Alaska & Yukon Highlights Self-Drive
15 Days
from
$3,188 pp*
Highlights:
Alaska
(Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks, Tok, Seward)
,
Yukon
(Dawson City, Whitehorse)
Trip Start/End:
Anchorage
/
Anchorage
Hop in a rental car and embark on this figure-8 round-trip drive of the northern frontier land of Alaska and the Yukon Territory, both vibrant in the late spring and summer with lush forests, immaculate mountains and valleys, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, native culture, and gold rush heritage. Starting in Anchorage, you'll set out to discover the impressive Denali National Park, home to moose, caribou and bear, and the magnificent Mt. McKinley. Continue the journey to Fairbanks and Tok, before crossing in to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory, a hugely important city in the Klondike Gold Rush. Visit the territory's capital, Whitehorse, before crossing back into Alaskan roads, as you take a ferry from Skagway to Haines, access point to the renowned Glacier Bay National Park. Before returning to Anchorage, you'll have a stop in Seward, launching point for boat tours into the majestic Kenai Fjords National Park. This is wilderness and adventure at its finest.
Trip Itinerary
Anchorage
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Day 1: Anchorage
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
Accommodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (4*) Sheraton Anchorage Hotel is on the eastern edge of downtown and is 3 blocks from the Museum of History and Art, and within 8 blocks of the Egan Convention Center and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa’s Ptarmigan Restaurant serves all meals, while Josephine’s, with panoramic views, serves a lavish Sunday brunch. Also on site are a 24-hour business center and 24-hour health club. All Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa guestrooms have signature Sweet Sleeper beds and views of the city, mountains, or Cook Inlet. Amenities include cable TVs with pay movies, and high-speed Internet access. Dogs are welcome.
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Wonder Lake Denali National Park
Grande Denali Lodge
Day 2: Anchorage - Denali National Park and Preserve
Make your way to the designated rental vehicle pick-up location this morning and embark on your self-driving journey of Alaska!
Driving 237 miles, you'll bring yourself from Anchorage to Denali today, passing through some wonderful Alaskan highway scenery. The travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Upon arrival in Denali, you'll have the remainder of the day to spend relaxingly, or to explore independently in the vicinity of the park.
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge (4*) The Grande Denali Lodge (4*) is comfort and style with a view. Located on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, it is literally a step above other accommodations in the area. The Grande Denali Lodge has unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River Canyon. Denali National Park and Preserve, the Alaska Railroad, river rafting and many more activities are all just minutes away. Spacious guest rooms, fully equipped cabins, on-site dining and dedicated staff make the Grande Denali Lodge the perfect place to launch all your Denali adventures.
Caribou in Denali N.P.
Day 3: Denali National Park and Preserve
Departing from your designated Denali park entrance hotel, this narrated bus tour takes you through the pristine wilderness of Denali. The experienced naturalist driver-guide will provide an overview of the land and its wildlife as you travel approximately 53 miles on the park road. Along the way, stops will be made at scenic overlooks and for viewing wildlife, such as bears, caribou and moose. A boxed snack and bottled water will be provided on your tour.
Please note, depending on weather and road conditions, this tour averages between 6-8 hours June-August, and shorter in May and September.
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge (4*) 
Fairbanks
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Day 4: Denali National Park and Preserve - Fairbanks
Your 125 mile drive today brings you to Fairbanks, an approximate 2.5 hour trip.
With a large portion of the day remaining upon your arrival to Fairbanks, there are multiple optional activities for you, including a visit to Creamer's Field Wildlife Refuge, Pioneer Park, or the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour (admissions payable on spot).
Take some time to view the Trans Alaskan Pipeline, which passes through Fairbanks. It runs for 800 miles, from Prudhoe Bay in the north of Alaska, to Valdez in the south.
Accommodation: Pike`s Waterfront Lodge (4*) Located on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (4*) offers a warm, friendly Fairbanks experience to guests. This hotel offers rooms with scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wireless internet in the lobby. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport, and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant.
Tok Alaska
Westmark Inn Tok
Day 5: Fairbanks - Tok
With your rental car, set out on the 4 hour drive between Fairbanks and Tok, a total of 206 miles.
Upon arrival to Tok today, the remainder of your day is yours to spend at your own pace.
Accommodation: Westmark Inn Tok (2*) The Westmark Inn Tok, open May-September and conveniently located at the intersection of the Alaska and Glenn highways, is an excellent place for vacationers traveling the Alaska Highway. This comfortable inn offers a spacious dining room with excellent food and drinks at reasonable prices. Guests can also unwind in the relaxing lounge, a perfect spot for a casual meal or to catch up with fellow travelers. While its location may be secluded, the Westmark Inn Tok features guest computer access in the lobby area, allowing guests to stay connected no matter how far they are from home. With free parking, an on-site laundry facility, and large gift shop, the Westmark Inn Tok is an ideal overnight stopping point for northern road trippers.
