National park fans have some big decisions to make when planning a trip to Alaska. There are a total of 24 sites affiliated with the National Park Service in Alaska, though only eight have official national park designations. While this map may make it look like you can hop, skip and jump between our parks, they’re spread far and wide across the state and most visitors are lucky to visit two…, Denali National Park and Preserve, Dominated by Alaska’s most iconic landmark, the tallest mountain in North America, Denali National Park is the six-million-acre heart of Interior Alaska. Denali ATV General Manager Evan Orfanidis explains that the park’s pristine wilderness — snowy mountains, deep valleys, taiga forest and high alpine tundra — is so vast that “an album full of pictures doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface…, A note for visitors from 2024 - 2026:, The Denali Park Road will be open until mile 43 through 2026 due to road improvements. Narrated bus tours and transit buses will continue to be available for guests visiting the park and will travel as far as mile 43. The main visitor center will remain open along with four campgrounds and numerous trails accessible via the park road. Please check with Kantishna -area businesses about their…, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, “Gates of the Arctic is basically our backyard,” says Bettles Lodge owner Eric Fox. “Gates is huge, more than eight million acres. Many pristine rivers and deep water, clear mountain lakes run through this huge swath of unspoiled Mother Nature.” Fox also says Gates of the Arctic is one of the least visited of the national parks because its remote location in the Arctic bush requires a flight and…, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Glacier Bay’s natural beauty has made it a star attraction on most cruise line itineraries as ships sail through the Inside Passage . But what really makes this dynamic, glacier-studded, marine wildlife-packed fjord special is its history as the ancestral homeland of the Huna Tlingit clans. “For me as a Huna Tlingit person to go over there, it’s really like going into a spiritual place,” says…, Katmai National Park and Preserve, “Katmai is remote and rugged. It has a beautiful coast studded with coastal meadows, mountains, many dormant volcanoes with glaciers on their sides and big wild rivers to float or fish,” says Chris Day, manager of Emerald Air Service, which runs bear viewing tours into the Southwest Alaska park. “But what makes the park special and unique to us and most other visitors are the bears. Katmai has…, Kenai Fjords National Park, “Kenai Fjords National Park was created in 1980, but most of us who lived in Alaska at the time knew very little about it. The reason: we didn’t have a boat,” says Kirk Hoessle, president and chief exploration officer at Alaska Wildland Adventures, which operates the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge in the Southcentral park. “It takes a stout vessel to traverse the open ocean on the way to its many…, Kobuk Valley National Park, Only accessible by air taxi from Kotzebue or lodges like Bettles Lodge and Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge, Kobuk Valley National Park is one of Alaska’s lesser-visited parks. “This spectacular park is a giant sand deposit (over 1.7 million acres) left by the glaciers that receded some 15,000 to 30,000 years ago, out in the Arctic and many miles from the west coast of our great state,” Fox said. “…, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, “Lake Clark is my favorite national park in Alaska, by a long shot,” says Dan Oberlatz, owner of Alaska Alpine Adventures, which guides trips into the park in Southwest Alaska. “Not only is Lake Clark where we guided our first trip 21 years ago, it’s also where we run most of our summer adventures. Lake Clark has been called, ‘Alaska’s epitome,’ a description that is both fair and accurate. From…, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, “Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is an epic wilderness,” says Neil Darish, owner of McCarthy Lodge and Ma Johnson’s Historical Hotel, located in the small town of McCarthy in the Southcentral Alaska park. “The old copper mine and Kennecott Mill site have many artifacts and mining-related buildings to explore. The hiking is world class and the variety of nearby hiking opportunities means you can…
Type: Editorial
