Alaska and the Yukon are often overlooked in favor of destinations across the ocean, but they offer some of the most striking scenery and wildlife encounters found anywhere in the world. Our advisors at Windy City Travel are guiding groups through this region firsthand, and they share what makes it worth the trip, from glacier cruises to gold rush history.
What makes Denali National Park a must-see wildlife destination?
Denali National Park delivers wildlife encounters that are hard to match anywhere else. Our advisors have led tundra wilderness tours through the park and witnessed moments like a grizzly bear and her cub playing in the water. For travelers who picture Alaska as remote and exciting, Denali is exactly that experience brought to life.
What can travelers expect from a glacier cruise excursion?
A glacier cruise brings travelers close enough to active tidewater glaciers to witness something most people never see in person. On Windy City Travel’s most recent Alaskan cruise, the captain stopped near massive glaciers so passengers could watch and hear the ice calve, where chunks of blue glacier ice break away and crash into the water below; an experience our advisors called unforgettable.
Why is Dawson City in the Yukon worth visiting?
Dawson City feels like stepping back in time. The town still has unpaved wooden boardwalks surrounded by 19th century gold rush architecture where 30,000 people once lived during the height of the gold rush. The town has been kept largely as it was, with no paved roads and long daylight hours that make for stunning panoramic views well into the evening.
Alaska and the Yukon also offer memorable wildlife viewing beyond Denali, including bear watching excursions on land and sea where travelers can see bears fishing for salmon in the river during the Salmon Run.
How can our advisors help plan an Alaska and Yukon trip?
Alaska and the Yukon can be combined into a single, well-paced itinerary that includes time on land and time on the water, whether that means a small ship cruise through the inside passage or a longer combined land and sea journey. Our advisors have traveled this region themselves and can help build a trip that fits the pace and experiences each traveler is looking for.
Ready to start planning an Alaska or Yukon adventure? Reach out to Windy City Travel at 630-554-3777 or contact us to get started.