Gold Rush Era Building
Westmark Inn Dawson City
Day 6: Tok - Dawson City
Today you'll drive 185 miles, leaving the United States and entering Canada, as you travel from Tok to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory.
The Taylor and Top of the World highways along the way are unpaved, but authentically fronteir territory.
With your arrival in Dawson City, you're free to spend the remainder of your day at leisure exploring this city, the one-time center of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Accommodation: Westmark Inn Dawson City (2.5*) The Westmark Inn Dawson City (2.5*), open mid–May through mid–September for summer guests, provides visitors with spacious and comfortable accommodations in the heart of this lively gold rush community. Guests discover warm northern hospitality at the Inn with each of its 177 rooms. Amenities range from complimentary internet access in the lobby, coin–operated guest laundry, free parking, and a gift shop. Designed to replicate the look of the buildings during the Gold Rush, the Westmark Inn Dawson City stands out above the rest.
Day 7: Dawson City
Spend a full day at leisure, exploring independently.
Accommodation: Westmark Inn Dawson City (2.5*) 
Whitehorse
Westmark Whitehorse Hotel
Day 8: Dawson City - Whitehorse
A total of 333 miles will be driven today as you head southeast to the capital of the Yukon: Whitehorse. Expect a 6.5 hour drive between cities.
Upon arrival in Whitehorse this afternoon, the remainder of your day is free to spend exploring this northern capital, split by the Yukon River.
Accommodation: Westmark Whitehorse Hotel (2.5*) Located in the heart of downtown Whitehorse, within blocks of area restaurants, night-spots, shopping, and government offices, the Westmark Whitehorse Hotel & Conference Center (2.5*) is the Yukon's premier hotel and conference center. The Westmark Whitehorse offers 180 first-class guest rooms and suites, conference facilities, and professional special event catering.
Hotel Halsingland
Day 9: Whitehorse - Haines
Today you'll drive 109 miles to Skagway, where you will board a 1-hour ferry ride with your rental car which will bring you to back to Alaska, and to overnight in the city of Haines.
Upon arrival in Haines, you'll have the rest of your day free to spend exploring the area, including the nearby Glacier Bay National Park and preserve. Haines witnessed a boom at the end of the 1800's with the Klondike Gold Rush.
Accommodation: Hotel Halsingland (2*) The Victorian-era Hotel Halsingland (2*) offers all the amenities of a modern stay in historic surroundings. Sleep in memories of the past in any of the charming guest rooms.
Kluane N.P. Hike
Day 10: Haines - Haines Junction
Driving for 3 hours, you'll leave Haines and arrive at Haines Junction, 146 miles to the northwest, returning back into the Yukon Territory.
With your arrival in Haines Junction, spend some the remainder of your day at leisure. Adventure and wilderness tourism are on the rise in this area, with flight-seeing options, strolls along the Dezadeash River Trail, or a hike through the scenic Kluane National Park.
Accommodation: Alcan Motor Inn (2*) The Alcan Motor Inn (2*), located at the junction of the Alaska & Haines Highways features a total of 23 deluxe air-conditioned rooms, and panoramic views of the majestic St. Elias Mountains and beautiful Kluane National Park.
Native Art
Day 11: Haines Junction - Tok
Your 6-hour drive today from Haines Junction will bring you back to Alaska, as you return to the city of Tok, 297 miles to the northwest.
Arriving back to Tok, make great use of your time at leisure this afternoon, exploring some of the local features that you didn't see the first time around. Tok is a trade center for several local Native villages, offering their arts and crafts in many gift shops in the community.
Accommodation: Westmark Inn Tok (2*) 
Best Western Lake Lucille
Guestroom
Day 12: Tok - Palmer
Continue your journey today with a 5.5 hour drive (167 miles) southwest to the Wasilla/Palmer area.
The remainder of your day is at leisure, in the Wasilla/Palmer area. Wasilla features the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, "to give a home to the transportation and industrial remnants and to tell the stories of the people and the machines that opened Alaska to exploration and growth."
Accommodation: Best Western Lake Lucille Best Western Lake Lucille Inn, offering 50 comfortable guest rooms, rests on Lake Lucille, 362 acres of pure Matanuska-Susitna valley recreational opportunity. Just a short distance away is a summer bike trail that runs for miles to the east and west. through areas that have seen both moose and bear. This trail can be used for hiking, or biking, and is wide and paved.
Seward
Seward Windsong Lodge
Day 13: Palmer - Seward
Take a drive south to Seward today, a total transfer time of 3.5 hours.
Explore Seward and the surrounding area today with the day at leisure. The nearby Kenai Fjords National Park with its Exit Glacier are always a key point of interest, with optional boat tours available.
