Exploring Alaska: What to Expect on Your Alaskan Tour

Alaska trips offer an extraordinary range of experiences, granting you the freedom to craft your own Alaskan adventure. From small ship cruises to immersive land tours and cozy wilderness lodges, or even a combination of all three, Alaska caters to all types of explorers. Whether you're venturing into the awe-inspiring Misty Fjords, the towering Denali National Park, the captivating Glacier Bay, or the enchanting Inside Passage, each destination guarantees an unforgettable journey.

One of the paramount highlights of these Alaska tours is the extraordinary wildlife encounters. Keep your camera ready for grizzly bears, majestic moose, graceful caribou, and the iconic bald eagles, among other captivating creatures, as you immerse yourself in the natural allure of Alaska's rugged terrain. Thrilling outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, exhilarating whitewater rafting, exciting fishing trips, and captivating whale watching excursions put you in close proximity to the untamed wilderness.

For those yearning to delve deeper into Alaska's heartland, Alaska land tours offer a fantastic option. Here, you'll gain insight into the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Alaska, all while having the flexibility to shape your own itinerary. On the other hand, small ship cruises provide an intimate voyage with a smaller group of like-minded travelers, transporting you to remote and pristine locations. Combining both experiences and complementing your journey with a stay at a wilderness lodge is an exceptional way to maximize your time in Alaska.

Alaska's incomparable geographic wonders, coupled with its rich cultural tapestry and captivating history, make it the quintessential destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the chance to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and explore the great land that has been captivating the hearts of explorers for generations. Whether you're embarking on Alaska trips, land tours, or cruises, Alaska promises an extraordinary expedition into the heart of wilderness and wonder.
 

Flying into Alaska

For international travelers, especially those coming from the contiguous United States and Canada, both Seattle and Vancouverr serve as major departure points to access Alaska. While not in Alaska itself, these cities offer a convenient starting point for your Alaskan journey.

• Seattle: From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you can find numerous flights connecting to major Alaskan cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Additionally, Seattle is also a popular embarkation point for Alaska cruises.
• Vancouver: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada is another excellent option for international travelers. Vancouver offers direct flights to Alaska, particularly to cities like Anchorage and Juneau. It's also a significant departure point for Alaskan cruises.

Alaska Airports

• Anchorage (ANC): Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, boasts the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). This major transportation hub welcomes travelers from around the world. Anchorage serves as a primary gateway to the state, offering a variety of flights, including international connections.
• Fairbanks (FAI): Fairbanks is another Alaskan city with an international airport, the Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Located in the interior of the state, Fairbanks is a popular starting point for those exploring Alaska's interior and northern regions.
• Juneau (JNU): Juneau, Alaska's capital, features the Juneau International Airport (JNU). This airport primarily handles domestic flights but serves as a key entry point for travelers exploring the southeastern part of the state.
• Ketchikan (KTN): Ketchikan is situated in the scenic Inside Passage region and is home to the Ketchikan International Airport (KTN). This airport primarily serves travelers arriving by air to explore the southeastern coastal areas of Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Small Ships Advantages

Intimate Journey - A small ship offers a different kind of cruise experience compared to larger ships that provide an array of fancy amenities, organized tours, and entertainment. Instead, small ships are ideal for venturing into lesser-known waterways, narrow channels, and tiny ports that are inaccessible to larger ships. For instance, when small ships visit a small port in Alaska's Inside Passage, they can blend more easily both with the town or nature. 

Get Close to Nature - When in Alaska, guests on small ships prefer to spot whales and marvel at natural landscapes rather than other forms of entertainment. They enjoy being outside on the deck as the Captain maneuvers under a waterfall instead of watching a video. On small ships, the focus is often on appreciating the natural environment for entertainment, rather than by onboard amusements.

