Making more of what is already great is certainly worthy of consideration, and there are many reasons to do so! It has been over forty years since we found our way to Alaska and we can vouch for the fact that there is a lot to take in. Let’s consider the possibilities.
Our value-packed tours cover a lot of territory and include an extensive range of exclusive activities, but perhaps you wish to extend your trip with extra days before and/or after your tour to go fishing, or exploring on your own. Maybe romance is in the air and you and your special somebody have decided to get married in Alaska – yes, we have fulfilled that dream for guests. Or, perhaps you simply have time to fill before a late flight and you know there is more to see and do!
Whether it is added hotel stays, a car rental, optional excursions, or arrangements for a special occasion, we can help you sort out the details to ensure the best flow and ultimate Alaska experience. Contact us for additional information and assistance with your planning: (800) 325-2270. Here are some enhancement ideas, but there are many others available:
Bear Viewing
June-September
- KATMAI NATIONAL PARK – The Land of 10,000 Smokes, and home of the famous Alaska Brown Bear viewing at Brooks Falls. Stand on platforms a dozen feet above these 1,200-pound bears as they catch and feed on salmon.
- LAKE CLARK NATIONAL PARK – In July, August, and September comb the shores of pristine Crescent Lake on the lookout for brown bears. Enjoy Alaska with no more than 13 people around for miles!
Half-day and full-day bear viewing packages are available. You can combine bear viewing with salmon and trout fishing packages and/or overnight remote lodge stays.
Far North/Arctic Circle
May-September
- NATIVE CULTURE – Explore the Native cultures who survive the tundra of the north. Travel to the famed Arctic Circle and visit Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) or to Nome in the Far North. Learn the grit it takes to make it through a long, harsh winter in Alaska and dip your toes into the Arctic Ocean (or be brave and take the polar plunge). Only a short flight from Fairbanks.
- KOBUK VALLEY NATIONAL PARK – North of the Arctic Circle in untamed nature sits Kobuk. Whether boating down the Kobuk River, taking a bush plane flight, or charting your own backcountry trip, experience nature on its own term. There are no roads, no gift shops, no trails, and no campgrounds, but there are plenty of sand dunes and caribou – perfect for intrepid travelers.
Fishing
May-October
- RIVER FISHING – Try your luck at landing a 70-pound King Salmon or a 30-inch Rainbow Trout on the Upper, and Lower Kenai River, rated one of the best spots in North America! The Russian and Kasilof Rivers are another popular option. Float trips are available for guests not wanting to fish.
- HALIBUT & SALMON DEEP SEA FISHING – Fish for all 5 species of salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish at locations easily accessible from Anchorage. Deep-sea fishing in Seward comes with the bonus of fishing in humpback whale territory! If traveling to Juneau or Sitka, fishing is a big deal in Southeast Alaska, too. Half and full-day trips are available in all locations.
- FLY OUT FISHING PACKAGES – Consider overnighting at a remote lodge for amazing river fishing and animal viewing. Or, fly to Chenega Bay for deep-sea fishing. After settling in, fish for all 5 species of salmon and about 30 species of rockfish. Several lodges are available.
Flightseeing
May-October
Float planes are a major means of transportation in Alaska, and in Anchorage, there is no better example than Lake Hood – the busiest seaplane base in the world. Flightseeing trips from Anchorage offer the opportunity to view vast mountain peaks and aerial glacial panoramas. Excursions run from 45 minutes to three hours. Some noteworthy options include Denali and Denali National Park; Columbia Glacier; Prince William Sound; Redoubt Mountain & Lake Clark Preserve.
In Southeast Alaska, floatplanes and helicopters have you soaring with the eagles over sea stacks and kelp beds or landing on glaciers. Half and full-day trips are available from Juneau and Sitka.
Glacier & Wildlife Cruises
May-September
Have your camera ready to capture harbor seals, spotted seals, sea otters, puffins, eagles, humpback whales, orca whales, and porpoises. Combine wildlife viewing with tidewater glaciers on a 4.5-8-hour experience on the water out of Whittier or Seward.
Glacier Hikes
May-October
There are several glaciers in Alaska’s interior where hiking to the front of the glacier or on top of the glacier is possible. Dependent on your glacial destination, you can spend a few hours or all day enjoying this excursion. In Southeast Alaska, hiking on top of glaciers and near icebergs is possible, and can include helicopter flights. Another easy add-on when staying in Anchorage or cruising Southeast Alaska!
Northern Lights
Late August-April
When the sun finally sets and nighttime falls in Alaska, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) light up the skies above Alaska. Darkness makes Northern Lights viewing best in the fall and winter months, and away from city lights.
Viewing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle can be done in one day or as part of a multi-day package. In winter you can also view the Northern Lights in Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.
The skies light up with aurora in Alaska’s interior and southeast, too! In winter the Northern Lights dance through the sky with a fury, but by mid-August when the days are growing shorter, it is not common to see them.
Whitewater Rafting & Scenic Float Trips
May-September
Feel the rush (just a short trip from Anchorage) on the famous six-mile route that typically sees class 4 and 5 rapids! You will be fitted in a wet suit to shield you from Alaska’s icy waters and raft down fantastic whitewater rivers in Southeast Alaska – complete with astounding pristine canyons and wildlife. Some age restrictions apply. Location is dependent upon water levels.
Interested in something a bit calmer? Scenic wildlife and birding float trips are available and suitable for all ages.