FAMILY VACATION
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from USD 6199/per adult
Child rate less 10%
Child concession pricing applies as a reduced adult rate for children 12 years and under. This discount is not combinable with any other offer.
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
Beat trip price increases. Book by June 1, 2024, to lock in current pricing!
Epic Hikes. Creaking icebergs. Breaching orcas. Alaska’s endless offerings of breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures are yours to discover on this action-packed Alaska family vacation. Answer the call of the wild as your family kayaks Peterson Bay, rafts the Kenai River, and gets close to orcas and humpback whales, while navigating Kenai Fjords on a boat cruise. Discover what Alaska has to offer you and your family on one of our most popular family vacations.
Austin Adventures operates in part under a special use permit with the Chugach National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.
Get a print-friendly PDF version of this itinerary - you will also get a copy in your inbox!
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Your Alaska adventure starts early in Anchorage with a four-hour scenic train ride on the famous Alaska Railroad, heading south to historic Seward on the Coastal Classic route. We'll hug the coastline along the Turnagain Arm, then south of Portage the train separates from the highway and enters a truly remote and rugged section of track. Here, you'll head through Placer River Valley and pass by the impressive ice wall of Spencer Glacier and over the 1,063-foot pass of the Kenai Mountains.
Upon arrival in Seward, you'll head out for a hike on the Resurrection River trail, walking through dense spruce and hemlock forest with only occasional views of the river valley and mountains. After exploring the trail, we'll check into our hotel for the next 3 nights. Harbor 360 Hotel is the premier waterfront hotel in the scenic harbor town of Seward with spacious, comfortable guest rooms, and harborside or mountainside views. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner as we toast to a great trip to come!
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 4 miles (6.4 kilometers)
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast for the big day ahead, we'll make our way to the Harding Icefield where we'll hike along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. It's a well maintained, moderately strenuous trail providing expansive views of Exit Glacier in its own glacially carved valley. From there, you can opt for a more challenging hike to view the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield.
The trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest and heather-filled meadows, rising through the forest and ultimately ending up well above the tree line to an awe-inspiring vantage point of the icefield. The peak of the trail is a peephole to ice ages past - a horizon of snow and ice stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional lonely peak, known as a nunatak. We'll head back to Seward after our day's hike and enjoy some time to relax, followed by dining on local Alaskan cuisine.
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Day 3
Today we'll get to explore Kenai Fjords National Park by boat! We'll board a small ship, meeting the captain and crew, and depart for the wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is inhabited by a variety of terrestrial and marine mammals, including brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, humpback and killer whales. Checking out tidal glaciers and abundant sea life from the ship’s deck, our naturalist guide will share their expertise on the region as we explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers and remote Alaskan islands.
Lunch will be provided on board. Upon arrival back on shore in the afternoon, we'll have time to relax, or you can visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. Then you can explore the local restaurants and enjoy a meal of your choice!
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise: 6 hours
Day 4
Your day begins with a float rafting trip on the Kenai River. We’ll have opportunities to see incredible wildlife with bears, moose, beavers and forest birds (including bald eagles!) frequenting the river banks, and be immersed in the spectacular scenery!
After lunch, we’ll transfer to our accommodations for the next two nights in the quaint town of Homer situated in Kachemak Bay. Homer is quintessential Alaska - and we'll enjoy a delicious meal at one of our favorite local restaurants.
Accommodation: Land's End Resort, Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting: 2 hours
Day 5
This morning, you’ll water taxi to beautiful protected Petersen Bay to go kayaking for the morning! Keep an eye out for the local wildlife as we paddle our way to the trailhead of this afternoon’s hike!
We’ll have a delicious sack lunch on the beach before hiking 3 miles up to spectacular Grewingk Glacier. There are options to walk shorter distances, or simply hang out and soak up the views on the beach. You’ll then water taxi back to Homer to gather for one last dinner with your travel companions, recounting the amazing adventures you had in the land of the midnight sun.
Accommodation: Land's End Resort, Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 feet (76 meters) ascent, 250 feet (76 meters) descent
Kayaking: 2.5-3 hours
Day 6
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short hike to Bishops Beach for wonderful views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
To return to Anchorage you can book a short flight back to Anchorage on your own via Ravn Alaska, or hop in the van for a five-hour transfer back to Anchorage. Alternatively, you may want to stay on at Homer for world-class halibut fishing or grizzly bear viewing in nearby Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks – only a short flight away flying with Ravn Alaska!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers)
Experience unparalleled coastal beauty during your stay at Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward, Alaska. Situated at the water's edge, this charming retreat offers breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding mountains, and you'll be immersed in the rugged allure of the Last Frontier. Meanwhile, at Land's End Resort in Homer, Alaska, discover a serene location where land meets sea. Perched on the edge of Kachemak Bay, this picturesque resort provides a tranquil haven amidst stunning natural landscapes, promising unforgettable moments of relaxation and adventure.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms & conditions apply – read more here
Hurry! Deal Ends April 30!
Get 50% off kids* for ALL our especially ‘Made for Families’ adventure vacations!
A family fun-filled adventure is 100% guaranteed, exploring North America’s epic national parks, or venturing further afield to Europe, Costa Rica, or New Zealand!
Time is running out, so BOOK NOW to secure your family's adventure - and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime!
50% off kids offer must end April 30, 11:59 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).
*Terms & conditions apply – see below.
*Offer valid for new bookings made through April 30, 2024 (11:59 pm US PDT) for trips departing no later than June 30, 2025. A 50% discount applies to the full advertised adult trip price – not the discounted child concession price. Offer valid for up to two children 12 years and under who must be sharing rooms with at least one adult. To secure the booking and discount, a 50% deposit is due at time of booking. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. If you change or cancel your trip, you will forfeit your 50% deposit, and no refunds will apply. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply. We highly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
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You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