Proactive Experience - Small ship captains have the flexibility to adjust the itinerary according to natural occurrences, like lingering to watch whales, glaciers calving, or spotting sea otters based on nearby fishermen's reports. A small ship cruise isn't just a visit, but a participatory experience. Guests get to kayak near glaciers, hike in rainforests, and admire beautiful gardens in places like British Columbia. Overall, a small ship cruise is an immersive sensory experience.

Alaska Cruises from Seattle
Embarking on an Alaska cruise from Seattle, Washington promises a journey of breathtaking beauty and adventure. These routes, often referred to as 'repositioning cruises,' offer travelers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest while making their way to or from Alaska.

Seattle, Washington's largest city, serves as a captivating starting or ending point for your cruise. Nestled on the shores of Puget Sound and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle welcomes you with its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and natural splendor.

• Friday Harbor: Your cruise may lead you to Friday Harbor, a serene seaside town known for its captivating Whale Museum. Here, you can delve into the world of marine life and gain insights into the majestic creatures that inhabit these waters.
• San Juan Islands: Explore the enchanting San Juan Islands, a renowned haven for spotting orcas. These pristine waters offer you a chance to witness these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver
Embark in Vancouver, and journey along the Inside Passage of British Columbia, you'll become immersed in the unspoiled Canadian wilderness. Expect encounters with whales, dolphins, and bears, as well as thrilling explorations and excursions.

• Vancouver: British Columbia's largest city and a major Canadian port on the Pacific, beckons you with its cosmopolitan charm and natural beauty. Explore its lively neighborhoods, dine on world-class cuisine, and soak in the stunning views.
• Prince Rupert: Home to North America's deepest natural harbor, this city serves as the perfect gateway to further adventures in the north.
• Johnstone Strait, Alert Bay, & Seymour Narrows: These destinations offer exceptional opportunities to spot orcas and also provide a rich tapestry of indigenous culture, with well-preserved traditions waiting to be explored.
• Gulf Islands: Nestled in the Strait of Georgia, the Gulf Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this pristine paradise, where nature's beauty knows no bounds.
• Princess Royal Island: The largest island in British Columbia, captivates with its fjords and inlets. Witness the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest in all its glory.

The Wildlife of Alaska
In the expansive and pristine wilderness of Alaska, you will find some of the country's most majestic animals around every turn. The majority of the wildlife here are mammals, since their thick fur coats or layers of fat in the case of marine mammals allows them to withstand the cold Alaskan winters. From Glacier Bay National Park to the Inside Passage and all of the millions of acres of wildlife reserves and national parks, it seems impossible to visit Alaska without witnessing these impressive creatures:

• Land mammals: Grizzly & black bears and the elusive polar bears (only in the far north) are sights to behold, as well as moose, caribou, and smaller furbearing animals like marten, mink, wolves, and dawes sheep.
• Marine mammals: Humpback whales, orcas, belgua whales, bowhead whales, harbor seals, , sea lions, sea otters, and walrus can all be found here.
• Birds: Bald eagles & golden eagles are the most famous, but you'll also find ptarmigans, loons, owls, swans, and puffins. 
• Fish: There are five species of salmon that thrive in these cold northern waters, making up an important part of the food chain.

Best Time to Visit Alaska
The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer months, for those who prefer milder temperatures and extended daylight. However, with its diverse geography, Alaska offers something special during each season. 

