Day to Day Activities for Students | Alaska Adventure

Our eight day adventure ranges from the city of Anchorage, filled with cultural delights, to the tundra and mountain landscapes of Denali National Park to the north, and the ocean and glacier country of Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park to the south.

"It was so gratifying to see our son able to handle this adventure. It definitely exceeded his expectations. He wants to go again next year!" Meredith and Joe Callanan

Day 1 Arrival in Anchorage

Depart gateway city and arrive in Anchorage, Alaska in the afternoon. After a greeting by our guides, we transfer to the University of Alaska for check-in at the dorms. Dinner is followed by a fun orientation meeting, and teambuilding games.

Day 2 Alaska Railroad to Denali

This morning after breakfast we transfer to the Alaska Railroad depot for a scenic train ride north through spectacular Alaskan wilderness. Around noon we arrive at Talkeetna, gateway to Denali National Park, where we have lunch, and soak in the atmosphere. Continuing north we check in at our cedar lodge on the banks of the Nenana River. A campfire talk tonight will introduce our guides from the Denali Education Center and Alaska Geographic.

Day 3 Denali National Park

Morning departure for Denali National Park and our first views of the summit of 20,320 foot Denali (Mt. McKinley). Embarking on our own chartered bus with our expert naturalist guides from Alaska Geographic, we explore the fragile tundra ecosystem and journey into the park for views of peaks, rivers, and wildlife include grizzly, moose and caribou. This afternoon we visit the park visitor center, and check out a sled dog demonstration before dinner at the famous Alaska Salmon Bake.

Day 4 Denali and Sled Dogs

This morning we take off on a spectacular hike for wildlife viewing and discussions along the wild Nenana River. This afternoon, we board our coach, bidding farewell to Denali for the trip back to Anchorage. Along the way we stop in Wasilla, the headquarters of the famous Iditerod Sled Dog Race. Here we learn all about this famous Alaska tradition, hold sled dog puppies, and take a ride on a musher's sled pulled by a team of veteran sled dogs. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Day 5 Kenai Fjords, Exit Glacier, and Seward

Today we again leave Anchorage, this time journeying south along famous Turnagain Arm toward Seward. The scenery is spectacular and we make stops for pictures. At Exit Glacier we join a Park Service ranger for a guided walk to the glacier's very edge. Awesome Exit Glacier flows from the huge Harding Icefield, and it spills dramatically into the valley. Here we have a chance to see how the glacier has moved over the decades, advancing and retreating, and we scoop up some glacial meltwater to take a taste of water hundreds, or even thousands of years old. (don't worry...it's safe!) Continuing on to Seward, we visit the Alaska Sealife Center, a spectacular aquarium and research center full of marine life from the Gulf of Alaska. A great preparation for our cruise tomorrow on Resurrection Bay!

Day 6 Seward, Resurrection Bay cruise, Lunch on scenic Fox Island

Glaciers, grizzly, sea otters and humpback whales are on tap today as we board a day cruise to spectacular Resurrection Bay and views of Kenai Fjords National Park. We view tremendous hanging glaciers, keep a watch out for feeding whales and other marine life, and enjoy a grilled salmon lunch at the wilderness lodge at Fox Island.

On our return trip to Anchorage, we stop at Portage Glacier and its lake of icebergs, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where we get up-close looks at rescued animals like moose, wolves, grizzly and caribou. This evening, we will enjoy a fun farewell to Alaska dinner at Anchorage's famous Sourdough Mining Company.

On our final day we explore the fascinating and colorful cultures of Alaska at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. On a walk through recreated villages, we discover how native peoples lived in Alaska for thousands of years, and even take part in traditional crafts and games from the past. On site, native Alaskan artists carve totems and other traditional items. Time permitting we'll also visit the famous Alaska Downtown Market, full of crafts and unique foods, or even have a try at Salmon fishing in downtown Anchorage at Ship Creek. Afternoon or evening return flights home.