Alaska is located northwest of Washington State and west of Canada’s Yukon. Many Alaska-bound flight itineraries include a stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle — the closest major airport to the state — while more and more direct flights are also becoming available. Flights from Seattle take about two-and-a-half hours to reach, Juneau, , and three-and-a-half to four hours to Anchorage and Fairbanks ., DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO ALASKA, In additional to Seattle, direct flights are available from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kahului (Maui), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Portland, some of which only operate seasonally. The airlines with the most domestic flights to Alaska are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Direct…, Get other travel tips for visiting Alaska., MAJOR AIRPORTS IN ALASKA, The airports in Anchorage , Fairbanks , and, Juneau, are Alaska’s primary ports of entry. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the largest and most heavily trafficked airport in the state. Fairbanks is Alaska’s second-largest city and the chief transportation hub in the Interior region. Visitors can fly in and out of Fairbanks International Airport to destinations worldwide. Juneau is Alaska…, Ketchikan, through the Ketchikan International Airport., FLYING WITHIN ALASKA, The majority of Alaska is not accessible by road, making airplanes essential for travel throughout the state. Alaska Airlines typically offers the most availability for travel to and within Alaska and has partnerships with several smaller carriers for service between additional communities including Wrangell , , Petersburg, , , Sitka, , Gustavus, Yakutat , Cordova , , Kodiak, , , Dutch Harbor, , Adak, King Salmon , Dillingham , Bethel , , Nome, , , Kotzebue, , Utqiaġvik (Barrow) , and Prudhoe Bay . Smaller regional carriers serve hundreds of other villages and areas. For many remote towns, planes aren’t just the preferred way to travel, but the only way! Air is the best mode of transportation for reaching many Alaska Native villages, especially in the Arctic and Southwest regions, and some coastal communities. These regional carriers operate…, APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES BETWEEN ALASKA COMMUNITIES, Anchorage to Fairbanks : 50 minutes Anchorage to, Juneau, : 1.5 hours Anchorage to Kenai : 30 minutes Anchorage to, Nome, : 1.5 hours Anchorage to Utqiaġvik (Barrow) : 2 hours Fairbanks to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay : 1 hour, Juneau, to, Ketchikan, : 1 hour, Juneau, to, Sitka, : 45 minutes
Type: Landing Page
What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear the word Alaska? Is it bears , glaciers , whales , totem poles , or Denali ? Many people will respond with “ cruise .” In fact, more than half of travelers who visit Alaska take a cruise. Now if you think all of these cruises are the same, you’re sorely mistaken. All of these options means there’s an Alaska cruise for every type of traveler,…, ,, Skagway , Juneau , and Icy Strait Point to Seward, or Whittier in Southcentral Alaska . Recently more small communities like Yakutat , Elfin Cove , Metlakatla, and Kake are appearing on cruise itineraries. And still more cruises are sailing even farther away to Nome in the Arctic or Kodiak and Dutch Harbor in the, Southwest region, . Take a look at the Alaska map and zero in on the destinations you really want to see as one way to narrow down your cruise choices. If you’re open-minded about your destinations, think about what you want to experience on the cruise to help narrow down your choices. Beyond the entertainment options on the ship, some cruises include shore activities, while others offer them à la carte. With so…, suggested land itineraries, . And for the record, no matter what word you associate with Alaska, whether it’s bears, glaciers, whales, or totem poles, you really can do it all from a cruise ship. To get the most out of your time in Alaska, check out our Alaska trip planner .
Type: Editorial
Alaska is an alpine paradise for skiers and snowboarders. You’ll find a wide variety of terrain – from mild to wild – for every level of skier and boarder. Check out the best places in Alaska for skiing, including downhill, cross country, and backcountry, plus our tips on where to go for Après-ski after an epic day on the mountain., Girdwood, Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s crown jewel for downhill skiing can be found at Alyeska Resort in the town of Girdwood , tucked into a picturesque mountain-ringed valley just 40-miles south of Anchorage . Home to the largest ski resort in Alaska, Girdwood is truly a winter paradise for all types of snowy adventures, complete with all of the amenities you’d expect in a world-class ski resort town. With 76 named trails…, OPEN:, Late November - late April (snow conditions permitting), 7 days a week, with night skiing Thursday - Sunday from December - March Skiing at Alyeska Resort, Cross Country Skiing in Girdwood, While Girdwood is best known for its downhill skiing, it also offers a fun and scenic network of cross country ski trails. The 5k Nordic Loop winds through forested hills next to the hotel, while the groomed multi-use trail in Moose Meadows is ideal for those looking for flatter terrain. You’ll also find several more miles of groomed and un-groomed multi-use trails throughout town, ideal for…, Après-ski, When you need a break from skiing, Alyeska Resort offers a wide range of amenities for a little rest and relaxation. The 300+ room luxury resort features beautiful views, 3 on-site restaurants, a saltwater pool, and shops, plus two restaurants on the mountain (accessible by aerial tram or chair lift), and a bar near the Daylodge. Their newest offering is the Alyeska Nordic Spa, a hydrotherapy