Please join me on this awe-inspiring exploration into Alaska’s playground–the diverse and breathtaking Kenai Peninsula! This trip is a must for lovers of wilderness, wildlife and the peace and solitude only discovered in nature. With space for just 16 travelers, you’re assured a personalized, authentic Alaska adventure among friends! My career at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium began in 2016 as Assistant Curator of the North America and Polar Frontier region. I oversee the daily operation and management of the region, our team and our animals. I worked at Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo for 14 years prior to coming to Columbus with a variety of taxa including gorillas, large carnivores, large hoofstock, birds, reptiles, amphibians, many small mammals and primates. I’m excited to share with you my knowledge about the wildlife that call the great state of Alaska home and to experience together this adventure that combines the best of Alaska by land and water. We’ll have opportunities to hike, raft, fish, kayak, canoe and explore inland mountain territories and coastal zones. This time of year, the salmon are spawning and we’re likely to see eagles and bears fishing along with other wildlife such as moose, whales, seals, sea otters, and a variety of bird species. The main tour focuses on the state and national parks on the Kenai Peninsula. If you’d like an even more comprehensive experience, take a look at the optional Denali extension. For questions about this phenomenal adventure, please contact my colleague Patti Cattey at (614) 724-3558 orpatti.cattey@columbuszoo.org.

Hope to see you in Alaska!

Nikki SmithAssistant Curator, North America and Polar FrontierColumbus Zoo and Aquarium

Kenai Explorer: Alaska’s Playground & Parks

J U N E 2 5 - J U L Y 3 , 2 0 18

Summer Travel Highlights

June and July are two of the very best months

to travel in Alaska! We’ve selected this time of

season for our tour based on the spectacular

highlights available during Alaska’s

midsummer:

• Witnessing wildlife as they introduce their

young to Alaska’s summer habitat. June is

a wonderful time to view migrating whales!

• Migrating birds overhead, including

aerobatic Arctic Terns and stunning

Sandhill Cranes.

• The emergence of Alaska’s beautiful

wildflowers, such as lupine and fireweed.

• And lastly, extended daylight hours (up to

18 hours) allow us to make the most out

of our Alaska journeys each day!

Kenai Explorer

Day 1, June 25Home/Anchorage Welcome to the 49th state! Start your trip in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the Alaska Zoo, see special exhibits and learn about Alaska’s unique wildlife and zoo projects. Afterward, savor a delicious dinner at a top-rated Anchorage eatery. Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage. (D)

Day 2, June 26 Cooper Landing/Kenai National Wildlife RefugeGear up for a full-day guided rafting adventure on the turquoise waters of the legendary Kenai River. Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge while your guide offers fascinating natural history interpretation and shares the stories behind the sights. Nearly two million acres in size, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is characterized by its diverse habitats and wildlife, and it’s considered by many to represent Alaska in miniature. Your home for the next three nights is Kenai Riverside Lodge, nestled on the banks of the river and surrounded by peaceful forests. Share stories from the day over dinner, or relax on the large riverside deck. A wood-fired sauna offers a lovely treat to cap off the day. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 3 and 4, June 27 and June 28Cooper Landing/Chugach National Forest

For the next two days, we’ll focus on the wonders of the amazing Alaskan salmon. On one day,enjoy a guided field hike to Russian River Falls, where probabilities are high to see salmon running upstream, leaping up natural fish ladders to spawn. Complement the hike with a separate day of Alaska angling. Practice spin-rod and fly-fishing techniques with instruction from expert guides, all while taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 5, June 29Kenai Fjords National ParkFrom the seacoast town of Seward, board a small ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park—a half-day marine wildlife cruise allows us ample time to explore the rugged coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the lodge offers stunning glacier and mountain views.Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 6 and 7, June 30 and July 1Kenai Fjords National ParkChoose from an array of guided activities in this immaculate setting: guided kayaking or canoeing tours of the protected Pedersen Lagoon area, short explorations and nature strolls or relaxing in a rocking chair with glacier views. Evening presentations on Alaska natural and cultural history offer enlightenment and perspective. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 8, July 2Kenai Fjords National Park / AnchorageA return wildlife cruise will bring us to Seward, where we’ll board the historic Alaska Railroad for comfortable rail travel back to Anchorage, through Alaska’s backcountry. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner onboard. Overnight at The Lakefront Anchorage (B, L, D)

Day 9, July 3Anchorage/Home—or Start Denali ExtensionAfter breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for return flights home; or, begin the optional Denali Extension (see next page for details). Courtesy airport shuttles will be available throughout the day. (B)

Join us and explore some of our favorite places in the Last Frontier.

