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Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Page 1: Glaciers & Grizzlies Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula bear itinerary.pdfFor Tour 2 please click here to skip to page 18 Tour 1 Overnights in Katmai 8 Nights Total Accommodations 2 Nights

Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula

Glaciers & Grizzlies

Page 2: Glaciers & Grizzlies Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula bear itinerary.pdfFor Tour 2 please click here to skip to page 18 Tour 1 Overnights in Katmai 8 Nights Total Accommodations 2 Nights

For Tour 2 please click here to skip to page 18

Tour 1

Overnights in Katmai8 Nights Total Accommodations

2 Nights at Brooks Lodge (bunk rooms)Starting at $5,385

Itinerary and details pages 3-17

Tour 2

Fly-in day trips to Katmai8 Nights Total Accommodations

2 Nights in Homer (private rooms)Starting at $5,985

Itinerary and details start on page 18

We currently offer two versions of this tour:

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CONTENTSTrip Highlights >

Pricing & Upcoming Dates >

What’s Included >

Itinerary >

Accommodations & Restaurants >

Guides >

Frequently Asked Questions >

Contents Glaciers & Grizzlies

1Gondwana Ecotours

Page 4: Glaciers & Grizzlies Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula bear itinerary.pdfFor Tour 2 please click here to skip to page 18 Tour 1 Overnights in Katmai 8 Nights Total Accommodations 2 Nights

Trip HighlightsFLY in a floatplane to Katmai Island, home to the biggest bears in the world. Here you’ll have a great chance to watch them hunt beneath waterfalls during the iconic salmon run - all from the safety of a nearby viewing deck.

SEE puffins, otters, sea lions, and maybe even humpback whales and orcas on a relaxing boat ride in between massive glaciers.

EXPLORE the Exit Glacier by car and foot, a famous and picturesque attraction that is not to be missed.

KAYAK in Kenai Fjords National Park, surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with wildlife.

HIKE the mossy temperate rainforests of Chugach National Park followed by a delicious Alaskan seafood dinner coupled with local brews.

VISIT Anchorage - Alaska’s largest city that homes nearly half the state population. We will also spend time getting to know the charming fishing town of Seward.

Trip Highlights Glaciers & Grizzlies

2Gondwana Ecotours

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Dates & Price

Sept 1-9, 2019June 27-July 5, 2020

July 11-19, 2020September 5-13, 2020$5,385 (Double Occupancy)$5,985 (Single Occupancy)

*No private rooms available at the Brooks Lodge (nights 6 & 7 on the itinerary) due to lodge policy.

There will be 3-4 people per room and 4beds per room.

Upcoming Dates Glaciers & Grizzlies

3Gondwana Ecotours

Page 6: Glaciers & Grizzlies Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula bear itinerary.pdfFor Tour 2 please click here to skip to page 18 Tour 1 Overnights in Katmai 8 Nights Total Accommodations 2 Nights

What’s IncludedAccommodations for 8 nights

Transportation to and from Brooks Lodge, including a float plane ride!

All your private transportation in Anchorage/Seward/Kenai Peninsula

All your guides (full time local guides and activity guides)

All tours and activities (bear viewing with park rangers, a boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park, an afternoon of kayaking, hiking tours, a tour of Exit Glacier, a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center plus more...)

All meals listed as included in the itinerary. This includes all your meals at Brooks Lodge and an amazing salmon and prime rib buffet!

A private Alaskan seafood boil at our lodge overlooking Resurrection Bay

We pay for Carbon Offsetting for each guest to minimize our trip’s impact on the environment

What’s Included Glaciers & Grizzlies

4Gondwana Ecotours

Page 7: Glaciers & Grizzlies Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula bear itinerary.pdfFor Tour 2 please click here to skip to page 18 Tour 1 Overnights in Katmai 8 Nights Total Accommodations 2 Nights

Day TwoDuring breakfast at the Inn we will all meet as a group to go over the itinerary and answer any questions. In the morning we will visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, with lakeside exhibits and native dwellings that teach you about the traditional lifestyle of tribes like the Athabascan and the Inupiaq.

Following some free time for lunch in Anchorage we will have a 2-hour guided trail hike with views of the Eagle River Valley and the Chugach Mountains. Keep your eyes out for beavers, bears and spawning salmon!