spa…, Fairbanks, Fairbanks is located in Alaska’s Interior region and is known as one of the best places to see the northern lights in winter. Home to two downhill ski areas, plus miles and miles of cross country ski trails, it’s also a prime destination for winter sports. While much smaller and with colder temperatures than Alyeska Resort, Fairbanks’ two ski areas – Ski Land and Moose Mountain – offer the…, Ski Land, About 30 minutes northeast from downtown Fairbanks, Ski Land has the unique designation of being the furthest north chair lift in North America. With a vertical rise of 1,027 feet, the ski area’s double chairlift provides access to over 40 trails from beginner to expert. Another unique feature of the area is that you park at the top of the mountain and ski down, then take the chair lift back up.…, OPEN:, Late December - April (snow and weather conditions permitting), Friday - Monday Ski Land Fairbanks, Moose Mountain Ski Resort, Moose Mountain Ski Resort is the largest ski area in the Interior, covering 750 acres with a vertical rise of 1,300 feet. The resort is located about 15 minutes northwest from downtown Fairbanks and features views of the surrounding White Mountains. The 40+ trails are mostly intermediate and advanced, with a few beginner runs. Moose Mountain is unique because it has no chairlift; a bus takes…, OPEN:, Mid/late November - March (snow and weather conditions permitting), Friday - Sunday plus some holidays, Cross Country Skiing in Fairbanks, For those interested in cross country skiing, Fairbanks is a true winter wonderland of groomed trails across rolling, forested terrain. The Birch Hill Recreation Area and Jim Whisenhant Cross Country Ski Trail System are maintained by Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks and offer 40k of groomed trails for all ski levels, with 10k of lighted trails plus a ski center and warming hut. Another popular…, Après-ski, When you’re ready to kick back, relax, and warm up, Fairbanks has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and breweries to help you refuel. One of the best spots to grab a local craft beer is HooDoo Brewing Company, serving up beers in their lively taproom and cozy outdoor patio complete with fire pits. If cocktails are more your thing, visit the Library, a book-themed cocktail lounge with inventive…, Juneau, EagleCrest Ski Area, Alaska’s capital city, Juneau is home to “Alaska’s best kept secret” when it comes to downhill skiing in the 49th state. Eaglecrest Ski Area is perched in the mountains on Douglas Island, a 15 minute drive from downtown Juneau. With a 1,620 foot vertical drop and 640 acres accessible by 4 chair lifts, Eaglecrest is a playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. There are 36 marked…, OPEN:, Early December – early April, Wednesday – Sunday and some holidays Downhill skiing at Eagle Crest Ski Area, Cross Country Skiing in Juneau, The Eaglecrest Ski Area is also home to groomed Nordic ski trails across the terrain below the downhill ski area, with a combined 10k of trails on the upper loop and lower loop trail systems. Other popular groomed trails for cross country skiing in Juneau are Montana Creek, Mendenhall Campground, and Eagle Beach State Recreation Area. Cross Country skiing in Juneau, Après-ski, Juneau is one of the top foodie destinations in Alaska and there’s no shortage of places to fill your belly and quench your thirst after a day on the mountain. For a convenient spot, you can refuel at the on-site restaurant, bar, and coffee shop at Eaglecrest Ski Area. Or head to the Island Pub, also on Douglas Island, known for their delicious pizza and water views. You’ll find a variety of…, Anchorage, Hilltop Ski Area, You don’t have to leave Alaska’s largest city to get in some downhill runs. Anchorage is home to two downhill ski areas: Hilltop and Arctic Valley. Hilltop is a non-profit ski area located at the base of the Chugach Mountains, with views of Anchorage and Cook Inlet. This family-friendly ski area has one chair lift and a vertical rise of 294 feet. There are 12 trails over 30 acres, with mostly…, OPEN:, December - March (snow conditions permitting), 7 days per week Skiing at Hilltop Ski Area, Arctic Valley Ski Area, Arctic Valley is another non-profit ski area, located just north of Anchorage. With 500 acres and a 1,214 foot vertical rise, Arctic Valley has primarily intermediate and expert trails, with a little beginner terrain towards the bottom. The ski area has 2 chair lifts, a T-bar, and a rope tow., OPEN:, December – mid-April (snow conditions permitting), weekends and holidays, Thursdays & Fridays in spring, Cross Country Skiing in Anchorage, For those interested in cross country skiing, look no further than Anchorage. You’ll find more miles of groomed trails than anywhere else in the state. In fact, many members of the Olympic U.S. cross country ski team come from the Alaska Pacific University team in Anchorage, including gold medalist Kikkan Randall - so you’ll be in good company on the trails. Kincaid Park is a 1,400-acre forested…, Après-ski, Anchorage’s dining scene is vibrant and varied. You’ll find everything from fine dining to food