• Summer (June to August): During the summer months, the Far North, Interior, Southwest, and South Central regions bask in warm temperatures, with average highs reaching 72°F in July. This season provides the ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, and embracing up to 20 hours of daylight in June. The Inside Passage also offers a delightful summer escape, with mild temperatures and an average high of 65°F in July. It's the perfect time to explore fjords and witness abundant wildlife during up to 18 hours of daylight.
• Winter (December to February): In the Far North and Interior regions, you'll experience frigid temperatures, often plummeting to an average low of -22°F in February. However, it's also the prime time to witness the enchanting Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky. The Southwest and South Central regions offer a winter wonderland with temperatures ranging from 0-21°F, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to partake in activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Meanwhile, the Southeast & Inside Passage offers mild winters with an average low of 22°F in January, making it an ideal time to witness breathtaking glacier formations and explore charming coastal towns.
• Spring (March to May): As winter transitions to spring, Alaska undergoes a fascinating transformation. The Far North and Interior regions see the gradual thawing of landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to witness the rebirth of Arctic ecosystems and observe migratory birds returning to their nesting grounds. In the Southwest and South Central regions, spring brings a balanced mix of thawing landscapes and still-chilly waters, creating a perfect setting for spotting sea lions, puffins, and other coastal wildlife during cruises. The Southeast & Inside Passage welcomes budding trees and a sense of renewal in its coastal rainforests.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Alaska ushers in cooler temperatures and a riot of vibrant fall foliage. In the Far North and Interior regions, this season provides the final opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe Arctic animals before the onset of winter. The Southwest and South Central regions offer crisp air and stunning coastal views during the salmon spawning season, with the chance to witness bears feasting on this natural spectacle. Meanwhile, the Southeast & Inside Passage delights in a mosaic of fall colors in its rainforests, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring coastal communities.

What to Pack for your Alaska Cruise

So you've got your cruise booked and your plane tickets purchased, which just leaves one question - What to pack for an Alaska cruise?

Clothes: Pack with plenty of layers, starting with a hooded, windproof, and waterproof jacket on the outside and then a sweater, and shirt. Hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with ankle support are also important. Undergarments and socks that will keep you warm are just as important as a good jacket. Having some decent gloves and a warm hat is a necessity also. On your Alaska cruise, pack for practicality over fashion!

Summer clothes might also be necessary, depending on where you're going and the time of year. Be sure to ask us if you have any questions.

Accessories: Don't forget a camera and all of its accessories, a good pair of binoculars, polarized sunglasses, and alarm clock & watch, a good backpack for day-hikes.

Toiletries & other items: Sunscreen & insect repellant, any special soaps, lotions, or conditioners you use, motion sickness medication (just in case!). 

 

Top 7 Reasons to Stay in an Alaskan Wilderness Lodge

By staying at an Alaska Wilderness Lodge, you can strike the ideal balance between luxury, intimacy, and adventure. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and access to some of the state’s favorite outdoor activities, all while being surrounded by the remote and stunning Alaskan wilderness. With locations in Interior Alaska, Southwest, South Central, and Inside Passage regions, you can choose the perfect spot to suit your interests. From witnessing the northern lights on an adventure cruise on a combined trip with your wilderness lodge to exploring Denali National Park, there's something for everyone. 

Here are the top 7 reasons why you should consider staying in an Alaska Wilderness Lodge:

1. Authentic Alaska experience: Wilderness lodges provide an authentic Alaskan experience with breathtaking views and a chance to get away from it all.
2. Various activities: Most wilderness lodges and itineraries will make sure to include fascinating activities such as guided hikes, fishing, wildlife viewing, whale watching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.
3. Off the beaten path: Wilderness lodges are remote and exclusive, with neighbors being as far away as 40 miles. Sometimes, the only way to get there is by small boat or air taxi, providing an opportunity to truly be on your own.
4. Lavish amenities: Wilderness lodges offer high-end accommodations, personalized hospitality, and a menu of activities to choose from during your adventure. Some amenities to look forward to in most wilderness lodges include spas, hot tubs, gyms, and high-end toiletries. 
5. Personalized service: Hosts at wilderness lodges are friendly and passionate about Alaska. Specific needs and interests can usually be catered to. 
6. Luxurious accommodations: Some wilderness lodges offer the most luxurious accommodations in Alaska, complete with gourmet cuisine, wine tastings, high-thread-count linens, and expert guides.
7. In-depth exploration: Wilderness lodges can be added to any land tour or cruise or can be your entire Alaska vacation, making for a deeper exploration of the State.