Spring Alaska & Inside Passage Escorted Group Tour 2012
18 May - 8 Jun 2012
Trip Code: GCC2
The snow is melting, the flowers and wildlife are just starting to appear. This is a great time to visit the highlights of Alaska before the crowds get too big. Spring gives us remarkable views of bright white peaks set against crystal blue skies. This tour is a shorter version of Spring Canada & Alaska group tour. |
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Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise
Climb aboard the Klondike Explorer for an unforgettable cruise to the most spectacular glaciers in Prince William Sound. Look forward to breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wildlife such as eagles, harbour seals, otters and bird rookeries. Take photos from the viewing decks as glaciers calve or you are welcome to relax in the comfort of the heated cabin.
Alaska Railroad
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.
Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour
This 7-8 hour narrated tour takes you approximately 53 miles into the heart of Denali National Park. Denali National Park has a spectacular centerpiece, Mt McKinley or Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan), the highest mountain in North America. Clear views of this impressive mountain are seldom seen so it’s a special occasion when it comes out on display.
Riverboat Discovery Tour
The ‘Riverboat Discovery’ tour provides an interesting insight into various aspects of Alaskan rural life such as reindeer herding, dog sledding and fishing. The tour includes a visit to an Athabascan Native Village where you will learn about their traditional way of life.
Dawson City
More than one hundred years ago, Dawson City was the center of “the largest gold rush the world has ever known”. Today it is one of the best preserved frontier towns in Canada. Wandering the dirt streets and boardwalks, past historic sites and brightly colored wooden buildings gives you a glimpse of the past. Attractions are the Midnight Dome, Dredge #4, Discovery Claim, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s and Author’s Corner with Jack London’s cabin.
Gold Dredge No. 4
Dredge No. 4 was built in 1912 for the Canadian Klondike Mining Company in Dawson City, and was the largest wooden hulled bucket lined dredge in North America. It worked in the Klondike Valley on the "Boyle Concession" until 1940 and then was relocated to Bonanza Creek and worked this valley until 1959.
Haines
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.
White Pass Rail Summit Excursion
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.
Inside Passage on Alaska Marine Highway System
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
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.
Le Conte Glacier & Petersburg Tour
Depart on LeConte Glacier and Petersburg tour visiting the southernmost active glacier in the northern hemisphere. This glacier calves quite frequently and fills the bay with several miles of icebergs. LeConte Bay boasts a large population of harbor seals and their pups. After leaving Le Conte Glacier we visit the community of Petersburg ‘Alaska’s Little Norway’.
Stikine River Wilderness Tour
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.
Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert is located at the end of the Yellowhead Highway at the mouth of the Skeena River. A bustling port city, Prince Rupert is the cultural centre of the First Nations People. You will find totem poles scattered throughout parks in the city. The city’s heritage has been preserved at the Cow Bay waterfront area, built in 1905.
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Fri
18
May
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VancouverArrival into Vancouver. Sandman Signature Suites (1 night) |
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Sat
19
May
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Vancouver to AnchorageWe continue our journey north today with a flight to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Quality Suites (2 nights) |
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Sun
20
May
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Anchorage - Prince William Sound TourToday we cruise through areas such as College and Harriman Fiords with a narrated presentation on the Sound’s abundant marine life. There are countless opportunities for photography. Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
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Mon
21
May
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Anchorage to DenaliThis morning we board the Alaska Railroad for the trip up to Denali National Park. Grizzly Bear Resort (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Tue
22
May
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Denali - Tundra Wilderness TourToday we join the Tundra Wilderness Tour taking us into the Denali National Park and Preserve. Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
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Wed
23
May
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Denali to FairbanksWe reboard the Alaska Railroad this afternoon for the trip north to Fairbanks, in the heart of Alaska. Bridgewater Hotel (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Thu
24
May
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Fairbanks - Riverboat Discovery TourIn the morning we board the ‘Riverboat Discovery’ for a cruise down the lovely Chena River. The afternoon is free to explore the town. |
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Fri
25
May
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Fairbanks to Dawson CityToday we board a luxury motor coach to drive along the spectacular Alaska and ’Top of the World’ Highways on the way to Dawson City. Along the way we pass through Chicken, Tok, and Rika’s Roadhouse. Eldorado Hotel (2 nights) |
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Sat
26
May
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Dawson City - Gold Dredge #4This morning we visit Gold Dredge #4 and the Discovery Claim, home to the richest placer gold strike in history. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town which has been declared a national historic site. |
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Sun
27
May
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Dawson City to WhitehorseWe drive south along the Klondike Highway through ranchlands, vast lakes and the beautiful expanses of the Yukon River valley to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. Best Western Gold Rush Inn (1 night) |
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Mon
28
May
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Whitehorse to HainesWe travel the Alaska Highway today to Haines Junction, where we join the scenic Haines Hwy to Alaska and the town of Haines. Captain’s Choice Motel (3 nights) |
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Tue
29
May
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Haines - White Pass & Yukon RailroadWe travel by water taxi to Skagway and explore this well preserved frontier town before boarding the famous White Pass & Yukon Railroad for the journey through to the White Pass Summit and back. We return to Haines by water taxi in the afternoon. |
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Wed
30
May
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HainesDay at leisure to enjoy Haines. Walk the un-crowded streets and explore the shops and quiet cafes. |
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Thu
31
May
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Haines to Inside PassageWe board our Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry this morning for the overnight journey to Wrangell. On board cabin with private facilities (1 night) |
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Fri
1
Jun
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Inside Passage to WrangellWe disembark the ferry this morning, giving us time to explore this historic town. Stikine Inn (3 nights) |
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Sat
2
Jun
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Wrangell - Le Conte Glacier and Petersburg TourToday we tour by boat to the southern most active glacier in the northern hemisphere. This glacier fills the bay with several miles of icebergs. Our tour also visits the community of Petersburg: ‘Alaska’s Little Norway’. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Sun
3
Jun
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Wrangell - Stikine River Wilderness TourThis morning we take a boat ride, this time through the lower reaches of the Stikine River. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Mon
4
Jun
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Wrangell to Inside PassageWe have most of the day free in Wrangell before boarding the Alaska Marine Ferry this evening for our overnight trip to Prince Rupert. On board cabin with private facilities (1 night) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Tue
5
Jun
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Inside Passage to Prince RupertWe arrive in Prince Rupert this morning, giving us half a day to wander Cow Bay, and visit the waterfront shops and cafés. Pacific Inn (1 night) |
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Wed
6
Jun
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Prince Rupert to VancouverFly to Vancouver and then onto Australia. |
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Thu
7
Jun
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In flight |
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Fri
8
Jun
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Arrive back in Australia |
Tour Notes & Options
Prices based on twin share accommodation, please contact us for single pricing.
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