trucks, with no shortage of options for every type of eater. It’s also home to a booming brewery scene with plenty of spots to post up for a local craft beverage after a day in the snow. Popular spots include 49th State Brewing Company, King Street Brewery, Double Shovel Cider Company, Midnight Sun…, Hatcher Pass , Mat-Su Valley, About an hour north of Anchorage is the magical Hatcher Pass in the Mat-Su Valley . This alpine paradise is a local’s favorite for year-round recreation. The scenic road to Hatcher Pass climbs alongside the Little Susitna River and then up into the jagged peaks of the Talkeetna Mountains to Independence Mine State Historical Park , with access to several recreation areas along the way., Skeetawk Ski Area, Alaska’s newest downhill ski option, Skeetawk is a non-profit ski area located partway up the road to Hatcher Pass. This family-friendly area opened in 2020 with one triple chair lift, a warming hut, and access to about 30 skiable acres along with backcountry access. Continued development is planned for additional lifts and access to even more terrain. For now, the area has a vertical gain of 300…, OPEN:, December – mid-April (snow conditions permitting), Thursday – Monday and some holidays Skiing at Skeetawk Ski Area, Cross Country Skiing in Hatcher Pass, About 15 minutes up the road from Skeetawk is Independence Mine State Historical Park with its iconic red-trimmed historic mine buildings perched in a high alpine bowl. The final mile up to the park and the trails that weave through the mine buildings are groomed during winter, offering an incredibly scenic spot for some cross country laps. These are some of the first groomed cross country ski…, Après-ski, Warm up next to the fire with a drink and a hearty meal at Hatcher Pass Lodge. Located next to the winter parking area at Independence Mine, this quirky A-frame lodge has amazing views and tons of Alaska charm., Backcountry Skiing in Alaska, Heli-skiing was born in Valdez in 1989 and the industry has never been the same. While it may sound extreme, heli-ski operators say that skiers and boarders who are comfortable with blue and black runs at a ski resort have the skills to give it a try. Valdez’s Thompson Pass remains the sport’s epicenter, with multiple operators offering services in the area, including the oldest operation in…
Type: Editorial
Part road trip and part ferry ride, this four-day, 350-mile loop takes you through some of Alaska’s best scenery and richest Gold Rush history. Bring your passport: to complete the road portion of the loop, you’ll also visit Haines Junction, Carcross, and Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory., Day 1: Haines, Arrive in, Haines, , a picturesque town surrounded by steep mountains and scenic ocean, via a small regional airline , cruise ship , or the, Alaska Marine Highway ferry system, . You can also, drive here, , of course. Haines is full of charming museums (including the famous Hammer Museum ), a thriving arts community, the longest and deepest fjord in North America, and salmon-filled rivers. It’s also home to the annual Bald Eagle Festival, which takes place every November. Take a cultural tour to the nearby Chilkat Indian Village , or book a jet boat or float trip through the, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, , where you’ll find the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles., Day 2: Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, Make the 150-mile, three-and-a-half-hour drive north to Haines Junction (located across the Canadian border, so don’t forget your passport). The drive takes you through Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park and Kluane National Park and Reserve, part of the largest internationally protected area in the world, with many mountain trails, lakes, and rivers to explore. Haines Junction serves as the hub…, Day 3: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Drive 95 miles or about two hours east on the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse, the capital city of the Yukon Territory. Whitehorse hosts a thriving downtown with plenty of stores, visitor amenities, fine dining, museums, and a nearby hot springs. Spend the morning wandering the Yukon River waterfront or exploring a couple of Whitehorse’s top attractions, such as the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler, the…, Skagway, ., Day 4: Skagway, Spend the day in, Skagway, , Alaska’s Gold Rush jewel, which was once the starting point for more than 40,000 Gold Rush stampeders headed to the Yukon in search of gold. Quaint false-front shops and restored buildings stretch for seven blocks along Broadway Street, all of which is part of the, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, . Stroll the wooden sidewalks, take a tour of an old-timey brothel, or go for a ride on the town’s historic narrow-gauge railroad and experience the adventure of ascending a mountainous pass alongside footpaths worn by gold seekers. After your day in Skagway, return to, Haines, via an Alaska Marine Highway ferry . Car berths fill up quickly, so be sure to make reservations in advance for the ferry.
