Discover the Real Alaska
Get to know the people who call Alaska home and go far beyond the typical tourist experience. Our tours are designed to capture the best of what locals know and love about living here. All local Alaskans, our guides have hunted and fished extensively in Alaska’s wilderness, traveled over mountain passes on snowmachines, and served as bush guides in remote areas. To every tour they bring a palpable passion for Alaska’s rich history and an intimate knowledge of its plants and animals. Their stories will enrich your adventure and deepen your connection to the land.
Featured Guide
Meet Lyle
Born and raised in the Matanuska Valley, Lyle has a deep-rooted connection to Alaska and its wild landscapes. A retired teacher, he brings a calm, knowledgeable presence and a genuine passion for sharing the Last Frontier with others. When he’s not guiding, you’ll likely find him hiking through the mountains or casting a line on a quiet lake or river. Lyle’s lifelong love for the outdoors and his easygoing nature make him a wonderful companion on any Alaskan adventure.
Featured Guide
Meet Dorothy
In addition to being a wonderfully knowledgeable guide, Dorothy is an active volleyball official, traveling and officiating games across the state. She’s also heavily involved in agriculture, managing a small farm and working at the Alaska State Fair—her largest cabbage to date has been 34 pounds! Dorothy produces much of the food her family eats through gardening, hunting, and fishing, making the most of Alaska’s abundant resources.
Featured Guide
Meet Dwight
A longtime educator, Dwight has spent years teaching in some of Alaska’s most remote communities, gaining a deep appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique. Beyond the classroom, he’s a true craftsman—an accomplished wood carving artist whose work reflects both skill and creativity (you might even get to see some of his pieces on tour). At home, Dwight tends to his own bird aviary and puts his talents to work as a hands-on home builder. With his wide range of skills and rich life experiences, Dwight brings a thoughtful, quietly fascinating presence to every journey.
Featured Guide
Meet Rod
A lifelong Alaskan, Rod feels most at home wherever the adventure leads—whether that’s out on the water, deep in the woods, or cruising down an open road in any season. A “half-retired” high school teacher and coach, he brings a natural knack for storytelling, patience, and connecting with people. When you’re traveling with Rod, be sure to ask about his latest fishing feats—he’s always happy to share stories of reeling in impressive rainbow trout or braving the ice in pursuit of Arctic char.
Featured Guide
Meet CARLY
Born & raised in Palmer she grew up with the outdoors as her playground. When she’s not leading tours, you can find her flying to remote parts of Alaska or adventuring in the mountains alongside her Alaskan Husky. She’s competed in the legendary mountain race Mt. Marathon four times, a true testament to her grit and passion for Alaska’s challenging terrain and spirit of adventure!
Featured Guide
Meet Cody
When he’s not in the classroom shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher, Cody is out embracing Alaska’s wild side. He has spent time in Prince William Sound commercially fishing for salmon on a gill net boat, working long days on the water surrounded by some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. An avid hiker, Cody spends his free time exploring Alaska’s vast trail systems, always in search of the next ridge line or hidden view. With his love for the outdoors and natural ability to connect with people, Cody brings both enthusiasm and a steady, welcoming presence to every tour he leads.
Featured Guide
Meet JOHN
John’s story starts a little differently than most. Legend has it he was raised by a pack of wolves in northern Alaska in the 1970s—learning survival, resilience, and perhaps a few howling techniques along the way. When he first encountered civilization, he was reportedly spotted sprinting across rocky outcrops in a seal-skin loincloth, enthusiastically howling at the moon. While the details may have evolved over the years, one thing is certain: John brings a wild spirit and unforgettable personality to every tour. Eventually “tamed” (some might say only partially), John found his true calling sharing Alaska with travelers from around the world. He combines humor, storytelling, and deep local knowledge to create experiences guests talk about long after they’ve gone home.
5 Fun Facts About John
- John once almost ran over the famous cat mayor of Talkeetna—an incident he insists was entirely the cat’s fault.
- He studied jazz guitar at Humber College in Canada in the ’90s and still brings a little rhythm to the road.
- He’s a proud dad of three boys, all involved in Native Youth Olympics—his two oldest have competed in back-to-back Arctic Winter Games, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.
- His wife is Alaska-born, with deep roots in the state—her father served in the second state legislature, and her family still has an active gold mine.
- When he’s not guiding, you’ll find John out on the water or on the ice—he’s an avid boater, fisherman, and dedicated ice fisherman.