Alaska: Glacier Bay & Icy Straits
Limited to just 11 people. Kayak bays teeming with wildlife, camp in remote island landscapes, helicopter up to an unforgettable glacier hike.
Kayak, Hike, Camp, Explore
The ultimate multi-sport adventure in southeast Alaska
July 10 - 16, 2022
Sold out - Join the waitlist below
7 Days, 6 Nights
Best of Gustavus, Glacier Bay, Point Adolphus, Juneau
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We will contact you if and as space becomes available.
One moment you’re kayaking with a pod of humpback whales in Glacier Bay, the next moment you’re relaxing around a roaring campfire on a remote island. Yesterday, it was sailing to spot sea otters, minks and martens—and maybe a grizzly bear at the water’s edge. Tomorrow, it’s a helicopter flight up a glacier for an unforgettable hike on the ice. You took a plane, a boat and a kayak to get here, and there’s still plenty of exploration to come. But this evening, you’re simply soaking in the wilderness under a sky filled with the light of a million stars, letting the restorative powers of nature wash over you.
If you crave rugged adventure, breathing in crisp glacial air, and mixing in lodge stays with a two-night camping adventure on a remote island, this trip is for you. We’ll hike, kayak and fly across America’s wild backyard wonderland in style, exploring Glacier Bay and Icy Straits, Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier, like true modern adventurers. Alaska’s motto is “North to the Future.” Join us and we’ll go upward and onward.
Trip Highlights
Explore & Ignite
Journey through the wonders of southeast Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park, a pantheon of wildlife, scenery and serenity.
True Nature
Camp, kayak, hike and get inspired. We'll experience all southeast Alaska has to offer, from delicious food, incredible landscapes and indigenous culture.
Restore & Recharge
Kayak in tow, mountains rising up all around, this is the deep exhale in nature that we all need.
Your Backpacker Alaska Adventure
“Glacier Bay offered a clarity more profound than any book; an original text, a reminder that our language lacks the words to describe true beauty.” – Author Kim Heacox
If you haven’t been to Alaska, you’ll love the majestic beauty of it. And if you have, you’ll know why you want to go back.
True wilderness. Epic exploration. Deep backcountry. Cultural immersion. We’ve scoured the earth for hidden gems and invite you to join us on one of these exclusive trips. Let’s explore the trails less traveled, together.
Day by Day
*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.
Day 1
Welcome to Gustavus! Tucked past hundreds of miles of jagged mountains and icy fjords, Gustavus (pronounced gu-STAY-vus) is about as isolated as you can get in the United States, disconnected from any roads, in or out—there are only 400 intrepid year-round residents, and just one flight a day in or out.
The draw? Gustavus is the remote gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, a stunning 520,000-acre expanse of glaciers, wilderness, wildlife and unstoppable adventure. We’ll arrive throughout the day and get settled in our lodge. Then, we’ll meet up with for a welcome dinner and cheers to our week of adventures together.
Day 1 Highlights
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Day 2
We flew into a town with no roads in or out. And yet the adventure really gets in gear today! From Gustavus this morning, we board a catamaran and sail the coastline along a craggy tundra of tidewater glaciers to Glacier Bay National Park. Only two ships are allowed in per day to preserve the park’s natural beauty. We’ll spend most of the day on Glacier Bay, and we’re bound to see eagles soaring, humpback whales breaching and fjords of glacial flow tumbling into the sea.
In the late afternoon, we’ll go ashore and continue on foot to the home of the indigenous Huna Tlingit clan. Their original villages were overrun by glacial advance in the 1700s, but the Tlignit were slowly able to return and re-establish their community. As the first permanent clan house in Glacier Bay in 250 years, the project also provides an opportunity to revitalize Tlingit artistic traditions. We’ll tour the incredible wooden lodge structure adorned with white, black and red tribal artwork, and meet with a clan elder to learn more about the clan’s customs and history, then head back to Gustavus for dinner.
Day 2 Highlights
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Day 3
After a hearty country-style breakfast, we board small boats and cross the Icy Strait. It sounds ominous, but don’t worry. This narrow stretch of ocean between Gustavus and Chichagof Island is full of wild wonder, where tall pines line the shores and snow-capped mountains tower behind them. It’s also well-known for its marine life, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for bald eagles above, and Steller sea lions, porpoises and humpback whales majestically swimming alongside. We land at Point Adolphus on the northern point of Chichagof, and as our guides set up camp, we set off to kayak the coastline, getting even closer views at the amazing wildlife. Dinner tonight is a camp-style treat prepared by our own camp cook.
Day 3 Highlights
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Day 4
Back to the ocean! After breakfast and a hot coffee in the brisk morning, we set out again like Shackleton, Cook and Vancouver. Our full day of kayaking takes us deeper into the coastal expanse of islands hemming Tongass National Forest and the Icy Straits. We’ll paddle along Chichagof spotting sea otters, mink, martens and river otters enjoying the day. Shoreline trees bustle with bald eagles and we might even wave at some brown bears at the water’s edge. We stop for lunch on a tranquil beach spot and paddle through the afternoon.
When we return to camp at Point Adolphus this evening, we’ll have another camp meal cooked to perfection.
Day 4 Highlights
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Day 5
After a last paddle or just a relaxing cup of coffee in the clear morning, we board the boat back to Gustavus and enjoy lunch outdoors, reflecting on our adventure. Then, we take off in private planes for a quick 30-minute flight to Juneau. We’ll see the mountainous glacial vistas we were just kayaking alongside before landing in Alaska’s capital.
