 | My Alaska News - April |  | | Temperature isn't the only indication of summer in Alaska. Almost overnight, blades of green appear from beneath melting snow, unscathed buds begin to bloom, sleepy-eyed creatures emerge from slumber, and suddenly every sidewalk, lake, harbor, and trail is teeming with life. Alaskans are on the fast track to summer, and travelers are right on their heels. This summer, consider joining Alaskans for some of their favorite pastimes. Whale watching is an activity best enjoyed from a boat, or while enjoying a latte along the highway. From the numerous small black bears, to the colossal brown bears roaming across the state, viewing Alaska's bears is easily within reach, and definitely within sight. Or for a maritime transit experience like none other, grab your tent, bicycle or kayak and a healthy sense of adventure and see Alaska's thousands of miles of coastline by ferry. Read on to explore these options for discovering the crème de la crème of an Alaska summer.
| | | Whale watching by land or sea | | | From the remote northernmost town of Barrow to lush Gustavus or urban downtown Anchorage, whale watching is the crowning jewel of Alaska's wildlife viewing. Depending on your itinerary, the options for whale watching are numerous and range from deluxe half-or-full day tours on large, comfortable commercial boats to longer, customized trips on small charters. Each spring, thousands of whales make their way to the rich feeding grounds of Alaska's waters. Whether it's the slapping of their tails on the surface of the sea, the sight of the giants leaping from the water, or the flash of ghost-white fins breaking the surface, the thrill of sighting a whale is a memory in the making. Click HERE to learn where to catch a glimpse of Alaska's marine darlings.
| | | To the bears | | | Once an unexpected bonus of the Alaska itinerary, bear viewing has erupted as a necessity to complete any Alaska adventure. Experiencing the thrill of viewing the powerful and mysterious creatures in their natural habitat is more convenient and accessible than ever before. From fly-over sightseeing to protected viewing platforms or covered boat tours, travelers are getting up close and personal with the Last Frontier's most treasured beast. Thinking about including bear viewing in your next vacation? Click HERE for a breakdown of Alaska's most popular viewing spots.
| | | | Traveling by way of the blue canoes | | | | | | The Alaska Marine Highway System provides an alternative way to cruise Alaska. The ferry system is noted for its affordability and independent, hop-on/hop-off service and the ability to bring along your car, RV, bike or kayak along for the ride. It also boasts an "unusual" camping experience, allowing travelers to pitch tents on the ship decks. The fleet of 11 deep-blue vessels — known as the "blue canoes" — serves 32 coastal communities and travels 3,500 miles of coastline along the Inside Passage, Southcentral peninsula and the Aleutian Chain. The only byway of its kind, Alaska's ferry route has earned the title of National Scenic Byway. Click HERE to learn how to include this unique ferry experience in your next Alaska vacation.
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