The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Day 1, July 3Anchorage/Denali/Kantishna Early morning drive north to the Denali National Park entrance. Board a private bus for entry on the restricted-access Denali Park Road, for a fully narrated Denali Wildlife Drive. Scan for bears, moose, caribou, wolves and more, as you view various peaks of the Alaska Range, looking out for the majestic Mount McKinley. Arrive at Kantishna Roadhouse, in the heart of the Kantishna hills, for a delicious dinner and orientation.Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse.(B, D; L available for purchase en route)

Day 2, July 4 Denali/KantishnaChoose from amazing guided hikes (casual, moderate or challenging), gold panning, mountain biking or simply relaxing in the wilderness. Dog sled demonstrations, naturalist programs and spa treatments also available; optional flightseeing tours of Mount McKinley are available, based on weather, for additional cost. Overnight Kantishna Roadhouse. (B, L, D)

Day 3, July 5Denali/Anchorage/HomeEnjoy a return Denali Wildlife Drive, followed by return passage to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad. Arrive Anchorage at approximately 8:30 p.m., in time to connect to red-eye flights home, or extend your stay by booking an extra hotel overnight.(B; L and D available for purchase on the train)

Expand your explorations on the optional Denali extension!

Kenai Explorer

Tour Cost – $5358 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.

Single Accommodations – $6358 per person, plus tax, based on single occupancy. A limited number of single-occupancy spaces are available. Contact us for the latest availability.

Extension Cost – $1775 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy. $2175 per single, plus tax.

Airfare – The Tour Cost does not include flights from your home city to/from Alaska. Several carriers service Alaska and more information will be in your welcome packet provided by the tour operator.

Tour Includes – All ground transportation; all accommodations as shown on itinerary; all entry fees, activities and excursions per itinerary; meals and non-alcoholic beverages as shown on itinerary; and porterage.

Tour Excludes – Airfare to Alaska and related fees and taxes; medical immunizations; passport fees; baggage or trip cancellation insurance; optional excursions or deviation from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; medical expenses; meals not specified in the program itinerary

or special meals not on the menu; dishes and beverages not part of included meals; alcoholic beverages; laundry; telephone or fax charges; room service; other items of a purely personal nature; and gratuities to local guides.

Tour Size – This tour is limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The minimum group size is 8 guests. Should the minimum not be met, we reserve the right to cancel the program or levy a small group surcharge.

Insurance – We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance; information will be sent to registrants.

Cancellations – At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your trip, the following per person fees will apply: 120+ days prior to departure ................................$300 per person 120 to 91 days .......................................................... $600 per person 90 to 46 days ........................................................... 50% of total cost Within 45 days ....................................................... 100% of total cost

As a condition to acceptance of enrollment, please read, agree to and sign the Waiver of Liability, which will be sent upon registration.

Tour Details

Understanding and ResponsibilitiesColumbus Zoo and Aquarium (hereafter “Zoo”) is not the tour operator. Zoo is not responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or car-rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond Zoo’s control.

Zoo acts only as agent for participants with respect to travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in conveying participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, Zoo shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of any participants due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond its control. Zoo shall not be responsible for alteration of the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar quality. The right is further reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure; in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on Zoo’s part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person’s health, actions or general deportment in the opinion of Zoo impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. Applicants for participation in this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above.

Important DetailsThis trip is designed for travelers in average physical condition. You should feel comfortable trail walking for 3 - 4 hours with short breaks. The most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude!

We stay in authentic Alaskan lodging to enhance the Alaska experience. There are two beds in each room or cabin, most times with en suite bathroom. At Kenai Backcountry Lodge, guests use a modern central bathhouse with private showers and restroom areas.

You only need to bring your personal gear and clothing. We’ll send you a complete packing list of recommended clothing after you sign up.

©2017 Alaska Wildland AdventuresPrinted on recycled paper

This program has earned a Superior ranking.

Superior

Kenai Explorer

Please reserve ....... place(s) on the June 25 - July 3, 2018 Journey

Please reserve ....... place(s) on the Denali Extension, July 3 - 5, 2018

Name(s) ................................................................................................................. Birthdate(s) .....................................................................................

Address .................................................................................................................. Email ...............................................................................................

City ................................................................................................ State ....................................................... Zip . ........................................................... Telephone (evening) ................................................................................................ (day) ..........................................................................................

Enclosed is a deposit of US$ ....................... ($1000 per person; check payable to Alaska Wildland Adventures)

I prefer single accommodations r

You may charge your deposit(s) on r Visa or r MasterCard Visa /MasterCard number .................................................................................................

Expiration Date ................................... 3-Digit Verification No. ) .............................................................

Name on card .............................................................................. Signature of cardholder .........................................................................................

Signature(s) ......................................................................................................................................... Date .................................................................

For more information on this tour, please contact:Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Patti Cattey: 614-724-3558patti.cattey@columbuszoo.org

Reservation FormJune 25 - July 3, 2018

(Located on the back of your credit card at the veryend of the account number just above your signature

To reserve a space on this tour, please send your registration form and deposit check for $1000 per person, payable to Alaska Wildland Adventures, to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065. If paying your deposit by credit card, you may fax it to 614-645-3465. A complete Trip Planning packet, including a Release of Liability, will be forwarded to each applicant upon receipt of deposit. I/We have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of this Program.

Kenai Explorer JUNE 25 - JULY 3, 2018