Sample Alaska’s biggest winter festivals and carnivals, including the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race , and give yourself good odds of seeing the northern lights with this seven-day itinerary through Anchorage , Fairbanks , and neighboring small communities., Day 1: Anchorage, Time your arrival in, Anchorage, for a few days before the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race begins on the first weekend in March. A quick consultation with staff at the downtown log cabin visitor center will point you to a wide range of Fur Rondy events happening citywide. This annual festival features a different selection of events each day as well as ongoing activities, like snow sculptures and a selection of carnival games and…, Day 2: Anchorage, Take a quick break from Fur Rondy events to visit the Anchorage Museum . The museum features stunning displays of , Alaska Native, clothing, tools, and art items in its permanent collection; iconic Alaska art; fun, hands-on activities for kids; and a constantly rotating schedule of visiting exhibitions. Winter is a great season to visit, because light crowds mean you can take your time exploring., Day 3: Anchorage, Don't miss the ceremonial start of the Iditarod on Fourth Avenue in downtown, Anchorage, . Teams line up for blocks as they await their turn to leave the starting chute, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. All the people and activity bring a lively atmosphere to the entire downtown area, and it’s a great day to wander and explore Anchorage’s shops and restaurants after the mushers are on their way., Day 4: Willow, For an entirely different sort of carnival atmosphere, rent a car and follow the Iditarod mushers, their dogs, and what feels like half of Anchorage out to the official Iditarod race start in, Willow, . The ceremonial start in Anchorage was just that—a ceremonial procession that only lasts about a dozen miles—but the Willow restart marks the beginning of the true race to, Nome, and feels more like a serious sporting event, with tailgaters and lawn chairs scattered in open areas and spectators packing the sides of the starting chute. Dress warmly, bring a picnic lunch, and plan to stay a while and socialize with the locals. End your day by driving back to Anchorage and taking a short jet flight to Fairbanks . One there, make sure to let the front desk staff at your hotel…, northern lights, , are visible at night., Day 5: Fairbanks, For more Alaska culture and art, visit the, University of Alaska Museum of the North, and its displays on local history, Alaska Native culture, and fine art. Then, check out the intricately-carved ice sculptures at the World Ice Art Championships , attracting talented sculptors from around the world. This event runs from mid-February through the end of March, giving you plenty of time to check out the festivities., Day 6-7: Chena Hot Springs, Today, rent a car and head out to Chena Hot Springs for a night or two of hot springs soaking, skiing, , dog sledding, , and exploring a year-round ice museum that was sculpted by two of the most decorated ice artists in the world. The hot springs resort, located about 60 miles east of Fairbanks, is also an excellent place to view the, northern lights, . As in Fairbanks, make sure you let the front desk know that you’d like a wake-up call if the lights are visible at night. There’s no guarantee you’ll see them, but if you spend at least three nights in this part of the state actively looking for them, your odds are 80 percent or better. Once you’ve thoroughly soaked away your woes, fly home from Fairbanks . Learn more about Alaska's festivals…
Type: Editorial
Most times, the best travel advice you can get comes from the locals. We've asked locals from around the state to give us their tips on top places to visit, eat, shop, and adventure in Alaska. From the wonders of Whittier , top reasons to make the trek to Unalaska , secrets of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve , "wild" things about Girdwood and Portage , best fishing on the Kenai…
Type: Editorial
The Gold Daughters, Jordan and Ilaura Reeves, grew up in Fairbanks , where their quest for gold started at an early age. The girls spent their summers gold panning at their family’s business, Gold Dredge #8 , where they helped teach tourists the art of panning. When the girls were in grade school their parents sold Gold Dredge #8 and decided to get into the mining industry. Jordan and Ilaura now…, Interior Alaska, hunting for nuggets and shaking their gold pan in every creek they could. Gold fever had caught hold of them both., In 2012, Jordan and Ilaura starred in an international show on National Geographic titled Goldfathers. The show focused on the Reeves family as they spent the summer prospecting for gold. By the end of summer, they had successfully recovered several ounces of gold…by hand! After the girls finished college at their respective schools where they each played Division 1 softball, Jordan at the…, What makes, Fairbanks, worth its weight in gold is the wacky yet witty, hearty yet gritty, spunky yet soulful folks who decide several months of darkness and weeks of negative 40-degree temperatures are normal. Fairbanksans are the toughest, yet most endearing people you could ever meet. We don’t hesitate to help one another, even though many of us thrive in seclusion. Ilaura’s best day off When I get a day off work…
