It was time to put down the screens and unplug from the stresses of daily life. This Alaskan adventure was just the thing to help the family slow down and reconnect. We had a wonderful guide who led the trip. We cruised the majestic Prince William Sound, searched for bears and other wildlife, saw humpback whales bubbling and flew over Denali National Park — landing on a glacier at the foot of North America’s tallest peak.
Highlights:
- Float down the Portage River, spotting wildlife amid the mountains and hanging glaciers
- Cruise Prince William Sound to encounter calving glaciers and marine wildlife
- A scenic domed railcar affords breathtaking views of Denali National Park
- Search for wildlife on a floatplane wilderness trip
- Take off on a flightseeing adventure, landing and setting foot on a snow-covered glacier
- Meet the Alaskan huskies of a six-time Iditarod race winner
Map of our Trip:
Day 1: Arrive Anchorage, Alaska
One of the biggest things that has held me back from visiting Alaska is its sheer size and not knowing where to start. Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., and for first-timers, it can feel a little intimidating.
At 61 degrees north, the city feels very much at the mercy of the elements, yet Anchorage also rivals many destinations farther south—offering its own unique mix of urban comfort and wilderness charm. Just minutes from downtown, serene inlets and wooded creeks invite anglers to cast their lines into pure, rushing waters, and the wild feels ever-present on the city’s doorstep.
We checked into Hotel Captain Cook, a cozy spot that felt like a little retreat of its own. After a good night’s sleep, we were ready to wake early and begin exploring all that this vast and wild state had to offer.
Day 2:
We checked into Alyeska Resort, nestled deep in the Chugach Mountains. Surrounded by peaks and forests, the setting was nothing short of stunning. We rode the aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for sweeping views of glaciers and valleys below, with the kids delighted to find patches of snow still waiting for them at the summit. After hearing so many stories of bears, Andy bought bear spray at the gift shop and refused to leave the hotel without it—a detail that made our family laugh all trip long.
To cap off the day, we tried our hand at gold panning at Crow Creek Gold Mine, exploring the preserved 1896 mining camp and soaking in the scenery. The mine still produces gold today, and while we left with only a few flakes, the kids felt like true prospectors. It was a fascinating glimpse into Alaska’s Gold Rush past, wrapped in stunning mountain views.
Day 3: Kenai Peninsula – Scenic Portage River Float Trip
Straying into the frigid waters of the Cook Inlet, the Kenai Peninsula felt like stepping into a wilder, more rugged Alaska. We began with a gentle float trip down the Portage River, drifting past snowcapped peaks and glaciers feeding the icy waters. The air was crisp, the silence broken only by paddles dipping into the current and the distant call of birds. Midday, we warmed up with a hearty salmon bake along the riverbank—a meal that tasted like Alaska itself.
In the afternoon, we visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where we came face-to-face with some of the state’s most iconic animals—porcupines, bears, moose, bison, and even wolves. It was both fun and inspiring to see the incredible work being done to give these animals a second chance in the wild.
Day 4: Prince William Sound – Glaciers & Whales
Today was one of those rare days that will stay etched in memory forever. We set out to cruise amid the majestic glaciers of Prince William Sound, their towering walls of blue ice gleaming in the sunlight. Every so often, a thunderous crack echoed across the water as a glacier calved, sending chunks of ice crashing dramatically into the sea—a powerful reminder of the forces of nature and the impact of a warming world.
As we glided through the sound, the wildlife seemed to come alive all around us. The highlight was witnessing humpback whales engaged in the extraordinary behavior of bubble-net feeding. We watched in awe as one whale spiraled beneath the surface, releasing a curtain of bubbles to corral fish, while others coordinated to drive the prey upward. Suddenly, the group surged to the surface together, mouths wide open, breaking through the water in perfect synchronization. It was an incredible display of cooperation and intelligence, and seeing it firsthand felt like a gift from the ocean.
We also spotted sea lions weaving playfully through the waves and bald eagles soaring overhead, their sharp cries echoing against the cliffs. Every turn of the boat revealed another breathtaking scene, from floating icebergs to hidden coves framed by snowcapped peaks.
We returned by train on a glass-domed rail car for the scenic journey to back. The wide views of mountains, rivers, and valleys were unforgettable. Along the way, we spotted eagles overhead and moose grazing in the fields.
