Explore the magnificent Interior of Alaska
Alaska evokes adventure — big adventure. And during a Cruisetour, guests will discover the true heart of The Last Frontier as they journey through the wild interior.
Travelers can soak in the stunning mountain views and small-town charm of Talkeetna, the free-spirited community nestled at the base of Denali. They’ll venture deep into Denali National Park, where six million acres of untouched wilderness and remarkable wildlife invite exploration. And when the journey culminates in Fairbanks, guests will experience Alaska’s vast tundra and dramatic northern landscapes.
From rugged terrain and unique wildlife to rich local culture, the interior offers an unforgettable adventure.
Discover Alyeska
Nestled in the valley of the picturesque Chugach Mountains and flanked by seven glaciers, the first thing guests notice visiting Alyeska is the area’s stunning natural beauty. Originally named Glacier City, and referred to by locals as Girdwood, this part of Alaska is off the beaten path in luxury. Venture into the mountains for a feeling of remote tranquility, then return to a relaxing haven at the resort, where good food, wine, and conversation awaits.
Top Activities
Included with select cruisetours
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
See native Alaskan wildlife like wolves, black bears, caribou, elk, and moose at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where injured animals are rehabilitated, nurtured, and released back into the Alaskan wilderness. Visiting the center helps further the center’s mission to educate, protect, and care for wildlife.
Included with select cruisetours
Ride to the Summit of Mount Alyeska
If there’s one thing everyone should do while they’re in Alyeska, it’s a ride on the tram, which steadily propels you into the mountains on an unforgettable cable car ride. From the top, take in the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness, like birds chirping from the spruce trees, glaciers along the horizon, and peaceful, flowing streams.
Optional
Glacier Helicopter Dog Sled Tour
Dog sledding in Alaska is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the glaciers below on the way to the remote campsite. On arrival, take the sled for a spin and discover the thrilling, rich tradition of dogsledding in Alaska. Dress up in traditional Iditarod gear for a photo shoot to commemorate the experience.
Top Food & Drink Spots
Seven Glaciers Restaurant
Dinner at the top of a mountain is just as lavish and romantic as it sounds at Seven Glaciers Restaurant. At over 2,000 feet above sea level, look out at the region’s glaciers in all their glory while dining on Alaskan seafood like crab and scallops. Order from their extensive wine list and sample artisanal ingredients from the local community.
Bore Tide Deli
Grab a bite to eat at Bore Tide Deli, a casual eatery located in the Alyeska Resort with sweeping views of the area’s glaciers. Here, there is top-notch sandwiches, soups, and cold drinks every day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hotel Sakura
At Sakura Asian Bistro within Hotel Sakura, fresh sushi and sashimi, including locally sourced fish, is bound to satisfy anyone craving sushi. Enjoy outdoor seating on the Columbia Patio while sipping one of their creative specialty cocktails or craft beers.
Discover Anchorage
Surrounded by the snow-capped Chugach Mountains, Alaska’s largest city is an exciting cosmopolitan destination with all the natural wonders and hospitality to be expected in the Last Frontier.
The city hosts 1,500 moose along with bald eagles, bears, beavers, Dall sheep, and lynx. King and silver salmon fill Ship Creek all summer, drawing anglers to one of the urban salmon fisheries. The Alaska Railroad depot anchors a century of rail travel. Serving as Alaska’s cultural heart, it hosts more artists and musicians than anywhere else in the state and houses Alaska’s largest museum, galleries, and studios.
Top Activities
Included with select cruisetours
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage is an excellent introduction to the traditions and culture of the native people of Alaska. The state is home to many different Native cultures, and walking through this in-depth museum will teach you about their history, culture, and traditions.
Optional
Go Kayaking at Eklutna Lake
One of the best things about Anchorage is its close proximity to state parks and coastal trails. Head to the Chugach Mountains and discover Eklutna Lake, a gorgeous spot for kayaking on serene waters while surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas.
Optional
Spot Glaciers & Wildlife from Above
On a flightseeing tour, get a jaw-dropping views of Alaska’s majestic glaciers, mountains, and wilderness. Alaska is home to the busiest floatplane base in the world, and climbing aboard one of these exhilarating water and air vessels is a special Alaskan experience.
Optional
Sample Local Craft Beer
Discover the burgeoning craft beer scene of Anchorage with a tour guide, who will give an inside look at local breweries and the people behind them. Sample local brews and find a new favorite beer.
