Surround yourself with unspoiled landscapes, ancient glaciers and an array of wildlife on a two-week Alaskan and Yukon adventure like this one with AAA Vacations. There are no Canada and USA tours like it. Take a trip through breathtaking Prince of William Sound to view its glaciers. Set out for the “Gateway of the Klondike” – Skagway. In the heart of the wilderness, be introduced to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life. Savor first-class Goldstar service on the Alaska Railroad on an adventure into Denali National Park and travel deep into the park on a back country adventure Tundra Wilderness tour. Along the way come to know all of the treasures of “the last frontier.” Here is an example of what a AAA Vacations itinerary could look like.
Canada and USA Tours of Alaska and the Yukon
Day 1 – Anchorage – Tour Begins
Tour opens in Anchorage, the most popular city in the great state of Alaska. From here you embark on a true frontier adventure.
Day 2 – Whittier
Start your tour by journeying to Whittier. You’ll embark on a cruise of Prince William Sound and Blackstone Bay to view glaciers and watch for wildlife. Enjoy lunch on board during this fully narrated scenic adventure. Then you are invited into the wheelhouse to meet the Captain who has been cruising the sound for many years. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 – Tok
Drive to the small town of Tok and experience it’s incredible landscapes. The tours makes its way along Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest in the United States. Stay overnight in Tok, an old stopover for travelers coming from or heading to Canada.
Day 4 – Whitehorse, Yukon
Though in Canada, this USA trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Yukon, as it’s a big part of the Gold Rush era of U.S. history. As you travel to Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon, a picturesque day awaits. En route, ride by Kluane National Park, the “crown jewel” of the Canadian national parks system, enjoying the spectacular views as we pass by.
Day 5 – Skagway
Gold! Travel back to a time when dreams of a big payday were on everyone’s mind. Ride to Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. Revel in tales of the gold rush and local characters like Soapy Smith. Time is available to independently explore this Alaskan coastal community filled with quaint shops and plenty of history.
Day 6 – Carmacks
En route to Dawson City, stop in the village of Carmacks to see the famous Five Finger Rapids mentioned in Jack London’s novel, “The Call of The Wild.” Carmacks is named after George Carmack, the man who struck gold in 1896, sparking the frenzy that turned Dawson City into the center of the Klondike Gold Rush. Within a few years, the population grew from nearly zero to 40,000. After the gold rush, the population plummeted, leaving behind a ghost town.
Day 7 – Dawson City
Perhaps you will get to know Dawson City’s compelling history on a fascinating tour by a coach that includes Bonanza Creek, site of the first gold strike. Take a photo at the last sternwheeler, the SS Keno, which once transported silver, zinc and lead. Or, perhaps you will choose to embark on a walking tour showcasing the city’s rich gold rush history; your local guide will take you back in time to the days when people flocked here in search of gold. See historic buildings built during the period and hear stories of events that took place within their walls.
Day 8 – Chicken
Leave Dawson City and head to Chicken, Alaska to continue your USA trip. An exciting day awaits as you ride along the Top of the World Highway. Discover why it rivals all other scenic roads. Stop in Chicken, one of the last surviving gold rush towns of Alaska. Share a laugh in this small village that retains its frontier spirit. Your home for the next two nights is Fairbanks, a city known as a wonderful place to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Dive into life here and enjoy a local salmon bake featuring delicious all-you-can-eat Alaskan salmon.
Day 9 – Fairbanks
This morning enjoy a city tour of Fairbanks that includes a stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The afternoon features a scenic sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River. This three-hour journey takes you into the heart of Alaska and introduces you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life. See a floatplane take off alongside the boat, then visit the kennels of an Iditarod winner and see the champion sled dogs in action.
Day 10 – Denali
A delightful day of sightseeing awaits as you board a deluxe dome railcar for the ride to Denali National Park. En route, embrace the elegance of first-class Goldstar service. Upon arrival in Denali you will have the remainder of the afternoon to relax or independently explore this magnificent area and make the most of your USA trip. Enjoy dinner and a show at the Denali Dinner Theatre where the history of Denali is performed by your wait staff.
Day 11 – Denali National Park
Travel over 50 miles into the heart of Denali National Park to begin your Tundra Wilderness Tour.* This adventure offers a wide range of incredible scenery, narrated history and some of the best opportunities to view the park’s wildlife.
Day 12 – Anchorage
Relax as you make your way back to Anchorage. Upon arrival, there’s plenty of time to independently explore the downtown area. Tonight, celebrate your Alaskan adventure during a farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Anchorage – Tour ends
Your tour traveling the USA and Canada comes to a close, leaving you with many wonderful memories of your adventure.
Have you always wanted to cruise through Alaska and Canada or other USA tours? Tell us about your dream vacation in the comments section.
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