This active adventure into the majestic landscapes of Alaska, from Anchorage to Homer, boasts a combination of stunning cycling, glorious hikes in the Alaska Range, cruising in Prince William Sound and sea-kayaking the calm waters around Yukon Island. The scenery, wildlife and wide open spaces will astound. Stay in welcoming lodges with luxurious comforts including Captain Cook’s Lodge in Anchorage, Alyska Resort in Girdwood, Seward Windsong Lodge and Land’s End Resort in Homer. Our guides will connect you with local experts and cultural experiences that will make this journey unforgettable.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
  • Cycling routes on dedicated cycling paths through outstanding scenery
  • A picnic in a location to remember
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
  • Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises!

Location

Anchorage

Anchorage, AK, USA

Day 1

Girdwood

Girdwood, Anchorage, AK, USA

Day 2

Seward

Seward, AK, USA

Day 3+4

Homer

Homer, AK, USA

Day 5+6+7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
GPS instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

Not Included

Bike rental (prices below)
Sea kayak, SUP rentals are optional activities and can be paid for at rental location

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Available dates upon request.
Please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Anchorage / Homer

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

TERRAIN

Rolling

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,650 pp
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $900

Bike Rental:
US $280

E-Bike Rental:
US $480*

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Optional activities:
Sea kayak, SUP rentals are optional activities and can be paid for at rental location.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services.
Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All our trips outside Canada are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD) but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars (CAD) also.
If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604 730 1247 | +1 800 242 1825.

Getting there
Many major airlines fly into Anchorage. Although our formal meeting is at 7pm, there is an optional ride at 2pm, so please plan accordingly. Should you wish an additional night in Anchorage, we can book this accordingly.


1

Day 1

Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage, and settle into Captain Cook Hotel, in the historic center of town. At 2 pm, for those who wish, we’ll enjoy a warm-up ride along the paved cycling path in town that skirts along the coast; moose are sometimes spotted from the trail; how would that be for a ‘welcome to Alaska’? We will have a welcome wine reception at 7pm and dinner at the trendy Bubbly Mermaid following.

Biking distance: up to 32km; elevation gain 400m (20 mi; 1200’).

2

Day 2

Girdwood

Today, cycle the dramatic shoreline of Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Girdwood, one of the most beautiful stretches of road in America with the Chugach State Park’s 3,000 foot snow-capped mountains to the south. Much of the cycling route is on a dedicated paved cycling path where you can enjoy the solitude and beauty. Arrive to Alyska Resort, and choose to relax or enjoy an afternoon hike in the Chugach National Forest. We will dine at atmospheric Jack Sprat Restaurant.

Biking distance: 30km; elevation gain 280 m (18 mi; 900’) or 70 km; 730 m (44 mi; 2400’).
Hiking distance: up to 10km; elevation gain 275m (6.2 mi; 900’).

3

Day 3

Seward

Start the day with a short hike if you didn’t do yesterday, or alternatively, visit a wildlife conservation center and 200-acre sanctuary. Cruise Prince William Sound in luxurious comfort with viewing opportunities of sea otters, harbor seals, whales and bears. Did we mention towering glaciers? A National Forest Ranger is on board to provide commentary. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Seward and the Windsong Lodge.

Hiking Distance: up to 10km; elevation gain 275m (6.2 mi; 900’).

4

Day 4

Seward

Hike the Harding Ice Field Trail near Seward. Choose between an easy-going trail to overlook the Exit Glacier and a Ranger lead discussion on wildlife here or a more rigorous trail into the alpine. President 0bama took in this view recently. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes through heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. Afterwards, return to the casual comfort of Windsong Lodge and enjoy views of the Resurrection River Valley.

Hiking Distance: 3.3km; elevation gain 80m (2 mi; 250’) up to 13 km; 1000m (8.2 mi; 3000’).

5

Day 5

Homer

Today, we’ll travel to Homer, nestled at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Cycle a route that provides views of Kachemak Bay and the Alaskan Range. Homer has been described as both quirky and eccentric with art galleries, seafood restaurants, beaches and truth be told, great fishing. We’ll visit the Pratt Museum, a regional natural history museum. Indoor exhibits include early homesteading, Native Alaskan traditions, local contemporary art, and an exploration of the marine and terrestrial life around Kachemak Bay. Outdoor exhibits feature a historic cabin, botanical gardens and a nature trail. We will stay at Land’s End Resort, on the tip of the Homer Spit. We’ll dine at the Two Sisters Bakery, a locals favourite.

Biking Distance: 15km; elevation gain 80m (10 mi; 250’) or 40km; 335m (25 mi; 1000’).

6

Day 6

Homer

Just across the bay from Homer is Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park, a 350,000-acre paradise of glaciers, mountains, protected coves for paddling and an extensive trail system to explore on foot. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of Kachemak Bay by kayak or SUP or alternatively, we will water taxi to access a hike through Sitka Spruce and mixed cottonwoods to Grewingk Lake to admire ice-flows having calved from the glacier here. There is great wildlife viewing opportunities with bald eagles, and hawks. Back in Homer, we will celebrate with a sea-food dinner feast at one of the local restaurants.

Hiking Distance: 11.4km; elevation gain 90m (6.8 mi; 270’ with add-ons).

7

Day 7

Departure Day

Flights to Anchorage take 45 minutes. Buses depart at 8am and arrive Anchorage airport at 1pm.

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage

Located in downtown Anchorage, with views of neighboring Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, this luxury hotel boasts dour distinctive restaurants, athletic club with swimming pool and exercise rooms and other amenities.


Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

This 4-star chateau-style resort is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and spectacular ocean views. There is a yoga studio, spa, pool and fitness center and several restaurants on site.


Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

Situated in the Resurrection River Valley on the edge of the Chugach National Forest near famed Exit Glacier, this rustic retreat is a tranquil, authentic lodging with ‘tide to table’ dining and award winning wine list.


Land’s End Resort, Homer

This cherished, waterfront hotel on Homer Spit immerses you in the natural paradise of Kachemak Bay. It’s casual ambience and warm welcome compliment comfortable rooms and outstanding setting.