THE EVOLISTA

The Ultimate Alaska Summer Trip: 10 Day Alaska Itinerary

There is no doubt that this Alaska itinerary for 7 to 10 days includes some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on earth, with its jaw dropping national parks, glittering glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

An Alaska summer road trip to the Alaskan Panhandle, Kenai Peninsula, and the area from Anchorage to Denali should be on everyone’s USA bucket list.

Visiting Alaska was the completion of our 50 state travel challenge . We saved one of the best for last because we knew we wanted to do an extended 1 to 2 week Alaska trip.

This Alaska travel guide includes everything you need including day by day activities, the best places to stay and the best areas to visit.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission. There is no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure  here .

If you are planning a trip to Alaska, here are some other helpful posts:

  • 11 Best Things to do in Seward, Alaska
  • How to get a free or reduced cost National Park Pass for your trip to Alaska.
  • 60 Incredible Bucket List USA Trip Ideas

Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Table of Contents

Alaska Summer Trip Itinerary Days 1-3: Sitka & Juneau

If you’re looking for an amazing Alaska itinerary and have at least 7 days in Alaska, make sure to add Juneau.

This capital city is brimming with activities and sights to see but most people only get there on a cruise. It’s actually really easy to get there by plane on your way to Anchorage and you might consider a stopover in Sitka on your way.

How to get to Sitka and Juneau

When planning your trip to Alaska, you can fly into Juneau or Sitka to see some of the towns that are typically on an Alaskan cruise.

Major airlines and small planes go to both these places. Sitka is small enough to visit on a stopover or plan to stay for if you want to go hiking and whale watching.

We set up our initial flight into Juneau and got extra lucky with a 3 hour layover in Sitka that allowed us a quick visit to this tiny town. You’d be surprised at how much you can see in a town that’s only 4 minutes from the airport.

Sitka Alaska Itinerary

Sitka Stopover: Fun Things to do in Sitka

Sitka, Alaska’s third largest city, is located on Baranof Island in the state’s southeastern panhandle. With its mild climate and rich history, it’s definitely an interesting place to explore.

Totem Square is one of the first places you’ll see when you get into town with a very cool, very tall totem pole. You’ll also see the beautiful harbor. It’s not the one from the movie The Proposal (not actually filmed in Sitka).

Downtown Sitka is filled with shops selling everything from Alaska-themed souvenirs to locally made artwork. We especially liked Alaska Pure Sea Salt . They have great flavored sea salts for cooking and nice bath salts and scrubs.

Grab a bite to eat at one of Sitka’s cafes and restaurants worth visiting. Highliner Coffee Company is a local favorite, serving up fresh-roasted coffee and homemade pastries. Other popular spots include the Beak Restaurant and Ludvig’s Bistro .

We did a self guided walking tour not knowing what we were doing but saw the interesting St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral , the Sheldon Jackson Museum , the Sitka Fine Arts Camp and the Sitka Sound Science Center .

If we had stayed longer, we would have like to visit Sitka National Historical Park for some hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Flight From Sitka to Juneau

The flight to Juneau from Sitka takes 45 minutes from gate to gate. The airport is 9 miles from downtown. Juneau is much bigger than you might think and the lack of Uber drivers is why we recommend renting a car at the airport

Where to Stay in Juneau

  • Four Points by Sheraton Juneau (8.3) is nice, clean and one of the nicer hotels in Juneau. Some rooms have a great view of the cruise ships. There’s a gym and good restaurant. Best of all it’s walking distance to downtown Juneau.
  • Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites (8.4) a boutique hotel on a quiet street, right in Downtown. Some rooms have kitchenettes.

Alaska summer trip - Mendenhall glacier

Day 1: Juneau

Begin your time in Juneau by exploring the stunning natural scenery, including glaciers, rainforests, and mountains.

The Alaskan panhandle is an actual rain forest. Even though the environment is so different from a tropical rain forest like Belize , it shares the rainy climate. And, the weather in Juneau can change your plans.

Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour

Our Helicopter Tour and Guided Juneau Icefield Walk was canceled due to weather and poor visibility for flying.

The tour looks really exciting so hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to go and get a birds eye view of Juneau and walk on top of the glacier.

As a back up plan, take a trip to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center . They offer a variety of interactive exhibits that educate visitors on the history and geology of the Mendenhall Glacier.

There’s also a theater where films about the glacier are shown, and a number of ranger-led programs are offered throughout the day.

Nugget Falls Hike Mendenhall Glacier

After exploring the visitor center, visitors can take a gentle, 2 mile out and back hike to Nugget Falls , to get an up-close look at one of Alaska’s many majestic waterfalls. The falls are much bigger than they look in the photo above on the right.

Juneau is also a great place to drive around and explore even if it’s raining. The way the clouds hug the mountains makes for beautiful photos. There are plenty of places to pull over and explore. You may get lucky enough to see a bald eagle.

Alaska Summer Trip Itinerary

Take a drive down Thane Road to see tons of salmon spawning at Sheep Creek . It’s fascinating, but a little morbid because they die after they lay their eggs. Be prepared to see plenty of dead fish.

Day 2: Juneau

Alaska summer trip Juneau Zipline

Ziplining on Douglas Island

Head over to Douglas Island with for an action-packed canopy tour with Alaska Zipline Adventures .. They outfit you with safety gear and teach you everything you need to know.

Then go soaring through the treetops, as you swiftly zip from platform to platform, seven in total. The final zipline takes you right over an axe throwing range.

Put your aim to the test, after the instructors teach you how to properly throw and axe. If you’ve got skills, you’ll hear a satisfying thunk when you sink your axe into the target, or in my case you’ll hear nothing, haha!

Alaska summer trip Juneau tram

Mount Roberts Tramway

The Mount Roberts Tramway makes a six-minute ascent, taking you 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts. You’ll be treated to views of Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, Downtown Juneau and the huge cruise ships.

