View along Haines by Intercoastal

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

 

Below is a sampling of letters and email we've received from some of our very happy customers!

This tour was the best decision we made about our trip to Alaska!

We are not generally tour people and were hesitant to spend the money for this tour.  However, we would have missed out on so many fun experiences if we had not decided to go.  The knowledge and expertise Don and Jeff bring to the table made all the difference.  We just sat back and enjoyed the entire trip while they worked hard to make the most of our time in Alaska and Canada.  They took us to places we would have never found on our own, even after pouring over pinterest. When you couple that with their knowledge of history about the places we traveled too, it made it an unforgettable trip. I would be remiss in not mentioning the amazing RV tech that took care of us all along the way.  Roger was an amazing, willing, and kind man who cared for our vehicles and our beloved pets!  Thank you guys for an awesome journey that will never be forgotten!

Bob & Angela -2025

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Wow!  What a fabulous trip.  There was so much to see and so much fun to be had.  First meeting the great staff for the trip.  Roger, our mechanic and dog walker; Karen and Jeff our tail gunners; Jeff, the driver for our host; and of course, Don, our host and Wagon master.  What a great group of people.  Next, we met our travel mates.  There were 14 rigs and 27 guests on this tour and we became great friends with many of them.  Traveling by RV/Camper did have its challenges.  The roads in the Yukon and Alaska leave a lot to be desired.  However, Don kept us at a pace that kept us and our rigs safe.  Along the way, there was lots of storytelling and camaraderie.  We saw many amazing sites.  We also had a great mix of downtime to explore on our own and group time to make friends and see the sights.  Don really cares about the people on his tour and took great care of us.  From the safety side, we caravaned as a group on travel days to ensure if anyone had an issue on the road, be it mechanical, health or other issues, that we were taken care of and safe.  He also engaged the guests of the tour and provided many opportunities to get to know everyone better, including group dinners, game night and fireside chats.  From the mechanical side, Roger, our mechanic, checked our tire pressures and lug nuts, and put screening on the front of the vehicle to prevent rocks penetrating the radiator.  He was available throughout the tour to help with any mechanical issues.

 

I would highly recommend this tour to others who want to see the Yukon and Alaska from the comfort of their own rig traveling as a group, while having the security of a mechanic and a caring host.

 

 Thanks,

 Angel and Jerry -2025

 

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We recently finished our first tour with the Alaskan Discovery RV Tour group. We were on the second tour of the year which began on July 27 and lasted for 35 days. Several years ago we were in a campground where another RV tour group was staying. We were curious, and so we planned to talk with some of the participants to find out if it was something we might consider. After watching the entire group load into a large tour bus every morning and returning late afternoon, we realized it wasn’t something we would enjoy. We love to travel in our RV because it gives us the flexibility for both exploring and free time, which is why we were so excited when we discovered Alaskan Discovery Tours. This tour took us to places we might never have known about, plus each stay had free time built in. Sometimes we did our own exploring and sometimes we just chilled in our RV. That flexibility is one of the reasons we would recommend Alaskan Discovery Tours.

The biggest reason we would recommend Alaskan Discovery Tours is because of the welcoming and fun personalities of the staff and volunteers. Each tour has a lead RV (Jeff and Don, the owners), a full time mechanic (Roger) and volunteer tail gunners (on our tour they were Greg and Cathie). Each time we moved to another place, we traveled together. This became something we appreciated because every RV in the group had a radio through which we could be warned about road conditions and could alert each other of “leap froggers” the name we called vehicles passing in between each in the group. Before we set out each morning, we were told about the road conditions we could expect and plans for fuel and lunch stops as well as breaks to walk our dogs! The dogs were welcomed as important participants, too!

Each day we learned about all sorts of things and heard stories from Don about the cultures in the areas we visited. Not only were Don’s talks full of interesting facts, but they were also entertaining.

We have come away from this tour thankful for the experience and new friends we made. If you are considering an RV Tour to Alaska, this is the one we highly recommend.