Type: Editorial
Indulge your fascination in Gold Rush history with this four-day tour starting in Juneau , Alaska, a town that was itself founded on the promise of gold. From there you’ll follow a route similar to the one Gold Rush stampeders took, traveling north to Skagway and Canada’s Yukon Territory., Day 1: Juneau, Begin your trip in, Juneau, , Alaska’s capital city. You can get here via, Alaska state ferry, ,, cruise ship, , or jet service. The city of Juneau was built on the prospect of gold in 1880, and prospectors Richard Harris and Joe Juneau helped jump-start the gold fever that inspired so many miners to flock from around the world to Alaska. Juneau’s history comes alive at the, Alaska State Museum, , the Juneau-Douglas City Museum , and the Last Chance Mining Museum . Artifacts on display at all three depict the city’s history in mining, the journey toward statehood, and the region’s deep roots in, Alaska Native culture, . The Juneau-Douglas City Museum and Alaska State Museum are both located in downtown Juneau. The Last Chance Mining Museum is a short drive from town or a 45-minute scenic stroll, located in a building associated with the original Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Co., which operated from 1912 to 1944., Day 2: Skagway, Take the, ferry, or a regional flight to the small town of, Skagway, , further north along the, Inside Passage, . Beginning in 1887, Skagway and the nearby town of Dyea were the jumping-off points for more than 40,000 gold-rush stampeders taking the overland Chilkoot Trail or White Pass routes to the Klondike gold fields. That trail is now a popular backpacking trip that draws hikers from all over the world. Today, Skagway is home to the most visited national park in the state, K, londike Gold Rush National Historical Park, . Bring your camera and stroll the park’s wide boardwalks among historical storefronts, visit local museums, take a self-guided tour of the Skagway Historic District, explore local hiking trails, tour the Dyea townsite, or hike the Chilkoot Trail. (Located at the start of the Chilkoot Trail, Dyea was once home to thousands. When the White Pass and Yukon Railroad chose Skagway as the start of its…, Day 3: Skagway to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Continue your exploration of Alaska’s Gold Rush history at the Trail of ‘98 Museum and Gold Rush Cemetery in Skagway, or try your hand at gold panning through an organized tour. Another popular tour is aboard the historic trains of the, White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, , which take you up to the White Pass summit and, if you remembered to bring your passport, into the Yukon Territory. This rail route was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush and is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. A one-way train excursion to the Yukon Territory’s capital of Whitehorse includes a narrated 68-mile train ride to the Yukon Territory city of Carcross,…, Day 4: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Whitehorse was established as a trans-shipment point during the Klondike Gold Rush and features a number of historical attractions for learning more about its vibrant past. The capital city of the Yukon Territory, Whitehorse also boasts an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities and is the traditional territory of two First Nations peoples: the Kwanlin Dun and the Ta’an Kwach’an. When you’…
Type: Editorial
Explore some of Alaska’s best places for watching the magical northern lights in late fall, winter, and early spring. The following five-day winter itinerary puts you under the most accessible parts of the “aurora oval,” a magnetic halo that circles the North and South poles., Day 1: Fairbanks, Start your adventure in, Fairbanks, , one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. Daylight only lasts a few hours in mid-winter; the long nights give you plenty of opportunities to see the northern lights shining overhead. Meanwhile, you can spend your day touring the excellent, University of Alaska Museum of the North, , watching the sled dog races that are held almost every weekend during the winter, or wandering the forest on a nature walk with a herd of tame reindeer. When you turn in for the night, make sure to let the front desk staff at your hotel know that you want a northern lights wake-up call if the aurora borealis comes out., Day 2: Chena Hot Springs, If you don’t already have a car, rent one for the 60-mile drive from Fairbanks to, Chena Hot Springs, . This year-round destination sports a relaxing, rock-lined hot