Skagway, is a popular port for Alaska cruise ships, and it’s easy to see why: the town is brimming with gold rush history, unique culture, and amazing opportunities for enjoying the state’s renowned natural beauty. Take a look at what Skagway has to offer, from trips on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to picturesque gardens., 1. Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Authorized in 1976, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is dedicated to the history of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897–98. The park is made up of four units, including a business district in Skagway, two historical routes—the Chilkoot and White Pass trails—and a visitor center in Seattle, Washington. The park’s visitor center in Skagway is a great place to begin exploring the area’s…, 2. Hike the Chilkoot Trail, One of the best ways to experience all the peaks, waterfalls, and forests Skagway has to offer is to go for a hike. You’ll find a variety of outings for every skill and interest level. Start small with an easy walk out to Yakutania Point at only 1.4 miles round trip. Or, set out to conquer the famous Chilkoot Trail , a strenuous 33-mile point-to-point trek. The Chilkoot Trail, a traditional…, Note:, Anyone considering an adventure on the Chilkoot Trail should research first and then visit the Trail Center , open from May to September, to get a permit before setting out. Bridge on the way to historic Dyea near Skagway, 3. Travel the White Pass & Yukon Route Scenic Railway, Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This honor is awarded to engineering feats like the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway gains nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles, and engineers faced harsh weather conditions and…, 4. Visit Historical Dyea, Set at the start of the Chilkoot Trail , the former boomtown of Dyea is now revered for its quiet charm. Dyea was established by the Tlingit people several centuries ago as a summer camp, decades before the rival gold rush town of Skagway came to be. In fact, the first known non-Alaska Native to visit Dyea had the permission of the Tlingits to cross the Chilkoot Pass and enter in 1874. By 1897,…, 5. Discover Why Skagway is Called the “Garden City of Alaska”, Since its early days of Russian colonization, gardening has been a way of life in Skagway. The first garden was planted behind a trading post in Dyea, and its bounty was sold to gold rush fortune seekers eager for fresh produce. Residents found that the combination of the area’s soil, climate, and Alaska’s long summer days created ideal conditions for farming. In fact, one early agriculturist…, 6. Marvel at Glaciers, Lakes, & Streams, If you love marveling at blue slabs of glacier ice, Skagway is calling. From town, you can see Harding Glacier—and if that’s not close enough, there are numerous tours that can take you to Harding and other glaciers in the area. Helicopter tours will land on these giants for glacier treks or you can board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for excursions that included scenic hikes to the…, 7. Take a Golden Circle Road Trip, The, Golden Circle, is a 360-mile loop that connects the Alaska Highway and Haines Highway. Though you can drive the Golden Circle in a day or two, we suggest taking your time and making plenty of stops to stretch your legs amid the beautiful scenery. The route starts and ends in Skagway, passes through, Haines, , and crosses Canadian borders along the way to Yukon Territory cities like Whitehorse and Carcross, where you’ll pick up the Klondike Highway. Highlights include the drama of Chilkat Pass and multi-hued Emerald Lake along with the trails, rivers, and lakes of Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park and Kluane National Park and Reserve. You’ll also traverse landscapes dotted with waterfalls,…, Learn more about Skagway >>
Type: Editorial
If wild adventure is what you’re after, take a trip to Alaska’s Kennicott/McCarthy . You’ll love its peak-strewn views as you explore the expansive, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, , historical mining remnants, and meandering trails., 1. Explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world’s largest internationally protected wilderness. As America’s largest national park, it rises from sea level all the way up to 18,008 feet at the highest peak. Within the 13.2 million acres of the park, the Wrangell, Saint Elias, Chugach, and Alaska Ranges merge to create an alpine paradise that is home to nine of the country’s 16 highest…, 2. Take a Flightseeing Tour, Visitors who want to see more of the area should take to the sky. Flightseeing tours leave from McCarthy’s airstrip to take travelers around the, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, for mountain and glacier spotting. Scenic flights can be as short as 30 minutes or much longer. Getting above the peaks allows visitors to take in the massiveness and grandeur of the park’s mountains, glaciers, and waterways. As visitors soar over the park, their pilot will detail the history of the area and different natural features that can be seen from the flight. For the experienced and…, 3. Visit Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, Five miles up the road from McCarthy sits Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark in the old town of Kennicott (the misspelling of Kennicott goes all the way back to an error on the mine’s original paperwork). Shuttle vans transport visitors from McCarthy to the ghost town to discover the history of a once-booming copper mine. One of the most profitable mines of its day, Kennecott attracted…, 4. Get Out on Hiking Trails, Gentle