Road Trip: Alaska & Yukon Highlights

Pick up your rental car at the GoNorth Anchorage station and head to your hotel.

Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and cultural capital. The town sits along the shores of the Cook Inlet against a backdrop of the massive Chugach Mountain Range. With a healthy moose and bear population, you might end up spotting one while exploring the city. If you want to know about its art and culture, visiting the Alaska Center of Performing Arts, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Alaska Museum of Natural History are enriching experiences.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, be it whale watching, scenic flights, kayaking, canoeing and dog sledding. For nighttime entertainment, the city has a burgeoning restaurant scene. You can head downtown to one of the many eateries to try fresh seafood such as salmon or halibut.

Drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna, located about 180 km to the north. The travel time is around two to three hours.

Located in the Mat-Su Valley, Talkeetna is a charming Alaskan town that offers ample outdoor opportunities and is the gateway for climbing expeditions to the surrounding mountains.

Group Flying Tour of Denali with glacier landing

Marvel at the snow-capped Alaskan peaks from high above. Be awed as you witness the beauty of Mount Denali, which stands at a height of 20,310 feet (6,190 m) and is the highest peak in North America. Fly past the 72-km-long Kahiltna Glacier, the famous Kahiltna Base Camp and the east face of Mount Foraker, the second highest peak in the Alaskan range. Click pictures of the jagged granite spires of Little Switzerland, a popular destination amongst climbers. Take in the beauty of the region’s wondrous terrain as you fly past the Pika and Tokositna Glaciers, through the Great Gorge and over the impressive Ruth Glacier.

Depart from Talkeetna and drive to Denali National Park in your rental car. The travel duration is around two and a half hours.

Spread over six million acres of wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve is the ideal showcase of Alaska’s landscape, flora, and fauna. Home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali, the park offers visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of its surroundings.

Horseshoe Lake Trail Hike

Hike along the Horseshoe Lake Trail, a popular and picturesque route in Denali National Park. Walk along the shore of Horseshoe Lake, pausing to admire the shimmering waters and spot wildlife. Keep an eye out for beavers popping up in the lake or even a moose quenching its thirst. Hop over smooth rocks on the banks of the Nenana River or sit for a while and enjoy the peaceful sound of the river’s waters. Pause at the many scenic viewpoints on your way to the top. Enjoy sweeping views of the park, the Nenana River and the mountains beyond.

Group Tour: Wilderness Scenic Run River Rafting

During your time here, you will get to go on a delightful rafting excursion along the Nenana River. This activity is suitable for beginners. Choose paddle rafts or oar rafts based on your comfort level. You can choose to go with an expert guide who will operate the oar raft, or you can opt for a paddle raft if you want to be actively involved in the experience. Enjoy the delightful scenery that opens up all around you as you paddle downstream for around 18 km. You might spot some of Denali’s wildlife, such as caribou, moose, bear and sheep.

Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre

Go back in time and enjoy an evening in Alaska as if it were in the early 1900s. Fun, festivities, and food are on the menu at the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre. This popular dinner theatre takes place in an authentic log cabin in the Miners Plaza at the Denali Park Village. Watch a talented cast enact tales and adventures of the Gold Rush that took place in Alaska in the early 20th century. Lose yourself in the engaging storytelling, humour and foot-tapping music. Along with this, you will get to enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal that is served family style and includes local specialities such as Alaskan Salmon and other favourites such as barbecue ribs, potatoes, corn, and berry cobbler.

Do note that certain dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please inform us ahead of arrival.

Drive from Denali National Park to Fairbanks in your rental car. It should take you around two and a half hours to reach your destination.

Even though Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska, it retains the charms of a small town. With plenty of opportunities to explore Alaska’s wilderness, Fairbanks serves as the base camp from which to experience the beauty of the region year-round. Long, sunshine-filled days during summer and the chance to view the Northern Lights during winter attract people from across the world to the city.

Group Wilderness Fishing Excursion

Hone your fishing skills on this day-long guided fishing adventure in the rivers and lakes around Fairbanks. Float down gently moving waterways that are teeming with fish. This eight-hour session will introduce you to the basics of fly fishing and spin fishing if you are a beginner, or help refine your skills if you are an experienced angler. Head to the best spots in and around the city for a chance to reel in northern pikes, arctic grayling and rainbow trouts. Learn the basics of float fishing and wade fishing, and get your questions answered by the in-house fishing expert. Back on shore, savour a light lunch of cold cuts, cheese, bread and beverages before returning to your hotel. Pick up from and drop off at your hotel is included in this activity.

Drive out to Tok from Fairbanks in your rental car. You should reach your destination in about three and a half hours.

Tok is a small Alaskan city located at the junction of the Alaska Highway and the Glenn Highway. Known as the Sled Dog Capital of Alaska, it is also an ideal getaway for lovers of the outdoors. Make the Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center, said to be the largest log structure in Alaska, your first stop. Fly high with Tok Air Service and experience the snow-covered wilderness that spreads out in all directions. Nature lovers will appreciate the many opportunities for birdwatching, camping, hiking, horseback riding and more. Paddle down the Yukon and Charley rivers or visit the Wrangell St.Elias National Park to drink in the soothing, serene views of the mountains.

Drive from Tok to Dawson City in your rental vehicle. It should take you about four and a half hours to reach Dawson City.

