Alaska Summer Family Holiday

Welcome to Anchorage – Alaska’s largest centre and main city. Set on Cook Inlet, this acts as the starting point of your summer family adventure. There isn’t anything planned today until a group welcome meeting at 5 pm, so you are free to arrive at any time today. After this all-important briefing where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travelling families, keep the introductions going as you head out together for an optional dinner!

After breakfast together, it’s time to go learn about all things Alaska. First off, visit Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof, where you can take in the stunning views of Anchorage’s skyline as well as the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Shameless family selfie time – check! Continue on in your private vehicle to historic Ship Creek – an area of where Anchorage was first settled in 1911 as a tent city. Nearby, find a salmon stream where keen anglers often catch some fish on their lunch breaks. Here, you’ll also see the Anchorage Rail Terminal, home to the historic Alaska Railroad. This afternoon, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center – an interactive range of exhibitions, educating travellers about the traditional owners and First Nations peoples of this territory and beyond. Walk through six life-sized village sites dotted around the grounds – representing Alaskan territories such as the Athabascan, Inupiaq and Yup’ik/Cup’ik communities – and perhaps head into the Hall of Cultures, which displays works from Alaska Native artists. Plus, the kids will be entertained with some craft activities on offer! Once you’ve completed your visit, join your leader as they take you back to your accommodation. Tonight is free for your family to explore and eat at your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll downtown.

All aboard! Today, you’ll be jumping on the Alaska Railroad Goldstar Service bright and early bound for Seward. Be ready for an early start, as the train leaves the station at around 6.45 am, but you and the troops will have plenty of time to catch up on sleep during the journey. The 4-hour trip takes you through some stunning regional landscapes. Plus, with glass-dome ceilings and outdoor viewing decks on board, you’ll all be in prime position. Today’s destination is the town of Seward – the gateway of the original Iditarod Trail to interior Alaska. On arrival, check into your hotel and have the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Your leader will be able to provide recommendations on what to do and where you could eat, so be sure to ask them!

Railway yesterday, seaside today! After breakfast, embark on a 6-hour scenic cruise deep from Seward scaling the edge of the Kenai Fjords National Park. The Kenai Peninsula is perfect to see on the water, and your comfortable catamaran will get you as close as possible to the glaciers and wildlife around. The cruise captain will give a full narration today, providing insight into the main sights along the way as well as the area’s ecology, history and geology. Highlights of the day are watching the mighty Holgat Glacier calve as chunks of ice crash into the water, as well as spotting sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, eagles, harbour seals and seabirds. Fingers crossed you might even spot a whale or two breaching in the water around you! After disembarking the ship back in Seward, you and the crew are free to relax in and around town tonight.

After stocking up on breakfast, lace up your walking shoes for a leisurely walk like no other. Head with your leader and other adventurers to Exit Glacier, where you’ll enjoy an easy 3-kilometre (2-mile) round-trip hike to the glacier lookout. It’s a spectacular sight to see, especially in summer months with the sun glistening on the surface. Next up is dog sledding – yes, you heard right! Even in summer, this activity is a staple in Alaska. You’ll ride – or as the sledders call it, ‘mush’ – through the Alaskan wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek. Keep an ear out for your local guide explaining how to train and steer the dogs, plus some fun stories along the trail. When you arrive back at the kennel, see the great facilities provided for your furry friends, and perhaps even meet some adorable husky puppies! Afterwards, transfer back to your accommodation for a free evening.

Enjoy a free morning in Seward, perhaps booking in on any optional activities you and your family might have seen. There’s the Alaska SeaLife Center to explore, or for more of an adrenaline rush, how about a spot of zip lining? Otherwise, take a wander down to the foreshore after breakfast to go otter spotting. In the afternoon, head back to Anchorage as a group via the Chugach State Park, checking out the stunning vistas of Flattop Mountain. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Anchorage district, plus depending on how clear the weather is, views towards Mount Susitna (or the Sleeping Lady), Denali National Park and the Alaska Range. How cool! This afternoon, check into your hotel, and perhaps gather together with your fellow families for a celebration of your time together in Alaska.

With no activities planned for the family today, you are free to say your goodbyes to your group leader and family friends and leave the accommodation, either continuing your own Alaskan adventure or beginning your homebound journey. If you would like to spend more time in Anchorage, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).