June 9, 2025 for 16 Days, hosted by M&K.

A few years ago I took my family on Alaska Wildland Adventures 11 Day Grand Adventure. It was one of the best trips of my life, and now it’s going to be one of yours!

I’ve been back to Alaska many times since then, and I think that in order to see Alaska properly you should visit by cruise and by land. And now we are going to do it in an authentic and immersive, slow travel way.

Cruise Itinerary

Lodge Adventure Itinerary & Photos

This adventure begins with a drive south along Turnagain Arm and through Chugach National Forest to the town of Cooper Landing and our Kenai Riverside Lodge. On day 2, gear up for a full day raft trip down the Kenai River to Kenai Backcountry Lodge, your home for two nights. On day 4, return to Kenai Riverside Lodge before heading down to the picturesque seacoast town of Seward on day 5. Embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise out to the exclusive Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Spend day 6 exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. On day 7, kayak, canoe, beachcomb or relax this morning before returning to Seward. This afternoon, hop aboard the historic Alaska Railroad for your return trip to Anchorage.

Kenai Riverside Lodge: Located right on the banks of the turquoise Kenai River. Guest cabins are nestled into the trees surrounding the main lodge and have the rustic charm of historic pioneer cabins with modern comforts like heat, lights, private bath, comfy beds and Adirondack chairs on the front porch. Our cozy cabins accommodate up to four people.

Kenai Backcountry Lodge: Located on a glacier-carved lake accessible only by boat. Nine guest cabins in wooded settings are connected to the historic main lodge by gravel pathways and boardwalks. The newly renovated guest cabins each have a minimum of two comfy beds, a private bath and shower, a private porch and propane light and heat. Electrical outlets for recharging electronics are available in the main lodge and other public spaces on the property; we are able to support CPAP machines in certain cabins.

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge: The only lodge located in Kenai Fjords National Park, with views of Pedersen Lagoon and Glacier. A network of boardwalks connects the cabins to the main lodge. Each guest cabin features cozy beds, on-demand heat and electricity, full bath amenities, and a private porch with views of Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 1: Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers this morning in Anchorage. Today, explore
North America’s northernmost rainforest areas on a guided hike on a guest-favorite trail
in the quaint mountain-town community of Girdwood, AK. This accessible hike is a
perfect introduction to Alaska’s flora and ecosystems and a wonderful warm-up to the
rest of your adventure! Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the Girdwood valley’s
surrounding glaciers.

After a delicious lunch and other outdoor exploring, we’ll continue heading south on a
scenic drive en route to the Kenai Riverside Lodge. Complete the turn around the
Turnagain Arm and then wind through the beautiful snowcapped mountains of the
Chugach National Forest. Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a tour of the grounds before
being shown to your private cabin. At dinner, learn more about our lodge operations and
the specific details of tomorrow’s activities. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (L, D)
(Included meals are noted: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. Complimentary snacks and
non-alcoholic beverages included each day).

Day 2: From our launch site on the Kenai River, gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On this class II, casual stretch of river, we’ll be able to
access stunning backcountry sights and protected wilderness areas.
Along the river during our raft trip, scan for moose, bald eagles and other bird species,
and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and, depending on the time of your
visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be
served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake.

Late afternoon, arrive at our boat-in only Kenai Backcountry Lodge, a unique, historic in
holding. The Lodge utilizes a simple but effective hydroelectric power system to provide
water and electricity, reducing the need for fossil fueled power.
Appetizers and dinner welcome us in the main lodge, followed by evening activities.
Relax in the outdoor gazebo or enjoy a casual stroll along an established nature path.
Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities,
including riparian and hemlock forests.

Return to the lodge in the afternoon and simply relax at the lodge or take a hot sauna.
For those brave souls, take a dip into the glacier-fed waters of Skilak Lake. Depending on
the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy
touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides.
Overnight Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4: After a great breakfast in the main lodge, bid farewell to your backcountry setting and
cross the lake on a scenic watercraft transfer. Your driver will meet you at the boat
landing, and you will take a short van shuttle back to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a
casual afternoon hike on a trail in the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife
Refuge. Dinner and overnight: Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 5: After breakfast, travel by van to the beautiful seaside town of Seward. Board a small ship
bound for Kenai Fjords National Park – home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife
like whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A half-day marine wildlife and
glacier cruise will allow us to explore the rugged coastline. Enjoy lunch in front of a
tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers stunning views of
Pederson Glacier and miles of pristine beachfront for combing. This afternoon, meet your
guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy
dinner and evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Explore the wild delights of Kenai Fjords National Park for a full day. After breakfast in the
main lodge, choose from a wide array of activities those that are best suited to your
energy level and interest. Guided options include naturalist walks, sea kayaking, group
canoe paddles and more.

In the spirit of adventure and to take advantage of tidal and weather patterns, guides will
discuss specific nature outings and options with our group this morning. All activities are
suitable for beginners and require no previous experience.
For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the main lodge offers ideal comfort with
direct views of nature. Curious sea otters and seals frequent the lagoon, just steps from
the main lodge deck. In a nearby meadow, we can sometimes glimpse bears and other
wildlife from a safe distance. Our natural history library offers amazing resources and
interesting reads – cozy up with a good book and let your worries drift out with the tide!
Upon return to the main lodge, share stories from your day’s adventure with other guests
and join an evening natural history presentation, given by local expert guides or guest
speakers. Overnight Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Savor another morning in the wilds of Kenai Fjords National Park. A morning outing
allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe, hike or beach comb for a half-day before
boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward.
Along the way, photograph the sheer cliff walls teeming with birds, plants and other
vegetation and scan for more marine wildlife. Upon arrival in Seward, we’ll provide your
short transfer to the rail depot, where you’ll board the historic Alaska Railroad’s first-class
GoldStar cars for comfortable sightseeing en route back to Anchorage. This deluxe train
trip features confirmed seating in the dome cars for enhanced wilderness and wildlife
viewing; dinner and a few special goodies are included with your GoldStar service, and
the onboard service staff will assist you with your dining options. You’ll arrive at the
downtown Anchorage depot by 10:15 p.m. Taxis are located directly outside the rail
terminal and are easy to access. Although transfers to the airport or local hotels are not
included, some hotels include courtesy shuttle service from the rail depot to their
property. (B, L, D)

Departure: Arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:15 p.m. on the last day of your journey. If you
choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 1:00 a.m.
the following day in case of possible transportation delays.

Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we
allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.

Pricing

Pricing includes all-inclusive cruise fare, airfare, drinks, tips, shore excursions, smaller gateway airport fees, MGA Travel Professional fee, and hosting!

Prices start at $22,599 per person in a Veranda Suite. For higher suites on the ship portion, call for details. Prices are based on double-occupancy and availability. Airfare only from certain gateways.

We suggest you purchases Travel Insurance to protect your investment. Travel Insurance must be purchased within 48-hours of the initial deposit to receive the full benefits the policy affords.

There may be a limited number of rooms for solo travelers and if so, there will be a single supplement of 200%. We can also try to help find you a roommate. Cruise and land itineraries are subject to change at any time. This itinerary is not finalized and pricing may be adjusted for fuel or inflation.

Want to go? Simply complete this Secure Payment Form to authorize deposit and put “Totems & Traditions” – and specify desired cabin category. Also (if we don’t already have it) please complete this Secure Passport Form for each passenger. Questions simply call us 843-279-0310 or email michael@mgatravel.com .

Call 843-279-0310 for details.