The North
Day 7 – 10

Anchorage

Alaska

At the frontier of the Arctic there is pure gold. We adventure to glaciers, grizzly bears and a stupendous alpine world on the roof of the Americas.
Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is the gateway to the Alaskan wilderness of alpine mountains and fjord coastlines, where wolves and caribou, bears and salmon survive on the edge of the sub Arctic. Early settlers discovered gold, and with rich fishing grounds here, developed frontier towns in Alaska by living off the land.

For the next three days we explore from our luxury hotel and journey beyond Anchorage to witness grizzly bears fishing for salmon in the waterfalls of Katmai, raft the Upper Spenser River, or pan for gold at the Old Crow Mine, travel on the Pacific Railroad to the hidden harbour of Whittier, and cruise beneath stupendous glaciers carving into the Seward Sound.

Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, is a retreat surrounded by towering mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and stunning ocean vistas that have shaped Alaskan experience since 1994. The resort pays homage to Alaska’s rich heritage, blending contemporary design with rustic Alaskan wilderness charm. It serves as a reminder of the Gold Rush era when Anchorage was a bustling hub for adventurers seeking their fortune. Today, it provides a serene escape where guests can explore nearby national parks, embark on wildlife safaris, or relax in the spa. The resort’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the spirit of conservation that defines Alaska. It’s a top choice for discerning travelers who want to experience the rugged beauty and culture of the Last Frontier.

Grizzly Bears of Katmai

Summer is the time for the migrating salmon to enter Alaskan rivers after their epic years growing in the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the Spring months, Grizzly bears feed on fresh grasses, plant roots and ocassionally seashore life, but during the salmon migration bears are to be found along the rivers and waterfalls of Katmai, gorging on salmon en route to their spawning grounds. We will watch in complete safety from our riverside boardwalks as the bears dash and swim to catch the plentiful fish.

Panning for gold at the Old Crow Mine

Crow Creek Mine provides a unique opportunity to relive the historic Gold Rush of Alaska. Established in 1896, Crow Creek Mine is one of Alaska's most renowned hydraulic gold mining operations. Here we will see a unique blend of historical buildings, antiques, rare mining equipment, beautiful gardens and amazing mountain scenery, and try our hand panning for gold in the woodland stream.

Flightseeing in the Alaska Range

From Talkeetna we will fly by classic Beaver bush planes deep into the spectacular alpine mountains surrounding Denali, the highest peak in the United States. If weather conditions permit we hope to land for a glacier picnic and to wonder at the mighty peaks above us.

Cruising beneath the coastal glaciers of Blackstone Bay

Leaving Anchorage by a short Pacific Railroad journey through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, we soon arrive at the historic coastal town of Whittier. Here we embark on our cruise to Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where sea cliff bird colonies and two tidewater glaciers await. We will cruise under huge blue ice cliffs and listen to the creaking and cracking of the ice and see the glittering white spray from waterfalls cascading into the sea. If we are lucky seals and perhaps sea otters are basking in the sun around the kelp seaweed or lazing on small ice floes as we pass by. The orca killer whale and humpback whales are present in these waters, feeding on herring that migrate down from the north.