Northern Coast Mountains: Sightseeing Tour from Whitehorse to Anchorage

After breakfast you will get a general view of the Yukon's capital. Part of it may be a visit to the restored sternwheeler SS Klondike next to the Yukon River. The big roundtrip will begin with a first short stage on the Alaska Highway westbound. You will encounter scenic points of interest inviting you to stop before reaching Haines Junction - situated right next to Kluane National Park - early in the afternoon. Kluane National Park not only is Canada's biggest national park, here you will find apart from a variety of wildlife the largest glacier area of the world outside North and South Pole. Even today, most of this huge national park is still unexplored and pristine. Depending on the weather and the group wishes a guided small hike into the national park can take place. Another possible attraction is a flight with a bush plane to the impressive glaciers within the park over deserted areas (optional). (Overnight accommodation in Haines Junction).

Today we’ll follow the scenic shore of eighty-kilometre-long Kluane Lake, then continue along the Alaska Highway to Tok. Our first stop is the Sheep Mountain Visitor Center in Kluane National Park, where chances are good we’ll see some of the snow-white Dall sheep that make their home high in the surrounding mountains. Shortly after, we will stop at Soldier Summit. This site will give us more information about the construction of the Alaska Hwy and it commemorates a ceremony that took place on 20 November 1942. Further on the Alaska Hwy, we will reach the Alaska-Canada (ALCAN) border in the afternoon. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Tok)

The first part of today’s leg of the journey leads us along the Glenn Highway, passing countless rivers, lakes, glaciers, and finally the spectacular Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From here we’ll take the Richardson Highway southbound to the small seaport of Valdez at the Pacific coast, crossing of the Coast Range via the Thompson Pass, where waterfalls thunder right next to the road. Valdez, known as “Little Switzerland” to locals, is surrounded by snowy mountains. It is also the end point of the world-famous Trans Alaska Pipeline, where enormous oil tankers come and go. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Valdez)

Today we’ll cross the Prince William Sound via ferry. Without a doubt this is a highlight, even by Alaskan standards. The ferry takes us close to the glaciers along the Pacific Coast, and with a bit of luck we’ll have the chance to photograph otters, puffins, sea lions, and even whales. Once ashore the next stops are the Portage Glacier Visitor Center and Byron Glacier, before continuing overland through the scenery Chugach mountain range, the glacier lakes and rivers to the coastal town of Seward. In this lively town, take the chance to treat yourself with Alaskan king crab at one of the numerous restaurants and go for a private lovely walk on the coast. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Seward)

Seward is world-famous for the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, which offers some of the best marine life viewing in the world. We highly recommend taking the optional motorboat tour into the park this morning. The rest of our day begins with a drive through the Kenai mountains and later along the Turnagain Arm to Anchorage. Keep an eye out for the beluga whales that hunt in the tidal waters along the way. Back in Alaskas biggest city we can enjoy a nice dinner together in the evening. You can also check out Lakes Hood and Spenard, where up to 800 floatplanes take off and land daily. The aviation museum is nearby, a great place to gain an appreciation for this important part of Alaskan life. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Anchorage)

Your last day in Anchorage is a chance to catch up on any last-minute shopping, or simply rest before starting the journey home. Ruby Range will provide a transfer to the airport or to a connecting program. (End of tour services)   (Due to the nature of this tour, last-minute changes to the itinerary are a possibility and are left to the discretion of the guide.)