You can then choose to climb to the top on one of the three main trails or relax and enjoy a meal at the Timberline restaurant. There’s also a Nature Center and Chilkat Theater on site, so you can really make a day of it.

For a truly adventurous challenge, hike the Mount Roberts Trail from Juneau up to the top of Mount Roberts. The trail is 7.6 miles out and back with a whopping 3,733 feet of elevation gain.

Or, just hike up, spend $15 at the Timberline restaurant and get a free ride down on the tram. It’s a perfect adventure for your Alaska itinerary.

Day 3: Juneau

One of the most unique experiences for your Alaska itinerary can be found just outside of Juneau in Mendenhall Valley.

We mentioned visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Day 1 in Juneau, but that’s nothing compared to actually visiting the glacier itself.

Alaska-summer-trip-glacier-hike

The Mendenhall Glacier is a 12-mile-long ice sheet that flows from the Juneau Icefield into Mendenhall Lake. For centuries, the glacier has been slowly receding, and as it does so, it creates massive icebergs and spectacular blue ice caves.

The Mendenhall Glacier Trek or Glacier Kayak Tour is a must-do for any Alaska itinerary. Either way you get there, you’ll be able to experience the glacier and ice caves.

While it’s definitely a workout, it is well worth the effort. The experience of standing inside a giant cave of blue ice is truly unforgettable!

Mendenhall Glacier Trek

The Mendenhall Glacier Trek Guided Hike takes you on a hiking trail through the Tongass Rainforest to explore the edge of the glacier on foot.

You’ll get to see the dramatic crevasses up close, and if it’s safe, you’ll walk on the ice with crampons and/or head inside an ice cave.

You need to be in decent shape as you will be doing an 8 mile hike wearing a 15 pound backpack of mountaineering gear.

And the trip is approximately 6.5 hours. Hotel pick up, snacks, water and gear are provided. Minimum age is 10 years old..

Alasaka summer trip mendenhall

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Cave & Kayak Tour

We opted to get there on a guided kayak paddle and Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour .

The trip is rain or shine – for us it was raining. Alaskans consider rain a normal part of life – make sure you pack a rain coat. Wear warm workout clothes and they will outfit you with waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket, boots, and kayak skirt.

Once you get in the kayaks or canoes, all of the tedious preparation fades away as you venture out on the glassy, reflective Mendenhall Lake with fog gently laying on top of the water.

It is 3 miles of quiet paddling in the prettiest location until you reach the base of the glacier.

The glacial ice from far away doesn’t show the varied terrain but up close, you see the blue color of compacted ice and all of the crevasses.

It’s a short path from the water to the entrance of an ice cave. If it is considered safe to enter, your guide will explain all of the safety precautions before you duck inside a wonderland of turquoise ice.

Alaska Itinerary Mendenhall ice cave

The melting ice drips from the ceiling into rivers of water on the ground. It’s insanely beautiful and mind-blowing to think about the fact that you are standing under a massive glacier. For us, it was a highlight of our trip.

Afterwards, you hike up around the edge of the glacier. Without ice cleats you can’t go on the glacier itself but it’s still amazing from the edge.

Interesting tidbit – the dirt around the glacier is compressed silt. People pay good money for it as a facial mask. Surprisingly, my son refused the onsite beauty treatment we offered!

Alaska Railroad to Seward

Alaska Summer Trip Itinerary Day 4-7: Kenai Peninsula & Girdwood

The best airport to fly into is Anchorage International Airport . If you are coming from Juneau it’s less than a 2 hour flight on Alaska Airlines. If you are coming from the lower 48, there are multiple airlines that fly into Anchorage.

Car rental in Alaska is somewhat expensive. Expect to pay $2,000-2,500 per week for a rental car. There are deals if you are willing to get whatever car they give you.

You can also take the Alaska Railroad to Seward, which travels through Alaskan backcountry along the Turnagain Arm, where you’ll catch glimpses of glaciers and waterfalls that aren’t viewable from the road.

The Alaska Railroad schedule is pretty good during the summer. Either take a one way trip from Anchorage to Seward and then plan your trip back on a different day or a Seward Round Trip where you’ll have about 6 hours to explore.

Where to Stay in Anchorage

  • The Hotel Captain Cook (8.6) is conveniently located in downtown Anchorage with restaurants, a bar, fitness center, pool and shops. This is one of the nicest hotel in Anchorage.
  • Hyatt Place Anchorage – Midtown (8.8) Spacious rooms, modern design with a free airport shuttle and an indoor pool.
  • The Lakefront Anchorage (7.6) Nice rooms, located on a lake and has an airport shuttle.

Day 4: Kenai Peninsula

Seward Highway – One of the Most Scenic Road Trips in America

A must on your Alaska itinerary is a road trip down the famous Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward.

At nearly 120 miles long, this breathtaking scenic route offers amazing views, beginning with the Turnagain Arm. Gently sloping mountains covered in lush pine forests and snow are reflected in a stunning bay.

Make the drive on your own or take a Wilderness Wildlife Glacier tour to many of the places mentioned below. If you are only in Anchorage for a day or two or you just want someone to show you all the best spot, this is the way to go.

One of the best places to stop is the Beluga Point lookout (near mile marker 110) – a spot along the highway where you can catch incredible views of incoming whales as they feed near shore.

We didn’t see any beluga whales but it’s a beautiful place to take in the view.

The next place to stop after Beluga Point Lookout would be the town of Girdwood but we decided to spend time there on the way back instead. You’ll find the details below on Day 7.

Alaska-summer-trip-moose

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife. As you begin your Alaska road trip to Seward, be sure to add the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

This sanctuary is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through educational programs, research and animal care.

At the center, you can see bears and moose up close, watch wood bison roam free, and even feed reindeer and elk.