springs pool and limited light pollution, both of which make it a great place to see the aurora borealis. Make sure you tour the Aurora Ice Museum while you’re here; this marvel was carved by two of the world’s best ice artists. Chena Hot Springs also offers a number of day tours and the front desk staff will, if asked, wake you when…, Day 3: Chena Hot Springs to Fairbanks, Enjoy another relaxing soak in the hot springs, and stop by the resort’s sled dog yard before you drive back to, Fairbanks, . Go to bed early; tomorrow will be a long, but glorious day., Days 4 & 5 Coldfoot, Book a fly-in trip to the remote work camp of, Coldfoot, . Winter tours to Coldfoot may focus on photographing the northern lights, or just offer you the experience of visiting a place few people have ever seen during winter. Located some 250 miles north of Fairbanks, Coldfoot is almost directly under the center of the aurora oval, with long, clear nights and very little light pollution. Those factors make it one of the best places in the world for…
Type: Editorial
ABOUT CHENA HOT SPRINGS, Interior Alaska, may get cold during the winter months, but residents know how to stay warm: dipping into Chena Hot Springs. This unincorporated community in the Fairbanks North Star Borough is renowned for its hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort. The resort and campground are located at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road, a forest-flanked paved road that parallels the Chena River, 56 miles east of the Steese…, Fairbanks, . From Mile 26 to Mile 51, drivers pass through, Chena River State Recreation Area, , a 397-square-mile preserve that includes the Chena River valley and nearby alpine areas. The recreation area is home to some of the best, hiking, , canoeing, public-use cabins, and, fishing, in the area. Although there are year-round residents in the area, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a privately-owned, 440–acre, year-round resort. Gold miners started visiting the springs in 1905 and by 1912 Chena Hot Springs was the premier place to soak for residents in the booming town of, Fairbanks, . Aerial view of Chena Hot Springs Resort, Things to Do in Chena Hot Springs, Soak in the Hot Springs, The springs are at the center of a 40-square-mile geothermal area and produce a steady stream of water that, at 165 degrees, must be cooled before you can even think about soaking in it. The facility has several indoor and outdoor tubs, an indoor family swimming pool, and outdoor Rock Lake — a boulder-ringed artificial lake that provides a wonderful and relaxing vantage point for watching…, Tours & Dog Sledding, Complimentary geothermal renewable energy tours are offered daily that showcase the resort’s renewable energy projects using geothermal power. In the summer, visitors also enjoy, hiking, , horseback riding,, ATV tours, ,, mountain biking, , gold panning,, flightseeing, , and even massage therapy. Sled dog kennels at Chena Hot Springs offer tours of the facilities that are often home to more than 50 dogs., Dog sled rides, are offered year-round with teams running across snow-covered trails in the winter and a custom wheeled cart replacing the sled in the summer. Dog sledding at Chena Hot Springs Resort, Aurora Ice Museum, As if that weren’t enough, the resort is also home to the Aurora Ice Museum, the world’s largest year-round ice museum with its very own ice bar. Completed in 2005, the museum is constructed from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow. Inside is a gallery of ice sculptures, a two-story observation tower with a circular staircase, a polar bear bedroom, a Christmas tree bedroom, an igloo, and an ice…, NORTHERN LIGHTS, Well away from the city lights of Fairbanks, the resort is one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights . Generally, by late summer the aurora begins to appear and can be enjoyed by those willing to stay up after midnight. By mid-September the lights are dazzling, and in the winter the most popular activity is soaking in the outdoor hot tubs while watching the northern lights…, Chena River Float Trips, With calm waters and easy public access, the nearby Chena River is one of the most popular rivers to float in the, Fairbanks, area with a variety of day and multi-day trips that are possible in either canoes or rafts . A series of boat launches are located along Chena Hot Springs Road and canoes can be rented in Chena Hot Springs or Fairbanks. The river is also renown for its catch-and-release arctic grayling fishery, along with four road-accessible ponds that are open for, fishing, , stocked annually with rainbow trout and arctic grayling. Paddling the Chena River, Lodging at Chena Hot Springs, With so much to do in the Chena Hot Springs area, you may want to plan an overnight trip—especially if you want to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in winter. Chena Hot Spring Resort offers a wide variety of comfortable lodging options, including lodges, cabins, yurts, family suites, campground, and an RV park. If you prefer to be off-the-beaten-track, there are seven public-…, Chena River State Recreation Area, that can be reserved online in advance., Explore more in the Fairbanks area .,
