Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Meet at the bus loading zone at the intersection of Columbus and Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco with your e-ticket.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. 

Day 1

We begin our journey with a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Say farewell to the city bustle and head north over the hills of Northern California. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers on the scenic ride.  Grab lunch in the quaint town of Ukiah. Onward to the breathtaking redwood groves along the Avenue of the Giants and Redwoods National Park. Take a walk beneath the massive trees and cool off in the Eel River.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

The adventure heads east towards the Cascade Range.  Along the way, dive into California’s mining history in the town of Weaverville, nestled at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Visit some of the art galleries and historical buildings or stroll through town on a coffeehouse tour. By the evening, watch the sunset over Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3

Lassen National Park supports a “quiet” volcano and boasts a network of cracks in the earth’s crust that deliver hydrothermal delights and smokey plumage upward to the heavens.  One of the wonders of the world.  Few have had the opportunity to spend time in a region so densely populated with geothermal activity!  Explore the unique terrain of Bumpass Hell.  Meander through steaming pools, multi-colored soils, and aquamarine water under the deep blue sky. Visit the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Loomis Museum or hike to a pristine lake in the shadow of Lassen Peak.

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

The blue depths of Crater Lake are mesmerizing.  Take a short hike for a broader view.  The volcanic island provides a unique photographic opportunity, as does the abundant and diverse vegetation.  Keep your camera handy — you may spot one of the local elk, pronghorn, black-tailed deer or coyote that resides here.  In the evening, hike to the spectacular Toketee Falls, named after a word in the extinct Pacific Northwest language, Chinook Jargon, meaning “pretty” or “graceful,” on the North Umpqua River. 

Camp night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim/Soak

Day 5

After a hearty Green Tortoise breakfast, hike to the natural pools of Umpqua Hot Springs overlooking the river.  Enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters.  In the afternoon, venture north through the Willamette Valley.  

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Night Drive

Day 6

Spend a day in Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. With miles of trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from, there’s something for everyone to explore! With any luck, the meadows will be in full blossom with daisies, fireweed, and avalanche lilies.  Watch the park film and wander the exhibits at the visitor center. There’s much to learn with over a century of history at the park!

This afternoon, the adventure bus cruises back to Seattle.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Hostel Night

Day 7

Awaken in the “Jewel of the Northwest” and grab a coffee from the first Starbucks in Pike Place Market.  Take a trip to the top of the Space Needle or visit the Museum of Pop Culture.  Perhaps you want to visit the Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit or just stroll along the waterfront.  Options seem endless in the Emerald City with a full day of exploration.

Hostel Night

Day 8

Get your first glimpse of the behemoth mountains of British Columbia after we cross the border into Canada.  Watch as the beautiful scenery begins to change. Our camp is nestled in a forest of Douglas fir, pine and aspen trees.  This evening, embark on a hike along the lake’s shoreline and take a dip!

Camp Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 9

The journey continues through the inland temperate rainforest. The old-growth forest of cedars and hemlock trees surrounding Revelstoke, British Columbia guides us to the famous mountain town. Take a walk along the Columbia River and meander the quaint downtown’s Grizzly Plaza. In the evening, sink into Canyon Hot Springs.

Camp Night

Optional Swim & Soak / Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 10

Glacier National Park of Canada reveals itself today.  Hike to some magnificent waterfalls and watch the mountains rise higher as we roll through the Canadian Rockies.  This evening, arrive in Banff National Park. Our campsite near Lake Louise allows ample time to explore the alluring nature surrounding the lake’s azure water. 

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available

Day 11

Rent a canoe for a scenic paddle or just enjoy the view from the luxurious Fairmont Chateau. Sip tea at high altitude after a self-guided hike through the dense subalpine forests to Lake Agnes – a hidden gem complete with a teahouse, lovely turquoise waters, a steep wooden staircase and a waterfall.  Hike another one of Banff National Park’s most beloved trails to views of spectacular ice hanging at the scenic Plain of Six Glaciers.  Or just enjoy the view and people watching at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available

Day 12

Start the day with a hike along the dramatic catwalks of Johnston Canyon to the cascading upper waterfalls.  Discover the natural beauty created by thousands of years of water erosion through the limestone bedrock.  Later, a short drive brings us to the historic town of Banff, where we’ll dine out on the town before we polish off the evening relaxing those sore hiking muscles in Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Swim & Soak / Showers Available

Day 13

We’ll travel through the vast wilderness, alongside gigantic mountains, on the Icefields Parkway to the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.  A stop to stretch our legs sends us on a journey through time on an interpretive walk up to the face of the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefields. Beautifully striped erratics, or pebbles and boulders carried by the glacier, decorate the trail along the way.  Tonight, we’ll spend an evening getting to know the quaint, riverfront town of Jasper, Alberta.  