walking trails and challenging hikes in the area can offer hours of outdoor adventure. Guided hiking tours regularly take off from the area and there are plenty of trails that visitors can navigate on their own. The popular but challenging 5 mile (one way) Jumbo Mine Trail takes travelers straight up the side of a mountain to where ore was once loaded into cars and lowered down into the…, 5. Embark on a Rafting and Float Trip, Travelers who love the thrill of being on the water can take a rafting trip on the Kennicott, Nizina, or Chitina rivers. These popular trips give visitors the opportunity to take in pleasing views with potential for wildlife viewing . Outfitters in McCarthy offer day trips which could include floating through the vertical walls of Nizina Canyon, and multi-day adventures rafting the rivers from…, 6. Hook Up with a Glacier Tour, For a picturesque day hike or bike ride with glacier-trekking potential, take a trip to the Root Glacier Trail in Kennicott. The path boasts views of Mount Blackburn, Regal Mountain, and Donoho Peak. To get to the glacier and back, the trail is about 4 miles round trip, but travelers can choose to continue on the trail for another 4 miles or so. At this point, visitors can turn off the trail to…
Type: Editorial
Just 45 minutes south of Anchorage , Girdwood is a true resort town. Ski down the longest-continuous double black diamond ski run in North America, go glacier trekking, or use the town as a jumping-off point for multi-day excursions into the rugged backcountry., 1. Go on an Adventure, Girdwood does not lack in the adventure department. Start with a flightseeing tour to take in all the stunning alpine scenery and glaciers surrounding Girdwood from above. Get up close to a glacier by booking a helicopter glacier trekking tour complete with a hike across the ice with an experienced guide. While visiting the area’s glaciers, learn how to mush with the professionals and their dogs…, 2. Enjoy a Fair or Festival, Celebrate everything that makes Girdwood special at the city’s fairs and festivals. Girdwood Forest Fair is a favorite for visitors and locals alike. During the first week in July, the town comes alive with artists, hand-crafted items, food, and music from across the state. View and purchase local art, experience some of the best of Alaskan musicians, and spend the weekend surrounded by good…, 3. Pan for Gold, Become a prospector for a day and see who can strike gold. Girdwood got its name from a gold miner named James Girdwood, who staked the first claim on Crow Creek in 1896. Two years later, that claim had turned into the most productive of all the Turnagain Arm gold strikes. Some of the original buildings and sluices at the working mine still stand for visitors to see, but the real fun is learning…, 4. Go for a Hike, From paved trails with views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains to winding trails through the temperate rainforest to hidden waterfalls, these hikes won’t disappoint. For a mild trail, check out the Girdwood to Indian Bike Path . The paved multi-use trail is easy to walk and bike, and travelers have amazing vistas of Turnagain Arm the whole way. Another mild trail to explore is the Winner…, 5. Explore Portage Glacier, Take the short trip to Portage for hiking trails, glacier views, and plenty of history and wildlife. Although the glacier is no longer viewable without a short boat ride, Portage Glacier’s highway-accessible location still makes it a popular destination. On the way to the glacier, check out one of the many trails and campgrounds on the road. The Trail of Blue Ice , named for all the glaciers that…, 6. Go Skiing, Alyeska Resort is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts all year long, but it’s also a place for fine dining and relaxation. Visitors who love to ski or spend a day at the spa (or both) will enjoy a stay. Alyeska averages 669 inches of snowfall a year. The mountain has been called “steep and deep,” but don’t worry, beginners—there are plenty of trails that don’t require expert-level skills. During…, 7. Check Out Wildlife, As visitors make their way along Turnagain Arm on the Seward Highway, they’ll witness sightings of Dall sheep, beluga whales, and bald eagles. In Girdwood, black bears and moose are also spotted, but visitors who want a guaranteed wildlife viewing should head to the, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, . AWCC is where injured and rescued animals go to heal or to live if they are not able to return to the wild. There, they are well taken care of by the friendly and helpful staff. Visitors can travel through the center on foot or even stay inside their car and still see every part of the park. Keep an eye out for moose, bears, wolves, bison, and more. Check the schedule for programs like the Walk…
Type: Editorial
While spring break in Alaska may not include lounging on a beach to soak up the sun, how about lounging in a hot springs after a day of snowy adventures while soaking up the northern lights ? The daylight increases rapidly in the spring and with that comes more time to take advantage of springtime fun in Alaska. This special and somewhat under-the-radar time to visit the 49th state offers…, Daylight & Weather, Gone are the darker days of winter by early March, when Alaska gets over 10 hours of daylight and gains anywhere from 4 to 20 minutes of daylight each day through the spring (depending on where you are in the state). Late spring marks the official start of midnight sun season: by the end of May we see nearly 18 hours of daylight in Juneau , 19 hours in Anchorage , over 20 hours in Fairbanks , and…, Things to do in Alaska in Spring, Activities, With snow on the ground for much of Alaska