06/12/2025
Imagine stepping onto a retrofitted school bus, the morning air crisp with the scent of spruce and frost, as you embark on the Denali Natural History Tour, a 5-hour journey into the heart of The Last Frontier. The Denali Park Road stretches before you, a ribbon of gravel winding through a landscape where jagged peaks pierce the sky. As the bus rolls on, your naturalist guide points out the braided Teklanika River as your eyes scan the horizon for Denali’s Big Five—grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Wildlife isn’t guaranteed, but the thrill of possibility hums in every glance. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a plunge into Denali’s raw beauty, where every vista feels like a painting and every moment holds the chance to witness Alaska’s wild heart. This tour is included in most Princess Cruise Tours.
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Back at the lodge, head to Grizzly Burger for a gourmet burger or seafood nachos on the river-view deck, the Nenana’s rapids sparkling below. For an upscale evening, King Salmon Restaurant beckons with fresh Alaskan seafood—think halibut, king crab, or wild salmon chowder—served against a backdrop of Mount Healy and the park’s vast wilderness. Or if it's a pizza you are craving, head to Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub. They serve the area’s best, with a crisp crust piled high with toppings and paired with local craft beers like Denali Red, brewed just for Princess.
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Insider tip: enjoy at least one meal outside on the deck -- if you can time it to coincide with sunset, even better!