The 1.5 mile loop around the center is perfect for a leisurely walk or drive, and you’re sure to spot all sorts of animals along the way.

So whether you’re a wildlife lover or you’d prefer to see a bear from a safe distance, this is a great place to visit.

Summer Hours : 9am – 7pm every day • Adult: $18 • Kids (5-17) $14 (under 4) free

Whittier Alaska

Whittier and Portage Glacier

Less than a mile after the Conservation center, you can take the side trip to Whittier and Portage Glacier. Drive through the one way Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The fee to is $13 only charged one way for the round trip.

If you arrive in Whittier by noon, you can do a Prince William Sound Glacier Tour . See glacier calving, whales, sea life and possibly bears on a 5.5 hour cruise that includes lunch.

If you prefer a hike, the 4 mile round trip Portage Pass hike is highly recommended. Unfortunately we arrived too late in Whittier to take advantage of either of these outings.

In hindsight, we would have visited Whittier first and the Conservation Center afterwards.

Tours to the Turnagain Arm from from Anchorage

  • Wildlife and Glaciers Day Trip – tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Chugach State Park, and see Portage Glacier.
  • Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour – Experience Portage Glacier from the water on a one hour cruise and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Day 5: Seward

We decided to spend two days in Seward and both had long excursions which took up a bulk of our time. The first was a whale watching cruise and the second was kayaking in Bear Glacier lagoon.

If you are planning to spend time in the Kenai Peninsula, there’s even more information in the 11 Exciting Things to do in Seward Alaska .

Where to Stay in Seward

  • Harbor 360 Hotel  (8.6) the best hotel choice if you are planning to do a Kenai Fjords Tour. The very convenient location is on the waterfront, there’s an indoor pool and breakfast served each day.
  • Gateway Hotel (8.8) Great location with clean and comfy rooms. Continental and buffet breakfast served.
  • Best Western Plus Edgewater Hotel (7.5) We stayed here because we booked so late and nothing was left. It was fine and well located but overpriced for what it was.

Alaska summer trip Alaska Glacier

Whale Watching & Glacier Calving in Kenai Fjords National Park

If you want to go whale watching AND see a tidewater glacier calving, you basically have a choice between two cruises. We chose the Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise .

The other option is the 7.5 Hour Cruise . On the longer cruise, you will see one extra glacier and it’s approximately $20 extra per person.

For people that want to take a shorter 4 hour cruise, there is a Kenai Fjords Half Day Wildlife Cruise. You will see whales and other wildlife, skipping glacier calving altogether.

Alaska Itinerary whale watching

There’s nothing quite like a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise to get you up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most stunning wildlife.

On a Resurrection Bay cruise, you can expect to see pods of orcas, migrating gray whales, sea otters, seals, puffins, porpoises and other marine life.

And of course, the highlight of any Kenai Fjords cruise is stopping at an active tidewater glacier and seeing it calving.

It’s hard to imagine these huge masses of ice moving, but you know it’s true when they keep dropping off into the water with a big boom.

Lunch is included, as is a wilderness expert who shares lots of interesting commentary along the way. It’s nice to just sit back, relax and take in the beauty of Alaska.

The whale watching trip returns at the same time as the fishing trips. There is a ton of excitement on the docks as they clean the fish and hang them up in a beautiful display. The fishermen of the day has the big guy hanging in the middle.

Alaska-summer-trip-fish

Resurrection Bay

Definitely make time to walk along the waterfront. The view of Resurrection Bay is too pretty not to snap a few pics. Resurrection Bay is a great place for kayaking and canoeing too.

There is a campground right on the bay for those doing an RV or Sprinter van trip.

When you are packing up for your trip, definitely consider packing an inflatable kayak or canoe to get out on the water. You can also rent kayaks at Miller’s Landing.

We saw so many people taking a summer trip to Alaska with grandparents. It’s such a great opportunity to build memories and bonds that last a lifetime.

If you haven’t considered it, Alaska is the perfect trip to take with extended family. We loved having my mom with us.

Alaska-summer-trip-chase-bumpa-riley

Day 6: Iceberg Kayaking in Bear Glacier Lagoon

For the adventurous traveler, there is no better way to explore the beautiful Alaskan wilderness than by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

And for those who really want to get off the beaten path, iceberg kayaking in Bear Glacier Lagoon is a must-do experience on your Alaska itinerary.

The lagoon is located in one of the most remote and pristine corners of Alaska. Surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, it offers a truly unique setting for exploring by boat.

And while paddling through the frigid waters may not be for everyone, it is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world.

Alaska-summer-trip-helicopter-group

On our second day in Seward, we took a helicopter flight to Bear Glacier Lagoon for this kayak adventure. I had never been on a helicopter and seeing Alaska in the summer from above was amazing.

It’s an expensive day trip but it was honestly one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

The kayaking excursion is good for all fitness levels. You can also do a SUP version but need to have some SUP experience. You can take a SUP lesson beforehand if you need to learn.

The minimum age is 11 years old for kayaking and 13 years old for SUP. Here is the approximate cost from Liquid Adventures:.

  • Get to Bear Glacier lagoon by boat, 5.5 hour trip , drysuit and kayak gear provided $325 per person
  • Arrive at Bear Glacier lagoon by boat, return by helicopter, 9 hour trip , drysuit and kayak gear provided $550 per person
  • Arrive and depart by helicopter, 5.5 hour trip , drysuit and kayak gear provided $650 per person

 Alaska-summer-trip-helicopter-mountains

Helicopter Flight Over Kenai Fjords National Park

There’s something special about seeing Kenai Fjords National Park from above. As you fly in a helicopter over the stunning landscapes, you can’t help but be awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of the place.

The mountains rise up like giant sentinels, guarding the coastline from the wild storms of the ocean.