Like Gustavus, there are no roads connecting Juneau to the outside world. Regardless, it’s bigger than Rhode Island and is Alaska’s second most populous city—a testament to the tenacity of its residents. After settling into our hotel we’ll take the Mount Roberts Tramway. As we ride the cable car up and up, the city and coast will shrink beneath us. But the breathtaking views don’t stop here! We’ll continue by foot up Gastineau Peak for incredible sights of the channel. We descend back to town once we’ve soaked it all in, and the night is on our own to explore Juneau’s saloons, restaurants and shops.
Day 5 Highlights
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Day 6
From kayaks to boats to planes to trams, we thought we’d done it all—not so fast. This morning we board a helicopter to see what looms above Alaska’s capital city. The enormous icefield bordering us is home to multiple glacial flows. They’re what make Juneau feel so rugged and isolated, like we’re truly in another world. We’ll gear up, crampons and all, and go on a glacier hike, exploring all its features and beauty. After communing with our inner adventurer, we’ll descend back to civilization.
We’ll tour Alaska Brewing Company, just outside downtown Juneau. Through tastings and a well-deserved lunch, we’ll learn about how they’ve showcased award-winning quality beer in the region for the past 30 years—the good beer, food and vibe are infectious. After sampling everything we can, we’ll head back to town for some last-minute touring and shopping before reconvening for dinner. Right on the beach, we’ll feast on a fresh seafood cookout paired with the finest local brews.
Day 6 Highlights
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Day 7
Alas, our time in this patch of paradise is over. After breakfast we’ll transfer to Juneau’s airport for flights home, and bid a fond farewell, bonded over Alaska’s great wild. Until next time!
Day 7 Highlights
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Where We Sleep
Our Alaska is the perfect mix of modern comforts and sleeping under the stars, from Glacier Bay lodges to wilderness campsites on Chichagof Island.
Annie Mae Lodge
GustavusWhere else would you want to stay than on the banks of the Good River? Set in a field of wildflowers at the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park, Annie Mae Lodge features down-home comfort and hospitality, cozy country-style lodging and home-cooked meals. For over 25 years, this beautiful lodge has hosted myriad visitors from anglers to sightseers to adventurers in the small homestead community of Gustavus. Wake up to the smell of country breakfast and sleep in the serene silence of the Alaskan wilderness.
Camping
Point AdolphusWe’ll be getting in touch with the Alaskan wilderness over a two-night camping adventure in between our lodge stays. From our remote yet well-appointed campsites, we’ll be able to hike, boat and kayak to explore the surrounding area. We've got most gear covered: expedition-quality tents, trekking poles, group-size tarp shelters, and the best cooking equipment accompany us. Quality equipment not only makes camp life more comfortable, it adds a level of safety to trips that could otherwise be relentlessly unforgiving to the unprepared.
Silverbow Inn
JuneauThis is Juneau’s first and only boutique hotel, a spectacularly renovated historic building with contemporary rooms and every modern convenience an Alaskan adventurer could hope for. Steps away is the beautiful waterfront and its saloons, shops and restaurants, in a town tucked below a towering ice field.
I am truly a tough critic but you planned an exceptionally fun adventure—no constructive criticism necessary.
Rustic luxe. How can you top that?
Every person involved with leading and guiding was top notch—friendly, knowledgeable, fun, kind—it doesn’t get better.
Book Alaska: Glacier Bay & Icy Straits
Questions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below or call +1 (267) 668-0057 to ask us any questions you have about traveling with Backpacker. We're here 9am-5pm weekdays Pacific Time.
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Who is this trip for?
This experience is for anybody with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. Southeast Alaska's Glacier Bay and Icy Straits are renown for raw natural beauty, with extremely limited access. This is a rare opportunity to explore the region's stunning sites by water and by land, perfect for photographers with a passion for the outdoors, and anybody looking to explore the wilds of Alaska in style. We stay in boutique hotels and comfortable lodges, and camp fully supported for two nights with all gear and camp cooking provided.
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How difficult is this trip?
This is considered a moderately easy outdoor adventure. We'll travel by land, sea and helicopter. We'll have the opportunity for day hikes, and a hike using crampons on Mendenhall glacier. We'll camp fully supported (including tents, gear and a camp cook) for two nights. Our kayaking is in inland open waters, and accessible for people of all skill levels.
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What does the price include?
Accommodations for four nights at boutique lodges and inns; two nights of fully equipped camping accommodations; internal private flight from Gustavus to Juneau; transportation for all day trips and excursions; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and most dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
Roundtrip airfare to Alaska and the trip's starting point in Gustavus; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverage not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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What are the arrival and departure details?
Our adventure begins in the evening at the Annie Mae Lodge in Gustavus, Alaska. The closest airport is the Gustavus Airport (GST), which has a daily flight from Juneau. On our last day in Juneau, the closest airport is the Juneau International Airport (JNU). Schedule your onward flights from JNU airport to depart at 12:30pm or later.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens and residents should check the TSA’s website for requirements and acceptable ID for domestic air travel. Some State issued IDs may no longer meet TSA standards. If you are a Non-US Citizen traveling to Alaska, visit the US Consulate or Embassy for requirements and information about passports and visas.
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Do I need to play a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $1,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. If you would like us to pair you with a roommate, that option may be available upon checkout—these spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
This Alaska adventure is limited to 11 guests, plus our Modern Adventure team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure Trip Leader. They're an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most 'Cancel For Any Reason' policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
