Alaska Multi-Sport

Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage, and settle into Captain Cook Hotel, in the historic center of town. At 2 p.m., 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 7 p.m. and dinner at the trendy Bubbly Mermaid following.

Biking distance: 32 km; 400 m gain (18 mi; 1,312 ft)

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 ft 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 Alyeska 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: 30 km; 280 m gain (18 mi; 900 ft) or 70 km; 730 m gain (44 mi; 2,400 ft)
Hiking distance: 10 km; 275 m gain (6.2 mi; 900 ft)

Seward

Start the day with a short hike if you didn’t yesterday, or alternatively, visit a wildlife conservation center and 200-acre sanctuary. Cruise either Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park or Prince William Sound (depends on conditions and wildlife and glacier viewing opportunities. Both are home to sea otters, harbor seals, whales and bears. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Seward and the Windsong Lodge.

Hiking distance: 10 km; 275 m gain (6.2 mi; 900 ft)

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: 3.3 km; 80 m gain (2 mi; 250 ft) or 13 km; 1,000 m gain (8.2 mi; 3,000 ft)

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: 15 km; 80 m gain (10 mi; 250 ft) or 40 km; 335 m gain (25 mi; 1,000 ft)

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 plentiful bald eagles and hawks. Back in Homer, we will celebrate with a sea-food dinner feast at one of the local restaurants.

Hiking distance: 11.4 km; 90 m gain (6.8 mi; 270 ft)

Depart

Flights to Anchorage take 45 minutes. Buses depart at 8 a.m. and arrive to Anchorage airport at 1 p.m.