Top Food & Drink Spots
Snow City Café
Snow City Cafe is a local favorite that serves brunch all day long. Savor meals like Eggs Benedict and French toast, or choose a vegan or gluten-free option while being surrounded by work from local artists.
Glacier Brewhouse
Enjoy fresh Alaskan seafood, grill specialties, and an ice-cold pitcher of beer at Glacier Brewhouse, a popular restaurant and local brewery. Choose from a generous selection of ales, lagers, and pilsners.
Simon & Seafort’s
Simon & Seafort’s is an Anchorage landmark offering visitors an unrivaled dining experience. Order beer-battered fish and chips, fish tacos, or sea scallops while admiring the gorgeous panoramic views of Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and the Alaskan Range.
Discover Denali
Visiting Denali offers a sure-fire way to explore the incredible Alaskan wilderness, with options ranging from laid-back walking tours with panoramic vistas, to adventures such as whitewater rafting on the Nenana River or a soaring plane ride with panoramic views.
Denali National Park unfolds as six million acres of wild, unfenced lands, bisected by a single ribbon of road. The landscape shifts from low-elevation taiga to high alpine tundra and snow-draped peaks, culminating in Denali, North America’s tallest summit at 20,310 feet.
In the park wildlife roam freely, moose graze in the willow, caribou cross the tundra, Dall sheep are tucked high on the hillsides, wolves prowl and grizzly bears forage blueberries.
Top Activities
Included with select cruisetours
Tundra Wilderness Tour
The Tundra Wilderness excursion into Denali National Park travels 40 miles into the wilderness of the Arctic range into the subarctic tundra. It offers the best chance of spotting local wildlife and protected species that call the deeper depths of the park home. It’s extra special to spot the “Big 5” species unique to Denali: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and Dall sheep.
Included with select cruisetours
Denali Natural History Tour
Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this 4 ½ to 5-hour tour travels to Primrose Ridge (mile 17 of the park road).
Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of time spent exploring off the bus. Beginning with a stop at the Denali Bus Depot, learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film “Across Time and Tundra.” Next, visit the historic Savage Cabin to learn how the cabin was once used and how it continues to be used today. Finally, stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation.
Along the way, the driver-naturalist will introduce the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park.
Optional
Soar Above the mountain in a Helicopter
Take a helicopter ride across Denali National Park and the highest mountain in North America. Glaciers and seemingly endless stretches of tundra will fill the horizon.
Optional
Whitewater Adventure on Nenana River
An early morning on the Nenana River can be a peaceful, lazy experience for some, but for action, try out the two-hour whitewater ride on intense, high-class rapids. This unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime river tour is an adrenaline surge.
Top Food & Drink Spots
Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse
Is there any better combination after a day of hiking or white-water rafting than pizza and a cold beer? Luckily, Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse has both in spades. Beyond brick oven pizzas, they offer standard sandwich and salad fare. They provide special vegan and gluten-free entree options as well.
Gold Rush Restaurant
The Gold Rush Restaurant at the Denali Park Lodge offers a culinary experience inspired by the spirit of Alaska’s Gold Rush era.
The Burger Shack
Located in Miners Plaza at Denali Park Village The Shack is for a meal on the go. From traditional cheeseburgers to Alaskan salmon, the Shack takes burger creation and cold Alaskan brew to the next level.
Discover Fairbanks
Welcome to Alaska’s magical interior. At 65 degrees north latitude the state’s second-largest city experiences over 20 hours of sunlight a day during the summer, earning it the nickname “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
Experience a city uniquely remote with a charming downtown, thriving arts scene, rich Alaska Native culture and authentic Alaskan attractions.
Top Activities
Included with select cruisetours
Riverboat Discovery
Enjoy an afternoon cruising the Cheena River on a sternwheeler. Discover the rich traditions of the indigenous Athabascans, who have lived in these parts of Alaska for thousands of years. Learn how they used local resources to survive in the extreme climate on a guided tour.
Included with select cruisetours
Gold Dredge 8
Embark on unforgettable journey through Alaska’s rich mining history. The adventure begins aboard a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad, to learn about the early prospectors who struck it rich during the Fairbanks Gold Rush. Then, its time for gold panning!
Included with select cruisetours
Museum of the North
Discover natural and historical treasures at Alaska’s only research museum. See how art has evolved in Alaska over a 2,000-year period, witness the largest display of gold in the state, and learn how World War II impacted local communities at this fascinating site.