Type: Landing Page
Each fall as the midnight sun wanes and the night skies get darker, there’s one question that we hear the most: how do I see the , northern lights in Alaska, ? We hear you loud and clear. Witnessing these bright colors (reds, greens, purples, and blues) dance across the sky is one of the most magical experiences ever. It makes you stand up straight, your mouth fall open and maybe just maybe, your eyes tear up. (I’m not crying, you’re crying.) The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from August 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season…
Type: Editorial
It’s easy to conjure up images of giant king crab legs, bright red king salmon filets, and flaky white halibut when anyone mentions eating in Alaska. But if you’re a fan of good food, and face it, who isn’t? Then we’ve got the scoop for you. Alaska cuisine has been influenced by the Indigenous groups across the state, Russian explorers, Gold Rush pioneers (sourdough pancakes, anyone?), as well…, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, drew a whole colony of farmers in the late 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal? Alaska’s bounty inspires local chefs and draws others to the state. Chef Jason Porter says, “Our close proximity to harbor communities like Seward , Cordova and Homer means that seafood served has been harvested locally and delivered fast. Over the years with Alyeska Resort, having been…, Palmer, Valley, allowing me to directly buy locally grown greens, vegetables and even some grains. Nothing instills a sense of pride in me like seeing the finished plate all come together. I know how much hard work went into making the farm-to-table product and I’m proud of our chefs who do an incredible job with artful presentation and exceptional taste that’s 100% Alaskan.” While you can count on just…, 1) Eat local., Slater says, “The thing I love to do most is visit the small, local mom-and-pop places and get a real taste of the area. I’m talking about stopping at a food truck or small brewery doing hyper local food and beer that you can’t get anywhere else. Grab a bite at a local bakery like Two Sisters Bakery in Homer, eat fresh oysters at The Cookery in Seward or a 20” Bossio sub sandwich at Jersey Subs …, 2) Go foraging., Foraging for berries and mushrooms is a pretty awesome adventure, according to Slater. Blueberries, salmonberries, highbush cranberries and more can be found all over the state. If you’d rather follow an expert’s lead, head to Dixon’s Cooking School at Tutka Bay near Homer. Visitors will forage wild edible greens, seaweeds, berries and mushrooms and learn to cook local halibut on the beach. , 3) Dine with a view., It goes without saying that Alaska offers views on views on views, but you can pair all kinds of foods with just about any awe-inspiring backdrop for a memorable meal. For fine dining, Porter says, “I love dining at Seven Glaciers, it’s truly a spectacular experience starting with a tram ride to 2,300 feet above the Girdwood Valley. The mountaintop views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and…, 4) Don’t skip the festivals., Alaskans celebrate food any chance they get. For example, the Sitka Seafood Festival was launched just 10 years ago to celebrate Alaska’s famed natural resource. Ketchikan’s Blueberry Arts Festival has been running since 1975 and Kodiak’s Crab Festival started in 1958. Dixon recommends the Salmonberry Festival in Seldovia . “You can take the ferry or water taxi from Homer to the adorable town of…, 5) Don’t skip dessert., Forget the Baked Alaska, and head to the micro-creameries like Coppa in Juneau, Hot Licks in Fairbanks , or Wild Scoops in Anchorage for an ice cream cone. There’s nothing old-fashioned about these Alaska flavors: rhubarb sorbet, Alaska honeycomb, blackberry and more. Dixon recommends Wild Scoops’ "Sleeping Lady," a swirl of Alaska black currant jam and earl grey ice cream. And save room for the…
Type: Editorial