Hostel Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Showers Available

Day 14

Explore the mountain wilderness of Jasper National Park.  Spectacular 165-foot sheer limestone walls of the impressive Maligne Canyon guide you on an unforgettable hike across six bridges suspended over the thundering Maligne River.  This afternoon, soak in the inviting Miette Hot Springs or keep moving on the Sulphur Skyline Trail for sweeping views of the endless wilderness.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Optional Soak / Showers Available

Day 15

Venturing north through Alberta, we’ll make a quick stop in Grande Prairie for reprovisioning prior to entering northern British Columbia’s expansive wilderness.  Today, at Mile 0 of the Alaska-Canadian Highway, better known as the AlCan, we head west towards the Last Frontier!  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 16

The adventure continues along this road that was constructed in World War II as a supply route linking the contiguous United States with Alaska.  The AlCAn was constructed in less than 8 months by a crew of over 10,000 Army Corp of Engineers.  Learn more at our stop at Fort Nelson with a visit to the Heritage Museum.  By the evening, prepare dinner and camp at the pristine Summit Lake.

Camp Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17

Stone Mountain Provincial Park has so much to offer!  Embark on a hike to the summit of a mountain for unbelievable views or go on a more leisurely hike to an alpine lake.  Perhaps you wish to spend the day lounging at camp. However you spend the day, the views will be rewarding!

Camp Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18

As we continue through the Northern Rocky Mountains, stunning vistas greet us around every curve.  Keep on the lookout for mountain goats and dall sheep as we wind our way towards Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs.  This evening, spend some time relaxing in the natural, steaming pools.

Drive Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19

Welcome to the Yukon Territory!  Our destination today is within the Carcross / Tagish First Nation.  We will visit the smallest desert in the world, have the opportunity to learn all about the region’s rich cultural and Indigenous history, and explore the Gold Rush history of the area.  A day in Carcross will leave you humbled beneath towering totem poles and surrounded by behemoth mountains. 

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 20

Alaska beckons!  Cross the border into Skagway, Alaska, a small town with a big personality.  Whether you choose to ride the bus or hop on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Carcross, the ride is undoubtedly one of the most scenic on Earth! Once you arrive in Skagway, opportunities are endless.  From hiking to dog mushing to history tours, there’s not much you can’t do here.  

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Day 21

Enjoy a morning exploring Skagway’s quaint downtown shops or take a hike out to Yakutania Point.  This afternoon, a ferry ride on the Alaska Marine Highway brings us to the state capitol, Juneau! It’s not uncommon to see porpoise, whales and other marine life along the way.  Plus, the views of waterfalls and glaciers along the Lynn Canal are spectacular!  

Hostel Night

Showers Available

*In Juneau, you will be staying at a hostel or hotel of your choice. We’ll recommend some of our favorite lodging options upon booking.

Day 22 & 23

You have lots of options!  Whether you choose to hike the mossy forests surrounding the city, spend the day touring Tracy Arm Fjord or Glacier Bay National Park, going sport fishing, or shopping for souvenirs, there’s something for everyone in Juneau!  You may wish to stretch your sea legs at the Mendenhall Glacier. Take a hike for dramatic views from above or walk straight to a waterfall pounding into Mendenhall Lake at its base.You’ll already be prepared because your guide and driver will help you find activities that fit best for you before our arrival on the ferry.

Hostel Nights

Showers Available

Day 24

We’re back on the ferry for another breathtaking voyage up the Inside Passage.  A cruise through the glacier-carved cliffs and waterfalls of the Lynn Canal brings us to Haines and Port Chilkoot.  This small town appeals to the adventure enthusiast in us all.  After a walk to the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake, we’ll camp surrounded by Douglas fir and Sitka spruce trees and beneath craggy mountain peaks. Don’t forget to search the treetops for nesting birds.  Haines is home to the largest congregation of American bald eagles in the world!

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Showers Available

Day 25

Opportunity abounds!  An optional flight-seeing tour of Glacier Bay will leave you elated.  Words cannot describe the thrill of seeing the expansive, wild and frozen earth from above.  Some may choose to take a hike to the top of Mount Rapinski for panoramic views of the Lynn Canal and Chilkat River.  You may even decide to enjoy a walk around Haines’ quaint downtown and get to know the locals from a stool at the Fogcutter Bar.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Showers Available 

Day 26

You’ll be reminded of the enormity of the world on a journey through wide open spaces of untouched wilderness and near solitude.  Today provides another great chance for spotting bears, Dall sheep, moose and mountain goats!  Kluane National Park in the Yukon Territory is our destination and it won’t take long to recognize why it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Plunge into Kathleen Lake to get your blood pumping before sharing a delicious Tortoise dinner together.

