The Grand Prospector Fly Drive Holiday

Day 1 - Arrive in Whitehorse

Welcome to the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territory and at 22,000 people is the largest city in Canada’s North. 

Day 2 - Whitehorse to Haines Junction (154km/96 mi)

Depart Whitehorse and travel west along the Alaska Highway toward Haines Junction, where the open landscapes of the southern Yukon begin to rise toward Kluane country. The route passes through boreal forest, quiet lakes and broad northern valleys, with mountain views becoming more dramatic as the St. Elias Range comes into sight. Arrive in Haines Junction, a small community set beneath towering peaks and the gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve, home to some of Canada’s most spectacular alpine scenery.

Day 3 - Haines to Tok (467 km/290 mls)

Leave Haines Junction and continue northwest along the Alaska Highway, travelling through one of the Yukon’s most dramatic wilderness corridors. The road follows the edge of Kluane National Park and Reserve, with sweeping views of mountains, glacial valleys, boreal forest and the vast waters of Kluane Lake. Continue past remote northern communities and wide-open landscapes toward the Alaska border, where the journey takes on a true frontier feel. Cross into the United States and continue through forested valleys and open country back to Tok, a classic Alaska crossroads town.

Day 4 - Tok to Chitina (324 km/204 mi) Flight to McCarthy

Depart Tok and follow the Tok Cut-Off Highway southwest through a remote stretch of Interior Alaska, where forest, river valleys and long open roads create a true sense of wilderness. As you approach Glennallen, the scenery opens into the broad Copper River Basin, with wide skies and mountain views shaping the horizon.

Continue south to Chitina, travelling deeper into the Wrangell-St. Elias region. On clear days, watch for views of the Wrangell Mountains before arriving in this small frontier community at the edge of the McCarthy Road. From Chitina, fly with Wrangell Mountain Air toward McCarthy on a short but spectacular journey into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From above, the Kennicott Valley, glacier-fed rivers, rugged peaks and remote backcountry unfold below. Arrive near McCarthy, a true old-Alaska wilderness community shaped by copper-mining history, gravel streets, historic buildings and powerful mountain scenery.

(Please note: Flying has the added benefit of saving 4-5 hour of driving on the single lane, gravel-surfaced McCarthy road)

Day 5 - McCarthy

Today, enjoy time in the McCarthy and Kennecott area, deep within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Choose the experience that best matches your travel style, from historic copper-mining stories and landmark buildings to glacier hiking or a gentle paddle through the surreal rockand-ice landscape at the toe of the Kennicott Glacier.

Option 1. Kennecott Mill Town Tour Step into the remarkable history of Kennecott, once one of Alaska’s richest copper-mining communities. Join a knowledgeable guide for a tour of the historic mill town and gain access inside the dramatic 14-story concentration mill, where weathered buildings, mining equipment and mountain scenery tell the story of life and work in this remote wilderness.

Option 2. Root Glacier Half-Day Hike Walk through the historic Kennecott townsite before continuing toward Root Glacier for a guided glacier hiking experience in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Strap on crampons and explore an everchanging world of blue pools, glacial streams, canyons, crevasses and ice features, with views toward the Stairway Icefall and Mt. Blackburn adding to the scale of the landscape.

Option 3. Kennicott Glacial Lake Paddle Paddle across the calm waters at the toe of the Kennicott Glacier, where rock, ice and glacial water create a striking moonscape beneath the mountains. Your guide shares insight into the glacier, geology and surrounding wilderness as you travel by packraft through a landscape of floating ice, glacier views and dramatic Wrangell-St. Elias scenery.

After your chosen excursion, return to McCarthy for an evening in one of Alaska’s most atmospheric wilderness towns. Depending on season and availability, dining may include refined lodge-style cuisine, a lively saloon setting or a relaxed café stop, all surrounded by historic buildings, mountain air and the unmistakable character of old Alaska.

Day 6 - McCarthy to Chitina Flight | Chitina to Sheep Mountain (236 km/147 mi)

Retrace your route from McCarthy to Chitina by air, with the return flight offering a different perspective on the Kennicott Valley and the immense landscapes of Wrangell-St. Elias. Look down over glacier-fed rivers, mountain valleys, remote backcountry and the historic corridor of the McCarthy Road as the wilderness slowly gives way to the Copper River region.

