June 1 - 7 . . . Katmai National Park(Activity Level 2 - description below)

Begin with dinner on June 1; end with breakfast on June 7.
Blue lakes, volcanoes, brown bear, and archeological sites: experience Katmai! The national park was established in 1918 to preserve the area of the cataclysmic 1912 eruption of the Novarupta Volcano. Enjoy lectures on volcanoes, brown bear, and wildlife, native populations, exploration and scientific research; field trip to the “Valley of 10,000 Smokes”; nature walks and archaeological sites. Accommodations are at Brooks Lodge in small cabins shared by four people. Each cabin has bunk beds (upper and lower), sink, shower and toilet.
Cost of $1095 ($1070 if paying by check) includes 6 nights lodging (quad occupancy), all meals, lectures, field trips, and gratuities. Transportation from Fairbanks is not included. $100 deposit; remainder due April 1.

June 8 - 11 . . . "Top of the World" Barrow (Activity Level 2) Leave Fairbanks in late afternoon on June 8; return in the evening on June 11. Fly across the Arctic Circle and head to Barrow for four days and three nights of endless summer. Explore the area with visits to the Inupiat Heritage Center, to the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium to learn about cutting edge Arctic research, to the Will Rogers-Wiley Post monument, and to Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the United States. Experience the Midnight Sun every night! Accommodations are at Ilisagvik College. Fewer than 10 participants may result in increased cost. Cost of $1455/person ($1425 if paying by check) includes round trip transportation to Barrow; accommodations (double occupancy), 1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, field trips, and gratuities. $100 deposit; remainder due April 1.

June 30 - July 3 . . . Dawson and the Yukon(Activity Level 1)

Begin in Fairbanks on June 30; return July 3.
Fly from Fairbanks to Dawson City, Yukon Territory,where the gold rush to the Kondike began. Dawson City’s history comes alive as you walk the wooden sidewalks, visit the Dawson City Museum, wander down the street where Jack London and Robert Service lived, or try your luck at Diamond Tooth Gerties’s. You will be there in time to enjoy the Canada Day Celebrations on July 1. After two nights, board the Queen of the Yukon for a five-hour boat ride down the Yukon River to Eagle, AK. Spend the night in this historic, tranquil river town, and return to Fairbanks by plane.
Cost of $870/person ($850 if paying by check) includes transportation from Fairbanks, Yukon boat trip,
accommodations (double occupancy), 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, entrance fees, walking tour, and gratuities. $100 deposit; remainder due May 1.

July 31 - Aug. 4. . . Fortymile Rafting(Activity Level 3)

Meet in Tok on the morning of July 31; caravan to put-in and assist with the shuttle; return to Tok early afternoon on Aug. 4.
Explore the South Fork of the Fortymile River. This area is rich in gold mining history and is a critical nesting habitat for peregrine falcons. Study arctic plants, spy on moose and caribou, sneak up on various species of ducks while paddling along in 14’ and 16’ paddle rafts. These rafts are ideal for people of all paddling abilities. Indulge in gourmet dutch-oven meals and camp under the midnight sun. You must be in good physical condition and be able to sit in a raft and paddle for 4-6 hours per day. We will be sleeping in tents each night while on the river, then in a bed and breakfast near the river after take-out. Bring sleeping bag and tent.
Cost of $965 ($945 if paying by check) includes meals, last night stay at a B&B, river and group camp gear and experienced guides. Transportation from Fairbanks is not included. $100 deposit; remainder due May 1.

Aug. 7 - 11 . . . Kotzebue (Activity Level 2) Begin with dinner Aug. 7; end with breakfast, Aug. 11. Stay at a fish camp on the Chukchi Sea near Kotzebue, 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Experience the Arctic summer lifestyle. Interact with local Inupiat people, learn about their lives, and begin to understand 25 cultural differences. Consider climate change and the different ways it may be a challenge for them. Discover northern birds, flowers, berries, and medicinal plants during beach and tundra walks. Prepare a medicinal concoction from local plants. Set the net for your Keta Salmon and Arctic Char fish dinner (and save some to take home). The camp accommodates 12 people in simple cabins with nearby outhouse. Meals are family style. Cost of $765 ($750 if paying by check) includes 4 nights lodging, all meals, educational activities, land transportation, and gratuities. Transportation from Fairbanks is not included. $100 deposit; remainder due June 1.

Sept. 6 - 7 . . . Polar Bear Expedition to Kaktovik(Activity Level 1)

The Inupiat Eskimo village of Kaktovik is located 260 miles above the Arctic Circle on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Whale hunting in Kaktovik begins in early September, and polar bears arrive, waiting for remains of the hunt. This is a commercial tour with a special price for OLLI—if there are at least 12 participants. Guaranteed polar bear sightings!
Cost of $1,850/person includes round-trip airfare from Fairbanks, transfers, hotel (double occupancy), meals, local Inupiat guides, and village transportation. $500 deposit; remainder due July 1.

Activity Levels