Festivals, fascinating museums and a healthy showing of craft breweries: at 61 degrees north, the state’s largest city might feel utterly at the whim of the elements, but Anchorage can rival anywhere further south, with the added bonus of being just a river-smoothed stone’s throw from serene inlets and wooded creeks, where anglers sling their lines into pure, rushing waters.

Straying into the frigid waters of the Cook Inlet, the Kenai Peninsula is an adventure all its own, a stirring wilderness of forests and icefields, where rivers wind unhurried for miles, finally meeting the sea in epic, orca-patrolled fjords. Begin your family adventure with a float trip down the Portage River, complete with a lunchtime salmon bake. Later, go behind-the-scenes at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates injured or orphaned animals and returns them to the wild. During your visit, keep on the lookout for black and brown bears, moose, bison, and wolves.

Cruise amid the majestic glaciers and marine wildlife of Prince William Sound. Spy calving glaciers and keep watch for whales and sea lions as bald eagles wheel overhead. Later, return to your hotel or head into neighboring Girdwood for some family time on your own.

Approximately 90 percent of Alaska is not served by roads, so aviation plays a vital role in everyday life. Fly to Redoubt Bay Lodge (weather permitting), a great homebase for some incredible bear viewing. Embark by boat through "bear country,” watching for black and brown bears, and other wildlife along the way. Later, head to your rustic-modern lodge overlooking North America's tallest peak, Denali. The evening is yours to explore or relax as you like.

Historic roadhouses, old-school inns and a smattering of quaint local stores: Talkeetna is a warm, sweet embrace in the depths of wilderness. The ever-present siren call of Denali National Park to the north is difficult to resist, but so too are the charms of this riverside town, where seasoned mountaineers prop up the bars and the waft of cinnamon rolls mingles with the scent of birch. Begin with a visit to the dog kennels of Iditarod racer Dallas Seavey, where your family has a go at dryland mushing. Then head to the family-run Alaska Wild Harvest for tastings of birch-made candy and ice cream. Afterward, set out on a walk of the town's historic district with some time free for lunch on your own . Cap off your day in spectacular fashion as you flightsee over the peaks and glaciers of Denali National Park. Then, land — and walk — on a glacier's surface (weather permitting), surrounded by snowy peaks.

After a relaxing early morning, board a Deluxe Dome Rail Car to Denali National Park, viewing the most scenic section of this Alaska rail journey featuring the Alaska Range and Denali. Arrive at the Denali station to tour the Visitors Center and take a short hike near the park entrance. Then, pause for dinner in Denali before returning to your lodge by motorcoach.

Continue your exploration of the magnificent Denali area with an all-ages kayak trip on placid Byers Lake. Next, join a knowledgeable naturalist guide on a hike that reveals Alaska's abundant flora and fauna. Then, head to Anchorage, where you gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey.

 Depart Anchorage