Gold Rush Explorer

Featuring Alaska and the Yukon

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Imagine an innovative tour guaranteed to go that includes the best of the northwest and Alaska. Visions of majestic scenery and adventure come to mind when British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and Alaska are mixed together. We've wrapped the best into an economical journey and included fun along the way. Combining the flair of British Columbia's beauty, the history of the stampeders through the Yukon Territory and the mystique of Alaska's Last Frontier creates a truly wonderful experience.

Hear tales of the Gold Rush, view pristine wilderness from the comfort of a luxury coach and be immersed in the quiet laid back way of life of communities along the Alaska/Canadian Highway. Completed in 1942, the highway is a true symbol of the U.S.'s partnership with Canada and a journey of a lifetime.

NORTHBOUND ITINERARY - May 11-26, 2008  

Day 1, Sunday - May 11
Fly into Seattle. Hotel courtesy transportation is provided to the hotel. Overnight in Seattle, Gateway to the Yukon and Alaska adventure.

Day 2, Monday - May 12
Bid farewell to the United States and enter the picturesque mighty Fraser Valley, located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. Watch for breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains during the journey. Overnight in the Fraser Valley. (Meals: B, D)

Day 3, Tuesday - May 13
Travel from the Fraser Valley to Dawson Creek. Follow along the banks of the mighty Fraser River with the beginnings in the Rocky Mountains of eastern British Columbia before reaching the infamous Hell's Gate and emptying into the Strait of Georgia. Overnight in Dawson Creek. (Meals: B)

Day 4, Wednesday - May 14
Depart Dawson Creek, the official start of the Alaska Highway, dedicated in 1996's the 16th Wonder of the Engineering World. Travel along pristine wilderness line with miles of rivers and hundreds of lakes while seeking out wildlife along the banks. Overnight in Fort Nelson, home to Canada's largest gas processing plant and two of the largest wood product operations in British Columbia. (Meals: B)

Day 5, Thursday - May 15
Today cross over into the Yukon Territory and learn tales of the Klondike Gold Rush. Enjoy the peaceful setting of Muncho Lake while viewing the brilliant turquoise waters. Enjoy a day of spectacular scenery traveling through towns that came about to serve the builders of the highway, which many still refer to as the "Alcan Highway". Overnight in Watson Lake. (Meals: B)

Day 6, Friday - May 16
Today begin the adventure of following the tracks gold seekers took back in 1898, less the mandated heavy supply packs and horses. Early evening arrival into the gold rush community of Skagway a place where the past lives on, where the cries of "gold in the Yukon" still echo from steep canyon walls, where the sounds of barroom pianos and boomtown crowds ring out in the night. A place where the romance and excitement of yesteryear linger around every street corner and every bend in the trail. Overnight in Skagway. (Meals: B)

Day 7, Saturday - May 17
Today board the passenger cars of the famous White Pass and Yukon Railroad for the journey back into the Yukon Territory. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage parlor cars. Tonight, be sure to mind your manners as the Yukon M Division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are headquartered here. Overnight in Whitehorse. (Meals: B)

Day 8, Sunday - May 18
Today leave the capital of the Yukon Territory headed for Alaska, the 49th state known as a land of opportunity. Follow the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and see the incredible waters of Kluane Lake. Overnight in Tok, dog sled capital of the world. Overnight in Tok. (Meals: B)

Day 9, Monday - May 19
Move further into the interior of Alaska on the journey to Fairbanks and bid farewell to the Alaska Highway. Learn the significance of Alaska's rustic roadhouses which popped up along the roadsides to service the highway workers. The route takes you along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline flowing 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to the port community of Valdez. Overnight in Fairbanks, the Heart of the Interior. (Meals: B)

Day 10, Tuesday -May 20
Today learn how the gold rush affected Alaska's interior on a city sightseeing adventure of Fairbanks with an included visit to the Fairbanks Museum. Time is available for shopping, walking or dining on your own in the downtown area. Cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler and experience the thrill of river travel. Travel back to the time when traditional riverboats plied the waterways of Alaska's interior during the late 1800's. Tonight, partake in an optional authentic salmon bake. Overnight in Fairbanks. (Meals: B)

Day 11, Wednesday - May 21
Ride the motorcoach south to Denali National Park. Enjoy an afternoon of exploring this pristine area at your leisure by either participating in a complimentary park service activity or optional tour. There are many to choose from including mild or wild river rafting, flight seeing Mt. McKinley, a jet boat safari on the Nenana River or a visit to the award winning dog kennels of 2006 Iditarod champion, Jeff King. Overnight in Denali. (Meals: B)

Day 12, Thursday - May 22
Today travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and search the pristine wilderness for bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. This six to eight hour journey is narrated allowing for insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region. Overnight in Denali. (Meals: B, Snack Box Meal)

Day 13, Friday - May 23
Enjoy a morning of leisure for on own exploration. This afternoon board the world famous Alaska Railroad for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. McKinley or black bear along the banks of the Susitna River. Overnight in Anchorage. (Meals: B)

Day 14, Saturday - May 24
Enjoy a city tour of Anchorage, which includes the historic downtown district. Included visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Tonight, feast on an Alaskan style meal and share tales from the road with your traveling companions. Overnight in Anchorage. (Meals: B, D)

Day 15, Sunday - May 25
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for an up close look at some of Alaska's land critters. Continue touring to the port of Whittier for connections to a luxury high-speed catamaran. Cruise the calm and protected waters of Prince William Sound and come face to face with tidewater glaciers plus an amazing array of wildlife. At the conclusion of the cruise, return via motorcoach and overnight in Anchorage. (Meals: B, L)

Day 16, Monday - May 26
Your Gold Rush Explorer Land Tour comes to an end with a hotel courtesy transfer to the airport.

SOUTHBOUND TOUR (SEPT. 8) OPERATES IN REVERSE AND MAY VARY SLIGHTLY.