through late spring, this time of year offers the sweet spot for winter outdoor activities with the sun high in the sky and warmer temperatures. Skiing (downhill and cross country), snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and other snow sports along with winter tours like dog sledding and snowmachining are made even more brilliant with spring sunshine bouncing…, Wellness Experiences, After all that activity you may be ready to kick up your feet and relax – and what’s spring break without a little R&R? Two of the best spots for soaking away what ails you are the Alyeska Nordic Spa in Girdwood and Chena Hot Springs outside of Fairbanks . The indoor/outdoor relaxation experience at the new Alyeska Nordic Spa features hot, warm, and cold pools along with saunas, steam rooms,…, Birding & Wildlife Viewing, Spring in Alaska offers some unique wildlife viewing experiences that you won’t find any other time of year. Millions of birds, including over 250 different species, and tens of thousands of whales make their incredible journeys to Alaska on their annual spring migrations. Some of the top destinations for spring birding include Juneau , Wrangell , Fairbanks , Homer , and Cordova . Birding…, Spring Festivals & Events, In addition to birding festivals , Alaska hosts spring festivals and events that highlight Alaska culture, tradition, and history, including one of the most famous of them all: the Iditarod Sled Dog Race . This exciting endurance race kicks off with a ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage the first Saturday in March and an official start the next day in Willow . Learn more about how you can…, Early Season Cruises, Cruise season in Alaska is starting earlier than ever, with most cruise lines launching their first departures in the spring. UnCruise Adventures kicks off the season with their first sailings in early April. They will also be launching Alaska’s first-ever winter cruise starting in February 2024 that will highlight winter sports and northern lights viewing. Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland…, Other Perks for Spring Travel, It’s not just the diverse activities that should draw you to Alaska in the spring. Tours and activities are often cheaper this time of year and you’ll typically find better deals on airfare, accommodations , and cruises than during peak summer season. Visiting Alaska during shoulder season also has the added benefit of less crowds and more availability for hotels and activities. Now’s the time…
Type: Editorial
When it comes to cruising in Alaska , you’ll be spoiled for choice as no other state has more coastline to explore. The best cruises in Alaska offer unparalleled experiences that will bring you up close to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in the world. From the lush rainforests and tranquil seas of the Inside Passage , to the endless horizon and luminous ice of the Arctic , there’…, What to Expect on an Alaska Cruise , Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive multi-day Alaska cruise package or simply a day cruise to see wildlife and glaciers , there are many options to choose from. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice. The price…, Where to Cruise in Alaska, The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. The routes traveled vary from cruise line depending on length of the cruise and places visited, but the majority of seven-day cruises will travel from the Vancouver area through the Inside Passage to Ketchikan , Skagway , Juneau , and Glacier Bay…, Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska, The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel. For those looking for…, Types of Cruises, Major Cruise lines, You'll find a wide variety of major cruise lines that operate in Alaska, including Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Princess Cruises, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Viking. These cruises offer the benefits of a wider range of itineraries, shore excursions, departure dates, and availability and take you to all of the must-see stops…, Small Ship Cruises: adventure & Luxury, If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers. AdventureSmith Explorations, Alaska Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Discovery Voyages, Lindblad Expeditions, Oceania, Seabourn, Silversea, UnCruise Adventures, and Windstar Cruises are a few of the small…, Culinary experiences, For the foodies, several cruise lines offer culinary shore excursions such as foodie walking tours or cooking demonstrations. And while excellent food is a given on major cruise lines, Alaska's small ship cruises pride themselves on sourcing local ingredients for their onboard dining experiences, where menus are specifically curated to highlight Alaska’s bountiful seafood and locally-grown foods…, Cruises for families, If you plan to travel as a family, cruises to Alaska are a fantastic option. Royal Caribbean offers a “kids sail free” option, while Holland America offers an itinerary and activities that are specifically catered to families with young children. Disney Cruises also offers land excursions geared specifically to families, so you’ll be able to enjoy family time both on and off the ship!, Cruises for couples, For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults. The minimum age is 18, and the ship is designed for a luxurious and tranquil experience, so you can truly get away from it all., Glacier & Wildlife Day Cruises, If you’re looking for something less time consuming than an Arctic excursion, but are still looking for stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, day cruises are a great option for young families and adventurers