3 Big Alaska Adventures To Plan This Year
If you're looking for that once in a lifetime trip, look no further than Alaska.
Whether you're planning a secluded honeymoon on the glacial coastline or a dream retirement trip to the Denali backcountry, Alaska is a destination worth planning early for. Here are just three breathtaking adventures you could be looking forward to in 2025.
Cruising into Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
Take a leap into the wilderness by visiting Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, located on the remote and remarkable Fox Island. This waterfront hideaway includes only eight cabins, allowing guests to unwind in an exclusive and private setting way beyond the beaten path. The main lodge includes a guest lounge and dining room for socializing, eating and curling up with a good book.
Three-day set stays offer plenty of time for both relaxation and adventure. Morning yoga, afternoon tea, expert-led evening talks and paint nights are offered inside the lodge, while hiking trails, a wood-fired sauna and a seemingly endless pebble beach await just outside.
If you're happiest on the water, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is the place for you. Included with every stay is a guided kayaking trip along Resurrection Bay. As you explore the rocky coves of the island, you might just spot puffins, sea lions, seals or, if you're extra lucky, whales.
On arrival and departure, you'll explore more of coastal Alaska aboard a Kenai Fjords Tours cruise. Guests head to the island on the Resurrection Bay Tour and depart on the unforgettable Northwestern Fjord Tour - an eight-hour journey that takes you farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than any other day cruise. Expect stunning glacial views, iconic wildlife sightings and an unparalleled adventure.
Flying into Denali Backcountry Lodge
Since 2021, the journey in to the iconic Denali National Park has been partially hindered by the temporary closure of Denali Park Road. That means the best way to experience true Alaska wilderness is with a visit to Denali Backcountry Lodge, now offering two- to five-night set stays for the 2025 season.
The first leg of your journey is a 35-minute trip by helicopter over scenic areas like the historic gold mining settlement of Kantishna, with growing mountain views of the towering Alaska Range as you approach your destination. Spot more in the air than you ever can on the road.
Once you land, you can explore the remote Denali backcountry with naturalist guides and customized wilderness tours courtesy of the lodge. Your meals and non-alcoholic beverages are all included - thanks to the lodge's remote nature, you won't find any crowded restaurants or cafe lineups nearby.
All meals, tours and other perks like bike and other outdoor equipment rentals are included in the price of your stay, too. Plus, the on-site Nest Wellness Center is standing by for your post-excursion massage. You won't want to pass up wilderness and grandeur all in one place.
Gazing skyward at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Open March through September just outside its namesake town, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge boasts many reasons to visit throughout its season, but none are quite as alluring as the possibility of a late-winter northern lights sighting. In March and April, the lodge is the perfect spot for viewing the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, because of the dark night skies and complimentary view of the Denali National Park. When everything lines up just right, the sky couldn't look any more spectacular.
The aurora borealis is why Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers a special wake-up call service. Guests can request to receive a phone call if the northern lights make a special appearance - and the call can come at any time of the night. While some receive a 3 a.m. alert and roll back to sleep, others head out to the viewing deck to take in this natural wonder.
There's plenty to do while you wait for a nighttime sighting. Depending on the the time of the year you visit, biking, hiking and Nordic skiing are all abundant in and around Talkeetna. You can also invest some time into learning about Alaska culture at museums, art galleries and film screenings around town. It's the quintessential Alaska experience.
Spend your vacations in the Last Frontier this year. Your dream getaway is waiting! Book your accommodations today!
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