Depart Chitina and travel north through the Copper River region, leaving the edge of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park behind as the road follows open valleys, river country and distant mountain views. Continue toward Glennallen, where the landscape feels wide and untamed, with the Wrangell Mountains still rising dramatically across the eastern horizon.

From Glennallen, follow the Glenn Highway west toward Sheep Mountain, one of Alaska’s great scenic drives. The route crosses broad wilderness country, alpine ridges and sweeping mountain valleys, with views toward the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains along the way. Arrive at Sheep Mountain, a quiet roadside lodge setting surrounded by open tundra, mountain air and classic Alaska highway scenery.

Day 7 - Sheep Mountain Lodge to Anchorage (172 km/ 107 mls)

Continue west toward Anchorage on the Glenn Highway, a scenic route shaped by ancient glaciers and broad mountain valleys. Stop for views of Matanuska Glacier, one of the defining sights of the route, then continue through the Matanuska River Valley toward Palmer and the Chugach Mountains. Time permitting, explore Independence Mine State Historical Park near Hatcher Pass, where mining history and alpine scenery come together, or stop at Eagle River Nature Centre for a short walk among mountain and river landscapes. Arrive in Anchorage for a two-night stay before continuing south to the Kenai Peninsula.

Day 8 - Anchorage Exploring

Spend the day at leisure exploring Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and a memorable meeting point of mountains, ocean and northern culture. Set between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage offers easy access to scenic viewpoints, waterfront trails, museums, local galleries and excellent dining. You may choose to walk part of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, visit Earthquake Park for views across the inlet, explore the Anchorage Museum, or learn more about Alaska Native cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. Time permitting, visit Lake Hood to watch floatplanes come and go, browse downtown shops, or enjoy fresh Alaska seafood before your journey continues.

Day 9 - Anchorage to Seward via Whittier (239 km/149 mi)

Depart Anchorage and follow the Seward Highway toward Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal corridors. The road traces tidal flats and mountain slopes below the Chugach Mountains, with waterfalls, rocky cliffs and sweeping inlet views along the way. Continue through Portage and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier, where you board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise. Cruise into a sheltered world of fjords, floating ice, waterfalls and tidewater glaciers, watching for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds and mountain goats. After the cruise, continue by road to Seward, set between Resurrection Bay and the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 10 - Seward

Today in Seward, you can choose from a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure, Bear Lake Kayak or Canoe Trip, Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour, Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, or an Exit Glacier Hike, depending on what suits your travel style.

For a more active or premium day out, there are several upgrade options: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing near Seward, Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure, Helicopter Bear Glacier Flight with Landing, Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled, Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled with Bear Glacier Tour, or a Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure.

Day 11 - Seward to Homer (270 km/168 mi)

Leave Seward and continue across the Kenai Peninsula, following highways shaped by rivers, lakes, forest and mountain views. The route passes through some of Alaska’s best-known fishing country, with the Kenai River and nearby salmon streams giving the region much of its character. As you travel toward Homer, the scenery opens toward Cook Inlet, with possible views across the water to the volcanoes of the Alaska Peninsula. Arrive in Homer, set above Kachemak Bay and known for its long Spit, working harbor, mountain backdrop and strong coastal personality.

Day 12 - Homer

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Homer, one of Alaska’s most scenic coastal towns. Explore the Homer Spit, browse local galleries, walk the harbour, visit waterfront shops and cafés, or take in sweeping views across Kachemak Bay toward glaciers and distant peaks. Optional excursions include a bear viewing flight across Cook Inlet to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park, or a guided halibut combo fishing charter from Homer Harbour.

Option 1. Katmai or Lake Clark Bear Viewing Flight Fly from Homer across Cook Inlet for a wilderness bear-viewing experience in Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Enjoy aerial views of volcanoes, glaciers and remote coastline before landing with an experienced pilot-guide to observe coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. Routing and timing depend on tides, weather and bear activity.

Option 2. Homer Halibut Combo Fishing Charter Depart Homer Harbour on a guided fishing charter into the waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet. Fish for halibut and other local species depending on season and conditions, with gear, bait, instruction and onboard filleting included.

