Experience bucket-list highlights and hidden gems of “The Last Frontier” by rail, sail, and coach! From Anchorage to Vancouver, you’ll travel the beautiful Alaskan landscape on the Yukon railroad, aboard Holland America’s gorgeous MS Zaandam, and by coach through sites like Denali National Park. En route, meet mushers and fishermen, discover native cultures, and marvel at agriculture in the “Land of the Midnight Sun."
- Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Cruise across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan
- Tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska
- Meet the champion dogs at Happy Trails Kennels and Iditarod Champion Martin Buser
- Climb aboard the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer as we head to Denali
- Full day guided tour of Denali National Park
- Ride along the Chena River on The Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler
- Travel on the captivating White Pass Trail aboard an old-fashioned narrow-gauge train
- Explore Ketchikan, famous for its rich native culture
- Cruise through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE!
Fly to Alaska where you’ll enjoy a complimentary transfer to our hotel. Later, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Anchorage. D
DAY 2: AWCC/PORTAGE GLACIER CRUISE/ALYESKA RESORT
Travel south along Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountain Range on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Learn how this facility takes in orphaned and injured animals. Next, cruise across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan. You’ll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age, watch for fractures of ice to break off from the glacier and crash into the water below. A delicious lunch awaits us at Alyeska Resort followed by a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska. We return to Anchorage for our overnight. B, L
DAY 3: HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS/MCKINLEY EXPLORER/DENALI
An Alaskan visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing sled dogs in action! Meet the champion dogs at Happy Trails Kennels, where veteran Iditarod racer Martin Buser will share stories of his races, and give a dog sled demonstration. Then, climb aboard the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer as we head to Denali for a two-night stay at this magnificent national treasure. See the wide open tundra and watch out for wildlife such as eagles and bears. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or choose an optional excursion, such as a nature walk, rafting trip down the Nenana River, a light tour over Denali, or a Ranger talk. B, L
DAY 4: DENALI NATIONAL PARK
You’ll be snapping plenty of photos during a spectacular five-hour guided tour of Denali National Park, home of majestic Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. Be on the lookout for wildlife, such as “The Big 5” mammals: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and grizzlies. B, L
DAY 5: RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY/ALASKA PIPELINE/SALMON BAKE & SALOON SHOW
Today, coach to Fairbanks for a ride along the Chena River on The Riverboat Discovery, an authentic sternwheeler. Then get up close to the famous Alaska pipeline. Tonight you’re in for a treat at Pioneer Park. Enjoy generous portions of prime rib, beer battered cod and grilled salmon grilled over an outdoor alder wood fire and rounded out with roasted potatoes, baked beans, salad and blueberry cake. Then sit back and enjoy songs, stories, and historical highlights of Fairbanks, also known as “The Golden Heart City.” B, L, D
DAY 6: WHITEHORSE/MACBRIDE MUSEUM
This morning, fly from Fairbanks into Canada’s majestic Yukon Territory. This afternoon visit MacBride Museum, a nod to all things Yukon. Learn the fascinating stories, see gold rush equipment, and more. Our home this evening is Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. B
DAY 7: SKAGWAY/GOLD PANNING
Travel from Whitehorse to Skagway passing Emerald Lake and Carcross in the Yukon. Upon arrival into Skagway, we’ll be treated to an authentic barbecue lunch including ribs, chicken and various side-dishes. Then, get ready to find your own fortune! Experience a glimpse of the life of a prospector when you join a colorful cast of characters to learn the art of gold panning. Practice your technique in warm-water troughs; gold is guaranteed in every pan! Haul your bounty into the Gold Shack to have it weighed and browse among a collection of gold-nugget jewelry and mining-related souvenirs. We spend the next two evenings in Skagway. B, L
DAY 8: WHITE PASS & YUKON RAILROAD
Today we travel on the captivating White Pass Trail aboard an old-fashioned narrow-gauge train round trip from Skagway. Relax in vintage passenger coaches as you retrace the original route to the White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore more of Skagway, perhaps visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, have a bite to eat at the famous Red Onion Saloon or browse the shops for souvenirs. Later, we gather for dinner. B, D
DAY 9: SKAGWAY/MS ZAANDAM
Stroll the wooden sidewalks of this famous Gold Rush town, do some last minute souvenir shopping, or take in a Ranger-led walking tour before embarking on our home away from home the next four nights, the MS Zaandam. Get acquainted with the ship’s amazing amenities before dinner; and don’t miss the evening entertainment, which includes everything from Broadway reviews to stand-up comedians. B, D
DAY 10: TRACY AND ENDICOTT ARMS
Cruise along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska towards the Tracy and Endicott Arms. This scenic passage will wind through the glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate forests of one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, Alaska's Inside Passage. This dramatic landscape creates opportunities to spot calving glaciers and various wildlife such whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. B, L, D
DAY 11: KETCHIKAN
Explore this uniquely Alaskan port, famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing, and scenic Misty Fjords. Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. And leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art.B, L, D
DAY 12: INSIDE PASSAGE AND SHIPBOARD FUN
Today, glide through Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world. You’ll see steep mountain walls on both sides of the ship, brilliantly colored forests, blue glaciers and seaside villages dotting the coastline. Take a break from the= beautiful sights and partake in one of the ship’s many activities such as bingo, cooking demonstrations and naturalist talks. B, L, D
DAY 13: VANCOUVER
Alas, we must say farewell as we disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia, and head for home—carrying enough “midnight sun” memories to last a lifetime! B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-2: Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage, AK
Nights 3-4: McKinley Chalets, Denali NP, AK
Night 5: Westmark Fairbanks, AK
Night 6: Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse, YT
Nights 7-8: Westmark Skagway, AK
Nights 9-12: MS Zaandam
Dates
- Departure: June 20, 2025
- Return: July 2, 2025
- Departure: July 25, 2025 sold out
- Return: August 6, 2025 sold out
- Departure: August 22, 2025 sold out
- Return: September 3, 2025 sold out
Price Per Person
*Includes roundtrip airfare from STL/MCI/SGF(call for other gateway cities)
- June 20 Departure: STL/SGF
- July 25 Departure: STL/MCI
- August 22 Departure: STL
*Passport Required
Temperatures:
Anchorage: 62° / 55°
Denali: 69° / 46°
Talkeenta: 68° / 50°
Fairbanks: 73° / 52°
Seward: 62° / 50°
Whitehorse: 62° / 50°
Skagway: 64° / 52°
Identification:
Valid passport required to travel.
Luggage:
Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.
Important Information:
Each reservation requires a $250 per person deposit planning fee (exceptions may apply) to be credited toward your final payment. Some or all of your deposit may be non-refundable per our cancellation schedule noted in these Terms & Conditions below. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.
Canadian Trip Information:
The currency is the Canadian Dollar. Although credit cards are recommended for ease in monetary transactions, there will be places where you may convert your US currency to Canadian Dollars. The current exchange rate is $0.73 USD = $1 CAD. Gratuities should be paid in the local currency whenever possible. Like the USA, Canada uses 110 volts, 60 Hz. It is not necessary to use an adaptor or converter with appliances and devices that you use in the US. Please check with your carrier regarding cell phone service and fees.
Please note that Canada views any type of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction as a serious offense. A past conviction of DUI will likely not allow one to travel into Canada. Should this be a concern, we suggest visiting the following website for information: http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Terms and Conditions:
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