Accommodation: Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) The Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) is located just outside the city of Seward, travel down the winding road to Exit Glacier and you'll find your paradise away from home. The towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River awaken your senses upon arrival. Close to town, yet located in a secluded setting, the 180 spacious guest rooms, onsite restaurant, lounge and meeting facilities provide a peaceful respite.
Anchorage
Day 14: Seward - Anchorage
A short 2.5 hour drive today brings you full-circle, back to Anchorage where you began your self-drive journey.
Welcome back to Anchorage. Spend some time in the downtown core, a real contrast to the majority of your trip.
Accommodation: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (4*) Day 15: Anchorage
Make your way to the designated drop-off location this morning to return your rental vehicle.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (4*) - Anchorage
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel is on the eastern edge of downtown and is 3 blocks from the Museum of History and Art, and within 8 blocks of the Egan Convention Center and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa’s Ptarmigan Restaurant serves all meals, while Josephine’s, with panoramic views, serves a lavish Sunday brunch. Also on site are a 24-hour business center and 24-hour health club. All Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa guestrooms have signature Sweet Sleeper beds and views of the city, mountains, or Cook Inlet. Amenities include cable TVs with pay movies, and high-speed Internet access. Dogs are welcome.
- Grande Denali Lodge
Grande Denali Lodge (4*) - Denali National Park and Preserve
The Grande Denali Lodge (4*) is comfort and style with a view. Located on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, it is literally a step above other accommodations in the area. The Grande Denali Lodge has unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River Canyon. Denali National Park and Preserve, the Alaska Railroad, river rafting and many more activities are all just minutes away. Spacious guest rooms, fully equipped cabins, on-site dining and dedicated staff make the Grande Denali Lodge the perfect place to launch all your Denali adventures.
- Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Pike's Waterfront Lodge (4*) - Fairbanks
Located on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (4*) offers a warm, friendly Fairbanks experience to guests. This hotel offers rooms with scenic views, a steam room & sauna, riverside deck, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wireless internet in the lobby. The hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska airport, and next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant.
- Westmark Inn Tok
Standard
Westmark Inn Tok (2*) - Tok
The Westmark Inn Tok, open May-September and conveniently located at the intersection of the Alaska and Glenn highways, is an excellent place for vacationers traveling the Alaska Highway. This comfortable inn offers a spacious dining room with excellent food and drinks at reasonable prices. Guests can also unwind in the relaxing lounge, a perfect spot for a casual meal or to catch up with fellow travelers. While its location may be secluded, the Westmark Inn Tok features guest computer access in the lobby area, allowing guests to stay connected no matter how far they are from home. With free parking, an on-site laundry facility, and large gift shop, the Westmark Inn Tok is an ideal overnight stopping point for northern road trippers.
- Westmark Inn Dawson City
Westmark Inn Dawson City (2.5*) - Dawson City
The Westmark Inn Dawson City (2.5*), open mid–May through mid–September for summer guests, provides visitors with spacious and comfortable accommodations in the heart of this lively gold rush community. Guests discover warm northern hospitality at the Inn with each of its 177 rooms. Amenities range from complimentary internet access in the lobby, coin–operated guest laundry, free parking, and a gift shop. Designed to replicate the look of the buildings during the Gold Rush, the Westmark Inn Dawson City stands out above the rest.
- Westmark Whitehorse Hotel
Westmark Whitehorse Hotel (2.5*) - Whitehorse
Located in the heart of downtown Whitehorse, within blocks of area restaurants, night-spots, shopping, and government offices, the Westmark Whitehorse Hotel & Conference Center (2.5*) is the Yukon's premier hotel and conference center. The Westmark Whitehorse offers 180 first-class guest rooms and suites, conference facilities, and professional special event catering.
- Hotel Halsingland
Hotel Halsingland (2*)
The Victorian-era Hotel Halsingland (2*) offers all the amenities of a modern stay in historic surroundings. Sleep in memories of the past in any of the charming guest rooms.
Alcan Motor Inn
Alcan Motor Inn (2*)
The Alcan Motor Inn (2*), located at the junction of the Alaska & Haines Highways features a total of 23 deluxe air-conditioned rooms, and panoramic views of the majestic St. Elias Mountains and beautiful Kluane National Park.
- Best Western Lake Lucille
Best Western Lake Lucille
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn, offering 50 comfortable guest rooms, rests on Lake Lucille, 362 acres of pure Matanuska-Susitna valley recreational opportunity. Just a short distance away is a summer bike trail that runs for miles to the east and west. through areas that have seen both moose and bear. This trail can be used for hiking, or biking, and is wide and paved.
- Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) - Seward
The Seward Windsong Lodge (4*) is located just outside the city of Seward, travel down the winding road to Exit Glacier and you'll find your paradise away from home. The towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River awaken your senses upon arrival. Close to town, yet located in a secluded setting, the 180 spacious guest rooms, onsite restaurant, lounge and meeting facilities provide a peaceful respite.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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