Alaska Midnight Sun

18-DAY-MOTORCOACH TOUR

DAY 1 DEPARTURE: Calgary 7:00 am | Red Deer 9:30 am | Edmonton 12:30 pm
DAY 2 DEPARTURE: Grande Prairie 8:00 am | Dawson Creek 9:30 am

Explore North America’s last northern frontier as you motorcoach through Alberta and British Columbia on your way to the Yukon and the “Land of the Midnight Sun”… Alaska. You will travel nearly 5,000 miles over the scenic and historic highways of the north, much of it north of the 60^th parallel. Experience the natural wilderness from boreal forest to striking mountain vistas, untamed rivers to the frozen expanse of glaciers, with wildlife sightings in between. Take in the colourful past of the Klondike Gold Rush and the modern society of today. Enjoy it all – a sternwheeler river voyage, a mouthwatering salmon bake, the incredible views of Denali, the natural wonders of Portage Glacier, riding the vintage narrow-gauge railroad and more!

18 days | June 7, 2023 | July 1, 2023
Pricing To Be Announced
Canada | USA North
Motorcoach
Passport Required

1

Calgary to Edmonton to Grande Prairie

All aboard for a Frontier Adventure into Canada’s north and Alaska. Depart Calgary, travel north via Red Deer to Edmonton meeting additional travel companions enroute. Your travels cross central and northern Alberta to the beginning of Peace River country. Continue to Grande Prairie for overnight.

2

Grande Prairie to Fort Nelson

Your morning stop is in Dawson Creek, BC. It is here at MILE “0” that the legendary 1,500 mile-long ALASKA HIGHWAY begins and continues to Fairbanks, Alaska. 2022 will mark the 80^th anniversary of the world-famous Alaska Highway. Follow the Peace River Valley, an important agricultural and petroleum producing region. The highway winds through a rugged section of the Rockies before arriving into Fort Nelson. This evening features a GET ACQUAINTED WELCOME DINNER.

3

Fort Nelson to Watson Lake

Cross over Summit Pass, the highest elevation on the Alaska Highway as you travel through Stone Mountain Provincial Park. Enjoy a HOSTED LUNCH in a log chalet by the blue-green waters of Muncho Lake. Dip into the soothing thermal waters of LIARD HOT SPRINGS before arriving at the community of Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory. Visit the SIGNPOST FOREST, a collection started by a homesick soldier in 1942 while building the Alcan Highway. If you wish, bring your own sign from home and leave a part of yourself in the Yukon.

4

Watson Lake to Whitehorse

This morning your route offers spectacular views of the Cassiar Mountains. Cross the Great Divide which separates the waters flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those that flow to the Arctic Ocean. The day includes a HOSTED LUNCH at Teslin followed by a picture stop at MILES CANYON before arriving in Yukon’s capital for overnight. Whitehorse was a stopover point for the prospectors on their trek to the Klondike goldfields. Visit the SS KLONDIKE STERNWHEELER, now designated a National Historic Site, which sits proudly on the banks of the Yukon River in Whitehorse.

5

Whitehorse to Dawson City

(2 nights) Today follow the original trail used by prospectors travelling to the Klondike as you travel the scenic North KLONDIKE HIGHWAY. Enjoy a HOSTED LUNCH at Moose Creek. Arrive late afternoon for a two-night stay in historic Dawson City, where the famous Klondike Gold Rush started in 1898. This evening try the slots or watch the show at DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIES, a historic casino.

6

Dawson City

Classified as a national historic site, many of Dawson City’s buildings have been restored to reflect life during the gold rush. Gold was discovered at Bonanza Creek near Dawson City, Yukon in August 1896. During the winter of 1897-98, some 100,000 stampeders set out to make their fortune in the northern goldfields. Struggling over the Chilkoot Pass with the mandatory ton of supplies, many arrived at the Klondike after weeks of incredible hardship and adventure. Enjoy a free morning to explore the boardwalks, shop for gold nugget jewellery or attend a recital of poetry written by Robert Service. Re-live the excitement of bygone days during your afternoon DRIVING TOUR with stops at DREDGE #4 NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE and to PAN FOR KLONDIKE GOLD.

7

Dawson City to Tok

Travelling west along the TOP OF THE WORLD HIGHWAY brings you through a once-prosperous gold mining area and into Alaska. The highway traverses the mountains above the tree line and offers spectacular views in all directions. Arrive in Tok for overnight.

8

Tok to Fairbanks

Visit North Pole’s “SANTA CLAUS HOUSE” enroute to Fairbanks. Alaska’s golden past comes alive during our afternoon cruise on the STERNWHEELER RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY with a stop to visit an ATHABASCAN INDIAN VILLAGE. This evening you are in for another treat as you arrive at the historic PIONEER PARK. Here you will enjoy a traditional ALASKA SALMON BAKE followed by a short walk to the Palace Theatre for a musical comedy SHOW – an evening of dinner, history and fun.