Dawson City was the hub of the Klondike Gold Rush that took place in the Yukon region of Canada from 1896 to 1899. Depending on which season you are visiting, you could sign up for a Midnight Sun or Northern Lights tour. Enjoy the best of the city's nightlife once the sun goes down, from live shows to trendy pubs, Dawson City has it all.

Explore Dawson City on your own

Explore the many historical, cultural and natural attractions of Dawson City at a leisurely pace. Start at the Dawson Historical Complex, a group of well-preserved frontier-style buildings that take you through the city's history, including the events that led to the Klondike Gold Rush. Next, spend time at the Dawson City Museum, which features interactive exhibits and gold pouring demonstrations, and throws more light on the history of the Gold Rush. Next, head to the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre to get an insight into the heritage and culture of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation, the original settlers of the region.

Get a first-hand account of the Gold Rush years and browse through writings, old photographs and the historical archives of Jack London at the Jack London Museum and Cabin. When the sun goes down, head for Diamond Tooth Berties Gambling Hall to enjoy a live show or to a bar to take the Sourtoe Cocktail challenge. This involves having a cocktail that lists a mummified human toe as one of its ingredients!

Explore Midnight Dome Viewpoint on Your Own

Hike or drive to Midnight Dome Viewpoint, a viewpoint that offers the best panoramas of the city and the surrounding area. Marvel at the incredible vistas that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Watch the Yukon River snake around the Klondike Valley and spot the Ogilvie Mountain Range in the distance. As the sun goes down the horizon, capture images of the magic that unfolds and tune into the sights and sounds of nature.

Today, you leave Dawson City and drive to Whitehorse in your rental car. The travel time is around six and a half hours.

With hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails, charming lakes, the mighty Yukon River flowing through and snow-kissed mountains in the distance, Whitehorse is aptly nicknamed ‘Wilderness City’. Tackle the rapids at Miles Canyon, and hike or cycle along the city’s well-maintained trails. Once the sun goes down, head downtown for a live performance and enjoy a drink or two at an old-time saloon.

Group Paddling Tour Down the Yukon River

Enjoy the bliss and thrill of paddling in the historic Yukon River. This activity is suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to explore this city from a different perspective. Hop into your canoe or kayak at Whitehorse and row yourself to the confluence of the Takhini River along with your expert guide. Enjoy lovely vistas of Whitehorse’s rugged terrain and look out for birds such as bald eagles, a common sight in this part of the Yukon. Sit back, relax and breathe in the fresh air, because the city holds the world record for having one of the lowest air pollution levels in the world!

Drive yourself from Whitehorse to Haines Junction in your rental car. It should take you about two hours to reach your destination.

Lying at the foot of the Saint Elias Mountains, Haines Junction is a small town that serves as the gateway to Kluane National Park. Fall in love with the Yukon countryside as you explore and experience its allure on boating, fishing and hiking excursions.

Explore Kluane National Park on your own

Kluane National Park is an outdoor paradise that provides plenty of avenues for hiking, boating, camping and more. The park has a healthy grizzly population as well. Pack your backpack and explore mountain trails that go past meadows blooming with flowers, lakes, mountains and more.

Enjoy a picnic along the shores of Kathleen Lake or go boating on its sparkling waters. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can opt for rafting in the Alsek River, which takes you past massive glaciers, or go on a flight tour over grand ice fields. Learn about the history of the area at the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre. For a more immersive experience, you can book an overnight stay in a unique oTENTik camp that is a cross between a tent and a cabin.

Drive yourself to Tok from Haines Junction. You should reach Tok in about six hours.

Tok is a small Alaskan city located at the junction of the Alaska Highway and the Glenn Highway. Known as the Sled Dog Capital of Alaska, it is also an ideal getaway for lovers of the outdoors. Make the Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center, said to be the largest log structure in Alaska, your first stop. Fly high with Tok Air Service and experience the snow-covered wilderness that spreads out in all directions. Nature lovers will appreciate the many opportunities for birdwatching, camping, hiking, horseback riding and more. Paddle down the Yukon and Charley rivers or visit the Wrangell St.Elias National Park to drink in the soothing, serene views of the mountains.

Drive from Tok to Glacier View in your rental car. The travel duration is approximately four hours.

True to its name, Glacier View offers some of the best glacier viewing experiences in all of Alaska. Located between the Matanuska Valley and the Copper River Basin, Glacier View is the starting point for exploring the 24-mile-long Matanuska glacier. The adventure menu here includes hiking, fishing and white water rafting in the Matanuska River.

Explore Matanuska Glacier on your own

The highlight of Glacier View is, no doubt, visiting the Matanuska Glacier. Measuring 43 km long and 6.4 km wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the US. To reach the glacier, drive along the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, a stretch of road that takes you past snow-covered mountains, brilliant blue lakes, gushing rivers and more. Take a break at Lion's Head, one of the most picturesque spots on this route, and capture breathtaking images of this region with your camera. From here, head for Glacier Park Road. Proceed down the hill and across the river until the end of the road.

Get your crampons and helmet, and join the shared, guided tour of the glacier. Walk across massive ice walls and by the side of structures called moulins, cylindrical shafts carved by melting water from the glacier. Learn about the region's original inhabitants, the Alaskan Athabaskans and gain insights into the fascinating history and glaciology of the place. Before returning, don't forget to take pictures and videos of this unforgettable experience at various scenic spots.

Drive yourself to Anchorage in your rental car. You should reach your destination in about two and a half hours. Head for GoNorth Anchorage station, where you will drop off your vehicle.