Camp Night

Optional Swim 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 27

Your self-guided hiking adventure is to the “King’s Throne.”  Once you reach the alpine cirque – a natural amphitheater formed by glacial erosion – you may choose to continue the adventure to feel on top of the world.  You’ll be rewarded with unrivaled views of Kathleen Lake and the breathtaking Saint Elias Mountain Range, home to the world’s largest non-polar ice fields.  Easy strolls around the lovely lake are also an option and just as rewarding!

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim

Day 28

Enjoy a little break from the wilderness in the capital city of the Yukon Territory, Whitehorse.  This city is home to one of the toughest sled dog races in the world, the 1,000 mile Yukon Quest. Check out the historic riverboat SS Klondike, learn about native cultures or take a trip into the Gold Rush era at the MacBride Museum.  Later, we’ll head for camp and another chance to soak at Takhini Hot Springs.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Soak / Showers Available 

Day 29

Jagged granite peaks, idyllic alpine lakes and tundra landscapes roll by in the window frames as we make our way to Dawson City. This stretch of road is well-known for wildlife sightings!  A stop atop Midnight Dome will give you a chance to see our campsite from afar, as well as the mighty Yukon River.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Showers Available

Day 30

Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush in Dawson City.  Meander the historic town, visiting museums and local shops or take a hike to Midnight Dome by day.  Check out the Paddle Wheel Graveyard or relax by the riverfront. By night, maybe you’ll strike it rich at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall.  Even if you don’t win big, stick around for the can-can inspired show!  Some may even join the Sourtoe Cocktail Club at the Sourdough Saloon.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Showers Available

Day 31

We’ll cross the border into Alaska, traveling over the Top Of The World Highway.  A stop in the historical little town of Chicken, Alaska, established in the 1930s for prospecting and mining, will give you a look into real small town life.  In 2010, the official population was seven! Today, the few residents invite travelers to their home to relax and enjoy the intriguing history. Take a tour of the dredge, indulge in a rootbeer float on the porch of the local cafe or have a cocktail at the local’s favorite place to hang.  

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 32

Awaken to a world of opportunity at Chena Hot Springs Resort.  Whether you’re up for a hike, a soak, horseback ride or sled dog experience, you won’t be bored here!  Bundle up for an optional tour of the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum.  This day will certainly leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed!

Camp Night

Optional Soak / Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 33

Fairbanks, “the Gateway to the Bush,” is well known for being one of the largest cities in Alaska.  Visit the Fairbanks Visitor Center and explore the unbelievable Museum of the North at the University of Alaska.  This evening, get a glimpse of the true Alaskan lifestyle in Nenana. 

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Days 34 & 35

We greet the morning at Denali National Park, the climax of this adventure!  The sprawling tundra is our playground for the next few days!  Venture out on the diverse trails from the park’s visitor center, take a ranger-led hike or embark on a bus journey deep into the park.  Don’t miss the chance to see moose, bears, caribou, foxes and Dall sheep in their natural habitat!  You might take the opportunity to go on a whitewater rafting adventure through the picturesque landscape on the Nenana River.  However you choose to spend our extended stay, you’re guaranteed to take away treasured memories of the raw beauty and trackless wilderness stretching beneath “The Great One!”

Camp Nights

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Dinner Out On Day 35

Showers Available

Day 36

Reminisce about your incredible journey as we head for Anchorage on our final scenic drive.  Today, we say “See you next time!” 

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Travel By Comfortable Custom Coach
• 70% of Quality Crafted Meals
• National Park Entrance Fees
• All Camping Fees
• Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities & Parks
• Expert Guide & Professional Driver With Local Knowledge

• • Sleeping Bag*
  • Sleeping Pad*
  • Tent*

*Available for rent upon booking! 

Required Additional Expenses

• • Hostel Stays During The Trip
  • Ferry Passages 

• Canada: 
  • Hot Springs Entrances
  • Lake Louise Canoe Rental
  • Banff Gondola
• Juneau area:
  • Mt. Roberts Tram
  • Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise
  • Flight-seeing Trip 
• Skagway area: 
  • White Pass & Yukon Railroad train ride
  • Flight-seeing
  • Helicopter Tours
  • Dog Mushing
  • Zip-line
  • Other tours 
• Haines area:
  • Ferry to Skagway
  • Guided Trips – Kayaking or Rafting
  • Flight-seeing Glacier Bay
• Dawson City area:
  • Diamond-Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall Show
  • Dredge Tour
• Denali area:
  • Bus Tours Of The Park
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Flight-seeing

Departure:  7:00 AM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

*****

Arrival: 5:00 PM – Base Camp Anchorage Hostel, 1037 W 26th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99503