Travel to Alaska: Kickstart Your Travel Planning

Calling all adventure seekers and nature lovers! If traveling to Alaska is on your bucket list and you’re planning a trip, then you’re in for an EPIC time!!

Whether you’re drawn in by the rugged mountains, vast wilderness, or unique wildlife, Alaska offers an unforgettable escape for every type of traveler. From cozy and epic winter activities to summer adventures under the midnight sun, here’s a great resource to planning a trip and exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. There are lots of links to other reliable resources as well. I know I’m not your typical travel guide, but being Alaskan born and raised and living and working here my whole life, I think I’m uniquely qualified to give you the inside scoop!

Why Travel to Alaska?

Alaska is a place where you can check a lot of different adventures off your list, like seeing the Northern Lights, enjoy midnight sunsets(not in the same seasons of course), catch a glimpse of diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Every corner of this state offers something mind-blowingly beautiful and different, making it a perfect destination for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. Every season brings it’s own little possibilities and excitement and are loved for many different reasons. Whether you want to ski down some slopes, ride a leisurely train, snuggle up in a cabin or go bear viewing, you can find every level of adventure.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s unmatched in beauty and offers a plethora of fun and adventurous things to do, then I think you’d really enjoy Alaska!

Best Time to Travel to Alaska

The most obvious season for traveling to Alaska is, of course, summer. With green lush landscapes and hikes galore, what’s not to love? Well, there is also much to be loved about our other seasons, so hopefully this encourages you to think outside the box! This webpage has a ton of helpful information about Alaska weather so you can take a peek and see what the trends are! Alaska tends to have pretty extreme weather, usually trending in the cold and unforgiving department no matter what season, so it’s important to be prepared. If you familiarize yourself with the seasons and pack accordingly for activities you want to do, you’ll be golden!

Summer in Alaska (Mid/Late May-August)

One of my favorite times of year in Alaska is summer, when it’s the Land of the Midnight Sun. There are wildflowers in abundance, we experience our longest days and everything is incredibly lush and bright. Temperatures are warmer, we have wildflowers and blooming trees, glacier pools are at their peak (time for a polar plunge!), all the hiking trails are thawed and ready to be explored, and their is endless daylight to fuel your adventures! Alternatively you will have to deal with some obscene sunrise and sunset times and might have a hard time adjusting and sleeping, it is also peak tourist season in general and places will be BUSY! It is also the most popular season for road construction, and of course, Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito (I’m kidding… only just a little hah!).

• Hiking and Camping: Take advantage of the extended daylight to explore national parks and trails. All Trails is my favorite way of finding hikes in different areas around the state. But Hatcher Pass is FULL of them and a great place to start too!

• Fishing out of Homer, Whittier or Seward! Deep sea fishing is an awesome experience and is usually most enjoyable in the summer!

• Glacier Jet Skiing: If you want to really wow yourself or friends and family, then book this tour out of Whittier! You’ll jet across the waters out of Whittier over to Blackstone Bay to the face of a glacier, seeing wildlife and tons of views along the way. I’ve done it twice and LOVE it! Most of the photos on their site are ones I took!

If you want to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun, and have endless access to beautiful landscapes and adventures, summer is definitely calling you!

Fall in Alaska (August-October)

The colors in Alaska usually don’t kick in until early September, but August is when fall rainy season kicks off around here. It’s still a GORGEOUS month and is abounding with berry picking and you can still do all the same things as in the summer, it just might be a little wetter. If you want peak fall colors then mid-September is the best time to catch those. We usually have some last bits of fireweed hanging on, the Alaska State Fair is the last two weeks of August and into September, sunset and sunrise are at a more reasonable time, and it’s a little less busy. Downsides include it can be a bit buggier because of all the rain and wet, it’s cooler out and some tours and business shut down by September 15th.

You can still do the same summer activities listed above, but here are some additional fun ideas:

• Berry Picking: August and into September is when most wild berries become ripe and are great for the picking!

• Escape Rooms: As the weather cools, enjoy some indoor fun solving puzzles and challenges.

• Hunting & Fishing: If you want to experience a subsistence side of Alaska then the fall is a great time for hunting and fishing. You can book guided hunts and fishing tours throughout this time to get the best opportunities!

