United States

Alaska Wildlife Expedition

Wilderness, Glaciers & Adventure

The Experience

Explore Alaska’s remote wilderness while learning about the 49th state’s majestic wildlife, cultures and conservation efforts. This is an experience not to be missed.

Trip Highlights

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS PLANNED FOR SUMMER 2024. IT IS NOT RUNNING DURING SUMMER 2023.
  • Get up close and personal with unique Alaskan wildlife
  • Visit wildlife conservation facilities featured on the TV show Alaska Animal Rescue!
  • View wildlife during hiking, river rafting, a marine cruise, and a backcountry train ride
  • Take a trip to see a glacier and take in the scenic vistas
  • Learn about traditional customs of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples
  • Take in stunning views from the Alyeska Aerial Tram as you travel 2,300 feet up a mountain

United States

Alaska Wildlife Expedition

Program Overview

Discover the great northern frontier this summer!

While you’re in Alaska, you will make your way between Anchorage, Cooper and Seward. You’ll also get off-the-beaten-path, exploring the remote wilderness of a state blessed with bountiful wildlife and stunning vistas around just about every turn.

This student travel program is ideal for teens who are passionate about nature and wildlife. There are flora and fauna found here that you’ll find nowhere in the lower 48 states.

And you’ll also trek to a glacier for a one-of-a-kind experience that is becoming ever rarer in a warming world. See this magnificent natural formation up close during your time in Alaska.

KEY DESTINATIONS

REGION: NORTH AMERICA

COUNTRY: UNITED STATES

STATE: ALASKA

United States

Alaska Wildlife Expedition

AT TEEN TRAVEL NETWORK, YOU'RE NOT ONLY TAKING A JOURNEY IN MILES, BUT A JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND SELF-DISCOVERY.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to majestic Alaska!

Teen Travel Network staff will meet you when you land in Anchorage. Together we’ll travel to your first home away from home.

Get settled into your room and start getting to know your fellow travelers. We’ll have our welcome dinner together and then gather for a brief orientation.

Day 2: Heritage Center & Reindeer Farm

Begin the morning with your new friends as you finish up orientation.

After lunch, we will venture out to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a renowned cultural center and museum where you will learn about the deep history of the Indigenous cultures of Alaska.

Next, we get up close and personal with one of Alaska’s most iconic creatures – the reindeer! Enjoy a visit to a local reindeer farm that also boasts a bevy of other wildlife neighbors before we head home for free time and dinner.

Day 3: Wildlife Alliance & Aerial Tram

Ready to learn more about Alaska’s wildlife?

On day three, we jump in with a visit from the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, during which you learn first-hand from scientists about some of Alaska’s most majestic flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, we will take in the stunning views from the famous Alyeska Aerial Tram as you soar 2,300 feet up a mountain with epic views into the Chugach Mountain range. Hike up and around a potentially snowy peak (even in summer!) before you return home for group activities and dinner.

Day 4: Anchorage → Cooper Landing

Say goodbye to Anchorage for now as we pack up and head down to Cooper Landing.

Begin the day with a quick stop at the Potter’s Marsh Boardwalk. We’ll stretch our legs and play a game to see who can spot the most wildlife before venturing on to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a rescue center and sanctuary dedicated to protecting and preserving Alaska’s native wildlife.

Later, we will settle into our new home across from the Kenai River and enjoy dinner (salmon bake, anyone?) and group activities.

Day 5: Wildlife Refuge & Rafting

Who’s ready for an adventure?

Today we explore the Kenai Wildlife Refuge by rafting down the turquoise Kenai River, known as the world’s greatest sportfishing river!

After lunch, explore the refuge even further as you learn from local experts and guides. Return home for a relaxing evening of dinner and activities.

Day 6: Hike

Lace up those hiking boots, because today we set out on an epic hiking journey, which will include land and environment education, as well as wildlife spotting.

Depending on the level of the group, we will explore one of several options that could include a hike through the Kenai River Canyon, Mount Juneau or more!

After a day of exploring Cooper Landing by foot, we will return home for our last night at this location.

Day 7: Cooper Landing → Seward

Pack up once again as we journey on to Seward!

After a stunningly scenic drive south, get settled into your new home before we take a “must-see” visit to the Alaska Sealife Center! Explore Alaska’s only public aquarium that combines marine research and wildlife response.

In the evening, we will regroup for an evening of activities and dinner in your new home of Seward.

Day 8: Shopping & Marine Cruise

Spend a mellow morning strolling the streets of Seward for a little shopping time.

After lunch, we embark on a marine wildlife cruise through the Kenai Fjords.

Keep an eye out – you may get lucky and spot whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, bald eagles, puffins, and many other types of marine birds on this journey through these protected waterways.

Day 9: Dog Sledding

Get ready for a final day of adventure!

We begin the day with a journey into Alaska’s state sport — dog sledding! Learn about dog sled racing, how they train lead dogs, and meet real racing huskies before you set out on your own dog sled adventure.

Finish the day with a hike to a glacier where you can get an up-close view of the mammoth ice feature before you hop on the backcountry train back to Anchorage.

Day 10: Departure

Head to the Anchorage airport today with memories and knowledge that will last a lifetime!

Staff will assist students with checking in and accompany them until they have safely departed for their gates at the Anchorage Airport.

Spend some time before your flight reflecting on what you’ve learned while in Alaska, and the new friends you met along the way.

United States

Alaska Wildlife Expedition

Dates & Tuition

10-Day Travel Program
2024 Dates
 Planned for 2024…
Trip Duration: 10 days
Program Tuition: $5,999
Student/Staff Ratio: 7 to 1
Language Hours: N/A
Lodging Type: Multiple
Age Range: 14-18 Years Old
Arrival Airport: ANC
Departure Airport: ANC

Tuition Includes All Major Program Expenses, Such As:

  • 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
  • Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cultural activities, tours and excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support
  • Educational materials
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • Local transportation to each destination
  • Secure overnight lodging at each location
  • 3 meals per day
  • Professional full-time staff and experts

TRAVEL CHANGES EVERYTHING

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