This activity is included but optional, and if preferred guests can use the free afternoon to relax or pursue any of the following paid options: rent bikes to explore the Coastal Trail, enjoy massages, or take a flightseeing tour to get a bird’s eye view of the incredible local scenery.

Dinner will be at the Glacier Brewhouse, famous for their homemade brews and wood fired oven that turns out incredibly flavorful steaks, local seafood and pizzas. After dinner we return to rest for the night at the Copper Whale Inn.

Breakfast is included.

Day OneWhen you arrive in Anchorage a driver will be waiting for you at the airport.Our guide will be in the lobby that evening to answer any questions, discuss options for the next day and help you get checked in.

You can use this free night to relax and recover from your travel day with ultimate comfort at the Copper Whale Inn.

If you would prefer to explore there is plenty to do. The Inn is conveniently located near the activity of downtown Anchorage, but with a peaceful setting and views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Mountain Range.

With the 11 mile Coastal Trail just one block away and bikes available for rent, it’s the perfect location to settle in and explore Anchorage.

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

5Gondwana Ecotours

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Day ThreeAfter breakfast we will enjoy a scenic drive to Seward, stopping for views of the Potter Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bird Point, and for a picnic lunch overlooking a beautiful valley.

Our next stop on the drive will be at Exit Glacier. This beautiful glacier is located at the edge of the Harding Icefield and is 4 square miles large. It is believed to have retreated a mile over the past 100 years, and an estimated 136 feet just in 2015!

After exploring the glacier, we will arrive at the town of Seward, located on an inlet at the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. After we check in at Resurrection Lodge, in the evening we will enjoy a private outdoor seafood boil for dinner, before resting up for tomorrow’s full day tour of Kenai Fjords.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.

Day FourThis full day tour into Aialik (eye-al-ick) Bay provides an up close and personal experience with a tidewater glacier. Your day begins with a wildlife tour aboard a charter boat as we head to the bay. While enjoying the 55-mile journey (each way) we'll watch for humpback whales, orca, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, bald eagles, porpoise and more.

Upon reaching Aialik Bay and our launch site the guides will provide basic paddling instructions and a safety talk before launching the kayaks and paddling amidst some of the most spectacular scenery coastal Alaska has to offer. We use stable and efficient tandem (two-person) kayaks allowing both novices and aspiring experts to kayak comfortably. As we paddle near small icebergs and turquoise waters, we'll bring you as close as 1/2 mile from the towering Holgate glacier. Crackling ice and wildlife encounters are a magical experience as we spend 2-3 hours kayaking in this beautiful seascape. For those who prefer to stay onboard the boat instead of kayaking, the captain and crew will provide a tour through the nooks and crannies of Aialik Bay -- checking out the wildlife, sharing the natural history of the area and spending time in front of Aialik Glacier as it thunders and calves. The kayakers will be picked up near Holgate Glacier and all will return to Seward while watching for more wildlife along the way.

Once our tour is over and we return to the lodge, we will have a free evening for you to explore town and dinner at a place of your choosing. We will provide transportation to town at 7pm and a return at 9pm, and are happy to provide suggestions of places to eat and drink. After a relaxing evening, we spend the night in comfort at Resurrection Lodge.

Breakfast & Lunch are included.

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

6Gondwana Ecotours

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Day SixAfter breakfast at Alyeska Resort we head to Anchorage for a morning flight to King Salmon, followed by a breathtaking floatplane flight to Brooks Lodge. Take in scenic views as we head to Katmailand, famous for the salmon run and some of the largest brown bears on earth!

Upon arrival we will have an orientation from a Park Ranger on the area and bear safety. We will enjoy a hearty lunch at Brooks Lodge with views of Naknek Lake and surrounding mountains. Then we will take a short group hike over to watch the bears feeding at Brooks Falls.

The afternoon will be free to hike and explore the area- there are multiple hiking trails to choose from. Be warned though, bear watching is addicting and many guests choose to spend the majority of their time at the viewing platforms!After a delicious dinner at the lodge we will rest up for the next day.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are Included

Day FiveEnjoy another breakfast at the lodge and we will be on our way to Alyeska Resort. This luxurious hotel features an award winning restaurant and saltwater swimming pool. Its picturesque location is surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers. Join us for a tram ride to take in the incredible scenery, go for a short hike, or just enjoy the hotel amenities!