The glaciers look like flowing rivers of ice, carving deep valleys into the rock. And the fjords themselves are like giant fingers reaching out into the sea.

In addition to incredible views of the mountains and glacier, you might get a glimpse of the wildlife that live in these mountains, like a running herd of mountain goats or Dall sheep clinging to the steep sides of the mountains.

I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Alaska that you get a chance to see Alaska from above, whether it’s by helicopter or small plane.

Alaska-summer-trip-glacier-mountains

One of the most breathtaking sights was the amazing turquoise glacier water in Bear Glacier lagoon.

From the helicopter, you can see the huge part of the iceberg floating below the surface. Only 10% of the iceberg is visible with 90% being underneath the water.

Things to do in Seward Alaska Kayaking

From water level, you are kayaking abound icebergs as big as trucks and buildings. We were cautioned to stay at a distance because the icebergs can flip over without warning.

Every once in a while the silence is pierced by a huge crack and boom of an iceberg breaking apart and rolling. It’s also a great place to hear your voice echo.

Alaska-summer-trip-chase-kayak

If you love to explore, you will see one thing after the next that you want to check out, including sea lions relaxing on an iceberg of their own. Depending on the trip you choose, you’ll have 2-5 hours of kayaking time.

For current conditions at Bear Glacier Lagoon, Exit Glacier or the Harding Icefield, check the National Park Service website .

Day 7: Girdwood

To break up the 6 hour drive from Seward to Denali, the ski resort town of Girdwood is a perfect stopping point. Girdwood, Alaska is a small town with a big heart – and an even bigger mountain.

Nestled at the base of Mount Alyeska, Girdwood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.

Where to Stay in Girdwood

  • Hotel Alyeska   (8.4) is a true resort and a welcome respite that is more luxurious than most hotels in Alaska. It’s perfectly located to every outdoor activity, has a full spa, fitness center and a great indoor pool.
  • Placer Cabin (9.6) a 2 bedroom, 1 bath cozy holiday home that’s close to town and hiking trails.

Alyeska Aerial Tram

No visit to Girdwood would be complete without taking the Alyeska Aerial Tram 2,300 feet to the top of Mount Alyeska for panoramic Turnagain Arm views.

You can spot seven named glaciers and see the peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range too.

The tram tickets are $38 per adult, but you can get a discounted Dine and Ride ticket for lunch at the Bore Tide Deli & Bar or a complimentary ride for dinner at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant.

You can also get those great views for free if you’re willing to hoof it to the top. The North Face Trail is 2.1 miles of switchbacks and 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

Make sure you wear shoes with good traction as you may encounter some snow depending on the month you go. You can ride the gondola back down for free.

Alaska summer trip alyeska hike

Winner Creek Trail & Hand Tram

One of the most popular hikes in Girdwood is the Winner Creek Trail, a 4.9 mile out and back trail with a cool a hand-tram ride that takes visitors over a stunning gorge in an old growth forest.

For those looking for an easier hike with kids, the Virgin Creek Falls trail is only a half mile round trip, with a beautiful waterfall.

After a long day of adventure, refuel with some local flavor at the Girdwood Brewing Company . Whatever your taste, Girdwood has something to offer everyone.

Alaska Summer Trip Itinerary Days 8-10: Denali & Talkeetna

Four hours north of Anchorage is the area of Denali. Famous for Denali National Park, it’s also a thrill seekers paradise. If you love hiking, off-roading, river rafting or wilderness adventures, get ready to have some fun!

Where to Stay in Denali

  • McKinley Creekside Cabins   (9.2) Cute little cabins with comfy beds and creekside views from the porch. This is where we stayed and it was just outside Denali NP. Conveniently located to restaurants and excursions.

Denali National Park

Day 8: Denali

Denali National Park

Alaska is a land of vast wilderness and dramatic scenery, and there is no better place to experience it than Denali National Park .

The park covers an immense six million acres, and its centerpiece is Denali (also called Mount McKinley), the highest mountain peak in North America – taller than Mount Everest!

On a 7 day Alaska Itinerary, it’s hard to fit in more than a Denali National Park day trip. Ideally 2-3 days would allow you to get more of the true experience including spotting wildlife, for which Denali is famous..

We opted not to visit because a bulk of our day would have been riding the bus that goes through the park.

If you do choose to visit, you can book a bus tour , join a ranger-led program , explore the hikes in Denali’s front country, or do what we did – an ATV tour in the landscape that essentially backs up to Denali National Park.

Alaska-summer-trip-atvs

Denali ATV Tour

The Denali ATV Off-Road Tour takes riders through the rugged terrain of the boreal forest and Alaskan backcountry.

Get all the thrills of off-roading with everything you need provided for you, including all safety gear and a professional guide.

For this adrenaline-pumping adventure, you can choose to ride a single-rider ATV or a multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. We did both and took turns driving Grandma around (she had an absolute blast too).

The tour is suitable for all experience levels. Ride up to 30 mph with great stops for photo ops and wildlife sightings. It makes a good holiday card photo.

So whether you’re a hardcore off-roader or just looking for a unique way to see Alaska, the Denali ATV Off-Road Tour is sure to please.

Pro Tip: Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We were filthy from head to toe and couldn’t have been happier!

Alaska-summer-trip-bus

Into the Wild Bus

In 1992, Christopher McCandless set off on a journey to find himself eventually leading to Alaska. McCandless’s Alaska itinerary was simple. He would travel to the most remote corners of the state, living off the land and embracing the wild.

For nearly four months, McCandless navigated Alaska’s vast wilderness, testing his limits and reveling in the beauty of nature.

He spent his last days living in an abandoned bus near the town of Healy, Alaska. The bus still stands in the same location and people that are inspired by his story try to get there, but it’s dangerous.

The safer, and much easier option, is to see the replica bus made for the movie, Into the Wild , It’s located at the 49th State Brewing Company in Healy.