Day 13 - Homer to Girdwood (297 km/185 mi)

This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back towards Girdwood. Along the way we have included admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Continuing to Girdwood, take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. At the base of the tram is your overnight accommodation at Alyeska Resort.

Day 14 - Girdwood to Talkeetna (241 km/150 mi)

Drive north from Girdwood along Turnagain Arm, where the mountains and water create one final dramatic coastal stretch before the route passes through Anchorage and into the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The landscape opens into farmland, forest, rivers and long views toward the Alaska Range. Continue to Talkeetna, a characterful rail and river town near the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna and Chulitna rivers, known for its climber history, local restaurants and possible clear-day views of Denali.

Day 15 - Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance (246 km/153 mi)

Today, choose your Talkeetna experience before continuing deeper into Alaska’s mountain country. Explore river wilderness by jetboat, or upgrade to flightseeing around Denali and the Alaska Range, with a glacier landing option when weather permits. After your excursion, follow the Parks Highway north through forest, river valleys and broad mountain landscapes toward Denali National Park Entrance.

Your option here is a Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour, taking you by jetboat into Alaska river country with views towards Denali.

For those wanting more, there are two upgrades: a Denali Flightseeing Experience by small aircraft, or a Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing by small aircraft.

Day 16 - Denali National Park

In the Denali region, you can choose between a Denali Highway Jeep Excursion or a Tundra Wilderness Tour by coach, depending on how you'd like to explore the area.

For a more elevated experience, there are two upgrades: a Denali Summit Flightseeing by small aircraft, or a Denali Glacier Landing by helicopter.

Day 17 - Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks (198 km/123 mi)

Continue north on the Parks Highway toward Fairbanks, travelling through Interior Alaska communities such as Healy, Nenana and Ester. The scenery changes as mountain country gives way to boreal forest, river valleys and broad northern landscapes. This afternoon, board the Riverboat Discovery III for a narrated sternwheeler cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers, learning about Fairbanks history, Alaska Native culture and river life in the Interior.

Day 18 - Fairbanks to Tok (325 km/202 mi)

Depart Fairbanks and travel southeast through the wide-open landscapes of Interior Alaska. The road follows a remote northern corridor of boreal forest, river valleys, black spruce, birch trees and vast skies, with distant mountain ranges often visible on the horizon. Continue toward Delta Junction, the historic meeting point of the Richardson and Alaska highways, before following the Alaska Highway through open country shaped by the Tanana River, frontier communities and the rugged scale of Alaska’s interior. Arrive in Tok, an important crossroads for travellers continuing between Alaska and the Yukon.

Day 19 - Tok to Dawson City (297 km/185 mi)

Leave Tok and travel into one of the North’s most remote and memorable driving regions. The Taylor Highway winds through quiet backcountry, forested hills, river valleys and old mining country before reaching the small community of Chicken, one of Alaska’s classic frontier stops.

Continue toward the Canadian border and, where conditions allow, join the Top of the World Highway, a spectacular ridgeline route with sweeping views across rolling tundra, distant mountains and endless northern wilderness. Cross into the Yukon and descend toward the Yukon River before arriving in Dawson City, a legendary gold-rush town surrounded by wild northern scenery.

Day 20 - Dawson City

Spend the day exploring Dawson City, where Gold Rush history, wooden boardwalks and colourful frontier buildings create one of the most distinctive towns in the North. Walk the historic streets, visit local museums, learn about the Klondike goldfields and experience the character of a community that still feels closely tied to its past. Time permitting, visit Bonanza Creek for a glimpse into the gold-rush landscape, or drive to the Midnight Dome for sweeping views over Dawson City, the Yukon River, the Klondike Valley and the surrounding northern hills.

Day 21 - Dawson City to Whitehorse (532 km/333 mi)

Depart Dawson City and travel south along the Klondike Highway, following a long and scenic route through the heart of the Yukon. The drive passes forested valleys, open viewpoints, quiet communities and landscapes shaped by rivers, wilderness and gold-rush history. Along the way, consider a stop at Five Finger Rapids, where the Yukon River narrows between rocky channels once navigated by sternwheelers. Continue through broad northern country of spruce forest, rolling hills and wide skies before arriving in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital city on the banks of the Yukon River.

Day 22 - Whitehorse Return

After checking out of your hotel, your Yukon and Alaska self-drive adventure comes to an end.