 

Max and Ronnie Willerer -2025

 

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We just returned home from our amazing RV tour of Alaska with Alaskan Discovery  RV Tours. This was our first group RV tour, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but the way Don ran the tour was excellent. Travel days were well thought out with stops along the way, and the distances between stops were very reasonable. It was our first time driving to Alaska, so having a mechanic in the caravan was very comforting…which we used several times. We saw and experienced many more sights and excursions than we would have on our own, and made some new friends along the way. Don did an excellent job in ”herding cats” as we made our way along the thousands of miles stress free, getting to know BC, the Yukon, and Alaska, all the while listening to his commentary over the provided VHF radio! Highly recommend!

 

John & Jill Weidman -2025

 

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Our experience with Don, Jeff, and Roger was nothing short of extraordinary! We truly couldn't imagine taking this trip with any other tour group. From start to finish, the tour exceeded every expectation. We learned so much, witnessed breathtaking scenery, encountered amazing wildlife, and shared the journey with a truly fun and welcoming group.

The care and attention they gave to every detail made all the difference. They even went above and beyond to look after our dog, Amos—he was absolutely spoiled! And when our water tank fell and left us stranded, Roger came to the rescue without hesitation. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without him.

Alaskan Discovery RV Tours is the real deal—knowledgeable, kind, and committed to making sure everyone has a great time. We can’t recommend them highly enough!

Tim and Sandy Tucker -2025

 

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The RV caravan tour I took with Alaskan Discovery RV Tours was the trip of a lifetime. The wagonmaster is an Alaskan professional. With the ever-present narration, new friendships and the security a caravan brings, he showed us the best of Alaska, THE LAST FRONTIER.

 

Jeanne Paddison-Tidy

(Presidential Award Recipient)

 

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Spike, we had the time of our lives.  As you know John was a bit unsure about taking at "caravan" but after 35 days with you is convinced that a caravan is the only way to go.  As long as you are the wagon master!  You are the BEST.  I can't tell you how many times I reached for the radio on the way home when I wanted to know what something was.  I missed having you right there with all the answers.  You shared with us all the best places to eat, shop, and down right enjoy the true Alaska as only a true Alaskan can.  We also miss your Sunday prayer meetings along some of the most beautiful highways know to man.

 

Roger and Stef were also great to have along.  How would we ever park our rigs without Stef there go guide us along and what would happen if we had a flat without Roger there to help.  All in all, our trip with Alaskan Discovery RV Tours was without a doubt our trip of a lifetime.   For this we thank you.  It would not have been the same without you at the helm.

 

John & Susan -2022

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Dear Spike and Lindy,

 

I hope that I can relay the way I feel about our tour this year. Brenda and I have had the most rewarding experience of our lives. As I said in our first orientation meeting, Brenda and I are not new comers when it comes to traveling and visiting beautiful places. We did it for 10 years, going from coast to coast and all in between including Canada, and Nova Scotia. This truly has surpassed all the other trips. Not that Alaska is more beautiful than most of the places we have been, but you and Lindy made it so.

 

Brenda said she talked to you, Spike, and told you how much she and I enjoyed your oral narration from the beginning, and now through the return tapes. She mentioned you sometimes wondered if it was really enjoyed that well. I know I can only speak  for myself and Brenda, but we thoroughly enjoyed those narrative explanations of rock formations, mountains, rivers, Natives, Totem poles, and so many more things that I couldn't  remember and had to ask again.

 

You provide a service that can't be bought, only lived. And on that note, let me say that you and Lindy give something no other tour group even offers and that is a genuine love of others no matter where you’re from, or your economic status. You really touched my heart the way you lead by example in your works and your deeds. God bless you and Lindy for the love you show to everyone.

 

Thank you again for the best time of our lives.

 

Your friends forever,

 Joel & Brenda Scalf

 

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We want to tell you that your Alaska tour was more than we could have ever, ever hoped for and we recognize it is you who is at the heart of all these tours.  Of course, like everyone else who believes their tour was the best as they tagged along behind you on the Alaska Highway, we believe our ‘04 tour was the fabulous! 

 

Spike, YOU have the gift to touch folks’ hearts and souls.  I remember like it was yesterday.... it was the very best ‘church’ experience I have ever attended!  It was on a hot day [100 degrees was the high] in Skagway, sitting in our folding chairs, under a huge tree,  with our beloved dogs, whom you personally invited to attend.  You smiled but didn’t bat an eye when our Skeeter barked a suggestion.  I don’t recall exactly the words that were said but those moments touched my heart and soul.  My brain can take me back to that joyful place in time like it was yesterday, as happens with so many other experiences shared with you!!

