Authentic Alaska
by Land and Sea
J U N E 1 3 - J U N E 2 1 , 2 0 16
Join Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s travel program on this extraordinary journey
highlighting Alaska by land and sea. With space for just 16 travelers, this popular
departure is sure to sell out quickly!
This adventure offers a deep connection with the natural world through fully guided
raft, canoe, kayak and hike forays. Learn about Alaska’s native salmon populations while
navigating the turquoise waters of the Kenai River by raft; hike an alpine trail, and at the
top, explore the bouncy tundra underfoot; and kayak amid icy blue bergs while scanning
for inquisitive sea otters and seals. This unique journey offers myriad activities with ample
time to relax and unplug from the stress of the modern world.
The core trip offers an in-depth perspective of various Alaska state and national parks on
the phenomenal Kenai Peninsula. Our focused itinerary will limit travel time and increase
time in nature. For those seeking an even more comprehensive Alaska experience, the
optional Denali Extension will introduce the stunning Alaska Range—featuring Mount
McKinley on clear days—as well additional opportunities to view iconic land mammals,
like grizzlies, moose, caribou and more.
For questions about this amazing trip, please contact Patti Cattey, Community
Engagement Coordinator, at 614-724-3558 or [email protected].
Best regards,
Tom Stalf
President/CEO, Columbus Zoo
Meet Your Trip Host
Suzi Rapp, Vice
President of Animal
Programs, is looking
forward to hosting
this special Alaska
journey! Suzi’s 34year career with the
Zoo continues to have a tremendous impact on
our mission to “lead and inspire by connecting
people and wildlife.” Suzi lent her skills first to
the Zoo’s Education Department and designed
many of the programs still in use today. She
developed the Promotions Department to
accommodate the demands of up and rising
conservationist, Jack Hanna, and has raised over
200 animals of myriad species.
Today, Suzi oversees the Zoo and the
Wilds Animal Programs division including
coordination of all of the animal ambassadors
that travel and appear with Jack Hanna.
Authentic Alaska
Join us and explore some of our favorite places in the Last Frontier.
Day 1, June 13
Home/Anchorage
Welcome to the 49th State! Start your trip in Alaska’s
largest city, Anchorage. Enjoy orientation during
dinner at a well-known local restaurant for Alaskan
infused cuisine and enjoy other local sights such as
art galleries, shops and other Anchorage attractions.
Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage. (D)
Day 2, June 14
Girdwood/Cooper Landing
Today’s adventure takes us through the
northernmost rainforest areas of Alaska on a guided
hike through a protected forest canopy. Upon
reaching a local gorge, board a hand-tram for unique
transport across Glacier Creek. This evening, arrive
at Kenai Riverside Lodge, which features a large
riverside deck with fire pit, self-guided nature paths,
a wood-fired sauna and more! Appetizers and
dinner are served in the main lodge this evening.
Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B, L, D)
Days 3 and 4, June 15 and June 16
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Gear up for a full-day guided rafting adventure
on the Kenai River. Explore the Kenai National
Wildlife Refuge while your raft guide offers
natural history interpretation and stories behind the
sights. Scan for eagles and birds, salmon and trout
swimming in the turquoise water and possibly
moose or bears on the banks of the Kenai River.
Your home for the next two nights is Kenai
Backcountry Lodge, nestled on the shores of the
glacially-carved Skilak Lake. Day 4’s array of
activity options include: an amazing hike through
three different ecosystems or a motorized skiff tour
around Skilak Lake, making short stops to hike to
scenic vistas for photo opportunities. Evening
kayak paddles on the lake will be available,
weather permitting.
Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 5, June 17
Kenai Fjords National Park
From the seacoast town of Seward, board a small
ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park—a
half-day marine wildlife cruise allows us ample
time to explore the rugged coastlines. Enjoy lunch
in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at
our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords
Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal
lagoon area, the lodge offers stunning glacier and
mountain views.
Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
Days 6 and 7, June 18 and June 19
Kenai Fjords National Park
Choose from an array of guided activities in this
immaculate setting: guided kayaking or canoeing
tours of the protected Pedersen Lagoon area,
short explorations and nature strolls or relaxing
in a rocking chair with glacier views. Evening
presentations on Alaska natural and cultural
history offer enlightenment and perspective.
Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 8, June 20
Kenai Fjords National Park / Anchorage
A return wildlife cruise will bring us to Seward,
where we’ll board the historic Alaska Railroad
for comfortable rail travel back to Anchorage,
through Alaska’s backcountry. Enjoy a festive
farewell dinner onboard.
Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage (B, L, D)
Day 9, June 21
Anchorage/Home—or Start Denali Extension
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport
for return flights home; or, begin the optional
Denali Extension (see next page for details).
Courtesy airport shuttles will be available throughout
the day. (B)
The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Authentic Alaska
Expand your explorations on the optional Denali extension!
Day 1, June 21
Anchorage/Denali/Kantishna
Early morning drive north to the Denali National
Park entrance. Board a private bus for entry on
the restricted-access Denali Park Road, for a
fully narrated Denali Wildlife Drive. Scan for
bears, moose, caribou, wolves and more, as you
view various peaks of the Alaska Range, looking
out for the majestic Mount McKinley. Arrive
at Denali Backcountry Lodge, in the heart of
the Kantishna hills, for a delicious dinner and
orientation.