Tonight will be a free evening for dinner. Enjoy mountain-top views at Seven Glaciers Restaurant, which has won multiple awards for its gourmet menu and wine list. We will also provide transportation to Chair 5 Restaurant in Girdwood, which has a casual ski-lodge atmosphere with a delicious variety of entrees and more than 60 microbrews at the bar!

Breakfast is included.

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

7Gondwana Ecotours

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Day EightThe first half of our final day will be spent enjoying the park and viewing bears, followed by lunch and a flight back to Anchorage (through King Salmon) in the afternoon.

Join us for a final group dinner at the 49th State Brewery, popular for their house made brews, Alaskan seafood, house ground burgers and stone fired pizzas.

We will enjoy our meal on their beautiful roof patio (weather permitting) and exchange photos and stories before our adventure comes to a close. We spend the last night at Copper Whale Inn.

Breakfast & Lunch are included

Day SevenToday you will have all the exciting activities in Katmailand to choose from. Spend the day hiking, enjoying Park Ranger educational sessions, and viewing brown bears feeding in and around the salmon run at Brooks Falls.

Other options (for an additional fee) include a bus and hiking tour of the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, or a flightseeing tour of the same area. This entire region was formed by a massive volcanic eruption, and on this tour you can see the dramatic landscapes that it created and the ash and pumice valley floor.

All meals are included today, and in the evening we will all enjoy dinner at the lodge and share photos and activities from our different adventures.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Day NineToday we say goodbye to the group and head our separate ways. Transport will be provided to the airport or other locations in Anchorage. Head home with incredible memories, and hopefully a few new friends and some incredible photographs. The quintessential summer Alaskan adventure!

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Accommodations

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Nights 1, 2 & 8

Copper Whale Inn: The Copper Whale is a family-owned bed and breakfast, conveniently located close to the action of downtown Anchorage, but tucked away in a peaceful private setting.

Enjoy views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska mountain range, and explore the 11 mile Coastal Trail just one block away!

Breakfast features fresh fruit and plenty of healthy options, and is served in the spacious living room warmed by a stone fireplace (if cold).

Nights 3 & 4

Resurrection Lodge in Seward: Resurrection Lodge is located on Lowell Point, overlooking the bay and the Chugach Mountains.

Recharge after a long day in their cozy king-size beds, and relax on their deck to look for wildlife like whales, sea otters, sea lions and eagles soaring overhead.

Night 5

Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood: Nestled in a glacial valley amid stunning mountain scenery, this luxurious resort features an award winning restaurant, a saltwater pool and jacuzzi and hiking trails accessible right from the hotel courtyard.

Enjoy a scenic tram ride to take in views of the ocean and surrounding wilderness.

Nights 6 & 7

Brooks Lodge: This accommodation overlooks the world famous Brooks River in the heart of Katmai National Park. The lodge, originally conceived as a fishing camp, has been in operation since 1950 and now enjoys worldwide reputation.

Katmai National Park boasts the largest population of protected brown bears in the world. During the summer salmon runs, Katmai’s Brooks River is the focal point for watching large brown bears feeding in the park, providing visitors with unparalleled views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. National Park regulations require at least 3 guests per room at the lodge

Accommodations Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Copper Whale Inn

Resurrection Lodge

Hotel Alyeska

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Restaurants

Chair 5This fun spot has a classic ski-lodge atmosphere, and their bar

features over 60 microbrews! Choose from pastas, burgers,

flame-broiled steaks, deep dish and specialty pizzas and house

specials with a variety of global influences.

Brooks LodgeThe Brooks Lodge Restaurant offers plenty of fresh, healthy

options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They will keep you

happy and well-fed just like the bears at the salmon run!

Choose from a full salad bar, gourmet meat, pasta and

seafood and plenty of options for dessert.

49th State BreweryThis brewery features a wide selection of house beers, pub

favorites like Hot Bavarian Pretzels, Alaskan seafood like

Parmesan Crusted Halibut, and local game like venison,

buffalo and elk. The dough for their stone-fired pizza and

the ground meat for their incredible burgers is all done in

house, and the dining space features moose-antler

chandeliers and a beautiful rooftop patio.

Salmon Bake RestaurantFor those seeking fresh seafood, there are few better

choices than the Salmon Bake Restaurant in Seward.

Enjoy their rustic log cabin-style dining room, and

choose from a selection of Alaskan crab, clams, halibut,

snapper and incredible steaks, sandwiches and pastas.