Winter in Alaska (Late October-Early April)

Winter might be cold, but it’s packed with unique activities that make the most of the snow and ice. If you want to chase the northern lights then this season is definitely for you! Alaska is gorgeous in the winter with snow covered mountains, frosty trees, alpenglow, and snowy landscapes galore. There’s no shortage of winter activities and NO BUGS to harass you while you do them. On the other hand, the days are MUCH shorter, like 4 hours or shorter/longer depending on where you’re at, it’s cold as heck, harder driving conditions, and some limitations on location accessibility. But don’t let that deter you!

• Snowmachining and Dog Sledding: Explore the snowy landscape in a thrilling way, available through many local tour operators. Check out Snowhook Adventure Guides out in Willow!

• Northern Lights Viewing: Winter is the best time to catch the aurora borealis, with several tours and lodges specializing in Northern Lights experiences. The Aurora Guy, Vincent Ledvina is a great resource for tracking these opportunities!

• Skiing: XC or Downhill, we have places for both! Lots of groomed trails around Anchorage and up Hatcher Pass, and Alyeska Ski Resort of course! Skeetawk is a great option if you’ll be in the Wasilla/Palmer area as well.

• Chena Hotsprings and Nordic Spa are also most enjoyable in the winter months with the contrasting hot pools and chilly air.

Spring in Alaska (Late March-May)

Spring AKA Breakup Season

Breakup season isn’t really a great time to visit. While things might be feeling a little happier around these parts with extended daylight hours, everything is melting, muddy, and not very nice to look at! If you do find yourself here around this time, there are still some things you can do and see though…

• Reindeer Farm Visits: Near Palmer, you can visit a William’s reindeer farm to learn about these fascinating animals and even feed them and hang out for a bit!

• Anchorage Museum: Discover local culture and art which can be a great way to spend a rainy spring day.

• Aurora watching: The silver lining to our ugly spring is that it’s still dark enough for the lights!

What To Pack When Traveling to Alaska

Alaska’s climate varies dramatically with each season, and packing for your adventures here can be an adventure in and of itself. Whether you’re planning to catch the Northern Lights in winter or hike through lush landscapes in summer, having the right gear is essential for comfort and safety. To help you prepare for everything the Alaskan wilderness might throw your way, make sure to download my comprehensive Alaska Adventure Packing List below👇

It’s packed with all the essentials you’ll need for each season and activity, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your incredible journey!

How to Get Around Alaska

Flying into Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage is your best bet for flexible exploring if you want the freedom of driving, it’s also great if you want to catch the train to another destination as well as it’s a main hub. If you’re taking a cruise then I recommend playing this by ear based on what they recommend and how long you’re in an area. If you’re flying and driving then renting a car is the way to go rather than relying on other transportation. You can do a mix of car and train as well! This website will give you more insight into this!

Some of my favorite places I always recommend are Seward, Denali National Park, Palmer/Hatcher Pass and Homer!

How Long Should We Travel to Alaska?

Alaska’s vast landscapes and remote locations mean that travel times can be extensive, so it’s crucial to plan the number of days you’ll be spending here thoughtfully. If you’re coming for a long weekend, try to focus on exploring a single region rather than attempting to drive across multiple destinations. This approach allows you to immerse yourself fully in each experience without the rush or fatigue of lengthy commutes. But I personally recommend planning to be here for a week or more and really spending some quality time in an area or two so you have some time to relax and soak it all in. A lot of towns are 1hr-6hrs+ apart so it’s not a quick roadtrip between them. So plan on lots of time if you’re driving longer distances. It’s not realistic or enjoyable to visit and fully experience Fairbanks and Seward on a 3 day trip!

Want the ultimate Alaska Guide book? The Milepost your answer! You can find itineraries, top stops and places to eat and check out and a ton more!

What To Do While You’re Traveling in Alaska

• The Alaska Railroad: Experience the beauty of Alaska by train. Although available in the winter, this is definitely most popular in the summer and has more destinations and adventures you can incorporate into it, peak season being May 15-September 15th usually.

• Fishing in Homer: Known as the “Halibut Capital of the World,” Homer offers some of the best sea fishing experiences. Check out Destination Charters for some fishing adventures and other tours!

• Glacier Paddle Boarding: If you’re looking for a super unique and fun adventure out on the glaciers, then look no further than Outbound’s Glacier Paddle Boarding!

• Glacier Jet Skiing: If you want to really wow your friends, then book this tour out of Whittier! You’ll jet across the waters out of Whittier over to Blackstone Bay to the face of a glacier, seeing wildlife and tons of views along the way. I’ve done it twice and LOVE it! Most of the photos on their site are ones I took!