Type: Editorial
Kikkan “Kikkanimal” Randall is an Olympic champion, active mom, cancer-fighter, and “Get-Active-”ist. Raised in Alaska since age 3, Kikkan has always been an athlete at heart, aspiring to the Olympics and beyond. She was a trailblazer for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, being the first American woman to win a World Cup and medals at the Olympics and World Championships. She is a three-time…, In addition to her athletic pursuits, she is passionately involved with Healthy Futures and Fast and Female organizations that promote the benefits of healthy, active lifestyles to youth. She represents the voices of athletes as an International Olympic Committee Member and a U.S. Olympic Committee Board Member. In June 2018, just three months after winning Olympic Gold, she was diagnosed with…, What I love most about, Anchorage, is the access to amazing trails and parks wherever you are in the city! I love that I can run, bike, or ski through town without having to worry about car traffic. It’s pretty special to have such incredible access to trails in a big city — and such beautiful views. I also love that you can get lost on singletrack or be on trails where you feel totally out in nature, and yet you’re still right in…, Prince William Sound, . The snow is hard and fast and makes me feel like a hero. You have to get out early to get the hard conditions and it’s only possible on sunny days. But it’s the most incredible views skiing under the morning sun and exploring right up next to glaciers. I love to ski with friends and just enjoy playing on the natural snow features. It’s also possible to get good crust skiing at Glen Alps in, Chugach State Park, and around Skookum and Spencer Glaciers south of Anchorage. 2. Kincaid Park So many trails and so many possibilities!! No matter the season, there is always so much to do in beautiful Kincaid Park . During the summer I love running the Bluff Trail and getting down to the beach along the mudflats. Great mountain-bike trails that seem to grow in number every year. A smooth and fun bike trail…, 3. Coffee, I love stopping at my favorite local coffee roaster before or after hitting the trails. I always see good friends and there is something special in a local brew. Kaladi Bros. Coffee has always been such a great supporter of the community and I just love their vibe. They have locations all over the city to pair with any adventure or just catching up. Learn more about Anchorage >>
Type: Editorial
Alaska is known for its vast and varied landscapes, from rugged coastline to soaring mountains to Arctic tundra, providing habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Seeing these animals for yourself on a wildlife viewing tour is an experience like no other, whether you’re marveling at a humpback whale breaching in Kenai Fjords National Park , watching bears feed at the famous Brooks Falls in…
Type: Editorial
You’ve planned your dream vacation to Alaska, but where to stay? Whether you’re looking for a simple spot for good night’s sleep before embarking on a big backcountry adventure, or you'd like to lounge in luxury for a week at a wilderness lodge, the options for lodging are plentiful. You will find accommodations ranging from affordable hostels and motels for travelers on a budget, to high-end…
Type: Editorial
Whether your Alaska adventure budget allows for a luxury hotel or budget-friendly motel or inn, overnight accommodations in Alaska offer something for everyone. Stay at a renowned four-star resort or an inn off the beaten path - either way, you are sure to enjoy your nights in the 49th state. Hotels in Alaska are as varied as the landscapes, from high-end hotels perched on mountainsides with…
Type: Editorial
Book now and save on the best fully customized 14/15 day Alaska Cruise & Land Packages – The 2023 Alaska Experience. Special Additional Incentive for New Bookings Sept 1 - Nov 30, 2022. Special - On Board Ship Credit Includes: $50 Per Cabin Ocean View $100 Per Cabin Verandah & Above Other Incentives Include: 10% Discount on Insurance Special Beverage Package Prepaid On Board Gratuities…
Type: Deal
See Alaska's Northern Lights this Winter - Land Tours from Fairbanks , Explore Northern Alaska on these Winter Excursions! Book now and ask one of our travel advisors about:, Savings up to $100 per person when you book your tour with Round-trip Air* Winter Ice Festivals and Ice Carving in Fairbanks * Restrictions apply so see our Website for details. Check out our Summer 2023 Alaska Ferry Vacations or Extend your trip on a Cruise Tour offered by Viking Travel and www.AlaskaFerryVacations.com .
Type: Deal
Follow the Gold Rush Route from Seattle to Alaska, and take advantage of a great one-way deal in spring 2023! Pickup in Seattle Return in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Whitehorse 25% off base rental rate for all rentals before June 5, 2023 One-way fee ($550) waived Valid for motorhome, truck camper and SUV rentals, pending availability Find more information here .
Type: Deal