9

Fairbanks to Anchorage

(2 nights) The George Parks Highway offers spectacular views of DENALI, North America’s highest peak. Enjoy a stop at the IDITAROD SLED DOG HEADQUARTERS before continuing to Anchorage for a two-night stay.

10

Anchorage

Travel the Seward Highway to Portage Lake and board the MV Ptarmigan for a CRUISE to the face of PORTAGE GLACIER. Return to Alaska’s most cosmopolitan city for a DRIVING TOUR and time to explore the shops, museums and art galleries of downtown Anchorage.

11

Anchorage to Tok

Begin your day with an interesting visit to a non-profit MUSK OX FARM which is dedicated to the domestication of the “Oomingmak” or “Bearded One”. This animal produces an annual harvest of the finest wool in the world. The scenery will continue to fascinate you on your drive through the agricultural Matanuska Valley to Glennallen. Skirt along Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on the Glenn Highway. Arrive in Tok, home to many sled dog mushers.

12

Tok to Whitehorse

(2 nights) Enjoy picture stops and a PICNIC LUNCH as you journey through the snow-capped peaks of the Alaska Range to Kluane National Park, home of the largest lake in the Yukon. Upon arrival in Whitehorse, you will have travelled the entire length of the Alaska Highway.

13

Whitehorse to Skagway to Whitehorse

All aboard for a unique ride on the Narrow-Gauge WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE RAILROAD that takes you from summit to sea level. Carved through some of the North’s most rugged terrain, it offers spectacular panoramic views. Parts of the historic White Pass trail that was followed by the gold seekers in 1898 can be seen from the train. Arrive in Skagway, the boom-town gateway to the Trail of ’98 and Klondike Gold Fields with time to browse the shops and history before returning by motorcoach to Whitehorse.

14

Whitehorse to Dease Lake

Retrace your travels on the Alaska Highway to the STEWART-CASSIAR HIGHWAY then continue south through the scenic beauty of the Cassiar District to Dease Lake for overnight.

15

Dease Lake to Smithers

Continue south through the northern interior of British Columbia to the town of Smithers, well-known for its alpine style and environment.

16

Smithers to Prince George

Today enjoy the scenery while travelling through beautiful British Columbia on your way to Prince George for overnight.

17

Prince George to Hinton

The Canadian Rockies highest peak, MOUNT ROBSON, welcomes you this morning as you travel east into JASPER NATIONAL PARK. After a DRIVING TOUR OF JASPER continue to Hinton for overnight. This evening we invite you to a HOSTED FAREWELL DINNER.

18

Hinton to Edmonton to Calgary

With memorable moments of your Alaskan adventure, you make a stop in Edmonton and then continue to Calgary.

NOTES ON TRAVELLING “NORTH TO ALASKA”

Yukon and Alaska are still two of the last frontiers of pioneer-style life. Some days we will have extended travel times due to rougher roads or distance between settlements. All of our chosen hotels are comfortable but may not be up to the same standards expected in the south. Bring your explorer’s spirit and enjoy a fantastic tour of the north!

SIGHTSEEING: Will require occasional walking on rugged and uneven terrain and travellers should therefore be in reasonably good health.

Included in Your Holiday

First class transportation on an air-conditioned, washroom equipped motorcoach
Quality accommodation and tax
Services of an experienced Tour Director and Driver
Baggage handling, one average piece per person
Travel Bag
Traveller’s Handbook
Admission to attractions and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
Travel the following highways in their entirety: Alaska Highway, Klondike Highway, Top of the World Highway, Stewart-Cassiar Highway
Mile 0
Welcome Dinner
Liard Hot Springs
Signpost Forest
Miles Canyon
SS Klondike Sternwheeler
Diamond Tooth Gerties
Driving tour of Dawson City
Dredge #4 National Historic Site
Gold Panning
Top of the World Highway
Santa Claus House
Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Athabascan Indian Village
Pioneer Park
Alaska Salmon Bake & Show
Denali
Iditarod Sled Dog Headquarters
Portage Glacier Cruise
Driving tour of Anchorage
Musk Ox Farm
White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Mount Robson
Jasper National Park
Driving tour of Jasper
Farewell Dinner
City Tours as outlined in the itinerary
12 Meals Include: 5 Continental Breakfasts, 4 Lunches: Muncho Lake, Teslin, Moose Creek and a picnic box lunch, 3 Dinners: Welcome Dinner, Alaska Salmon Bake and Farewell Dinner
4 Picnic-style Breaks (cookies and juice).

2023 Pricing To Be Announced

Cost per person | Prices in Canadian Dollars | GST on Canadian portion | prices subject to change

The Alaska Midnight Sun tour was the highlight of our holiday. We were very happy with the tour as it exceeded our expectations. Definitely learned so much

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Alaska Midnight Sun - June 2, 2019

Nina is our fearless leader
She’s the leader of this clan
Although she’s few in numbers
She’s the finest in the land