Yukon and Alaska Explorer
If you’ve ever wanted to visit the top of the world, this adventure will take you further north than you’ve ever been before. Combining visits to Canada’s rugged Yukon and the dramatic state of Alaska, you will experience two environments that challenge the limits of human endurance. Your adventure begins in Whitehorse, the gateway to the Gold Rush, through spectacular rugged mountains, serene landscapes, and breathtaking scenery. You, will marvel below nature’s greatest spectacle: the magical Northern Lights and immerse yourself in the culture of the Inuit peoples.
Day 1-Arrival in Whitehorse, YukonÂ
Arrive at Whitehorse Airport and transfer independently to your hotel in central Whitehorse. Pick-up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to discover this rustic town. Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 2- Whitehorse
You day is at leisure to explore Whitehorse and experience its warm frontier hospitality. Browse through the native art and craft shops and visit the Old Log Church, the Takhini Hot Springs, the Whitehorse Rapids and the sternwheeler SS Klondike II. The Frantic Follies turn-of-the-century show is highly recommended for an evening of Gold Rush entertainment. Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 3-Whitehorse to Dawson City
The Klondike Highway is your access route into the hospitable central Yukon. Along the way, you will catch glimpses of the mighty Yukon River as it toils along its 3,500 km journey up to Alaska’s Bering Sea. You will be entering the traditional hunting grounds of the Kaska Indians, where bears, wolves, lynx and moose roam in abundance. You will stop at one of the gold rush staging posts and Bonanza Creek to uncover the very origin of the Gold Rush. Your day winds down in Dawson City, located in a sheltered valley of the Yukon River at the mouth of the Klondike River. It was one of North America’s liveliest towns in 1899, and it’s all yours to explore tonight, as you sample some Gold Rush- era entertainment at the Palace Grand Theatre.Overnight in Dawson City.
Day 4- Dawson CityÂ
This historic city is yours to explore today. Many original buildings have stood the test of time, while others have been faithfully restored. You can spend the day touring the historic landmarks of Dawson City and the surrounding goldfields reliving the “Spirit of ’98†that still haunts the Klondike. The afternoon brings you a chance to strike your own fortune panning for gold at an authentic, working gold claim. For a slightly different chance at fortune, visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. Overnight in Dawson City.
Day 5-Dawson City to Fairbanks, Alaska
Today, you will “Go West Young Man†along the Top-of-the-World Highway. This ruggedly scenic route crosses into Alaska at Little Gold Camp, the highest border crossing between Canada and the United States. Continuing along the Alaska Highway to Delta Junction, the final milepost of the highway, you will pass through a startling landscape of magnificent alpine vistas and barren jagged mountains. The route follows the Tanana River to Fairbanks — the hub of Alaska’s interior, located less than 200 km south of the Arctic Circle. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 6- Fairbanks
Having reached the barren heart of Alaska, you can take a full day to explore the attractions of this Gold Rush town. You will relish the picturesque scenery, illuminated by the unique spectacle of the Northern Lights. You can visit nearby Cripple Creek, a restored ghost town of frontier buildings, then take to the water and cruise the Chena and Tanana rivers by authentic sternwheeler. You will sail past deserted cabins, native settlements and stop at Indian River Village. A short trip to Fort Yukon is available to take you right across the Arctic Circle. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 7- Fairbanks to Denali National Park
Today’s route takes you along the George Parks Highway, across the Tanana River and on to Denali National Park. The towering mountains, wide valleys, roaring rivers and rippling streams of Alaska’s interior offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can choose between hiking, fishing or canoeing against the backdrop of a pristine wilderness. Driving south, you will soon see Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak at 6193 m. It signals your entrance into Denali National Park. Overnight in Denali National Park.
Day 8 -Denali National Park
Discover the abundant wildlife and cultural history of Denali National Park today. Take a full-day wildlife watching tour of Denali National Park lying serenely within the shadows of the majestic Mount McKinley. Weather permitting, you will have an opportunity to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears and Dall sheep from the comfort of a specially modified tour bus. Later in the day, you may take the opportunity to explore some of the hiking trails that wind through the park. Overnight in Denali National Park
Day 9-Denali National Park to Anchorage
Today you will continue your adventure southbound, traversing vast woodlands of spruce, birch and aspen. Descending from the interior, Alaska’s great geographical diversity becomes evident as the dense evergreen forests and windswept mountains give way to the lush Matanuska River Valley. The Matanuska River Valley is the richest agricultural region in Alaska, where 20-hour summer days produce giant vegetables. You will reach Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, located at the head of Cook Inlet before dusk. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 10Â -Anchorage
The next two days are yours to discover the modern city of Anchorage and its surroundings. Explore Chugach National Forest, a wildlife-photographer\'s delight that is also popular with anglers and hikers. You may decide to have a relaxing day in town, visiting the Anchorage Tourism Centre, or perhaps a leisurely stroll through the beautiful displays of the Anchorage Botanical Gardens featuring more than 1100 species of hardy perennials and over 150 native arctic plant species. End the day on a waterside patio and perhaps a dinner of famous Alaskan crab! Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 11-Anchorage
Today we suggest you travel past the snow-covered mountains of Turnagain Arm and keep a sharp eye out for beluga whales. You can also visit Eklutna, a Dena\'ina native village, to experience the native culture that still pervades daily Alaskan life. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 12-Anchorage to Tok
Today depart Anchorage and travel east along the highways just above the fjords and inlets that help create some of the most dramatic park settings in the north. Perhaps pack a picnic lunch before leaving Anchorage and stop at milepost marker 101 and the large Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area. This is a popular location to stop and take advantage of the easy walking trail that parallels the glacier and the Matanuska River. A pavilion provides shelter and a resting spot for those who wish to simply sit and enjoy the view. Continue on to Tok where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Tok.
Day 13-Â Tok to Whitehorse, Yukon
Following the Alaska Highway this morning, you will re-enter Canada’s Yukon Territory skirting the Kluane Range of the St. Elias Mountains. Kluane National Park contains several extensive icefields and glaciers as well as Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan. Taking to the trails, you will explore the park’s rich diversity of flora and fauna. Upon returning to Whitehorse, don’t miss a visit to the McBride Museum, the Whitehorse Rapids and the native art and crafts shops. Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 14- Â End of Tour
Return to Whitehorse Airport to check-in for your return flight.
-
Day
Accommodation
Location
1 & 2
Westmark Whitehorse Hotel
Whitehorse
3 & 4
Westmark Inn Dawson City or
Aurora Inn
Dawson City
5 & 6
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel &
Conference Centre
Fairbanks
7 & 8
Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Denali National Park
9,10 & 11
Westmark Anchorage or
Anchorage Springhill Suites
Anchorage
12
Tok Motel
Tok
13
Westmark Whitehorse Hotel
Whitehorse
14
End of Tour
- Special notes: – As this tour travels into Alaska, it is the passenger’s responsibility to be in possession of a valid visa or electronic passport
- for entry into the United States, if required.
- – Specialty and smaller properties with limited inventory require a longer response time.
- – Programme operates to and from Anchorage - see p. 1-72 for itinerary
• Accommodation for 13 nights
• Day 2, wildlife and hot springs tour
• Day 8, full-day wildlife viewing tour in Denali National Park
• A personalised Jonview Canada Roadbook containing essential travel
information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local
sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps
with city guides, hotel vouchers and customised day-by-day routing
maps
• Provincial Taxes and Federal GST, less tour package rebate
Not Included
• Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Car rental, taxes and insurance
• Fuel