Glacier BrewhouseGlacier Brewhouse is known for their house- brewed

beer, wood-grilled steaks and rotisserie, as well as

decadent local seafood and brick- oven pizzas. There

are plenty of pastas, salads and lighter options as well.

Their elegant dining features fireplaces, a beautiful bar

and exposed wooden beams.

Restaurants Glaciers & Grizzlies

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** These are sample restaurants. Selection can change due to availability, seasonality and quality control.**

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Guides Glaciers & Grizzlies

Fred Vreeman is an environmental engineer/scientist who loves showing Alaska to our guests. After mastering several careers in Alaska he now leads tours and teaches environmental science part time at University of Alaska. He came to Alaska in 1978 and he loves exploring wilderness as a pilot, boat captain, scientist and adventurer. His public service career includes management positions with Alaska’s Natural Resource and Environmental agencies.

His private career includes National Park development, engineering for the army, and various energy and water projects. He has degrees in Natural Science, Sociology and Environmental Engineering. In addition to land tours he is a riverboat captain for adventurous guests discovering the Yukon River.

Meet Your Guides

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Janet Vreeman is a local tour director and travel consultant. She has been in Alaska for decades and has spent many years guiding tours for multiple Fairbanks operations including the Alaska Railroad. She has degrees in Anthropology and Photography, and is an accomplished artist who creates unique pieces from birch bark! She is an expert on the Northern Lights and is great at helping our guests capture the perfect shot. Her warm personality and expertise on all things Alaska will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Guides Glaciers & Grizzlies

Meet Your Guides

13Gondwana Ecotours

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Travel With Us?Our promise is to deliver custom crafted and authentically local travel experiences that send you home with lifelong memories of your unique adventure. We strive to put our values into practice with every Ecotour that we create.

Small-Group Size: We limit our group to 18 so you can have a unique and personalized experience.

Local Guides: Enjoy the company of local guides who share their culture and customs with you for an unbeatable authentic experience.

Carbon Offset: We carbon offset every guest’s airfare―good for our conscience and good for our planet.

Low Impact: Our ecotours leave a small impression on the environment because of the

accommodations, restaurants, small group size of 18, and the activities.

Unique Lodging: Feel the heart of the destination by staying at unique hotels that are locally owned and eco-friendly.

One-of-a-Kind Activities: Many of our activities have been created by our

passionate local guides and our founder exclusively for our guests; you truly cannot get these experiences with any other company.

Is This Trip For Me?Our Glaciers & Grizzlies tour does not require a high level of physical fitness. However, guests will get the most out of the experience if they are able to comfortably walk on uneven, natural hiking trails for several miles involving a moderate amount of elevation change. Guests must be able to comfortably enter and exit a passenger van. As there is a significant amount of time spent on water, guests should feel comfortable on boats and floatplanes.

The ability to participate in a light kayaking activity will also add to one’s experience.

How do I sign up?To reserve your spot simply request (via phone or email) an invoice for your $500 deposit. This deposit is refundable for any reason within 30 days of booking.

Upon signup we will send you our pre-trip guide to prepare you for the journey. We will also send you two easy forms to fill out for your personal information and flight details.

Thanks so much for contacting us and if you have any other questions please email us ([email protected]) or call us at 877-587-8479.

FAQ’S Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Katmailand and Kenai Peninsula

Glaciers & GrizzliesTour 2: Featuring Private Rooms in Homer

with Fly-in Day Trips to Katmailand

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CONTENTSTrip Highlights >

Pricing & Upcoming Dates >

What’s Included >

The Itinerary >

Accommodations & Restaurants >

Guides >

Frequently Asked Questions >

Contents Glaciers & Grizzlies

1Gondwana Ecotours

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Trip HighlightsFLY in a floatplane to Katmai Island, home to the biggest bears in the world. Here you’ll have a great chance to watch them hunt in the river during the iconic salmon run.

SEE puffins, otters, sea lions, and maybe even humpback whales and orcas on a relaxing boat ride in between massive glaciers.

EXPLORE the Exit Glacier by car and foot, a famous and picturesque attraction that is not to be missed.

KAYAK in Kenai Fjords National Park, surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with wildlife.

HIKE the mossy temperate rainforests of Chugach National Park followed by a delicious Alaskan seafood dinner coupled with local brews.

VISIT Anchorage - Alaska’s largest city that homes nearly half the state population. We will also spend time getting to know the charming fishing town of Seward.

