Alaska Kenai Fjords Explorer - 9 Days

Once you have arrived in Anchorage, set between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet, make your way to the hotel. As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage offers a unique blend of urban life and surrounding wilderness.

If you have time before the tour starts, you can join the optional World Famous Brooks River Alaskan Brown Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park (available in July). Bear viewing flights in other months visit similar locations. Anchorage is known for its wildlife, like bears, moose and wolves.

We begin our journey with a welcome meeting at 6 PM, where we meet our fellow travellers and guide. Afterwards, we head out together for a group meal, a relaxed introduction to the days ahead and a chance to get to know one another.

Please note: The World Famous Brooks River Alaskan Brown Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park and other bear flight experiences are operated the day prior to the start of the tour

Starting point: 2200 Spenard Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, United States.

Anchorage - Seward - Kenai Fjords National Park - Seward. Over the next 3 days, we travel to Seward, located on the eastern edge of the Kenai Peninsula along the shores of Resurrection Bay. Known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is reached by a scenic half-day drive from Anchorage.

On arrival, you have free time to explore the waterfront at your own pace, taking in views across the bay and surrounding mountains. During this time, you may choose to join optional activities such as kayaking or fishing.

The following day, we head out on a boat cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. We travel through glacier-carved fjords, keeping watch for marine wildlife along the way, before witnessing the dramatic sight of a calving glacier.

We also visit Exit Glacier, where we set out on a hike through forest and alpine terrain. For those seeking a challenge, the Harding Icefield Trail offers a 13.2 km round trip, climbing from the valley floor through cottonwood and alder forest, across open meadows, and above the tree line to sweeping views over the icefield. From the top, a vast expanse of ice stretches to the horizon. Shorter hiking options are available for those who prefer a more relaxed walk, all offering impressive views.

Seward - Homer. Today, we travel to Homer, located on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula along Kachemak Bay. This coastal town is known for its strong fishing heritage and thriving arts scene.

On the way, we make scenic stops for photos and short walks. Depending on the season, we may pause to watch salmon running upstream at the Russian River or visit a Russian Orthodox church overlooking the bay, with views across to distant volcanoes.

On arrival, we explore Homer and its characterful waterfront, including the narrow spit lined with galleries, shops and fishing boats. You then have some time to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting local galleries or experiencing the town’s fishing culture.

Homer - Kachemak Bay. Over the next 2 days, we head to our remote Adventure Camp, set along the shores of Kasitsna Bay within Kachemak Bay, across from Homer. Surrounded by wilderness, this is our base for the next two nights.

From our cabin, we explore the area on foot, walking along the beach in search of bald eagles and other coastal wildlife, or heading out on nearby hiking trails. The setting offers wide views across the bay and a strong sense of Alaska’s untamed landscape.

The following day, we take to the water for a half-day sea kayaking experience in Kasitsna Bay. Paddling along the coastline, we look out for sea otters and harbour seals, with bald eagles often seen overhead.

One evening, we come together for a salmon dinner, a chance to relax and enjoy the surroundings after a day of exploring.

Kachemak Bay - Homer - Hope. We depart early today, taking a water taxi back to Homer before continuing our journey along the coastline towards Hope.

Overlooking Turnagain Arm, Hope is a small, historic town known for its gold rush past and quiet setting. On arrival, we explore the town and its open-air museum, offering insight into early life in this remote part of Alaska.

Hope - Anchorage. After our final breakfast, we take a short but scenic drive along Turnagain Arm back to Anchorage, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as beluga whales or Dall sheep along the way.

We stop at Potter Marsh, a protected wetland known for its birdlife and a variety of other wildlife.

Arriving in Anchorage around midday, you have free time to explore the city at your own pace. You may wish to visit local attractions such as the Anchorage Museum or Alaska Native Heritage Center, or take a ride along the coastal trail. Despite being home to nearly half of Alaska’s population, Anchorage remains closely connected to the surrounding wilderness, where moose and bears are often part of the landscape.

We arrive back in Anchorage in the late afternoon, where you will make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!