Kodiak Brown Bear, Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA

Highlights of Alaska: Mountains & Bears

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

12 Days

Prices Start from

£8,050pp(ex. flights)

Our classic journey through Alaska incorporates the jewels in the crown of the sprawling state that packs a punch – from scenic railway trips and remote bear viewing to alpine float plane journeys and native learning experiences.

Combining Denali National Park with Kodiak Island in a wonderful blend of culture, wildlife and history, this highly customisable route is bursting with extraordinary experiences for solo travellers, honeymooners and families alike.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Denali National Park, Alaska 1

The Train to Denali

Travel overland on a scenic train journey through the wilderness to Denali National Park.

Aerial view of Denali National Park 2

Fly Past Denali

Take a scenic flight past glaciers and Denali, the tallest peak in North America.

Sea Planes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 3

Island Float Plane

Fly into Kodiak Island, home to over 2,200 brown bears, on a panoramic float plane adventure.

Kodiak brown bear 4

Kodiak Brown Bears

Stay in one of the most coveted and exclusive bear viewing lodges in the world.

Why we like it

Suited to wildlife enthusiasts and those who endeavour to spot the unique Kodiak brown bears that are endemic to this region, Alaska is a colossal wilderness playground. In a place that contains more than half of all the world’s glaciers, maintains a rich indigenous culture and hosts a plethora of elusive creatures in its terrain of tundra and dramatic alpine ranges, this journey takes in some of the extremes of the state’s southern regions. Combining the effortlessness that comes with travelling by scenic bus, train and float plane with a custom-made itinerary that connects the highlights of Alaska, the route unveils some of the hugely varying landscapes that make up this expansive region. Throw in a stay at Alaska’s premier bear viewing destination, a careful balancing of pristine wilderness with a unique gateway city, high chances of spotting native wildlife, and the unique opportunity to learn about the indigenous Alaska natives, and this journey through The Last Frontier becomes truly extraordinary.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Alaska on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Anchorage

  • Day 2

    Anchorage - Denali National Park

  • Days 3-4

    Denali National Park

  • Day 5

    Denali National Park - Talkeetna

  • Day 6

    Talkeetna - Anchorage

  • Day 7

    Anchorage

  • Day 8

    Anchorage - Kodiak - Karluk Lake

  • Days 9-10

    Karluk Lake

  • Day 11

    Karluk Lake - Kodiak

  • Day 12

    Anchorage

Day 1

Anchorage

Day 2

Anchorage - Denali National Park

Denali National Park, Alaska

Travel overland on a scenic train journey across the Alaskan wilderness to Denali National Park.

Days 3-4

Denali National Park

Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

Take a scenic flight past glaciers and Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America.

Day 5

Denali National Park - Talkeetna

Day 6

Talkeetna - Anchorage

Day 7

Anchorage

View of Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Spend time in the quirky city and tour its fascinating native history museums.

Day 8

Anchorage - Kodiak - Karluk Lake

Days 9-10

Karluk Lake

Kodiak brown bear

Stay in one of the most coveted and exclusive bear viewing lodges in the world and scout for Kodiak bears.

Day 11

Karluk Lake - Kodiak

Day 12

Anchorage

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

All Aboard to Denali

Reachable on a two-day journey from Anchorage that comprises of a long-distance train journey and a half-day bus ride, Denali National Park is home to an array of native wildlife, from wolves and moose to thinhorn sheep and caribou. During your time in Denali, tour either independently or with our expert naturalist guides, and take a memorable scenic flight to Mount Denali (one of the world’s coveted Seven Summits). Against a landscape of hardwood forests, wild blueberry bushes, subarctic tundra, glacier-fed rivers and one-billion-year-old rocks, this is a place where wildlife roams. Smaller creatures such as coyotes, hoary marmots, Arctic ground squirrels, beavers and snowshoe hares are commonly seen, while rarer sightings include that of the elusive red foxes, martens, lynxes and wolverines.

Kodiak Brown Bear, Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA
Kodiak Brown Bear, Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA

Just You & the Kodiak Bears

Board a float plane for a breathtaking air transfer to tranquil Kodiak Island, one of the most spectacular bear-viewing destinations in the world and the only place where aptly Kodiak bears can be found. Without large groups of tourists or boardwalks, this place is ideally suited to experiential travellers. Staying at the world-renowned Kodiak Brown Bear Centre, the only accommodation on the island, embark on daily explorations to unique bear-viewing locations. Far off the beaten track, each day brings a new glimpse into the grandeur of the island and a deeper understanding of the life of its namesake species. Fusing thousands of years of traditional Alutiiq wisdom with contemporary scientific knowledge, explorations are guided by experts who have studied these bears for decades.

View of Anchorage, Alaska, USA
View of Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Totem Pole, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Totem Pole, Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Discover Alaska's Native Heritage in Anchorage

Spend time in the quirky snow-backed city of Anchorage, perhaps visiting two local gems, the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Museum, during a privately guided history, art and culture tour. We can also arrange a private helicopter glacier excursion, making landings to explore and hike, that will immerse you in Alaska’s wild and rugged terrain. Alternatively, it is possible to embark on a private whale watching expedition through the Prince William Sound on a cruiser boat that encompasses glacier exploration and onshore hikes.

Winterlake Lodge, Winter Lake, Alaska, USA
Winterlake Lodge, Winter Lake, Alaska, USA

Welcome to Talkeetna

Spend time in the quaint and historic Alaskan town of Talkeetna, with its striking views of the Alaska Range, whimsical trading posts and local breweries. Set at the confluence of three rivers, Talkeetna is a mecca of outdoor sports – we can arrange anything from from rafting and mountain biking to guided hiking and off-roading adventures. When not revelling in the traditional small town atmosphere or sampling local dishes at the residents’ favourite eateries, perhaps head out on a jet boat trip, zip-line through the trees or pan for gold in remote rivers.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Kodiak Brown Bear Centre £££££

  • USA
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Set on the southwest side of Kodiak Island, the Kodiak Brown Bear Centre offers one of the best and most exclusive bear experiences. This small intimate lodge offers prolific bear viewing, whether on foot or by boat, in an environment only accessible by float plane.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
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