Trip Highlights Glaciers & Grizzlies

2Gondwana Ecotours

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Dates & Price

July 24-August 1, 2020August 7-15, 2020

$5,985 (Double Occupancy)$6,895 (Single Occupancy)

Upcoming Dates Glaciers & Grizzlies

3Gondwana Ecotours

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What’s IncludedAccommodations for 8 nights

Two days of round trip transportation to Katmailand National Park by float plane

All your private transportation in Anchorage/Seward/Kenai Peninsula

All your guides (full time local guides and activity guides)

All tours and activities (bear viewing, a boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park, an afternoon of kayaking, hiking tours, a tour of Exit Glacier, a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center plus more...)

All meals listed as included in the itinerary. This includes an amazing salmon and prime rib buffet!

A private Alaskan seafood boil at our lodge overlooking Resurrection Bay

We pay for Carbon Offsetting for each guest to minimize our trip’s impact on the environment

What’s Included Glaciers & Grizzlies

4Gondwana Ecotours

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Day TwoDuring breakfast at the Inn we will all meet as a group to go over the itinerary and answer any questions. In the morning we will visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, with lakeside exhibits and native dwellings that teach you about the traditional lifestyle of tribes like the Athabascan and and the Inupiaq.

Following lunch in Anchorage we will have a 2 hour guided trail hike with views of the Eagle River Valley and the Chugach Mountains. Keep your eyes out for beavers, bears and spawning salmon!

This activity is included but optional, and if preferred guests can use the free afternoon to relax or pursue any of the following paid options: rent bikes to explore the Coastal Trail, enjoy massages, or take a flightseeing tour to get a bird’s eye view of the incredible local scenery.

Dinner will be at the Glacier Brewhouse, famous for their homemade brews and wood fired oven that turns out incredibly flavorful steaks, local seafood and pizzas. After dinner we return to rest for the night at the Copper Whale Inn.

Breakfast & Lunch are included.

Day OneWhen you arrive in Anchorage a driver will be waiting for you at the airport.Our guide will be in the lobby that evening to answer any questions, discuss options for the next day and help you get checked in.

You can use this free night to relax and recover from your travel day with ultimate comfort at the Copper Whale Inn.

If you would prefer to explore there is plenty to do. The Inn is conveniently located near the activity of downtown Anchorage, but with a peaceful setting and views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Mountain Range.

With the 11 mile Coastal Trail just one block away and bikes available for rent, it’s the perfect location to settle in and explore Anchorage.

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

5Gondwana Ecotours

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Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Day ThreeAfter breakfast we will enjoy a scenic drive to Seward, stopping for views of the Potter Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bird Point, and for a picnic lunch overlooking a beautiful valley.

Our next stop on the drive will be at Exit Glacier. This beautiful glacier is located at the edge of the Harding Icefield and is 4 square miles large. It is believed to have retreated a mile over the past 100 years, and an estimated 136 feet just in 2015!

After exploring the glacier, we will arrive at the town of Seward, located on an inlet at the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. After we check in at Resurrection Lodge, in the evening we will enjoy a private outdoor seafood boil for dinner, before resting up for tomorrow’s full day tour of Kenai Fjords.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.

Day FourThis full day tour into Aialik (eye-al-ick) Bay provides an up close and personal experience with a tidewater glacier. Your day begins with a wildlife tour aboard a charter boat as we head to the bay. While enjoying the 55-mile journey (each way) we'll watch for humpback whales, orca, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, bald eagles, porpoise and more.

Upon reaching Aialik Bay and our launch site the guides will provide basic paddling instructions and a safety talk before launching the kayaks and paddling amidst some of the most spectacular scenery coastal Alaska has to offer. We use stable and efficient tandem (two-person) kayaks allowing both novices and aspiring experts to kayak comfortably. As we paddle near small icebergs and turquoise waters, we'll bring you as close as 1/2 mile from the towering Holgate glacier. Crackling ice and wildlife encounters are a magical experience as we spend 2-3 hours kayaking in this beautiful seascape. For those who prefer to stay onboard the boat instead of kayaking, the captain and crew will provide a tour through the nooks and crannies of Aialik Bay -- checking out the wildlife, sharing the natural history of the area and spending time in front of Aialik Glacier as it thunders and calves. The kayakers will be picked up near Holgate Glacier and all will return to Seward while watching for more wildlife along the way.

