Alaska Camping: Glaciers & Mountains

Now's the time to explore the United States on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Get out of the tourist bubble and into the Great Outdoors on this 14-day camping adventure through the glistening tidal glaciers and majestic mountains of Alaska. After spotting wildlife among national parks, you'll be charmed by historic towns enveloped in snow-capped peaks and lush evergreens. Camp in the remote Alaskan wilderness and experience the wonder of a night sky that never gets dark. What's cooler than being cool? Glacier cold.

Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive at any time.

Welcome to America’s Last Frontier. Tonight channel all of the excitement of arriving in a new place by heading out on the town with your CEO and crew. Head to a local bar and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, fun, and excitement as your adventure begins.

Day 2 Anchorage/Homer
Yes, you’re really in Alaska—stop thinking it’s all a dream and start to enjoy it! Traipse along the coast of the Kenai Peninsula with your travel family and maybe enjoy a hike outside of Homer. Then it’s back to the peninsula, where glaciers tumble down from the mountains into the ocean. Pick a friend to be on the lookout for beluga whales playing out at sea while you search for volcanoes across the Cook Inlet or vice versa. As you travel along the Turnagain Arm you're going to want pictures so make sure those cameras are charged.

Day 3 Homer
It’s time to explore Homer—a long strip of land full of shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and beaches. (Although, you probably won’t be swimming much). Take advantage of your free day to mingle with the locals, find some hidden gems, small town charm, and many friendly people more than willing to swap stories. Or let nature be your guide and take a water taxi out to explore Kachemak Bay and go for a hike. Stay observant as wildlife including; bald eagles, moose, and sandhill cranes are sure to be close by.

Day 4 Homer/Seward
Say, “see ya later” in the morning to Homer before it’s back onto the road to the Kenai Peninsula, but this time it’s to explore the Kenai Fjords on a half-day wildlife and whale watching cruise. Afterwards, arrive at the tip of the peninsula where the ice age still lingers. Spend the day exploring this site to discover the fjords, their history, science and remote splendour.

Day 5 Seward
Spend a day taking in the sheer beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. Head to the Harding Icefield, where almost 40 glaciers flow from. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Try hiking the Exit Glacier and witness a very visual example of climate change. Kayak in the fjords or view impressive wildlife including, puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons while you are out and about.

Day 6 Seward/Anchorage
Grab breakfast together as a group before heading back to Anchorage. Take advantage of a free day to get lost in Alaska's largest city. Walk along the boardwalk in Potter Marsh, pan for gold in Crow Creek, or sample local fare like, delectable king crab, fresh water salmon, and reindeer sausage.

Day 7 Anchorage/Valdez
Travel to Valdez, a quintessential Alaskan coastal town surrounded by impressive mountains and full of great places to explore. This tiny town is a great base for wild adventures in ‘Last Frontier’. Today, will be a long day of travel, but well worth it when you get to stop at places like Matanuska valley, Worthington Glacier, and Thompson Pass along the way.

Day 8 Valdez
Rise and shine! It’s time to get out and explore the coastal town of Valdez. Go off together or set out on a solo adventure through the wilds of Alaska. Hike Thompson’s pass, kayak beside one of the world’s largest tidal glaciers, or if in season catch a glimpse of salmon spawning. This town is a photographer’s dream with the crashing glaciers and towering Chugach Mountains rising from the seas; don’t forget that camera.

Day 9 Valdez/McCarthy
Since every direction in Wrangell-St Elias National Park has a spectacular view you may not know which way to turn first. The good news is you have time to see it all! Stay in the small historic town of McCarthy and try to keep yourself from spinning as you turn every which way to look at the mountains and glaciers; this town has more of them than anywhere else in Alaska.

Day 10 McCarthy
We told you there’d be more time to explore! Take advantage of a full free day to really get deep into Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Choose between taking an optional scenic flight over the park, go for a glacier walk, or try ice climbing. You’re in a stunning new place so why not venture out of that comfort zone. You can also choose to explore the ghost town of Kennecott, hike the Bonanza Mine Trail or the Root Glacier Trail. Either way take some time to reflect and appreciate the ‘Mountain Kingdom of North America’.

Fun fact: this park is actually the largest in the U.S., about 25% larger than Switzerland, and is the convergence point for three mountain ranges!

Day 11 McCarthy/Tangle Lakes
Cruise through wild Copper River Valley on the way to Tangle Lakes. Take a peek at the fishwheels (used for salmon) along the way. Once in Tangle Lakes hop out, stretch your legs, take in the mountain scenery, and get ready to camp under the big sky in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

Day 12 Tangle Lakes/Denali National Park and Preserve
Hop back on the road and enjoy a scenic drive along the Denali Highway, stopping for all those mountain selfies along the way. Pass by the highest mountain in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. Bask in the awesomeness of this vast wilderness and camp just outside of Denali National Park for the night.

Day 13 Denali National Park and Preserve
Anything seems possible in the vast expanse of wilderness of Denali NP and you’ll have a full day to immerse yourself in it. Head to Eielson Visitor Center, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife as you go. Get closer with nature on a hike, or choose to go rafting on one of the countless lakes and ponds surrounding you. Share picnic lunches with the group, savouring one another’s company as you enjoy the simple pleasures of food, friends, and gorgeous natural views.

Day 14 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
Alas, even the most epic trips must come to an end. Gaze out the window as you pass mountains, glaciers, and open sky on your return to Anchorage. Get ready to say “see you later” to your newest adventure buddies and maybe grab one more meal together before heading home.