Locking in Itinerary

Question

Okay it's getting so close but still need advice family of five adults on a budget that loves wildlife. Thank you everyone!!!!

Day 1 – : Anchorage to Seward

• Pick up rental car by 2 PM

• Drive Time: 2.5–3 hrs (125 miles)

• Activities: Scenic Turnagain Arm drive, Exit Glacier Hike

• Lodging: Millers Landing (a very small cabin on water)

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Day 2 – : Seward

• Activities: Kenai Fjords National Park boat tour 6 hr wildlife cruise

•Tour Seward a little more but only if time because we have a drive ahead of us-

• Lodging: Cabin in Ninilchik - How long is the drive and any suggested stops on the way?

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Day 3 – we found an affordable bear viewing boat ride to Lake Clark (leaving based on tide so any time from 6am to 10 am ) 7 hours total - If weather bad on day 3 AND if they could take us we could do this on day 4 and use this day for Homer (although if all works out I don't think we are going to do Homer- up for suggestions.)

• Drive Time: ? Not sure where we are sleeping yet would like to head to Girwood

If heading to Girdwood would like to do Animal Conservator and Tran Car ride. And suggested Hikes and wildlife stops? All or some of these activities would wait for Day 4.

• Evening: Not sure where staying - needs to fit 5 on a budget.

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Day 4 – Wake up in Girdwood?

Animal Conservator and Tran Car ride. And suggested Hikes and wildlife stops? might have done one of these day 3.

• Drive Time: ~ toward Talkeetna (maybe stay the night here or continue to Healy

• ? Lodging: I have something booked in Healy, but I could get a cheeper price and bigger room in Cantrell.

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Day 5 – Denali NP

• Activities: Visitors center and I have the 1st bus ticket of the day

• Lodging: I need to cancel my Healy or Cantwell one?

Day 6 – Denali NP

• Activities: Visitors center and I have the 1st bus ticket of the day

• Lodging: I need to cancel my Healy or Cantwell one?

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Day 7 – Drive to Wasilla

• Activities: Little stops along the way (any sujestions- if I didn't do Talkeetna before do on way home)

• Lodging: Cabin near Wasilla

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Day 8 – Matanuka Glacier

I think the cheepest option is just to do with the person that owns the land. Only a 3 hour tour.

? I would like to fit in a reindeer and sled dog activity - maybe this day?

• Lodging: Cabin near Wasilla

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Day 9 – Sunday be at State fair when it opens at 11

• Drive Time: 1 hr to Anchorage

• Evening: Return rental car, head to airport

• Flight: Departs 8:20 PM

Thank you for all your help and suggestions! : )

Answer

Your Alaska itinerary looks ambitious but doable for a family of five who loves wildlife and scenic drives. Here is some detailed feedback and suggestions for each day to help optimize your trip, stay on a budget, and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 1 – Anchorage to Seward

Your plan is solid: picking up the rental car by 2 PM gives you time to drive along Turnagain Arm with its scenic pullouts. The Exit Glacier hike is a perfect introduction to Alaska’s glaciers. Since Millers Landing is a small cabin on the water, it’s ideal for a quiet evening and possibly wildlife spotting right from your deck.

Consider stopping at Beluga Point along Turnagain Arm for a chance to see beluga whales from shore.
Pack snacks for the drive, as options along Turnagain Arm are limited.

Day 2 – Seward to Ninilchik

Kenai Fjords 6-hour wildlife cruise is excellent for marine wildlife: sea otters, seals, puffins, and whales. Post-cruise, you have a long drive to Ninilchik (~4–5 hours, ~185 miles). Suggested stops along the way:

Cooper Landing – salmon viewing at the Russian River.
Kenai River overlook – scenic pullouts for photography.
Soldotna – quick break for food or gas.

If time is tight, skip Seward town exploration and focus on the cruise and scenic drive.

Day 3 – Bear Viewing / Homer / Girdwood

The bear viewing boat ride to Lake Clark is weather dependent. If you cannot go, a Homer day is a good backup. Homer has wildlife and glacier views, but if you are tight on budget and time, you could skip it.

Drive time to Girdwood from Ninilchik is about 5–6 hours. Suggested stops along the way:

Beluga Point or Captain Cook State Recreation Area for views.
Bird Ridge – short hike for panoramic vistas.

For Girdwood, consider:

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) – easy wildlife viewing (moose, bison, bears).
Tram Car ride at Alyeska Resort – provides scenic views, accessible for all ages.
Easy hikes: Winner Creek Trail or Glacier Creek Trail near Girdwood.

Day 4 – Girdwood / Talkeetna / Healy

Use this day to complete any missed activities in Girdwood. Then drive toward Talkeetna (~3.5 hrs from Girdwood) or continue to Healy (~6–7 hrs total). Staying in Talkeetna is convenient if you plan a Denali flight tour the next morning. If budget allows, a larger cabin in Cantwell may be more comfortable for five adults.

Day 5 & 6 – Denali National Park

The first bus ticket each day is smart, as wildlife is more active in the morning. Staying in Healy is more budget-friendly than lodging near the park entrance, and you can drive 30–40 minutes to the park each morning. Cantwell is slightly further but may offer better cabin space. Suggested tips:

Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife spotting along the bus route.
Pack snacks and water; services are limited inside the park.
Consider evening Aurora viewing near your lodging if conditions allow.

Day 7 – Drive to Wasilla

Suggested stops along the way:

Talkeetna for a quick stroll or lunch if not visited on Day 4.
Scenic pullouts along the Parks Highway – Denali views are outstanding.

Cabins near Wasilla are convenient for Day 8 activities.

Day 8 – Matanuska Glacier & Reindeer/Sled Dogs

Matanuska Glacier tours are short (3 hours) and inexpensive. A combined activity day could include:

Morning glacier walk with a guide.
Afternoon visit to a local sled dog kennel for a ride or demonstration.
Reindeer farm visit – many are near Palmer/Wasilla and allow interaction and photos.

Day 9 – Alaska State Fair / Departure

Driving ~1 hour to Anchorage is reasonable. Arrive when the fair opens at 11 AM, enjoy a few hours, then return your rental car and head to the airport. Since your flight is at 8:20 PM, you have plenty of buffer for traffic and check-in.

Overall Suggestions:

Try to consolidate activities geographically to reduce drive time.
Book bear viewing and glacier tours early, as these are popular and weather-dependent.
Healy lodging is best for Denali unless Cantwell offers significantly better value.
Budget accommodations are feasible in Girdwood, Ninilchik, and Wasilla; cabins or small inns work well for a family of five.
Bring layers for varying weather and rain gear for outdoor activities.

This itinerary balances wildlife, scenic drives, and Alaska experiences while remaining mindful of budget and travel time.