 

We are from California and knew that during the tour, we would meet travelers from other states.  However, we did not realize they would become so close.  Even after all these years, we continue to cherish that circle of friends, who we keep close in our hearts even though they live in Illinois, Texas, New York, Florida, Wisconsin, Tennessee and New Mexico.

 

So sorry we had to cancel coming to the rally this year, but know all in attendance will have a grand time.  For those who are yet to follow you on the ‘Trip of a Lifetime,’  we envy you!

 

I don’t know if you will read this at the rally as it may seem you are tooting your own horn, but if we were there, I would read it aloud and you know I would.  Anyway, we want YOU to know what a joyous and wonderful impact your have made in our lives!  We thank you more than our words can say!!

 

Dave & Rose Marie Taylor -2004

 

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There really are not any words to fully express my thanks, and my joy at what you gave me on this adventure. Tears still come to my eyes as I try to write this, and a month almost has gone by. I always felt drawn to Alaska, but I could never make it happen on my own. You provided me with the greatest adventure of my life so far! I didn't just SEE the North, I EXPERIENCED it thanks to YOU!  You gave me knowledge, and an education of the area, the customs, the people, the land, the smells, the sounds, the waters, the mountains, the tundra, the foliage, the geology, and so much more than I ever dreamed I would find. When people ask me what was my favorite part of my trip, at first I couldn't pick a favorite. But now, I realize and tell them, my favorite part of this trip was you! Without you, and your wisdom and knowledge, it would have been a great beautiful trip, but you made it a life changing experience for me. I love that you gave us so much of your love for the people and the history and customs. I have a first hand knowledge and love and appreciation for mushers, for gold panning, for all those that have created and made Alaska and the Yukon what is. I love the Yukon and all it represents, and I never even knew that it existed really. I know that this was a job for you, and we were clients. But you matter to me so very much, and I want you to know that my heart is full of gratitude and love for sharing so much of yourself with us. You touched my soul, and my heart, and I thank you! You gave me a great gift and its one that ranks up there with Santa in events that changed me and made me a better person. I look so forward to seeing you again, and enjoying your spirit! Save travels to you, and much love.

Connie Travis -2013

 

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I would (and have) recommended this 'Tour of a Lifetime' to everyone who has the chance to go.  It was just FANTASTIC, much more than we ever expected. - Spike was a great wagonmaster who is well-known and respected by everyone, everywhere we stopped, along our journey through BC, Yukon and Alaska.. He is very knowledgeable and a kind-hearted, gentleman.  

 

Our 15 rigs were hooked up to the same cb channel during our journey...Spike would narrate to all of us as we started out each day and would point out things along the way...like 'Moose to your right' or truck coming from behind, pull over and let him get thru' or simply showing us 'permafrost forests' along the way.  We learned so much from him...He also would direct us to the cheapest gas stations and where to get the best food..Believe me, he never steered us wrong!  We dream of eating another of the 'World's largest cinnamon buns'..and it sure was.... (dinner plate size!)

 

We went on Tour 3 last year...This was nice because we got to see the bears in Hyder AK actually grabbing salmon out of the river...just incredible (and Spike knew just the right time of day (dawn & dusk) to be able to see them).  We didn't have a problem with mosquitoes or flies either, as we expected....it was very warm and dry for our trip.  We found a lot of bargains in the shops on Tour 3 also, since the end of August; beginning of Sept. most stores are getting ready to close shop for the winter.  We purchased salmon half price at one of Spike's favorite seafood markets so we were able to bring a lot home in our cooler. As far as Tour 1 and 2, I would suggest checking his website to see what would be different.  We would go on Tour 3 again next time.....

 

We did not tow a vehicle...really didn't need to.. A few times Spike would ask people who had a car to share with us and others who did not two one, so we would carpool to the top of Salmon Glacier, a road where rv's could not possibly go...also, we carpooled to a couple of shows and casino....and also for dinners, farmers markets and city tours,  etc.  This was nice too, because we really got to know the people we would ride with.  Our group of people were so nice, we all got along great and to this day, we all email and keep in touch, hoping to do the trip again in a couple of years..None of us knew each other until we met at Hazelton...and now we have friends all over the USA.  I just wish I had brought a better camera with us, one that has a nice telephoto lens. Ours was digital, and took great pictures, but others in our group got the better shots of bears up -close and moose.. They were nice to share those close-ups with us, though.