Overnight at Denali Backcountry Lodge.
(B, D; L available for purchase en route)
Day 2, June 22
Denali/Kantishna
Choose from amazing guided hikes (casual,
moderate or challenging), gold panning,
mountain biking or simply relaxing in the
wilderness. Morning yoga, naturalist programs
and spa treatments also available; optional
flightseeing tours of Mount McKinley are
available, based on weather, for additional cost.
Overnight Denali Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 3, June 23
Denali/Anchorage/Home
Enjoy a return Denali Wildlife Drive, followed
by return passage to Anchorage aboard
the Alaska Railroad. Arrive Anchorage at
approximately 8:30 p.m., in time to connect to
red-eye flights home, or extend your stay by
booking an extra hotel overnight.
Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
(B; L and D available for purchase on the train)
Authentic Alaska
Tour Details
Tour Cost – $4172 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.
Single Accommodations – $5172 per person, plus tax, based on single
occupancy. *A limited number of single-occupancy spaces are available.
Please contact us for the latest availability.
Extension Cost – $1775 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.
$2175 per single, plus tax.
Airfare – The Tour Cost does not include flights from your home city
to/from Alaska. Several carriers service Alaska and more information
will be in your welcome packet provided by the tour operator.
Tour Includes – All ground transportation; all accommodations as shown
on itinerary; all entry fees, activities and excursions per itinerary; meals
and non-alcoholic beverages as shown on itinerary; and porterage.
Tour Excludes – Airfare to Alaska and related fees and taxes; medical
immunizations; passport fees; baggage or trip cancellation insurance;
optional excursions or deviation from the scheduled tour; excess baggage
charges; medical expenses; meals not specified in the program itinerary
or special meals not on the menu; dishes and beverages not part of included
meals; alcoholic beverages; laundry; telephone or fax charges; room service;
other items of a purely personal nature; and gratuities to local guides.
Tour Size – This tour is limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served
basis. The minimum group size is 8 guests. Should the minimum not be met,
we reserve the right to cancel the program or levy a small group surcharge.
Insurance – We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation
insurance; information will be sent to registrants.
Cancellations – At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel
your trip, the following per person fees will apply:
120+ days prior to departure.................................$300 per person
120 to 91 days.......................................................... $600 per person
90 to 46 days............................................................ 50% of total cost
Within 45 days........................................................ 100% of total cost
As a condition to acceptance of enrollment, please read, agree to and sign the
Waiver of Liability, which will be sent upon registration.
Important Details
Understanding and Responsibilities
This trip is designed for travelers in average physical
condition. You should feel comfortable trail walking
for 3 - 4 hours with short breaks. The most important
requirements are a spirit of adventure and
a positive attitude!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (hereafter “Zoo”) is not the tour operator. Zoo is not responsible for
changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or car-rental reservations, delays,
losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of
God, or any other event beyond Zoo’s control.
We stay in authentic Alaskan lodging to enhance the
Alaska experience. There are two beds in each room
or cabin, most times with en suite bathroom. At Kenai
Backcountry Lodge, guests use a modern central
bathhouse with private showers and restroom areas.
You only need to bring your personal
gear and clothing. We’ll send
you a complete packing list of
recommended clothing after
This program has earned
you sign up.
a Superior ranking.
Superior
©2015 Alaska Wildland Adventures
Printed on recycled paper
Zoo acts only as agent for participants with respect to travel services, and it shall not be responsible for
changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage,
loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in conveying
participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, Zoo shall not be responsible for
losses or additional expenses of any participants due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of
terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond its control. Zoo shall not be responsible for
alteration of the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the right is reserved to
substitute hotels of similar quality. The right is further reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure;
in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on Zoo’s part. The right is
also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person’s
health, actions or general deportment in the opinion of Zoo impede the operation of the tour or the
rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour.
Applicants for participation in this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above.
Authentic Alaska
Reservation Form
JUNE 13 - JUNE 21, 2016
For more information on this tour, please contact:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Patti Cattey: 614-724-3558
[email protected]
June 13 - June 21, 2016
Please reserve ....... place(s) on the June 13 - June 21, 2016 Journey
Please reserve ....... place(s) on the Denali Extension, June 21 - 23, 2016
Name(s) .................................................................................................................. Birthdate(s) . ....................................................................................
Address ...................................................................................................................
Email . ..............................................................................................
City ................................................................................................ State ....................................................... Zip . ...........................................................
Telephone (evening) ................................................................................................ (day) ..........................................................................................
Enclosed is a deposit of US$ ....................... ($1000 per person; check payable to Alaska Wildland Adventures)
I prefer single accommodations r
You may charge your deposit(s) on r Visa or r MasterCard
Expiration Date ...................................
Visa /MasterCard number .................................................................................................
3-Digit Verification No.
Name on card ..............................................................................
(Located on the back of your credit card at the very
end of the account number just above your signature ) .............................................................
Signature of cardholder .........................................................................................
To reserve a space on this tour, please send your registration form and deposit check for $1000 per person, payable to Alaska Wildland Adventures,
to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065. If paying your deposit by credit card, you may fax it to 614-645-3465.
A complete Trip Planning packet, including a Release of Liability, will be forwarded to each applicant upon receipt of deposit. I/We have read and
agree to the Terms and Conditions of this Program.
Signature(s) ......................................................................................................................................... Date .................................................................