Alaska – The Great Exploration

As America’s last frontier, Alaska boasts a nearly endless amount of natural beauty. Add to that a litany of land and marine life found nowhere else in the U.S. and you have one of the most awe-inspiring experiences available to travelers today. But dig below the surface and you will quickly see that there is an overriding sense of concern amongst the local population about the changing climate, rising seas and environmental degradation, and the extreme isolation of Alaska also puts it at an even higher risk of eminent change.

As we meet with researchers, scientists, and local community groups, The Great Exploration across this region of Alaska will show you a side of Alaska that few others get to experience and provide you with a deeper sense of what is being done to protect it for future generations.

Volunteer Time = 5 hours (2 afternoons)

On this Discover Corps Vacation with Purpose, we’ll venture across the famed Kenai Peninsula to witness the epic beauty of Alaska’s coast, mountains and people. Along the way, we’ll take you to leading organizations and introduce you to some of the most dedicated individuals working to protect the wildlife and resources of the 49th state.

Learn about puffin conservation at the Alaska Sealife Center, explore tidepools by way of “belly biology”, take a boat to a remote scientific field station, visit an oyster farm (and try the oysters!) and get hands-on experience of true Alaskan dog sledding, riding with a local family that has dedicated their life to this tradition.

As you journey across three different cities in Southern Alaska, expect to see an abundance of wildlife and epic panoramic views for miles. In Anchorage, enjoy a picnic lunch into the snow-capped mountains of Chugach State Park before marveling at the wilderness that surrounds you as you head to Seward in a glass-top train (often ranked as one of the top ten train rides in North America). In Seward, boat through the remarkable Kenai Fjords National Park, and keep an eye out for whales, porpoises, puffins, sea otters, bald eagles, and more along the way! Experience a dog sled ride to the base of Resurrection Mountain along Box Canyon Creek. In Homer, the other side of the Kenai Peninsula, explore the “spit” – a long line of restaurants, shops, and docks with breathtaking views you won’t soon forget.

Start your trip at a boutique hotel in the heart of Anchorage. Enjoy all the comforts of home, walking distance to local breweries, shops, restaurants, and everything Anchorage has to offer.

In Seward, stay at Harbor 360 – the premier waterfront hotel in this small, scenic fishing village. Located directly on the Seward Small Boat Harbor, enjoy stunning 360 degree views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding Kenai Mountains, and views of the harbor while soaking in the hot tub or swimming in Seward’s only hotel pool. Harbor 360 Hotel is also a certified “Green Business” through the Adventure Green Alaska Program, committed to reducing their impact on the environment.

Finally, end your Alaskan adventure at Aspen Hotels in Homer. Each room is a suite that includes a work desk, generously sized guest rooms, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and mountain views.