 

You will not be disappointed. Spike's tour is very well organized and he is a 'professional' and is proud of what he does.  We talked to other caravan people along our trip and most of them said their wagonmaster gave them a map, split the group in two and said, 'have fun, will meet you tonight'...Our wagonmaster, Spike, was ALWAYS with us, as well as our tailgunners...great people.. 

 

Good luck in making your decisions.   Whatever you decide, have a good time.  I hope I have been helpful, and feel free to contact us again for further questions... 

 

Sincerely, Barb (and Dan) Burgmaster 

 

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Dear Fellow RV'ers

 

Yes, Yes, 1000 times Yes!!!  Go with Spike to Alaska.    We traveled from Northern West Virginia to Washington in six days--visited with relatives and then went on from there. We stopped each day to tour something and enjoy the scenery.  We spent an extra night in SD to see Crazy Horse and tour the cultural center there plus Mt Rushmore.  It took us three or four days to reach the Indian Village from Seattle.  We came home from Kenai across the Alaskan Highway and down through Montana and back to WV in 9 or 10 days.   I think the June 27th trip is ideal--that way you get to celebrate the 4th of July in Skagway which is great fun.  We are tempted to tailgun for Spike in a year or so.  Have not made up our mind yet due to family vacation conflicts.  He's one great guy with a heart of gold!!!!  Traveling with Spike was one of the most wonderful trips we have ever taken--and we have been to Egypt, Australia, etc.  We were traveling with another couple in their big rig on the June 27th Caravan last year (2004-trip 2) to share expenses and save on gas.  Our brand new 5th wheel stayed at home waiting for us--we've used it several times now and love it.  We liked traveling in the motor coach and pulled a Cavalier.  It is not necessary to have a tow car because Spike and others will help transport you.  You become close friends on the Caravan--one big, happy family.  This is assuming you have a good sense of humor and lots of patience.  They do lots of fun skits and teasing at get-togethers!  Also, sometimes forest fires and roads test your patience.  We loved every inch of Alaska and hope to go back once in the winter and once more in the summer.  Our ages are 62 and 65.

 

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime---GO FOR IT!!!

 

Sincerely,

Max and Laura

 

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We had a great time during the Caravan Tour...it was an experience of a lifetime and we especially enjoyed our Guide "Spike" and staff and our traveling companions.  

 

We stayed 3 more nights in Kenai and Gino met with his friend from his "wild days".  And it really was exciting for them both...they fished and reminisced and just had a ball.  I was able to visit with a friend who lives in our development in Nevada, but spends the summers in her place along the Kenai River...so that was fun.

 

We then headed to Valdez, where we encountered Larry and Margaret as they headed out of Valdez and Katina and Nick...we all noticed each others "Alaska Tour" signs and turned on our CB's right away and was able to visit for a short time.  Once we were in Valdez, we went looking for Chet & Ellen, and Lynna, Bob, and Alex...can't miss the RV's with the orange signs, but they were not there, so we left a note, and that evening they all came by our campsite at another campground and for a visit.  So fun to hookup after the tour...

 

The next day Newell & Marie came to our campground and we camped together another night and then we both headed off together for Hyder.  Spent a night at Glennallen and then 2 nights at Whitehorse...Ate at Chet & Chris's and Clo and Doug's restaurant they enjoyed two times while in Whitehorse...it was good....After Whitehorse, headed to the gravel/dirt road to Hyder.  Stopped at Jade City and spend the night there...they have a free campground..then off to Hyder...we were trying to get there before Spike and gang got there with tour 3.. We got to Hyder and stayed 2 nights at camp run-a-muck...(made reservations) We ate at the SeaAlaska where we had the halibut casseroles with Spike previously and Clo and Doug and Newell and Marie got hyderized...was good, but I was kind of getting halibut overdose.  We tried the bakery/pizza restaurant where Spike got our sticky buns and had very good pizza...