Later, back on land, we returned to the hotel and enjoyed some relaxed family time in the neighboring town of Girdwood. After such an exhilarating day on the water, the quiet charm of the little mountain town was the perfect way to unwind.
Day 5: Redoubt Bay – Boat Trip Into Bear Country
With nearly 90 percent of Alaska unreachable by roads, planes aren’t just for adventure here—they’re a way of life. This morning, we boarded a Rust’s Flying Service floatplane and lifted off over glittering inlets and endless stretches of wilderness. The flight itself was breathtaking, with snowcapped peaks and glacier-fed lakes unfolding beneath us, until we gently touched down on the water at Redoubt Bay Lodge.
Nestled near the entrance of Lake Clark National Park, this rustic, hand-built lodge felt worlds away from Anchorage, though it was only 70 miles southwest. It sits in the heart of a 171,000-acre critical habitat area, home to one of the densest and most viewable bear populations in the state.
Soon after arriving, we set out by covered pontoon boat with our naturalist guides, venturing into what can only be described as “bear country.” The chain of Big River Lakes, alive with sockeye and Coho salmon runs, draws both black and brown bears, and it wasn’t long before we spotted them. We watched in awe, hushed and wide-eyed, as bears fished, foraged, and moved with surprising grace through their wild domain. To see them here—untamed, powerful, and completely at home—was an experience that felt both humbling and unforgettable.
Later, we got to try something completely new: standing on floating bogs known as muskeg. The surface felt springy, almost like a natural trampoline woven from dense plant material. It was a quirky, uniquely Alaskan experience that made us laugh while also reminding us just how different and alive this landscape is.
As the day wound down, we returned to the lodge, its windows framing views of lake, mountains, and endless sky. Surrounded by such beauty and stillness, it felt like we’d been given a rare glimpse into the true, untamed heart of Alaska.
Day 6: Fishing Trip & Historic Talkeetna
We began our day at Alaska Wild Harvest, a family-run business specializing in all things birch. From candy to ice cream, the unique flavors gave us a true taste of Alaska’s forests.
We then headed out for what ended up being an unseccessful fishing trip but we enjoyed all being together on the Talkeetna River. I almost threw our entire group into the water trying to drive the boat!
Afterward, we wandered through Talkeetna’s historic district, a town that sits at the confluence of the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna Rivers, about 120 miles north of Anchorage. Once a base camp for gold miners and trappers, today it serves as the launching point for mountaineers aiming to summit Denali. Over lunch, we spotted seasoned climbers with sunburnt faces and weathered gear, propped up at the bars, swapping stories fresh from their expeditions.
Day 7: Talkeetna – Kayak & Nature Walk
We continued our Denali adventure with a peaceful kayak trip on Byers Lake, the water so calm it felt like paddling across glass. Later, a naturalist-led hike gave us a closer look at Alaska’s wild beauty—from towering trees to tiny plants—though the swarms of mosquitoes meant we all wore nets over our heads!
Day 8: Denali a.k.a Mt. Mckinley & Payne’s Birthday
We began the day in spectacular fashion: boarding a flightseeing tour over the peaks and glaciers of Denali National Park. From the air, the mountains seemed endless, but the true thrill came when we landed on a glacier itself. Standing on its icy surface, surrounded by jagged peaks and endless sky, felt like stepping into another world.
That evening, we celebrated Payne’s birthday in true Talkeetna style—at Mountain High Pizza Pie. With live music floating through the air and giant, delicious slices of pizza on our plates, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Day 9: Dog Mushing & Goodbyes
We began our day at the kennels of Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey, where our family tried our hand at dryland mushing. The dogs were bursting with energy, and it was impossible not to get swept up in their excitement.
That evening, we returned to Anchorage for a farewell dinner. It was bittersweet as we shared stories, laughed over memories, and said goodbye to the wonderful friends we’d made along the way.
Day 10: Anchorage & Heading Home
We spent our last morning on a half-day tour of Anchorage and its surrounding sights. The wildlife must have been feeling shy, as none made an appearance for us this time! By afternoon, it was time to head home—tired but happy, and so grateful for the chance to experience the wild beauty of Alaska.