Optional
Arctic Circle Evening Air Adventure
Take to the skies on an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the Arctic Circle. From the air, see Alaska’s stunning landscapes unfold. Land amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Brooks Mountain Range and explore the remote community of Wiseman.
Optional
The Palace Theater
Dinner and a show with a classically Alaskan spin await at the Palace Theatre in Fairbanks. Indulge in an all-you-can-eat salmon bake with local beers on draft. The show, called “Golden Heart Review,” showcases life in Fairbanks and all the quirks of living in the last frontier.
Top Food & Drink Spots
Chena’s Alaskan Grill
Nestled on the river’s edge the Chena’s Alaskan Grill features contemporary spins on classic Alaskan fare. Mains like grilled filet mignon, chicken crab kiev, and Alaskan salmon are all menu staples.
The Pump House
Savor locally sourced Alaskan dishes in a historic atmosphere at The Pump House. Marvel at the antique furnishings while dining on freshly caught Alaskan seafood, a unique elk meatloaf, or maple-glazed scallops wrapped in bacon. Watch as passengers wave by on tour boats from the quaint patio, which overlooks the Chena River.
Discover Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small, magnetic town that feels lifted from a living postcard of Alaska. Nestled 115 miles north of Anchorage in the Mat-Su Valley Talkeetna welcomes visitors with an artful, outdoorsy, and creative spirit. Known as “the town at the end of the road” it serves as the launching point for climbers aiming for Mt. Mckinley, North America’s tallest peaks, and from different vantage points around town the view Mt. Mckinley is spectacular.
Take a stroll along Main Street to enjoy historic buildings, art galleries, restaurants and a lively brewery.
Top Activities
Optional
Float in the Talkeetna River
During the summer, nothing can beat a leisurely float on the Talkeetna River, where water sports can range from lazy to adventurous depending on your mood. Talkeetna is strategically located where the Chulitna, Talkeetna, and Susitna Rivers meet, making it the perfect spot for different levels of whitewater rafting, jet boating excursions, and fishing. Look carefully to spot Alaskan salmon.
Optional
Denali Flyer
This is a wilderness triple feat. Fly to the remote western end of Denali National Park. Get a rare glimpse of Mt. Denali, Mt. Foraker and Mt. Hunter. All within six miles of the magnificent Kahiltna Glacier. Plus discover the climber’s base camp at 7,200 feet on the southeast fork.
Optional
Talkeetna Lakes Hike
Explore Talkeetna’s best trail with a naturalist guide. A new scene of beauty unfolds around every turn on this three-mile moderate hike. Look for loons and kingfishers on the lakes, moose and bears in the woods, and Mt. Denali on the horizon. This lush old-growth forest is alive with songbirds, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms.
Top Food & Drink Spots
Denali Brewpub
Local microbrewery Denali Brewing is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s a casual brewery where local ingredients make for tasty deli sandwiches, burgers, and desserts made in house. There’s also a tasting room.
Spinach Bread Food Truck
Don’t miss the chance to try the spinach bread at the Spinach Bread food truck, a shining Silverstream. Locals quickly grab lunch and snacks from the local food truck scene.
Talkeetna Roadhouse
Head to the Talkeetna Roadhouse for the classic Alaskan roadhouse experience. This location dates back to 1917, and offers both sweet treats and pastries from the bakery. Stay for breakfast and bottomless coffee, too.
Foraker Restaurant
Featuring a multi-course set menu of signature Alaska seafood and game, Foraker Restaurant is the perfect setting for a fine dining experience. Our chef-crafted courses highlight seasonal Alaska ingredients for a unique dining experience. Choose to accent your meal with the perfect wine pairing from our award-winning list.
Base Camp Bistro
Take in an Alaskan summer day in all its beauty from our full-service deck. The family-friendly bistro has a spectacular view of the majestic Denali. Base Camp Bistro offers down-home favorites including tasty appetizers, Alaska fish and chips, house-made meatloaf and salads. Open for lunch and dinner.
Discover Homer
Located on Kachemak Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Homer’s reputation as a fantastic destination for kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing is well earned. Aside from its varied outdoor opportunities, Homer is also popular for the many shops, seafood restaurants, and art galleries that line the Homer Spit strip, as well as its lovely coastal views and beautiful gardens, which are often blooming with peonies.