 

The afternoon Spike and tour was due in we put on our yellow jackets and hid until they had their group meeting at camp run-a-muck.  Marie and I sat next to some of the ladies in tour 3 and Newell and Gino stood behind Spike...I think Danny tipped him off, but he was really surprised...he introduced us and it was sure great to see them all.  Roger went with us to dinner that night at the SeaAlaska restaurant...We left Hyder, reluctantly, Gino had "Bear Fever", he had to keep going back to the viewing stand...Did see about 7 bear and loved it.

 

We are planning to go to the Jan 06 rally in Florida....I hope you will all be there...we have a bond now and we would love to see you all again...take care, be good, stay out of trouble, and most of all, please keep in touch...I hope our paths can cross again... 

 

Miss you all, Ethel & Gino

 

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I can tell you that we are still in the "afterglow" of our Alaska adventure.  So many people want to see our pictures and hear all about it.  What a marvelous opportunity it was for us and thank you so much for how wonderful you made it for us!!

 

Chuck and Ellen are coming over next Sunday night for dinner so we can go over some pictures and just "relive" our great experience. 

 

I am working on my Alaska pictures and there are some on your website for tour 2 that I would like to have.  I have not been able to download them or even just print them off of the website.  Is there any possible way I could get a disk with those pictures on it.  

 

I hope all is well with you and we plan to see you in January.

 

Sincerely

 Lynna and Bob Schauer and Alex too.

 

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We would like to thank you for such a wonderful trip last spring.   It was way more than we expected and we would never have done or learned near the things you presented to us.  We'd love to go back there but it sure won't be the same without your guidance.  We praise your Tour anytime someone asks us how our trip to Alaska was.

 

Thanks again.

 Kerry & Joyce Taylor

 

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There are so many wonderful memories from our time together.  Now that we are on our own, we are missing everyone terribly and we talk of you often.

 

Traveling mercies to all.

Larry and Karen

 

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Hi, we are Jim and Joyce Tiedeman. We live in Sauk City, WI and have been on 3 tours to Alaska with Gilbert Fortier - first in 1999, and again in 2002 and 2004 as tailgunners for Gilbert. In 1999, we were on the first tour which started the first part of May. In 2002 and 2004, we were on the third tour and that is the one that we enjoyed the most. The weather is good, the flowers are beautiful, there aren't as many people as during the middle of the summer, there are more animals and  fishing is good.  

 

Gilbert is a great guide, very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about B.C., the Yukon and Alaska. If you go on a tour with him, you will know more about these areas and see more attractions than most of the natives. While you do not have to do all the things that are on his itinerary, most of his customers do as they may never have the opportunity again.  He knows where to shop for the best bargains, where to buy the most reasonable fuel and the best cinnamon rolls. Gilbert keeps his groups small so you get to know and enjoy all the other travelers. We have become friends with many of the people we've met on the tours and have visited them at their homes and keep in touch by e-mail.

 

Jim & Joyce Tiedeman

 

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The trip to Alaska was very special to us.  We had always wanted to go.  But now the trip is even more special because we have made some friendships that we want to carry with us for the future.  God Bless Each of You, and I hope your lives have been enriched as ours have.

 

Larry & Alice Collins

 

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We went to Alaska by RV in May 2001 and it was one of the greatest trips of our lives.  We are still close to our fellow RVers we met on the trip.  The owner of the company is also the guide.  He only takes three tours a year between mid-May and early Sep.

 

The trips start in Hazelton, BC and end in Kenai, AK.  You get home on your own.  We did a side trip on the way back to Valdez and also took a tour out of Anchorage to Kotzabu and Nome, just so we could say we crossed the Arctic Circle.  The last was a two day deal and we left the RV at a park in Anchorage, because we flew out of Anchorage airport.

 

The tour company name is Alaskan Discovery RV Tours, LLC and the guide is Don Darcy. His web site is www.rvalaskatours.com, his e-mail address is AlakanDiscoveryRV@gmail.com and his phone is (800) 842-7764.  His web site should give you a good overview of how his tour works and approximate costs.  He only charges the guide fee and you pay for everything else directly.  The nice thing about this is that if you don't want to go to a particular show, dinner, or outing, you haven't prepaid for it and feel you need to get your money's worth.

 

Spike is a great guy and since he owns property in Alaska, he knows the state and loves to show it to off.  If you need more info, just give him a call.  He would love to hear from you.

 

Linda and Larry Troutman