After you see the bus definitely stay for the good food and lively atmosphere. Another great restaurant is The Black Bear in Denali. They have a terrific breakfast.

Day 9-10: Talkeetna

Talkeetna is a funny Alaskan town that is said to be the inspiration for the tv show Northern Exposure . It has a funky vibe and is fun to hang around. 

Talkeetna is the jumping off point for all kinds of adventures, from starting a Denali summit to flightseeing tours, boat tours, and fishing trips galore.

Unfortunately, bad weather prevented us from doing the #1 Alaskan excursion – a Denali flightseeing tour with glacier landing. Hopefully you’ll have beautiful weather and can add this breathtaking experience to your Alaska Itinerary.

Where to Stay in Talkeetna

  • Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge   (8.8) One of the nicest resorts to stay in Talkeetna, with a view of Denali, is a 10 minute drive from downtown. They have great restaurants and well appointed rooms.
  • Belle’s Cabin – We stayed in this charming 3 bedroom historic home. It was really comfortable and one block from downtown.
  • Willow Cabin (10) – A spotless cozy and charming, 1 bed/bath cabin in the woods, walking distance from town.
  • Talkeetna Roadhouse (9.1) Stay right in the center of it all at the historic Inn that is home to one of the best restaurants in Talkeetna. Rooms are rustic but comfy.

Denali Flightseeing Tour

Denali Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna

There is no better way to experience its sheer size and scale than on a Denali Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna . This tour takes you within 6 miles of Denali’s summit before descending into the Ruth Amphitheater .

On the regular 1 hour flightseeing tour you will get a birds-eye-view of The Ruth and Tokositna Glaciers, the ridges of Mount Huntington, and the hanging glaciers of Mount Hunter.

But for those who want a truly wild Alaska experience, the 1.5 hour tour includes a landing on a glacier. Land in the awe-inspiring place where climbers and skiers are dropped off to experience the wonders of Denali.

In clear weather, you might be able to see up 15,000 feet to the peak. From the air you will see Moose’s Tooth , where climbers summit.

Another amazing thing to explore by air is the Great Gorge . The ice is a staggering 3,700 feet deep, the walls are approximately a mile high above the glacier, and the crevasses are big enough to swallow a house.

Reserve your Flightseeing Tour here and you will be charged 2 days prior to your flight. At the time of publishing, the 1 hour flight is $260 per person and the 1.5 hour glacier landing tour is $375 per person.

Alaska summer trip Talkeetna Store

Downtown Talkeetna

We were Talkeetna locals for a few days since we were grounded. Talkeetna Roadhouse is a must for Talkeetna restaurants. You find a seat wherever you can fit in, even if it means asking people to move over.

They have pancakes so large that they flop over the edges of the plate.

There are lots of little, touristy shops. A large portion of the buildings are historic with plaques that tell their historic significance. You can really envision what it must have been like to be there years before.

Talkeetna is set at the base of Denali and on the banks of the Talkeetna and Sustina Rivers. The area is a great place to take a hike, even in the rain.

The Talkeetna Lake Trail is a 3.7 mile easy loop in Trapper Creek. There are also plenty of forest and river paths to explore.

Alaska summer trip Talkeetna Walk

Day 11: Anchorage & Seeing the Northern Lights

Our last day in Anchorage was uneventful but we went shopping, rode bikes along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. We also walked around downtown Anchorage shops and ate a great dinner at Glacier Brewhouse before heading to the airport.

Alaska Northern Lights

One of the best things to see in Alaska is the Aurora Borealis. Also known as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis is a natural light show that is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The result is a stunning display of color that can be seen in the night sky. While the northern lights happen all year long it’s hard to see during summer in the land of the midnight sun.

BUT it is still possible, especially the further you get away from the summer solstice around June 21st.

Check the Aurora Forecast map to see when the lights are most active. If the KP Index goes over 4 and there’s a night sky, you may be treated to an unforgettable sight.

Sure enough, glued to the window of our red eye flight, I saw the Alaska Northern Lights. It was hard to get a photo that did it any kind of justice but I watched the dancing green lights for hours.

Aurora Borealis Alaska August

Best Time to Visit Alaska

The best time to visit Alaska depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Summer is the best time to visit for the best weather and the most activities.

  • Summer – Average summer temperatures are between 50 – 80 F with sun and some rain. Daylight is approximately 18 hours during the summer so you’ll have tons of time each day to enjoy activities. However, you’ll be competing with throngs of other tourists for hotel space and activities. Peak tourist season is June to mid-August.
  • Shoulder season – In May and late August to early September is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a balance of good weather and smaller crowds.
  • Fall – Stunning displays of autumn foliage and seeing the Northern Lights makes fall a great time to visit. However, there is a risk of early snowfalls, which can make travel difficult.
  • Winter – for people willing to brave the cold, you’ll be rewarded with smaller crowds and the chance to experience Alaska’s winter wonderland.

How to Get to Alaska for Your Summer Trip

If you look on a map you will find that the Alaska Panhandle (the southernmost strip) is not accessible by car. People can only bring their own car using a ferry system called the Alaska Marine Highway .

The difficulty moving from town to town in southern Alaska is why most people take an inside passage cruise for their summer trip. You can however, fly Alaska Airlines from place to place for a decent price.

If you plan to skip the panhandle and just do a road trip in Alaska, it’s easy to get around from Anchorage as your starting point. you can also look at flights to Fairbanks but it is further north and not as centrally located. You are definitely better off starting in Anchorage.

Alaska 10 Day Itinerary Highlights

These are the things we did on our Alaska trip that all of us loved and we highly recommend.

  • Seward – Bear Glacier Kayaking with transport by helicopter
  • Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Adventure Tour
  • Denali – Denali ATV Off-Road Tour
  • Kenai National Park – Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife and Glacier Calving Cruise
  • Girdwood – Hotel Alyeska and Winner Trail Hike
  • Seeing salmon spawn
  • Meeting Alaskan locals. Everyone was very friendly.

