FAMILY VACATION
6 - 18 guests
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $4999/per adult
USD $4499/per child
Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.
Next available departure
18 Jun - 23 Jun
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Thundering waterfalls. Creaking icebergs. Breaching orcas. Alaska’s endless offerings of breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures are yours for discovering on this action-packed Alaska family vacation. Answer the call of the wild as your family kayaks Resurrection Bay with playful sea otters, bikes the winding mountain roads of the Kenai Peninsula, and gets close to orcas and humpback whales while navigating Kenai Fjords on a boat cruise. Discover what Alaska has to offer you and your family on one of our most popular family vacations.
Austin Adventures operates in part under a special use permit with the Chugach National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.
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Day 1
Your Alaska adventure starts early in Anchorage with a four-hour scenic train ride on the famous Alaska Railroad, heading south to historic Seward on the Coastal Classic route. We'll hug the coastline along the Turnagain Arm, then south of Portage the train separates from the highway and enters a truly remote and rugged section of track. Here, you'll head through Placer River Valley and pass by the impressive ice wall of Spencer Glacier and over the 1,063-foot pass of the Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward, you'll head out for a hike on the Resurrection River trail, walking through dense spruce and hemlock forest with only occasional views of the river valley and mountains. After exploring the trail, we'll check into our hotel for the next 3 nights. Harbor 360 Hotel is the premier waterfront hotel in the scenic harbor town of Seward with spacious, comfortable guest rooms, and harborside or mountainside views. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner as we toast to a great trip to come!
Harbor 360 Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 4 miles (6.4 kilometers)
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast for the big day ahead, we'll make our way to the Harding Icefield where we'll hike along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. It's a well maintained, moderately strenuous trail providing expansive views of Exit Glacier in its own glacially carved valley. From there, you can opt for a more challenging hike to view the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. The trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest and heather-filled meadows, rising through the forest and ultimately ending up well above the tree line to an awe-inspiring vantage point of the icefield. The peak of the trail is a peephole to ice ages past - a horizon of snow and ice stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional lonely peak, known as a nunatak. We'll head back to Seward after our day's hike and enjoy some time to relax, followed by a dining on local Alaskan cuisine.
Harbor 360 Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Day 3
Today we'll get to explore Kenai Fjords National Park by kayak and by boat! This morning you'll get fitted in boots and kayak skirts before heading out on a paddle along the shoreline and protected coves of Resurrection Bay, searching for Dall’s Porpoises, Stellar sea lions and orca whales! Afterwards we'll board a small ship, meeting the captain and crew, and depart for the wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is inhabited by a variety of terrestrial and marine mammals, including brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, humpback and killer whales. Checking out tidal glaciers and abundant sea life from the ship’s deck, our naturalist guide will share their expertise on the region as we explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers and remote Alaskan islands. Lunch will be provided on board and upon arrival back on shore in the afternoon, we'll have time to relax before joining the group for dinner.
Harbor 360 Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Kayaking: 2-3 hours
Cruise: 6 hours
Day 4
Your day begins with a morning bike ride on the Johnson Pass bike trail. Pedal along Granite Creek, past wildflowers, waterfalls, and alpine valleys to the old Gold Rush town of Hope. After lunch, we’ll transfer to our accommodations for the next two nights. Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant suggestions and ideas on things to do with your free time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day!
Lakefront Anchorage (Breakfast, Lunch)
Biking: Up to 25 miles (40.2 kilometers)
Day 5
This morning, set off to witness the incredible Byron Glacier on an easy hike where you’ll see the glacier up close. Then you'll trade your boots for your bike and ride the Trail of Blue Ice. After stopping for a gourmet picnic lunch, you’ll head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to explore the 200+ acres of habitats including bison, moose, bears, and wolves. Tonight, you’ll gather for one last dinner with your travel companions, recounting the amazing adventures you had in the land of the midnight sun.
Lakefront Anchorage (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2 miles (3 kilometers)
Biking: 7 miles
Day 6
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short bike ride to soak up one last Alaska morning before heading to Anchorage for flights home.
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
Biking: 10 miles (22 kilometers)
Discounted child prices are available for children 12-years-old and under.
Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
