Alaska: Kenai Peninsula

Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides

All accommodations while on tour; including ideally situated hotels along the Kenai River and on the Homer Spit. All rooms have private baths

All transportation while on tour

Park fees

Sea kayaking, Resurrection Bay cruise

All meals included except one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included

DAY 1
Meet in Anchorage and transfer to Kenai Peninsula; Exit Glacier, 1.5 miles, easy to moderate. Resurrection Bay Cruise
From the meeting point in Anchorage, you begin a scenic drive south along the Turnagain Arm, beneath the awesome Chugach Mountains, to the picturesque town of Seward on Resurrection Bay. Upon arrival in Seward, a brief welcome meeting is followed by lunch in view of a spectacular backdrop of snowcapped mountains and water.
Following lunch, a short drive brings you to the base of Exit Glacier, the only glacier accessible by road in Kenai Fjords National Park. An easy trail takes you alongside the glacier, providing close-up views of this impressive ice-age remnant. It is believed that this active glacier once extended all the way to Seward.
Later this afternoon, the Seward Small Boat Harbor is where you board a boat for an exploratory cruise on Resurrection Bay. This scenic and informative trip highlights the wildlife, hidden coves, and alpine glaciers of the bay. A stop on one of the islands includes a salmon bake dinner, a fitting welcome to your Alaskan adventure and the natural wonders that lie ahead.
Windsong Lodge, Seward

DAY 2
Lost Lake; 8-10 miles, moderate
Today you embark on a spectacular hike up Lost Lake trail. The round trip is 10 miles, with a 2,000-foot elevation gain; however, you may opt to walk a portion of the trail. The route winds through the northernmost coastal rainforest of moss-covered hemlocks and spruce as it leads to the high country where patches of stunted evergreens give way to alpine tundra. A stunning site for a picnic lunch is at the top of this glacial valley, with 360-degree views of snowcapped mountains and Resurrection Bay, which sits along the horizon. En route you are likely to see signs of wildlife habitat, if not the wildlife itself. A pleasure not to be missed is simply to sit quietly, listening to the silence and watching for Dall sheep grazing above.
Tonight you enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant overlooking Resurrection Bay.
Windsong Lodge, Seward

DAY 3
Optional fishing or Kenai River float trip. Russian River Falls; 4 miles, easy to moderate
This morning you can choose between a visit to the world-class Alaskan Sea Life Center, one of Alaska’s premier marine visitor attractions, or simply take time to stroll Main Street in Seward, exploring shops, galleries, and the Small Boat Harbor.
Mid-morning you begin the 1 ½ hour drive to your next accommodation, a lodge nestled within the Chugach National Forest offering beautiful views over the Kenai River. Upon arrival lunch is served on the deck, which overlooks the river valley. Following lunch you can choose to fish or raft along the Kenai River (please note that the cost for these activities is not included in the tour price), or you may wish to join the guides on a walk to Russian River Falls. Here you may spot salmon swimming upstream, before returning to relax in the comfort of the bungalow-style rooms or soak in the hot tub.
Tonight fresh fare is served in the serene setting of the lodge’s dining room.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai

DAY 4
Grewingk Glacier; 5 miles, easy to moderate
This morning your route leads further south along the Kenai Peninsula, this time along its western shore to the scenic town of Homer. Approaching Homer, an incredible panorama of mountains, white peaks, and glaciers unveils itself—presenting the landscape to explore over the next three days.
A yellow taxi boat, driven by our friend Karl, takes you across Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival you are served a beachfront lunch, surrounded by spectacular views. Kachemak Bay State Park extends 200 miles along the southwestern edge of the Kenai Peninsula and is home to glaciers, high mountains, lakes, islands, beaches, and a picturesque rocky shoreline.
The walking trail skirts the shores of Kachemak Bay where you can comb the rocky beach and then crosses a huge glacial outwash plain. From here the views further unfold as you approach Grewingk Lake at the base of spectacular Grewingk Glacier.
Your walk continues—this time along a low ridge between Grewingk Glacier and Halibut Cove, the trail providing stunning views as it descends through short switchbacks and steep forested terrain. The return journey to the shores of Kachemak Bay is by boat. Tonight you are warm and dry in comfortable accommodations with spectacular views overlooking Kachemak Bay, and mountains and glaciers farther in the distance. An independent dinner this evening allows you to explore this small Alaskan town and choose from one of its many restaurants.
Land’s End Resort, Homer

DAY 5
Sea kayaking on Kachemak Bay; 4 hours (no experience necessary)
After breakfast you return to Kachemak Bay State Park, this time to discover the shores and coves of the bay by kayak.
Following a thorough dry-land orientation and instruction on paddling technique, safety, and boat handling, you launch your kayak. The adventure features spectacular scenery as you wind your way through two bays, paddling in narrow tidal channels and close to bold sea cliffs before emerging into more open water. The route provides a glimpse of diverse scenery and sea life including the Gull Island seabird colony, where you may see puffins and other species of seabirds. This is a perfect way to explore the bay, its wildlife, and its incredible beauty. Following a full morning of kayaking, a water taxi takes you back across the bay to Homer. Here you have time to explore local shops and galleries, partake in an optional afternoon walk, or simply relax and enjoy the view from your beachfront accommodations.
This evening a farewell dinner is served at a unique restaurant accessible only by boat.
Land’s End Resort, Homer

DAY 6
Bishop’s Beach; 3 miles, easy
One last shared sunrise over the dramatic Kenai Mountains is followed by an early morning breakfast at the famed Two Sisters Bakery, a local favorite. Following breakfast, the first stop is at the nearby Visitor’s Center before a final walk along Bishop’s Beach. During lunch, your guides can assist you in arranging any number of activities from spa treatments at the hotel to halibut fishing to “flight seeing” or even a return visit to Halibut’s Cove for a leisurely look at a number of artisan galleries along a unique pier/path system. If you are departing Homer on this day, transportation to the airport can be arranged through the front desk at the Land’s End Resort.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.