentary.
Nestled peacefully at the head of Orca Inlet in Prince William Sound, Cordova, Alaska has glacier carved mountains, wildlife rich wetlands, lush forests, and countless waterways. Optional activities such as hiking, wildlife photography, boating, sport fishing, and flightseeing are available in Cordova.
Glacier Bay National Park is a wildlife lover's dream. Humpback and killer whales patrol the waters and the five species of Pacific salmon swim through. The shoreline is busy with migrating birds, bears, moose, Sitka deer and wolves. From Glacier Bay you can go kayaking, hiking, fishing or take a cruise into the bay.
Visitors come to Glacier Bay for a variety of reasons. For example, research, inspiration, to see glaciers, for adventure, family time or solitude. A full day cruise through Glacier Bay on a high speed catamaran is a popular way to see the park. A Park Ranger will accompany the tour and is available for you to ask questions.
Originally a Russian and Native American trading post, this town provides beautiful views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord. With only a few small cruise ships docking each summer, Haines has retained its local identity as a quiet South East Alaskan town. Walk the un-crowded streets, explore the shops and quiet cafes, or purchase a bear watching tour or river float trip from local guides. There are regular water taxi services to the nearby town of Skagway.
Skagwayis situated at the head of the Lynn Canal and is surrounded by glacier capped mountains. The area experienced crowds of people during the summer of 1898 in search of Klondike gold. Today it remains one of the best preserved gold rush towns in America. Stroll along wooden boardwalks past colorful false fronted buildings built over 100 years ago. Attractions are a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, a visit to the ghost town of Dyea, or take a day trip to the nearby town of Haines.
This historic route, built during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, is known as the ‘Scenic Railway of the World’. With a lot of determination, 450 tonnes of explosives and the work of tens of thousands of men the railway was built. Out of the one hundred thousand people that headed to the Klondike gold fields only thirty to forty thousand made it all the way. A few hundred of those who found gold actually became rich.
Local residents use the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries (AMHS) as means of transportation between the towns along the Inside Passage. The ferries can navigate their way through narrow stretches of the Inside Passage that cannot be accessed by larger cruise ships.
Wrangell is one of the most interesting small towns on the Inside Passage. The town began as a Tlingit trading post and became the site of a Russian fort built in 1834. The town has a relaxed feel that allows visitors to wander comfortably and converse with locals from the town. Local attractions are tours to the Stikine River, LeConte Glacier, Petersburg, a number of short walks and AnAn Bear Observatory.
Stikine means Great River in Tlingit and as the fastest free flowing river in North America it holds up to its reputation. The mouth of the river is located near Wrangell and is fed by over 100 glaciers as it stretches all the way to British Columbia.
Travel by jet boat to Anan Bear Sanctuary, which is located 35 miles southeast from the town of Wrangell. After arriving at Anan Island you will be guided on an informative 15 minute walk, learning about local and native history on your way to the observation decks. This tour is available from early July through until the end of the August when the salmon run finishes for the year
Depart on a two day excursion from Prince Rupert to Jasper with an overnight stay in Prince George. This superbly restored 1950’s ‘Skeena’ train also travels in the opposite direction. On this scenic journey you will travel through national and provincial parks, lumber camps and pass beautiful alpine streams and lakes.
Jasper is situated deep in the Alberta Rockies, mountain peaks can be seen on the horizon in every direction. Local attractions are Maligne Lake, the Jasper Tramway, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Miette Hotsprings, golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and lovely alpine walks. Jasper has a lot to offer for both summer and winter travellers.
Banff is the perfect base for exploring the snow capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and alpine meadows which can be found in Banff National Park. Nearby attractions include: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Johnston Canyon and Sunshine Meadows.
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Day
1
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Arrive into Los AngelesArrive into Los Angeles |
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Day
2
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Los Angeles to AnchorageLos Angeles to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines |
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Day
3
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AnchorageAt leisure |
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Day
4
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Anchorage - pick up motor home14:00 Pick up C25 motorhome from Anchorage depot (return to same location), unlimited km and kitchen kit included. |
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Day
5
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Self drive tour Alaska & YukonSuggested self drive itinerary and number of nights to stay at each destination: Talkeetna 1, Denali 2, Fairbanks 2, Tok 1, Dawson City 2 or 3 Whitehorse 2, Burwash Landing 1, Glennallen 1 or push through to Sheep Mountain Lodge , Seward 3. This schedule leaves a couple of nights unallocated to give you extra flexibility. |
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Day
25
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Anchorage - return motor home11:00 Return motor home to Anchorage depot |
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Day
26
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Anchorage to Cordova via Whittier10:00 Anchorage to Whittier on Alaska Rail Road (Glacier Discovery service), arrival at 12:05. During the journey the train passes through North America’s longest tunnel (2.5 miles). Whittier to Cordova on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry 16:00 Whittier to Cordova the Alaska Marine Highway ferry MV Chenega, arrival at 19:15. |
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Day
27
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CordovaAt leisure |
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Day
28
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Cordova to Juneau17:00 Cordova to Juneau on Alaska Airlines AS66 (Economy), arrival at 19:17. |
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Day
29
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Juneau to Glacier Bay11:00 Juneau to Gustavus (light plane) Return transfers from airport to Glacier Bay Lodge are included. |
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Day
30
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Glacier Bay - CruiseGlacier Bay Cruise |
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Day
31
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Glacier Bay to Juneau17:39 Gustavus to Juneau on Alaska Airlines AS 77 (Economy), arrival at 18:07. |
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Day
32
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Juneau to Haines09:00 Juneau to Haines by light plane |
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Day
33
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Haines - Skagway & White Pass Rail09:00 Haines to Skagway fast ferry service (35 min.) 12:45 White Pass Summit Excursion, Skagway 17:00 Skagway to Haines fast ferry service (35 min.) |
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Day
34
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Haines to Inside Passage15:00 Make your way from Haines to Wrangell along the Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Matanuska. |
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Day
35
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Inside Passage to Wrangell13:30 Arrive into Wrangell |
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Day
36
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Wrangell - Stikine River Wilderness Tour08:00 Stikine River Wilderness Tour |
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Day
37
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WrangellAt leisure |
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Day
38
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Wrangell - AnAn Bear Sanctuary Tour13:30 AnAn Bear Sanctuary Tour After the tour take your time packing before boarding the Alaska Marine Highway System to sail on the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert. |
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Day
39
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Inside Passage to Prince Rupert14:30 Arrive into Prince Rupert |
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Day
40
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Prince Rupert to Prince George08:00 Prince Rupert to Prince George on The Skeena (Economy class - Discounted fare), arrival at 20:29. Departure on two-day excursion on VIA Rail’s superb Northern British Columbia Skeena service. You will travel through spectacular countryside including rushing streams and waterfalls. Wildlife, such as moose and bear, may also be seen from the train. |
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Day
41
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Prince George to JasperRe-board The Skeena train for a 18:30 arrival into Jasper. |
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Day
42
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JasperAt leisure |
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Day
43
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Jasper to Banff on Icefields Parkway08:15 Jasper to Banff on Icefields Parkway & Glacier Experience. |
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Day
44
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BanffAt leisure |
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Day
45
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Banff to Calgary10:00 Banff to Calgary transfer by coach |
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Day
46
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Calgary - StampedeCalgary Stampede |
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Day
47
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Calgary - StampedeCalgary Stampede |
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Day
48
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Depart for homeDepart Calgary on your return flight home |
Prices based on twin share accommodation, please contact us for single pricing.
We are happy to help plan and to make recommendations for further adventures in Alaska & Canada.
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