Once our tour is over and we return to the lodge, we will have a free evening for you to explore town and dinner at a place of your choosing. We will provide transportation to town at 7pm and a return at 9pm, and are happy to provide suggestions of places to eat and drink. After a relaxing evening, we spend the night in comfort at Resurrection Lodge.

Breakfast & Lunch are included.

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Day SixAfter breakfast at the hotel we will head down to the float plane dock.

We will fly across Cook Inlet, past massive volcanoes, and into the heart of Katmai Island. This incredible park is home to the famous salmon run, Brooks Falls and some of the largest brown bears in North America!

We’ll land the float plane either at Brooks Camp or out near the Tidal Flats, wherever we’re most likely to see bears.

Fly back, grab some dinner and relax another night at Land’s End lodge.

Breakfast & Lunch are included.

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Day FiveEnjoy another breakfast at the lodge and we will be on our way to Alyeska Resort. This luxurious hotel features an award winning restaurant and saltwater swimming pool. Its picturesque location is surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers. Join us for a tram ride to take in the incredible scenery, go for a short hike, or just enjoy the hotel amenities!

Tonight will be a free evening for dinner. Enjoy mountain-top views at Seven Glaciers Restaurant, which has won multiple awards for its gourmet menu and wine list. We will also provide transportation to Chair 5 Restaurant in Girdwood, which has a casual ski-lodge atmosphere with a delicious variety of entrees and more than 60 microbrews at the bar!

Breakfast is included.

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Day EightOne last breakfast in Homer, and we’re off to Girdwood. We’ll have lunch on the way and an optional tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. If you haven’t seen a moose yet, now’s the chance!

Early afternoon – Arrive at the 5 star Hotel Alyeska. Explore the trails nearby or soak in their saltwater pool and jacuzzi. Dine at the award winning 7 Glaciers restaurant on top of the mountain. We’ll get you tram tickets to ride in style up there and take in views of the surrounding ocean and wilderness. Dinner is enjoyed on your own.

Breakfast & Lunch are included.

Day SevenSimilar to the previous day, after breakfast at the hotel, we will head down to the float plane dock.

We’ll land the float plane either at Brooks Camp or out near the Tidal Flats, wherever there is the most bear activity. View bears from a safe distance with your expert naturalist guide.

Fly back, grab some dinner and relax another night at Land’s End lodge.

Breakfast & Lunch are included.

Itinerary Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Day NineThe last day of our journey! We say goodbye to the group and head our separate ways. Transportation will be provided to the airport or other locations in Anchorage. Head home with incredible photos, new friends and memories of your wild Alaskan adventure!

Breakfast included.

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Accommodations

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Nights 1 & 2

Copper Whale Inn: The Copper Whale is a family owned bed and breakfast, conveniently located close to the action of downtown Anchorage, but tucked away in a peaceful private setting.

Enjoy views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska mountain range, and explore the 11 mile Coastal Trail just one block away!

Breakfast features fresh fruit and plenty of healthy options, and is served in the spacious living room warmed by a stone fireplace (if cold).

Nights 3 & 4

Resurrection Lodge in Seward: Resurrection Lodge is located on Lowell Point, overlooking the bay and the Chugach Mountains. Recharge after a long day in their cozy king-size beds, and relax on their deck to look for wildlife like whales, sea otters, sea lions and eagles soaring overhead.

Night 5, 6 & 7

Accommodations Glaciers & Grizzlies

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Night 8

Alyeska Lodge: Nestled in a glacial valley amid stunning mountain scenery, this luxurious resort features an award winning restaurant, a saltwater pool and jacuzzi and hiking trails accessible right from the hotel courtyard.

Enjoy a scenic tram ride to take in views of the ocean and surrounding wilderness.

Perched on the water’s edge, at the tip of the Homer Spit, Land’s End Resort is truly a world-class exclusive location.

Views from the rooms, the deck and restaurant all capture the full splendor of the Kenai Mountains and glaciers. Soak in the oceanfront hot tub while you watch the boats round the Homer Spit and head out to sea. Stroll along the miles of beach just outside your door, where sightings of otters, seals, whales, and eagles are common.

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Restaurants

Chair 5This fun spot has a classic ski-lodge atmosphere, and their bar

features over 60 microbrews! Choose from pastas, burgers,

flame-broiled steaks, deep dish and specialty pizzas and house

specials with a variety of global influences.

