Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart City, where your adventure begins under the midnight sun. Meet your expert guides and fellow travelers before gathering for a warm welcome dinner featuring fresh Alaskan fare. Learn what to expect on your journey through Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, and the iconic Brooks Falls, as your guides share fascinating stories of Alaska’s wild heart.

Depart Fairbanks along the famed George Parks Highway, stopping to marvel at the mighty Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a feat of Arctic engineering. Visit the Large Animal Research Station (LARS), where you’ll observe musk oxen and caribou, learning how these prehistoric animals survive Alaska’s harsh winters. Continue your scenic drive toward Denali National Park, watching for moose and Denali views along the way.

Begin with an in-depth Denali bus tour, traveling deep into Denali National Park to search for Alaska’s Big Five—grizzlies, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep—while guides share insights into the park’s ecology and breathtaking landscapes. Later, board a helicopter flightseeing tour for up-close views of Denali (Mt. McKinley) and its towering ridgelines, before landing on a glacier where you can step out and walk on ancient ice surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks. This unforgettable day blends the thrill of wildlife sightings with the awe of standing atop one of Alaska’s stunning glaciers.

Start your day exploring the breathtaking Hatcher Pass, where you’ll traverse alpine tundra and soak in epic mountain vistas of the Talkeetna and Chugach ranges. Continue to the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an inspiring introduction to Alaska’s Indigenous cultures through traditional dances, storytelling, and intricate artwork. Finish the day with a serene temperate rainforest hike, winding through moss-draped trees and lush undergrowth, experiencing the magic of Alaska’s coastal forests up close.

Ride the iconic Alaska Railroad dome car from the majestic Chugach Mountains to the rugged coastline of Seward, enjoying panoramic views of glacial rivers, alpine valleys, and snow-capped peaks along one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. After arriving in Seward, dive into Alaska’s marine world with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you’ll meet marine scientists, see rescued sea animals up close, and learn about cutting-edge research and conservation efforts protecting Alaska’s coastal ecosystems.

Set out on a full-day Kenai Fjords National Park cruise, venturing into a maze of fjords lined with towering tidewater glaciers. Watch in awe as chunks of ice calve into the sea while scanning for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, puffins, and sea otters. Learn about the dynamic geology and diverse marine ecosystem of this spectacular coastal wilderness.

Begin your day with a scenic drive along Skilak Lake Road, a stunning route winding through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Explore the Kenai River and Skilak Lake, famous for crystal-clear waters, salmon runs, and incredible wildlife viewing, including moose, eagles, and bears. Continue south to Homer, the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” and spend the afternoon exploring the charming Homer Spit, vibrant waterfront, and sweeping views of Kachemak Bay backed by dramatic volcanoes.

Board a wheeled bush plane for a thrilling flight across Alaska’s wild coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges to reach Lake Clark National Park, one of the world’s premier bear-viewing destinations. With good weather, enjoy the unforgettable opportunity to fly around Illiamna Volcano, catching close-up views of its steaming summit and massive glaciers. After your bear safety briefing, head out for your first chance to see coastal brown bears, hoping for sightings of playful spring cubs and the raw drama of male bears competing for mating rights in this untamed wilderness.

Spend a full day in a private sedge meadow, reserved exclusively for your group, where no other tourists are allowed, offering an intimate and undisturbed experience with Alaska’s coastal brown bears. Watch as bears graze peacefully among vibrant green sedge, with the stunning Illiamna Volcano rising dramatically in the background. Capture incredible photos of natural bear behavior in a serene setting, from playful spring cubs to massive males, and savor the quiet of this wild paradise far from crowds.

Savor one last unforgettable morning in the private sedge meadows, watching coastal brown bears graze and interact as the sun rises over the majestic Illiamna Volcano. Capture your final photos and reflect on the incredible moments you’ve experienced with Alaska’s wildest residents. After departing Lake Clark National Park, fly back to Homer, where you’ll gather for a festive farewell dinner, sharing stories and celebrating your journey through Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Alaska’s untamed Bear Coast.

Bid farewell to your guides and new friends as you transfer to the airport for your departure, taking home memories of Alaska’s wildest landscapes and legendary bears.