Wilds of Alaska & the Inside Passage

Welcome to Vancouver, framed by the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountains. A world of wonder awaits as you step on board and raise your glass to toast the start of your luxurious cruise. (D)

Today, relax on your Discovery Yacht. With so many choices on board, you will be surprised how quickly time passes. Choose one of the daily activities including a class at Scenic Epicure, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre, or make time for your own fitness regime. (B/L/D)

Continue cruising up the picturesque coast of British Columbia. Try a game of bridge or canasta in the Observatory or test your knowledge with some trivia in the lounge. Whatever you choose to do, you will love the relaxing and luxurious finish to your extraordinary expedition voyage. (B/L/D)

Located near the Stikine River, Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska, with its rich history is visible in the collection of totem poles scattered throughout the town. Surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, many are attracted to the region's fauna and flora. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory offer a rare chance to view wildlife including brown and black bears up close, you will soon see why this is known to be the heart of the Inside Passage. Freechoice: See the city of Wrangell on a walking tour or venture down the Stikine River on jet boat. Play a round of golf at the unique Muskeg Meadows or join a local guide for a walk through a nearby rainforest. Alternatively, learn about native artists during a hands on workshop. (B/L/D)

Discover the home of the Tlingit people in Kake, with more than 70% of the people still preserving and continuing their heritage. Connect with the locals and learn about their survival through hunting, fishing and gathering plants and berries. Kake is a prime location for spotting whales and for bear watching during the summer when they emerge take feast on the thriving salmon population. The icy seas and thick forestland allow premium hiking trails such as Big John Bay Trail, Goose Lake Trail and Cathedral Falls Trail. Discovery: Join our Discovery Team for a hike or kayaking adventure. (B/L/D)

As the old capital of Alaska during the Russian empire, Sitka still has strong ties to Russia. From the battle of the indigenous people with the Russians to the establishment of St. Michael’s Cathedral, North America's first orthodox cathedral, there is much history to unpack and explore. Sitka, of the United States main fishing ports, attracts seafood enthusiasts in hoardes. The picturesque landscape at Sitka National Historical Park and the wildlife of the Inside Passage is a tourist favourite where whales and Pacific salmon thrive deep below as bald eagles soar overhead.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Explore Sitka during a walking tour, or learn about the wildlife visiting the Fortress of the Bears and the Alaska Raptor Center. Alternatively, experience Sitka’s history. Discovery: Kayak the waters of Sitka Sound. (B/L/D)

Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world, stretching 122 kilometres. This mountain of ice exemplifies the grandness of the region. (B/L/D)

Formed by retreating glaciers, Icy Bay lives up to its reputation with scattered icebergs floating in the clear, deep waters. Cruise through the fjord, taking in the spectacular scenery. (B/L/D)

Discover one of Alaska's most historic towns, Seward. This seaside village offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park and a bustling harbour. Marine life, jagged cliffs and seabirds can be found at Resurrection Bay. Take to the seas and get a chance to spot sea lions and tidewater caves. Whether it is embarking on adventurous activities such as summer-style dogsledding or strolling through the streets of the ‘Mural Capital of Alaska’, there is something for everyone.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Join a local wildlife tour, and search for whales, sea otters, sea lions and marine birds, or visit the Alaska Sealife Centre, a refuge for injured and orphaned marine wildlife, and learn about the wildlife response team and research teams. Choose to meet Iditarod Sled Dogs and take the chance to experience summer-style dogsledding or, zip line and rappel through a nearby rainforest. Alternatively, explore the local museum, before joining a local artist on a walking tour through Seward’s downtown murals. Discovery: Hike to Exit Glacier with a local naturalist to give insight on topography, vegetation and natural habitats of a glacial environment. (B/L/D)

Homer is a small city on Kachemak Bay, that packs a big punch. Take in the charming coastal city that is distinguished by its gravel bar that extends into the bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Learn of the local area and see the scenic vistas of Kachemak Bay during a narrated cruise or learn about the intertidal creatures around the Homer Harbor Docks. Alternatively, test your skills with a cooking class on a local island, or explore Homer city gaining an understanding into the history and culture of this quaint community. Discovery: Hike to Glacier Lake in Kachemak Bay State Park with a guide or go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding with our Discovery Team. (B/L/D)

Situated along the Gulf of Alaska, the city of Kodiak is renowned for its inhabitants of grizzly bears, national state parks and sportfishing spots. Uncover history and learn about Kodiak’s key role in WWII as a staging point for US operations with Fort Abercrombie built as a defense post to protect the naval base. Renowned for its wildlife, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers two thirds of the island and several nature-loving visitors each year. This is the best location to spot the salmon loving brown bear and other wildlife while taking in the majestic lakes and dramatic mountains within the national park.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Discover the wildlife of the Kodiak Archipelago on a sightseeing boat with a local captain or see the highlights of Kodiak Harbour on a guided walking tour. Choose to learn about the world of a fisherman, hearing their personal tales and tasting their fresh bounty, or meet Alutiiq Artists and watch them forge their traditional, unique crafts with master skill. Alternatively, learn the Russian history of the area. Discovery: Hike parts of the Fort Abercrombie State Park with a local, learning the history of this area, while keeping watch for sea birds and whales, or go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding with our Discovery Team. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the excellent ultra-luxurious amenities of your Discovery Yacht. Try a game of bridge or canasta in the Observatory Lounge or tempt your palate at a wine tasting. (B/L/D)