The Things We Missed on Our 10 Days in Alaska Itinerary

  • The Denali Flightseeing Tour & Glacier Landing from Talkeetna due to weather. 🥲
  • Homer – We didn’t have enough time to check out the Salty Dawg Saloon and drive down to the Homer Spit (a peninsula at the end of the Kenai Peninsula). If you like fishing, it’s the halibut capital of the world.
  • Taking a Bear Viewing Day Trip From Homer to see bears catching salmon in Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park. You can check out the bear webcam for real time bear fishing.
  • Cruising Glacier Bay National Park. Alaska is huge and it’s so hard to fit it all in.
  • Stay at an Alaskan Wilderness Lodge – a real summer vacation experience, like a luxurious camp with activities, gourmet meals and lodging included.
  • We didn’t do anything with Alaska dog sledding because we’ve heard

Alaska Summer Trip Tips

  • Leave your umbrella at home and pack a rain coat and rain boots like the locals do.
  • Book hotels or an Alaskan Wilderness Lodge way ahead. If you wait too long you can find yourself overpaying for a hotel that is average at best. Throughout this Alaska itinerary, we’ve included hotel options in every area.
  • Be adventurous and do your own trip by car or rail. No cruise necessary.
  • Alaska is huge. You are going to have to pick and choose unless you have at least 2 weeks.
  • There are a lot of prop planes, float planes and helicopters to get around. It can be expensive but the time you save, the views you see and the interesting activities you can do, make it worthwhile.
  • To save some money on your Alaska trip, book your plane tickets with miles. Here are the best credit card offers if you need to boost your point balances.
  • We rarely take tours while traveling but Alaska is the place to go all out and get once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

If you’re looking for an epic road trip that will take your breath away, consider planning a trip to Alaska.

With its rugged and beautiful terrain, amazing wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, a 7 day Alaska Itinerary is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

10 days is even better and ours turned out to be an 11 day Alaska Itinerary. Start planning your Alaskan adventure today!

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About Jenifer

13 comments.

Loved the update of Alaska and seeing all the personal photos – fun to read and dream about!

I loved reading about your trip. This is a great starting point for me. We are planning a trip for next September. Without your flights to & from Alaska, could you give a ball park total of what your trip cost? Thank you for sharing.

Hi Jolyn – Thanks for your question. I don’t have a price answer for you, but this week I will update this post with current prices. I’ll send a follow up message when I do.

Thank you for the great info shared here. I love your pictures and the way you travel. If you had to pick between Iceland and Alaska, which one would you choose? Debating between the 2 for our summer vacation. Price wise, which one is more expensive? Thank you!

That’s a great question. Price wise, Alaska is more expensive if you want to do a lot of activities like bear watching or flight seeing. If you plan ahead, both will have decent accommodation and flight prices but Iceland will be more expensive for last minute and car rental. You can’t go wrong either way. They’re both amazing trips!

Yair Esrubilsky

Hi thank you so much for this very helpful guide. I’m trying to organize a trip to Alaska this summer. Would you mind giving me an idea of how much you spent per person per day for the entire trip including everything? (I don’t need an exact number and it can be a range if you don’t feel comfortable).

I don’t really have a cost per person but hotels/Airbnb’s will average $200-400 per night. Excursions can range from reasonable to very expensive. Anytime you need to fly (helicopter/sea plane) it will be on the expensive end. No matter what you can fit the trip into any budget if you just plan accordingly. I would say that our trip was price wise pretty middle of the road with the exception of kayaking in bear glacier – on the high end. I know that’s not an actual number but hopefully helpful. It was one of our favorite trips of all time. Enjoy Alaska!

Thanks for the info! We will be going to Alaska in June. I was wondering what kind of camera did you travel with?

We used an iPhone and Canon 70D.

Hello, Thanks so much for this information. Ive been looking into doing a road trip in Alaska as well rather than a cruise ship. I found that renting a car is very expensive in Alaska. How did you move around from town to town, did you use a bus car or train?

We did a car and with Covid, I’d probably do the same again. I think the bus is cheaper than the train if you are looking for the least expensive option. A great way to save money on the trip overall is to stay in Airbnbs instead of hotels and camp if you like camping.

estaservice.us

You have shared some really good information here and the images are amazing! Really enjoyed reading your blog, didn’t know that there’s so much to explore in Alaska. Thanks for sharing these information with us, it’s helpful!

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It is our goal, honor, and ultimate pleasure to provide all our employees and guests with a truly intimate and unmatched experience in the Alaskan wild. Lucky us, we get to live, work, and play in one of the most rugged, remote, dynamic, untrammeled and scenic areas on earth. The vibrant, pristine, tourmaline waters of Prince William Sound surrounding Valdez are relatively protected and calm, when compared to the other Alaskan coastal towns exposed to the wide open ocean. Plus, we get to witness the mighty Columbia Glacier continue its catastrophic retreat almost every day of the summer. The pure remoteness, dramatic relief, spectacular wildlife, massive glaciers, and vast expanse of Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains will undoubtedly make our area the highlight of your vacation.

Join our fun, friendly, informative, and safety-conscious team for a truly unforgettable experience, in one of the finest natural settings on earth.

Come see for yourself what the Pangaea buzz is all about, be it for a  paddling day tour , sea kayak camping , lodge-based , or mothership trip , or fuse all of our trips together into one week-long mind-blowing multi-sport sampler . We look forward to taking you out and showing you the goods!

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We specialize in Alaska tours and offer two different small group tours that capture the beauty of its natural landscapes and wildlife during the summer season.