• Bear Watching: This is SUCH a cool experience if you want to see some of Alaska’s most majestic creatures up close and personal.

• Alaska Skydive Center: Literally the coooooolest thing I’ve ever done and I will shout it from the rooftops!

• Dog Sledding: Experience this traditional mode of transportation and connect with incredible sled dogs on a snowy adventure. Check out the tours with Snowhook Adventure Guides. If you’re here in the summer then Glacier Dog Sledding!

Where to Stay While You’re Traveling in Alaska

I found several really cute VRBO’s and Airbnb’s that I love and think you’ll like too! There are lots of local hotels and BNB’s that are great as well depending on where you’re visiting.

Wasilla/Palmer/Butte Area:

• Cozy Bluff Getaway with Hot Tub
• Rustic Chalet with Private Hot Tub
• Cozy Palmer Retreat with Hot Tub (VRBO Link)
• Riverfront Anchorage Home with Views (VRBO Link)
• Hatcher Pass Lodge

Girdwood:

• Chalet near Alyeska with Hot Tub
• Girdwood Chalet with Private Hot Tub (VRBO Link)

Fairbanks:

• Unique Fairbanks Treehouse
• Fairbanks Treehouse for Northern Lights Viewing (VRBO Link)

Alaska Travel Tips: Things to Know Before You Go

Plan ahead and book your top picks for tours and trips. Things in the summer tend to book up fast, so as soon as you have a plan and dates picked, get your bookings locked in.

Respect the wildlife and practice Leave No Trace by following these principles.. Alaska is wild and we’d like to keep it that way. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, be bear aware and have protection.

Prepare for the Unexpected and pack accordingly. Weather can be unpredictable, even on the warmest of days. Make sure you have good layers, sturdy footwear, and sun protection. If traveling in the winter then hand warmers and thermals are MUST. These Minus33 Base layers are my absolute favorites for cold winter days.

These are my favorite winter items to have on hand:

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Alaska

What is the best time to travel to Alaska?

Summer: July. Fall: September. Winter: February. These are personal opinions of course so take it with a grain of salt. July is usually the warmest and nicest summer month, lots of flowers and things to do. September, while it can be rainy, is when our fall colors come out and I LOVE them, also good berry picking. Come before Sept 15th if you still want more tour options. Usually in February we’ve got great snow for all sports, everything’s frozen up for safe off road adventures and all the things.

What are the requirements to travel to Alaska?/Do I need my passport?

If you’re traveling from another state without leaving the country, then just your ID is fine. If you’re coming from out of country, or on a cruise that’s porting in Canada, you will need your passport as well.

Is Alaska expensive to visit?

As with many other states, or countries, how much you spend is based on how you travel and your research into the area. There are ways to do it fairly affordable. Use this Alaska trip calculator to get a better idea of what you’re looking at. If you want to travel on a cuff season then September is a great cheaper month to travel as most tours start to shut down and might be offering sales and discounts!

What’s the best way to visit Alaska for the first time?

It depends on your level of adventure and how you prefer to travel. If you like to fly by the seat of your pants, have time for leisure and exploring and changing plans on a whim, then flying into Anchorage or Fairbanks and renting a car is going to be your best bet. If you like more structure and want someone to set up your itineraries and have meals and everything be handled, then sometimes cruises are great for experiencing little pieces of Alaska. You’ll see a LOT more and cover more ground driving, but you’ll get to experience a lot of the ocean and Inside Passage on a cruise.

When to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?

I’ve seen AMAZING shows between August-April, but the peak months are September-March. Sept-Early Nov are great if you want the aurora without 6 feet of snow and -20 degree weather. Feb and March are great months too because everything is frozen solid for other fun activities on the snow and ice!

Want Some EPIC Photos While You Travel Around Alaska?

While you’re here, why not capture your adventure with some professional photos? I specialize in couples and elopement photography that tells your unique story against the stunning backdrop of Alaska. Whether you’re here for romance or adventure, let’s create some beautiful memories together! I can also give you all of my personal insights and recommendations for while you’re here and answer direct questions outside of just photography. I’ve tagged along for various excursions and tours with couples to photograph the memories and it’s always so much more fun when you don’t have to worry about pulling your phone out for selfies the whole time. I’ve got you covered from start to finish! If this sounds up your alley, reach out!

Have you looked far enough into traveling to Alaska that taking it one step further and ELOPING here sounds like a total dream?! Then boy oh boy check out How to Elope in Alaska and drop me a line!!

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