One of the world’s largest and most famous fishing ports, Dutch Harbour has a fascinating history. In 1942, Dutch Harbor was attacked by aerial bombardment from the Japanese. Take in the beautiful scenery of this remote and mountainous landscape much loved by tourists, and famed for its hiking, skiing, sportfishing, kayaking and wildlife. Freechoice: Join a guided hike to a WWII Bunker, passing by numerous WWII ruins, or choose to visit the sites of Unalaska at your leisure with a Hop on Hop Off School Bus. (B/L/D)

St Paul Island in the Bering Sea lies between USA and Russia, and has a land area of just 100km2 and uniquely has just one school, one post office, one bar, one shop and one church. Nature is abundant as the rugged landscape has been shaped by surrounding volcanoes and lava craters. Fauna has flourished with the region becoming well known as a breeding ground for more than 500,000 northern fur seals and millions of seabirds. Spend your day exploring the local museum and church with a local, before visiting the nearby seal colony. (B/L/D)

Relax on board and indulge yourself at the Senses Spa or take a yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. There’ll be insightful lectures and presentations from the Discovery Team in the theatre or you could also choose to learn new cooking techniques in Scenic Epicure. Whatever you choose to do, you will love the relaxing and luxurious finish to your extraordinary expedition voyage. (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends this morning in Anchorage as you say farewell to your crew. Settle in for a one-night stay. This evening you will join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Your adventure starts today with a visit to Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Centre, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates, and shares Alaska Native Culture, language, heritage, and tradition. Sit back and watch Native artisans as they work on their crafts and enjoy live traditional dance performances before a private visit with an Alaskan native storyteller, who will bring you into their culture as they share the stories about their history and people. Drive through the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley, considered one of the most important agricultural regions in Alaska.

The valley is rimmed by three major mountain ranges: The Alaska Range, and the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. Indulge in expansive views of alpine peaks and valleys, rivers and streams, and vast spruce and birch forests before arriving at your lodge for the next two-nights. This evening you will have a unique opportunity to meet a local Alaskan, Howard Carbone. Revel in his stories of climbing Denali, nature in the area, and living in Alaska through photographs, videos, and stories. (B/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a jet boat ride down the Susitna river with an onboard naturalist and visit a Dena’ina Indian Encampment. Alternatively, set out to explore Talkeetna’s best hiking trails with a naturalist guide on a hike through old-growth forest, alive with songbirds, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms. Watch for loons and kingfishers on the lakes, moose and bears in the woods and enjoy the view of Denali on the horizon. Enrich: A classic Alaskan experience awaits. Fly into the heart of Denali National Park, soaring over glaciers and icebergs, keeping an eye out for moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land on a snow field high on a glacier and take a walk in this remote environment before returning back to your lodge. (B)

Travel aboard luxury dome rail cars from Talkeetna to Denali National Park. Large, panoramic windows allow for mostly unrestricted views of the scenery around you and provide an excellent vantage point for photos. As you approach Denali National Park, journey along the snaking Indian River and enjoy expansive sights of Hurricane Gulch, and make sure to look to your left to view the highest mountain in North America, Denali, and the stunning Alaska Range. On arrival visit the Denali Education Centre and enjoy a talk from a local resident about what it takes to live life in Alaska, before checking into your lodge for a two-night stay. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the spectacular wildlife that call Denali National Park home as you travel 62 miles towards the Stony Hill Overlook. Board a comfortable national park’s tour bus and immerse yourself in a scenic journey of natural wonders, a narrated history of Park Road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park’s inhabitants. Alternatively, spend up to 8 hours exploring Denali National Park on a hiking adventure with your guide. Hike, identify the flora and fauna, capture photos and simply enjoy having a professional, local Alaskan guide take you on a sightseeing adventure. (B/L)

Today we journey back through scenic mountain scenery to Anchorage. Stop in the small community of Willow for a visit to an authentic sled dog kennel. Meet with a veteran Iditarod musher before an exhilarating and adorable dog sled ride through the property, while safely in an ATV. After your dogsled run, meet the canine athletes that pulled your ATV and interact with the puppies. Following lunch with Vern Halter the owner of the kennel and an Iditrarod champion, continue to Anchorage and your hotel, the Anchorage Marriott Downtown Hotel for a one-night stay. Tonight, relive your experiences at your farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Sadly, it is time to bid farewell and take many wonderful memories with you. The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)