Our itineraries, expert guides, and blend of culture and nature set our Alaska adventure tours apart. Whether you’re dreaming of seeing the majestic Denali , watching grizzly bears feeding on salmon , or walking on one of Alaska’s glaciers, we have the perfect Alaska summer tour for you!

To learn more about each of these incredible Alaska summer tours, including a complete itinerary with tour dates and pricing, simply submit the form on this page.

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Frequently Asked Questions and General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

You are on your way to America’s last frontier, Alaska. Its size is 1/5 that of the contiguous United States. Alaska has five unique areas: Inside Passage, Southcentral, Interior, Far North and Southwest. Alaska became the “49th” state in 1959, with Juneau as its capital. Originally called “Alyeska – The Great Land” by its native dwellers, it was bought from Russia in 1867 for $7,200,000. Alaska is the home of Mt. Denali, known to the Natives as “The Great One.” At 20,320 feet, it is the highest mountain on the North American continent.

Nowhere else can you view so many active glaciers and find such a rich abundance of wildlife. Living styles vary from modern city dwellers to solitary lifestyles in the wilderness and everything in-between. Many areas in Alaska can only be reached by air or water. The mountains, rough coastlines and tundra are not conducive to road building. Whether you are visiting to enjoy the beautiful scenery, on business, to fish, for adventure or a little of each, we hope you have a marvelous stay and that the following information will be useful.

CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL

Knightly Tours has been customizing vacations to Alaska since 1969. Your vacation is custom planned to your specific requests. You will be traveling independently and not be with an assigned “group” of people. This gives you the maximum amount of freedom to dine when you wish, take optional tours on your schedule and enjoy Alaska at your pace.

Some of our vacations are Escorted Tours, which will have you traveling with a group of guests on the exact same itinerary. This group will be lead by an Escort who will be responsible for all of your arrangements. Unless outlined in your itinerary, no meals are included.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Whether you are traveling independently or are on an Escorted tour, your travel documents will consist of a detailed itinerary, and some vouchers. Services that do not require a voucher are outlined in your itinerary.

Your detailed itinerary includes names, addresses and phone numbers of accommodations and services you will be using during your vacation. For self-drive tours we have included general driving instructions. Always use personal baggage tags to help identify your luggage in case it is misdirected while traveling.

MANAGER ON DUTY

Knightly Tours deals with many different companies. Should you have a question regarding a particular portion of your trip, please refer to your itinerary, and contact the office of the appropriate supplier. Always identify yourself as a Knightly Tours passenger.

Should any difficulties arise that cannot be solved by dealing directly with the company supplying the service, contact KNIGHTLY TOURS at (800) 426-2123 – during business hours stay on the line for an available representative, and after business hours dial extension 230 to be connected to the manager on duty 24 hours a day.

RECONFIRMING ITINERARY

It is very important to reconfirm all services as noted on your itinerary. There may be a last-minute change of time, pick-up point, etc., after your travel documents are received. Occasionally a flight time can change, which in turn can affect a transfer time to the airport. If a pick-up location other than your overnight accommodation is assigned, you must provide your own transportation to that location. Please reconfirm flight departures with each airline at least 12 hours in advance. Be sure to carry photo ID as all airlines are requiring identification upon check-in. All rail seat assignments are made at check-in time.

TEMPERATURES/DAYLIGHT

Alaska is such a large state, and as a result temperatures and weather will vary greatly between the regions of Alaska. The chart below shows the daily average for high/low temperatures and the amount of daylight in the major regions of Alaska.

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The rule for Alaska is dress in layers. Weather can change quickly in Alaska. Make sure you bring a waterproof rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, and most of all comfortable walking or good athletic shoes. Most walks in Alaska are on uneven ground so the selection of shoes is important.

Alaskans are practical. Comfort is the key. If you are not cruising (larger cruise ships) you will find no need to bring sport coats, suits or dresses. In Alaska you can dine in the best restaurants in “country club casual” attire. Dress for comfort and pack light.

Cruise ship passengers’ evening attire ranges from casual to formal. Depending on the length of the cruise and cruise line there will be at least one formal evening. Most cruise lines, in keeping with the destination, have limited their dress to the more casual options. In your documents will be your specific cruise itinerary with the cruise lines suggested attire.

The Alaska State ferry is a casual environment.

Airlines limit luggage to two pieces plus one carry-on or overnight bag per person. Private Air Charter Flights require “soft sided” bags due to limited space. An overnight bag will be useful if you have itinerant travel of one or two overnights away from a “base” city hotel. Due to space limitations it is best to bring what is needed for the “away overnight” in the smaller bag and check the rest with your hotel. There may be a minimal charge, but it is well worth it. If traveling from Anchorage to Fairbanks or vice-versa by train with a stop in Denali Park, we recommend checking all but your carry-on with the railroad. There is minimum space for baggage in the passenger cars. You are responsible for claiming luggage checked. If traveling by motorcoach all but the overnight bag will be stored in the luggage bay. Small ship and day boats also have limited space for extra luggage. Large cruise ships have no restrictions. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system takes no responsibility for handling passengers’ luggage. There are coin-operated storage lockers on board the ferries and baggage carts are furnished to the car deck for foot traffic with luggage.

Always have your personal identification tags on your luggage. Luggage is subject to customs inspection if travel takes you through Canada.

CAR RENTALS

All published Self-Drive packages include a prepaid rental car. This prepaid voucher covers car rental with unlimited mileage and most Airport Fees and Taxes. The driver(s) must carry a major credit card in their name, have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age – Avis (25 years – Hertz). There is an added charge for additional drivers which must be paid at time of pick-up. Collision Damage Waiver Fee is offered by the rental companies and can be purchased at the time of rental. Prior to departure, you should consult your insurance carrier about coverage for rental cars. The emergency number for Avis within the state of Alaska is (907) 243-4300 or contact the closest Avis office listed in your itinerary. A contact number for Hertz is included in itineraries that include a Hertz rental.

