Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer

G Adventures · 9 days

4.0

2 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching as far as the eye can see: everything is bigger in Alaska. Journey to the far north—where the sun never quite sets in the summer—and make the most of long days on hiking and wildlife-viewing excursions in the Alaskan wilderness.

Highlights

Set out on a wildlife safari through Denali National Park and Preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies moose caribou Dall sheep and wolves
Visit the famed Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close look at playful sea otters colorful puffins and leggy octopi
Watch sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about mushing traditions
Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, catamaran, shuttle bus, hiking

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Anchorage, United States

Finishes

Anchorage, United States

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Anchorage

Welcome to Anchorage–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Day 2: Anchorage/Seward

Travel down the scenic Seward Highway, past Turnagain Arm, where one of the largest bore tides in the world surges a massive wave into the waterway each day. Hike to view Exit Glacier on the Glacier Overlook trial. The afternoon is free to explore Seward; or opt for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness while hiking.

Day 3: Seward

Visit the famed Alaska Sealife Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. Board a catamaran for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down coastal mountains, forging icy pathways into the sea. Our boat takes us to the exit ramp for one of these massive ice sheets, where we may see—and hear—great chunks of ice fall straight into the water. Kenai is also a wildlife-lover's paradise, home to orcas and humpbacks, puffins, porpoises, and much more. Enjoy lunch on board.

Day 4: Seward/Talkeetna

On our journey back north, experience a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where the National Geographic TV show, Alaska Animal Rescue has been filmed. The show follows dedicated animal caretakers from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—as well as other animal centres throughout the state—and showcases their efforts to protect and respond to wild animals in need in the unforgiving climates of Alaska. Wander the scenic loop, learn about the resident wildlife, and try spotting brown bears, moose, wood bison, or wolves in the sanctuary's 200 acres. From here, the group will travel to the Thunder Bird Falls Trail and enjoy a short hike out to the waterfall before finishing the journey to Talkeetna where everyone will have a free evening in town.

Day 5: Talkeetna/Denali National Park and Preserve

As we travel toward Denali National Park, we get ever closer to Denali—or “the great one”—North America's highest peak. Even among the soaring summits of the Alaska Range, Denali dominates the horizon. Since the beginning of the early 20th century, many explorers have undertaken expeditions within the wilds of Alaska funded by National Geographic. These research initiatives included early aerial photographs and geographical mapping of what was once America's “Last Frontier.” Once in the park we'll travel to a dog sledding facility. Here, snuggle a husky puppy, watch sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season, and learn about mushing traditions

Day 6: Denali National Park and Preserve

This morning, venture into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve on a wildlife safari. The park's incredible creatures stand out against the sparse landscape, and a drive along the park road is often the best way to see them. As we drive to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) and back, make it your mission to spot Denali's “big five:” grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and elusive wolves. The return trip to our hotel offers another chance for wildlife-viewing.

Day 7: Denali National Park and Preserve

This morning, meet up with an Alaska resident to hear all about life in America's northernmost state. Then set off for a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center where the kids will have the opportunity to wrap up their junior ranger activities. After having lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area.

Day 8: Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage

This morning stop for a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, which made National Geographic Travel's “Top 10-things to do in Anchorage” list as THE cultural site to see during your time here. Enjoy a private tour and a unique presentation about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska's Indigenous cultures. Afterwards, finish the short journey to Anchorage and join the group for a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 9: Anchorage

Depart at any time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $8,699

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 30 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Brent

Traveled, August 2024

08/11/2024

Great time and experience

4.0

Robin

Traveled, July 2024

08/04/2024

I like to being able to see both the national parks and some cities. They appreciated that it was the best of California and not just one section. However, I think it would’ve been nice to spend a little more time in the cities as it seemed like we didn’t get enough of time there. There’s only one thing I really didn’t like, which was the fact that we had to buy all of our lunches, with the exception of the two that were provided. Did with another company all the meals were provided for. Which means we paid for them upfront, didn’t have to worry about buying them every day.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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