Alaska Family Adventure

The program begins on Tuesday, August 10 in Anchorage. Depending on the available flights from your home city, some participants might need to plan to depart on Monday, August 9. If you need independent arrival arrangements and accommodations, please contact Harvard Alumni Travels. 

Plan to meet your fellow travelers and Trip Leader promptly at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, in the lobby of The Lakefront Anchorage. Following a brief introduction, we’ll visit the Anchorage Museum to enjoy artwork featuring Alaskan artisans, along with the Museum’s beloved permanent exhibits. Afterward, we’ll dine at a local’s favorite restaurant for Alaskan infused cuisine and learn more about what to expect for the rest of this exciting adventure.

Overnight: Lakefront Anchorage Hotel

Meals: D

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning before meeting with your Trip Leader in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. For today’s rafting adventure, we recommend wearing comfortable outdoor clothing with layers and comfortable outdoor footwear with good ankle support; we will provide all river gear to keep you comfortable on today’s adventure.

We’ll bid farewell to Anchorage and travel along Turnagain Arm on the Seward Highway – a National Scenic Byway – to the small mountain town of Cooper Landing. From our launch site on the turquoise waters of the Upper Kenai River, we’ll gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On this class II, casual stretch of river, we’ll be able to access stunning backcountry sights and protected wilderness areas.

Nearly two million acres in size, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is characterized by its diverse habitats and wildlife. In fact, the Refuge is considered by many visitors to represent Alaska in miniature. The dense vegetation on the banks of the river provides excellent habitat for moose. The biggest bull moose can be 7 ½ feet tall at the shoulders, weigh 1800 lbs. and have antlers that span more than 6 feet.
Along the river during our raft trip, scan for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and, depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake.

Late afternoon, arrive at our boat-in only Kenai Backcountry Lodge, a unique, historic in holding. The Lodge utilizes a simple but effective hydroelectric power system to provide water and electricity, reducing the need for fossil fueled power.

Appetizers and dinner welcome us in the main lodge, followed by evening activities. Relax in the outdoor gazebo or enjoy a casual stroll along an established nature path.

Overnight: Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities, including riparian and hemlock forests.

Return to the lodge in the afternoon and simply relax at the lodge or take a hot sauna. For those brave souls, take a dip into the glacier-fed waters of Skilak Lake. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides.

Overnight: Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we’ll cross Skilak Lake by boat and then travel by van to the beautiful seaside town of Seward. Board a small ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park – home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A half-day marine wildlife and glacier cruise will allow us to explore the rugged coastline. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers stunning views of Pederson Glacier and miles of pristine beachfront for combing. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations.

Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

Explore the wild delights of Kenai Fjords National Park for two full days. After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from a wide array of activities that are best suited to your energy level and interest. Guided options include natural walks, sea kayaking, group canoe paddles and more.

In the spirit of adventure and to take advantage of tidal and weather patterns, guides will discuss specific nature outings and options with our group this morning. All activities are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience.

For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the main lodge offers ideal comfort with direct views of nature. Curious sea otters and seals frequent the lagoon, just steps from the main lodge deck. In a nearby meadow, we can sometimes glimpse bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. Our natural history library offers amazing resources and interesting reads – cozy up with a delightful book and let your worries drift out with the tide!

Upon return to the main lodge, share stories from your day’s adventure with other guests and join an evening natural history presentation, given by local expert guides or guest speakers.

Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

Explore the wild delights of Kenai Fjords National Park for two full days. After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from a wide array of activities that are best suited to your energy level and interest. Guided options include natural walks, sea kayaking, group canoe paddles and more.

In the spirit of adventure and to take advantage of tidal and weather patterns, guides will discuss specific nature outings and options with our group this morning. All activities are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience.

For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the main lodge offers ideal comfort with direct views of nature. Curious sea otters and seals frequent the lagoon, just steps from the main lodge deck. In a nearby meadow, we can sometimes glimpse bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. Our natural history library offers amazing resources and interesting reads – cozy up with a delightful book and let your worries drift out with the tide!

Upon return to the main lodge, share stories from your day’s adventure with other guests and join an evening natural history presentation, given by local expert guides or guest speakers.

Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

Savor another morning in the wilds of Kenai Fjords National Park. A morning outing allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe, hike or beach comb for a half-day before boarding our boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward.

Along the way, photograph the sheer cliff walls teeming with birds, plants and other vegetation and scan for more marine wildlife. Afterward, stretch out your sea legs with a short walk to the Alaska Railroad depot for check-in to the deluxe GoldStar domed train cars. Enjoy the spectacular scenery on your rail journey north to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad, along with a festive farewell dinner.

Our driver will meet us in Anchorage to take us to The Lakefront Anchorage for our final night’s stay.

Overnight: Lakefront Anchorage

Meals: B, L, D

Following breakfast, airport shuttles will be provided to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport for return flights home.

Meals: B