Alaska’s vast 586,000 square miles hold unparalleled opportunities for adventure, catering to both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers. This guide highlights key attractions and considerations for tour operators crafting Alaskan itineraries and below you will find a useful tour example.
Showcasing Alaska's Diverse Landscape and Wildlife:
Alaska's wilderness is its greatest asset. Emphasize wildlife viewing opportunities, from the world's largest eagle population soaring over expansive landscapes (2.5 times the size of Texas!) to potential encounters with bears, moose, and whales.
Tour planners can highlight the unique experience of exploring the largest temperate rainforest in the United States, offering incredible photo opportunities and immersive nature walks.
Curating Engaging Tour Experiences:
Learn what Alaska has to offer so that you can cater to different client’s needs and interests in activities and adventure tours. Partner with local tour guides for exciting tour planning for your clients. Popular examples can include:
- Wildlife Viewing: Organize dedicated wildlife viewing excursions, either by boat, bus, or on foot, focusing on specific species like eagles, bears, and whales.
- Helicopter Tours: You can plan thrilling aerial views of glaciers, mountains, and remote wilderness areas, potentially including glacier landings for an unforgettable experience.
- Train Rides: Feature scenic sightseeing train journeys like the Alaska Railroad or the White Pass & Yukon Route, offering comfortable travel through stunning landscapes.
- Denali National Park Tours: Organize guided bus tours into Denali, emphasizing wildlife viewing and the majestic scenery surrounding North America's highest peak.
- Cultural Experiences: Incorporate visits to cultural centres, totem pole carving demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about Alaska Native traditions.
- Fishing Excursions: Cater to angler’s enthusiasts with guided fishing trips for world-famous King Salmon and other species.
- Adventure Activities: Offer adventure tour options like hiking, kayaking, dog sledding (in winter), and glacier trekking for the more adventurous traveller.
- Cruises: Recognize the popularity of Inside Passage cruises as a convenient way to sample Alaska's coastal beauty, offering a base for various shore excursions. Work with cruise lines to offer pre- and post-cruise tour packages.
- Highlight Unique Events: partner with local travel businesses and research and incorporate local festivals, historical events, and seasonal phenomena like the Aurora Borealis (especially visible in the fall) into tour itineraries.
- Showcase Local Culture: Partner with local communities and businesses to offer authentic cultural experiences, including visits to museums and cultural centres.
- Offer Varied Transportation: Utilize a mix of transportation options – cruise ships, trains, buses, smaller planes, and ferries – to showcase the diversity of the Alaskan landscape and cater to different budgets and preferences.
- Cater to Different Interests: Design specialized tours for your clients according to their needs after discussion and focus on their specific interests, such as photography tours, wildlife viewing tours, or historical and cultural tours.
- Emphasize the "Call of the Wild": Market Alaska as a destination for adventure, exploration, and connecting with nature.
- Vast Distances: Account for Alaska's immense size and travel times when planning itineraries. Building partnership with local tour planners is important for the best results.
- Seasonality: Consider the impact of weather and daylight hours on activities and access to certain areas. Summer offers long daylight hours and access to most regions, while winter provides opportunities for aurora viewing and snow-related activities.
- Accommodation: Although sufficient options are available, it is sensible to secure traveller accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season.
- Local Expertise: As stressed above, partner with local guides and operators to enhance the tour experience and provide valuable insights.
Useful Tour Example: (*Prices are examples only)
Alaskan 7 Day Adventure Tour Package
Duration: 7 Days / 6 NightsPrice: Starting at $3,500 per person (based on double occupancy)
Best Season: May – September
Overview:
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Alaska, the "Last Frontier," where vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage await. This 7-day guided adventure offers the perfect mix of breath-taking scenery, thrilling activities, and immersive experiences. From wildlife viewing and glacier trekking to cultural encounters and scenic train rides, this package is designed for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to connect with Alaska’s untamed beauty.Accommodation Details:
- Anchorage (2 nights): Luxury downtown hotel with modern amenities.
- Denali National Park (2 nights): Lodge with stunning mountain views and easy access to wildlife trails.
- Seward (2 nights): Cozy waterfront hotel near the harbour, perfect for scenic exploration.
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage & Cultural Exploration.
- Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your hotel.
- Visit the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaska’s history and Indigenous cultures.
- Explore downtown and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local Alaskan seafood.
Day 2: Scenic Train Ride to Denali National Park.
- Board the Alaska Railroad for a breath taking train journey to Denali.
- Enjoy panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and possible wildlife sightings.
- Check in to a rustic lodge and relax with an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Denali National Park Wilderness Adventure.
- Embark on a guided Denali wildlife tour, spotting bears, moose, caribou, and eagles.
- Take an optional hiking excursion for stunning views of North America’s highest peak.
- Visit a local cultural centre to learn about Indigenous traditions.
Day 4: Helicopter & Glacier Landing Experience.
- Take a scenic helicopter flight over glaciers and remote wilderness.
- Land on a glacier for an unforgettable walking tour.
- Transfer to Seward and enjoy a relaxing evening near the harbour.
Day 5: Kenai Fjords National Park & Wildlife Cruise.
- Set sail on a Kenai Fjords cruise, spotting whales, sea lions, and puffins.
- Get up close to calving glaciers and breath taking coastal scenery.
- Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on-board.
Day 6: Adventure Activities & Free Exploration.
- Choose between kayaking, dog sledding (seasonal), or a guided hiking tour.
- Stroll through the quaint town of Seward and visit the Alaska Sea Life Centre.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with scenic views of Resurrection Bay.
Day 7: Return to Anchorage & Departure.
- Transfer back to Anchorage via a scenic coastal drive.
- Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Depart for your flight home with unforgettable memories.
- Special Inclusions:
✔ Helicopter glacier landing experience.
✔ Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise.
✔ Denali National Park guided tour.
✔ Cultural centre visit & Indigenous experiences.
✔ Comfortable accommodations & daily breakfasts.
Exclusions:
✘ International/domestic flights to/from Alaska.✘ Personal expenses, travel insurance, and optional excursions.
✘ Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Why Choose This Tour?
Immersive Wildlife Encounters – Spot bears, whales, moose, and more in their natural habitat. Breath-taking Scenery – From glaciers to fjords, experience Alaska’s most iconic landscapes. Varied Activities – A mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation tailored for all travellers. Local Expertise – Knowledgeable guides provide insights into Alaska’s history and ecosystem.Book Now & Experience Alaska Like Never Before!
>>This is just an example tour. For more information on tours: Visit External Link for more details.