The Chart RoomEnjoy sunset over the Kenai Mountains at the Chart Room

restaurant at Land’s End. Savor a glass of wine as you

overlook the water and dine on local seafood like oysters,

halibut and king crab legs. In a heartier mood? A steak,

burger or elk meatloaf will hit the spot. They also have

salads, globally inspired entrees and decadent desserts.

49th State BreweryThis brewery features a wide selection of house beers, pub

favorites like Hot Bavarian Pretzels, Alaskan seafood like

Parmesan Crusted Halibut, and local game like venison,

buffalo and elk. The dough for their stone-fired pizza and

the ground meat for their incredible burgers is all done in

house, and the dining space features moose-antler

chandeliers and a beautiful rooftop patio.

Salmon Bake RestaurantFor those seeking fresh seafood, there are few better

choices than the Salmon Bake Restaurant in Seward.

Enjoy their rustic log cabin-style dining room, and

choose from a selection of Alaskan crab, clams, halibut,

snapper and incredible steaks, sandwiches and pastas.

Glacier BrewhouseGlacier Brewhouse is known for their house- brewed

beer, wood-grilled steaks and rotisserie, as well as

decadent local seafood and brick- oven pizzas. There

are plenty of pastas, salads and lighter options as well.

Their elegant dining features fireplaces, a beautiful bar

and exposed wooden beams.

Restaurants Glaciers & Grizzlies

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** These are sample restaurants. Selection can change due to availability, seasonality and quality control.**

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Guides Glaciers & Grizzlies

Fred Vreeman is an environmental engineer/scientist who loves showing Alaska to our guests. After mastering several careers in Alaska he now leads tours and teaches environmental science part time at University of Alaska. He came to Alaska in 1978 and he loves exploring wilderness as a pilot, boat captain, scientist and adventurer. His public service career includes management positions with Alaska’s Natural Resource and Environmental agencies.

His private career includes National Park development, engineering for the army, and various energy and water projects. He has degrees in Natural Science, Sociology and Environmental Engineering. In addition to land tours he is a riverboat captain for adventurous guests discovering the Yukon River.

Meet Your Guides

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Janet Vreeman is a local tour director and travel consultant. She has been in Alaska for decades and has spent many years guiding tours for multiple Fairbanks operations including the Alaska Railroad. She has degrees in Anthropology and Photography, and is accomplished artist who creates unique pieces from birch bark! She is an expert on the Northern Lights and is great at helping our guests capture the perfect shot. Her warm personality and expertise on all things Alaska will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Guides Glaciers & Grizzlies

Meet Your Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Travel With Us?Our promise is to deliver custom crafted and authentically local travel experiences that send you home with lifelong memories of your unique adventure. We strive to put our values into practice with every Ecotour that we create.

Small-Group Size: We limit our group to 18 so you can have a unique and personalized experience.

Local Guides: Enjoy the company of local guides who share their culture and customs with you for an unbeatable authentic experience.

Carbon Offset: We carbon offset every guest’s airfare―good for our conscience and good for our planet.

Low Impact: Our ecotours leave a small impression on the environment because of the

accommodations, restaurants, small group size of 18, and the activities.

Unique Lodging: Feel the heart of the destination by staying at unique hotels that are locally owned and eco-friendly.

One-of-a-Kind Activities: Many of our activities have been created by our

passionate local guides and our founder exclusively for our guests; you truly cannot get these experiences with any other company.

Is This Trip For Me?Our Glaciers & Grizzlies tour does not require a high-level of physical fitness. However, guests will get the most out of the experience if they are able to comfortably walk on uneven, natural hiking trails for several miles involving a moderate amount of elevation change. Guests must be able to comfortably enter and exit a passenger van. As there is a significant amount of time spent on water, guests should feel comfortable on boats and floatplanes.

The capacity to participate in a light kayaking activity will also add to one’s experience.

How do I sign up?To reserve your spot simply request (via phone or email) an invoice for your $500 deposit. This deposit is refundable for any reason within 30 days of booking.

Upon signup we will send you our pre-trip guide to prepare you for the journey. It contains booking terms, a packing list, health and safety tips, suggested reading and lots of other useful information. We will also send 2 easy forms to fill out for your personal information and flight details.

Thanks so much for contacting us and if you have any other questions please email us ([email protected]) or call us at 877-587-8479.

FAQ’S Glaciers & Grizzlies

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