When the opportunity arises, I spend a lot of time in Talkeetna visiting with friends at our favorite local restaurants and pubs. For the size of this small town, which boasts less than 1,000 year-round residents, there’s a delicious array of ways to satisfy hungry Whether that vacation takes you into town for a half-day fishing excursion or perhaps to spend a night or two at a Talkeetna lodge, a morning in Talkeetna should start with a trip down to the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse on Main Street. (more…)

Comments(2) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

One of the most popular national parks in Alaska is Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is the small coastal community located at the entrance of the park. Located about 130 miles south of Anchorage, Seward is easily accessible by car, bus or train. From Seward you can take a day cruise out to see all the park has to offer. Kenai Fjords National Park is known for great marine wildlife viewing, such as whales, sea lions, otters and lets not forgot its glaciers!

There are several types of cruises offered out of Seward: “National Park” cruises that go 110-120+ miles round trip and shorter “Resurrection Bay” cruises that go about 55 miles round trip. It is important to understand that the longer the cruise the better chance you have to see wildlife as well as additional tidewater glaciers. It is also helpful to know that two companies operate Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay cruises – Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours. Both companies have good reputations so choosing what company and what cruise to take really comes down to identifying which cruise is best for you based on your own preferences and schedule. (more…)

Comments(4) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

Starting to plan your Alaska vacation for next summer? We receive dozens of calls and emails daily from folks planning a trip to Alaska asking terrific questions. Here are a few of the most common questions from visitors who are in the BEGINNING stages of planning their vacation –

#1 What currency do I need to bring to Alaska?

Answer: U.S. currency of course! Alaska joined the United States in 1959 and is the 49th State. ATM machines are readily available in all larger towns such as Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks and credit cards are accepted in most tourism associated businesses. Keep in mind though that if you are planning on traveling remotely by plane or by car that you’ll want to carry additional cash because outside of the major cities internet access needed to process credit cards isn’t available. (more…)

Comments(7) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

The population of Seward Alaska is about to rise rapidly as the summer season arrives. The town boasts a year round population of about 3,000 residents however that easily doubles once the tourists arrive. Seward is most known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park” and offers a plethora of boat tours that include glacier and wildlife viewing. These tours are spectacular and not to be missed on any visit to Seward, but the town has a lot more to offer such as kayaking, fishing, dog kennel tours and hiking. For help choosing which boat tour to take be sure to read our blog on Kenai Fjords boat cruises. (more…)

Comments(1) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line all use the Port of Seward as the northern end of their 7-day Alaska Glacier Cruises sailing to and from Vancouver B.C.   Seward is a fantastic location to launch further explorations in Alaska to such locations as the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park and beyond to Denali National Park. Seward is located 127 road miles from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city.  Important because Anchorage is also the location of South-central Alaska’s only airport that has daily domestic and international flights.  Seward and Anchorage are linked both by highway and the Alaska Railroad so cruise passengers can choose to either travel by motor coach via the scenic Seward Highway or by the Alaska Railroad. A great option that Alaska Tour & Travel operates is the Park Connection Motorcoach, our scheduled, twice daily, motor coach service between Seward and Anchorage with same day connections to Denali as well.   (more…)

Comments(34) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

Lets Rondy! In 1935 Anchorage had less than 3000 residents, three friends got together and decided Anchorage needed a festival to coincide with the customary time that miners and trappers came into town with their goods to sell or trade. They recognized that winters were difficult on fellow Alaskans. After-all, the cold winters and significantly more difficult traveling conditions resulted in residents suffering from cabin-fever, a common syndrome for Alaskans who tended to stay indoors and didn’t have the opportunity to socialize or exercise as much during the long, dark winter months.  They named the event, Fur Rendezvous or Rondy for short! Early events included hockey, skiing, basketball, boxing and a children’s dog sled race. Many residents also showed up for the parade and city bonfire. Through the years after the initial Fur Rendezvous new events arose and the event became more and more popular. Since then the Fur Rendezvous has earned a national and international reputation for being one of the best winter events in the world. (more…)

Comments(3) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

Chugach State Park

Hiking in Alaska’s back-country is one of the most popular activities for those who live in Alaska and visitors as well. There are endless possibilities for those with hiking experience to venture out on their own in the back-country of Alaska. Alaska offers many guided hike opportunities and some easy hikes you can do on your own in some of Alaska’s most popular destinations that are suitable for the less experienced hiker that just want to get off the beaten trail and experience the serenity and beauty of Alaska.

Anchorage
Anchorage is blessed with over 250 miles of trails within the city and has over 230 parks, some of them very large. Anchorage also sits in the shadow of the mountains of Chugach State Park which is easily accessible and a short 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown. The half-day Chugach State Park Anchorage Day Hike departs from most of the hotels in downtown Anchorage mid-morning and returns after about four hours. You will travel by van to the scenic Glen Alps Trailhead and a naturalist guide will tailor a hike to match your fitness level. Hike in the alpine Chugach Mountains and valleys that surround Anchorage while your guide teaches you about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area. It does not take long before you leave the city sights and immerse yourself in Alaska’s wilderness. Keep an eye out for moose and marmot. Trail snacks and water will be provided. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, layered clothing and a backpack. This hike is great for families! (more…)

Comments(2) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post

The most common question we get regarding travel to Alaska is what will the weather be like?  If only we could tell you for sure, but weather is difficult to predict.  This spring has started out dry, real dry!  But in Alaska that doesn’t necessarily reflect what the weather will be even tomorrow! Alaskan summers are cooler than many visitors are used to but it is still summer – a winter parka is not necessary!  Many travelers revel in the cooler temperatures.  Alaska is a big state so the weather does vary from region to region. Alaska is a great place to visit anytime of the year although most visitors come from mid-May to mid-September.  (more…)

Comments(8) |  Email This Post |  Print This Post