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"Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun." From The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Give Yourself Some Latitude this Summer
Summer is straining at its leash in the northern latitudes. Rivers are running with snowmelt, trees are leafing out, birds are building nests, and the yellow bells and glacier lilies are blooming. If you're ready to cast off the chains of winter yourself, just say the magic words, "junejulyaugust," and sign up today for a summer trip to the Great Northern Outdoors with Off the Beaten Path. Call it your latitude attitude adjustment-
Latitude 48°41 - 49°30
No Boundaries: Hiking in Glacier and Canada's Waterton Lakes National Parks
Transcend geopolitical boundaries on a cross-border hiking exploration of one of the world's premier mountain ecosystems. Enjoy classic hikes in both parks, and explore some lesser traveled local favorites. Off-trail adventures include a visit to the Blackfeet Reservation as a guest of Curly Bear Wagner, a heart-pumping drive through Glacier over the aptly named Going-to-the-Sun Road, and a stop in the hip little town of Fernie, British Columbia. The journey hits a final high note with a stay at the incredible Island Lake Lodge, a secluded resort in the Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Latitude 51°04 - 52°45
Canada's Crown Jewels: Exploring Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks
The Canadian Rockies make a fitting throne for the monarchs of Canada's national park system. Because you only move your bags once during this entire trip (from one incredible lodge to another), you really have time to absorb the enormous beauty of the landscape. You'll meander with a naturalist guide through one of most extensive mountain meadow systems of Canada, hike the Valley of the Ten Peaks, hang on tight for a wild ride down the Kicking Horse River, walk on Athabasca Glacier, visit the Burgess Shale Interpretive Center, and much more.
Latitude 58°18 - 59°23
Southeast Alaska: The Inside Passage, Chilkat Eagle Preserve, and Glacier Bay
Ride the Alaska Ferry (beloved to Alaskans) through the green, watery world of the Inside Passage from Juneau to Haines, where you disembark to float in a much smaller craft through the Chilkat Eagle Preserve. You should see scores of big birds, including eagles. A flight-seeing ride over magnificent mountain wilderness takes you to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, and your base for three glorious days of exploration there. You'll visit with rangers, hike, kayak, and take a full-day cruise up the West Arm to watch for humpback and orca whales, sea otters, eagles, puffins, and bears, and thunderous calving glaciers.
Latitude 59°80 - 61°28
Kenai Adventure: Seward, Fox Island, and Kenai Fjords
Peddle a bike along a paved coastal path while you watch for beluga whales in Cook Inlet, hike among giant Sitka spruce, and navigate a rubber raft through the icebergs of Spencer Lake to catch the easy rapids of the lake's outlet, Placer River. Things get even more Alaskan with a scenic drive to Seward, where you catch a boat to Fox Island for two days of beachcombing, kayaking, hiking, and delicious gourmet meals (think wild salmon). Your lovely wilderness lodgings there are powered by solar and wind energy. The journey caps off with an all-day cruise through spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park.
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