alike. A day cruise in Prince William Sound, Spend the Day on Shore, Experience all that Alaska has to offer, up close and personal. Shore excursions booked through your cruise line are a fantastic way to experience Alaska, so be sure to research what land excursions your cruise line offers. Some popular offerings are: Spend the day in one of our national parks Alaska Native cultural opportunities Gold panning Salmon and halibut fishing Dog sledding ATV and 4-…, Dress for Alaska, With nearly endless summer days and coastal breezes, you’ll want to make sure to dress with flexibility in mind. During the summer months, especially July and August, temperatures in Southeast Alaska usually fall between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while Southcentral Alaska and the Interior see higher heights into the 70’s and 80’s. To prepare for all conditions, you should plan for…, Enjoy the Views, The landscape and views you’ll experience on an Alaska cruise will be unforgettable, so be sure to pack your binoculars and your best camera to capture the incredible sights to share with friends and family. For photo enthusiasts, an assortment of wide-angle lenses, x-factor lenses, multipurpose lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, and even a tripod can help you capture that perfect shot. A man…
Type: Editorial
GDPR FAQ, Miles Partnership, LLLP and [Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA)] (“The Controllers”) collect personal data from individual users of [TravelAlaska.com]. Certain of this data may constitute protected “personal data” as that term is defined in the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).1 The following disclosures concerning The Controllers compliance with GDPR are presented for…, Effective Date of GDPR, GDPR is set to take effect on May 25, 2018. On and after that date, The Controllers will comply with GDPR to the extent applicable., Utilization of Data, The Controllers utilize personal data including the information provided by you during usage of the website and submission of forms. The Controllers process this data for marketing purposes. This data may be used, for example, to send information electronically or physically that you request., Basis for the Processing of Data, The Controllers may seek your consent to send communications (marketing communications). The Controllers will seek a separate consent to send these communications in certain cases which may be revoked by you at any time via email to [email protected] or by clicking unsubscribe on the pertinent email communication., Recipients of Personal Data, Recipients of personal data may include fulfillment providers for physical mailing, email deployers, technical providers of data storage, and back end service providers. All employees of The Controllers who receive or review personal data have received training concerning maintaining the confidentiality of such data and committed themselves to confidentiality. Where appropriate, The Controllers…, Storage of Data, The Controllers will retain data only as long as is necessary., Your Rights Under GDPR, If the GDPR applies to retention of your personal data, you have several rights including (i) the right to request access, rectification or erasure of your data, (ii) the right to lodge a complaint with the 1 A copy of the GDPR is available here : (last retrieved: April 10, 2018). appropriate European Union supervisory authority, and (iii) to the extent processing of data is based on consent,… Type: Landing Page
Alaska is the land of superlatives: largest national park , highest peak , longest coastline, biggest state, longest day and night. The list goes on, and with all of these unparalleled characteristics, you'd be hard pressed to cover even a fraction of this place in a typical one- or two-week vacation period. The 49th state offers so many things to do and see, you could vacation here for the rest…
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Adventure and Alaska go hand in hand. Where else can you trek across a glacier, fly over the wilderness in a bush plane, watch a massive brown bear snag salmon from a waterfall, and explore millions of acres of parklands? Alaska's raw, beautiful, and unrelenting terrain teems with opportunities for adventure experiences unlike anything else in the world — and there's a trip to suit every ability…, zipline trip, , or speed through the forest or across a glacier behind a team of huskies on a dog sledding trip. And don’t forget the water sports : Alaska's many famous rivers, lakes, and protected coastal waters offer Alaska adventures that range from whitewater rafting (mild to wild), kayaking through icebergs in glacier-carved fjords, or snorkeling the near-coast waters. All that wild land makes Alaska the…
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Almost anything you do in Alaska could be called an “adventure” — but the following activities kick it up a notch and really get your body working, whether you're kayaking through a field of icebergs, going vertical while ice climbing, or flying out to remote backcountry locations. Even better, Alaska adventure and ecotour experiences give you the opportunity to personally connect with Alaska’s…
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There’s nothing quite like soaring through Alaska’s towering spruce, hemlock, and birch forests on a zipline, getting an eagle-eye view of the surrounding scenery as you go. Ziplines have become very popular in Southcentral and Inside Passage Alaska, with zip cables, suspension bridges, and rappel stations offering a thrilling adventure among the trees. Every Alaska zipline adventure offers…
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