Top Activities
Included with select cruisetours
Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
Learn more about the unique marine animals of the Last Frontier during a visit to the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. At this state-of-the-art museum, enjoy interactive exhibitions or go on one of the daily guided walks led by a naturalist to a nearby beach.
Optional
Seldovia and Wildlife Cruise
Come and explore the beauty of majestic Kachemak Bay, one of the richest, most diverse marine areas in Alaska. Highlights include a seabird rookery, rock structures and magnificent fjords. Seldovia is a quaint and authentic Alaskan community of just 270 year-round residents.
Optional
Sea Kayaking
Great for beginning or experienced sea kayakers. The trip begins with a water taxi ride across Kachemak Bay to the protected waters of the fjords in Kachemak Bay State Park. The guide will provide an orientation and assistance throughout the tour. Spend the day paddling in spectacular scenery with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Top Food & Drink Spots
La Baleine
Fresh organic food, local ingredients, and free coffee during breakfast are just some of the reasons why locals and tourists love La Baleine Cafe. Order one of their bowls packed with seasonal greens and local salmon, or enjoy the indulgent Baleine breakfast skillet, which features reindeer sausage from the Indian Valley.
Two Sisters
Located in Homer’s Old Town just down the road from Bishop’s Beach, Two Sisters Bakery is a quaint cafe and bakery with a daily-changing menu that includes handmade pastries, cupcakes, and a variety of salads, soups, and sandwiches. Make sure to try their famous cinnamon rolls during your visit.
Fat Olives
At Fat Olive’s, a Homer staple of over 15 years, the menu changes seasonally, highlighting the freshest seafood and produce of the month. In the summer, enjoy a bounty of scallops, mussels, and Kachemak Bay oysters, along with delicious pizzas and local brews.
Discover Seward
A visit to Seward shows the very best of Alaska’s wild beauty. Situated at the end of Resurrection Bay, a long fjord on the Kenai Peninsula, the city is surrounded by towering, snow-capped mountains and dense forests of spruce and hemlock.
The Kenai Fjords National Park and the vast glaciers of the Harding Icefield are within easy reach. The town itself is bustling all summer long; the waterfront lined with sailboats and fishing boats.
The five-mile stony beach of Waterfront Park stretches in front of the town, and it’s common to spot the blow of humpback whales from the shore.
Top Activities
Included with select cruisetours
Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
Departing from Seward, this cruise glides past seals, whales and puffins to explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers and remote Alaskan islands. Experienced and engaging captains narrate the trip.
Included with select cruisetours
Resurrection Bay Discovery Cruise
Discover the wonders of Resurrection Bay on this captain-narrated, half-day adventure. Depart from Seward to marvel at massive glaciers, cruise beside rugged cliffs, spot soaring seabirds and share the waters with iconic marine wildlife. Perfect for families and travelers short on time.
Included with select cruisetours
Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only facility in Alaska that combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. Visitors have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other Alaska marine life.
Optional
Stoney Creek Canopy Adventure
Nine zip lines. Three suspension bridges. A spiral staircase. And a rappel line. Experience it all and then some on this three-hour thrill-seeking, Alaska adventure. All while being immersed in the Pacific Temperate Rainforest.
Optional
Wilderness Dog Sled Ride
This is a day in the life of Alaska adventure. See firsthand what it takes to be an Iditarod racing family and learn how they prepare both mushers and sled dogs. Plus tour the racing kennels, cuddle Huskie puppies and saddle up for a two-mile sled ride from the Seavey Homestead to the base of Resurrection Mountain.
Top Food & Drink Spots
Ray’s Waterfront
Ray’s Waterfront is a welcoming restaurant and bar with spectacular views of mountains, sea life, and boat harbor activity in Seward, Alaska. Menu feature local seafood, quality steaks, fresh vegetables, bold flavors, and a great selection of wine and beer. Beloved by fishermen, locals, travelers and families.
Resurrection Roadhouse
Resurrection Roadhouse at the Seward Windsong Lodge features tide-to-table dinner menu which showcases sustainable Alaska seafood, complemented by local, seasonal sides and an award-winning wine list.
The Cookery
A neighborhood restaurant & oyster bar located in the heart of Seward. The Cookery showcases the fisherman, the rancher and the farmer, the brewmaster and the winemaker, and of course, the magnificent oyster!