Attractions
Denali National Park:
Savage River: Nearly everyone who drives to Denali will stop at Savage River because traffic beyond this point is not permitted for private vehicles. There are several trails on both sides of the river that leave from the parking lot, and the more adventurous can attempt to seek out Dall sheep on the top of Mount Margaret, which rises across the river.
Fish Creek: This is a substitute destination while Eielson Visitor Center is under construction. It is just beyond a point along the road called Stony Dome where, on a clear day, a particularly impressive view of Mt. McKinley is possible. Despite its name, there are very few, perhaps even no, fish in the creek.
Eielson Visitor Center: Eielson is most easily reached by shuttle bus and provides one of the most dramatic views of the mountain, if you are lucky enough to visit on a day when it isn't shrouded in clouds. There are several short trails around the visitor center, and displays inside of the visitor center provide info on the natural history of the area. It is currently closed for reconstruction. It will re-open in 2008.
Wonder Lake: Forever immortalized by the photos of Ansel Adams, Wonder Lake is a beautiful lake at the base of the mountain. Reflection Pond, along the park road on the east side of the lake, is a favorite of photographers when the mountain is out. An established trail to the heavily braided McKinley River is also worthwhile for a glimpse of the McKinley River.
Sled Dog Demonstrations: The park service keeps sled dogs for use in the winter, and during the summer offers daily demonstrations for visitors. Demonstrations are at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM and last for thirty minutes. There is no parking at the demonstration site; you must take a shuttle from the Denali Visitor Center. Arrive at the visitor center 40 minutes prior to demonstration start time. Shuttle and program are all free, assuming you have already purchased some kind of entrance pass.
Alaskan Cruise:
Glaciers: Alaska has more active glaciers than the rest of the inhabited world combined. Some 100,000 glaciers cover about 29,000 square miles. We highlight just a few of our favorites.
Denali National Park: Alaska's most famous park and home to Mt. McKinley, the park covers more than 6 million acres. The low growing vegetation makes Denali one of North America's best places to view wildlife.
Wildlife: Catch a glimpse of whales among the ice floes, observe moose, sheep and other creatures grazing among wildflowers, and spot small critters scurry about in the fields and evergreen trees.
Inside Passage: The Inside Passage is the longest protected inland waterway in the world. In the spring, it's blanketed with wildflowers and the whales migrate. Come fall, the landscape is ablaze with fall foliage and bald eagles gather.
Vancouver:
Vancouver Aquarium: The world class Vancouver aquarium is famous for its marine life research and rehabilitation.
Vancouver Lookout! Harbour Centre Tower: has a fantastic 360-degree view of cosmopolitan and Greater Vancouver, the majestic North Shore Mountains.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge: The 136 metres long bridge crosses the Capilano river 70 metres above the river. In addition to the bridge there is also a large park, rainforest ecotours, North America's largest private collection of First Nations story poles and the Treetops Adventure which is a series of bridges that link between trees as high as 30 metres above the forest floor.
The Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge: Also on the The North Shore, the Lynn Valley Bridge is similar to the Capilano Bridge, only free of charge, with fewer people and several lovely trails.
Grouse Mountain: Take the skyride to Grouse Mountain or hike up for free, to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the North Shore. This is truly the peak of Vancouver.