Tipping is a matter of personal preference. The following are suggestions only:

CONTACTING PASSENGERS

Knightly Tours recommends that you leave a copy of your itinerary with family before you go. The itinerary will contain contact information for the various hotels/lodges you will be staying at. If contact with a cruise passenger is necessary it can be done through ship to shore calling.

If you are cruising all large cruise ships now have satellite phone systems and email. This information for your specific cruise line is included in your documents. If there is an emergency your family can contact Knightly Tours at 800-426-2123 and one of our agents will help getting family in contact with you.

Refunds will not be given on vouchers that are unused voluntarily or as a result of illness or injury. If a service was cancelled by the operator, request a refund through Knightly Tours. All refund requests must be made in writing, through the booking agent when applicable, within 60 days of completion of your Knightly Tours trip. Remember to save receipts for insurance claims if you have purchased travel insurance.

HINTS FOR A WONDERFUL ALASKAN EXPERIENCE

Remember, you have gone on vacation for new experiences so do not expect everything to be as it is where you live. Relax don’t be so serious you can’t allow yourself to have a good time. If a negative situation occurs, do not judge all people by one experience. Be flexible and patient. Some days will be longer than you are used to, so keep your sense of humor. Listen for instructions on trains and motor coaches. If you are a smoker, always ask about smoking areas and regulations before lighting up. Take your sense of adventure with you for a truly unique and exciting new experience. Don’t go to Alaska for the weather – go for the beauty and adventure, be prepared for anything. Thank you for choosing Knightly Tours to plan your tour. Remember to take this pamphlet with you and bring back wonderful memories of Alaska, the GREAT LAND.

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Valdez Glacier and Icebergs

Valdez Glacier and Icebergs

The get up close blue ice experience

Glacier Lookout Luncheon

Glacier Lookout Luncheon

A Very Unique Experience

Worthington Trek, Valdez

Worthington Trek, Valdez

Tour Beyond the Trail

Icebergs SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)

Icebergs SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)

Glacier Lookout Hike and Stay

Glacier Lookout Hike and Stay

Wow! What an Experience

Valdez Glacier Shuttle Cruise

Valdez Glacier Shuttle Cruise

Cruise on Out to the Face

Alpine Hike and Packraft

Alpine Hike and Packraft

It's sooo Sweet!

Sheep Bench Mountain Biking

Sheep Bench Mountain Biking

Mountain Pass to Glacier Face

Mountain Pass to Glacier Face

Full Day of Pure Alaska Heli-hiking

Summer Ice Climbing

Summer Ice Climbing

Town to Glacier Traverse

Town to Glacier Traverse

Half-Day Heli-Hike Packed with Views

High Alpine Hike

High Alpine Hike

Remote Backpacking Adventure and Beauty

10 in 10

Classic Alaskan Alpine for Everyone

Family Hike & Explore

Family Hike & Explore

Alpine Family Fun

Valdez Guided Rock Climbing

Valdez Guided Rock Climbing

Worthington Grand Hike

Worthington Grand Hike

A Side of Worthington Most Never See

Alaska Guide Company

Alaska Guide Co is based in Valdez, Alaska. We offer year round tours and seek to provide helpful information on all things Alaska outdoors related.

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Alaska Escorted Tours

Would you like to leave the day-to-day details of your Alaska vacation to an expert guide? If so, one of our fully guided or escorted tours may be a great fit for your party.

Escorted tour guests travel with the same group of 25 to 40 fellow travelers led by an experienced tour director. Your director takes care of many trip logistics: Checking you into hotels, coordinating luggage, arranging optional tours, even recommending restaurants. Travel is generally by deluxe motorcoach and private dome rail car. Accommodations, transportation, specified tours, and many meals are included. Flights and optional tours are not.

For more information, please review our escorted tour programs and links below. If you're curious about independent travel, check out our self-guided tour packages . Be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

  • Grand Alaska Escorted Tour. Featuring both a day-long wildlife cruise and Denali Park bus tour, this eight-day tour provides wide ranging Alaska experiences. It begins in Anchorage and connects to Valdez by tour boat. From here, the trip continues by motorcoach to Fairbanks and Denali National Park. It concludes in Anchorage. Learn More or Get a Quote Now
  • Alaska Explorer Escorted Tour. Starting in Fairbanks, over the course of six days and five nights this guided tour visits Denali Park and Talkeetna. It includes a free afternoon to explore the Denali Park area, plus a wildlife bus tour into the park. The tour wraps up in Anchorage. Learn More or Get a Quote Now
  • National Parks Escorted Tour. This eight-day tour visits both Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Guests enjoy a bus tour into Denali Park, train trip to Talkeetna, and a day cruise out of Seward, plus transportation by deluxe motorcoach and dome train. The trip begins and ends in Anchorage. Learn More or Get a Quote Now
  • Winter Escorted Tours. Celebrate the start of the Iditarod. Watch the northern lights. See Denali Park in the peak of winter. Experience the beauty and fun of Alaska in February and March on three distinctive escorted tours. Learn More

Grand Alaska Escorted - Tour 900

Enjoy the ease of travel on an escorted tour package that includes destinations like Valdez, Fairbanks, and beautiful Denali National Park. The eight-day trip is fully guided. Learn More >

Alaska Explorer Escorted - Tour 910

Travel with a guide and a group of fellow Alaska adventurers on this escorted six-day vacation package with stops in Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Anchorage. Learn More >

National Parks Escorted - Tour 920

Travel alongside an experienced guide on an eight-day escorted group tour to Denali National Park and Seward. The trip runs roundtrip from Anchorage. Learn More >

Alaska Winter Vacation Packages

Plan a custom trip or book a fully guided tour package. Either way, your perfect Alaskan winter vacation is well within reach. Learn More >

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1- and 2-Day Tours from Anchorage

May 1, 2024 - September 15, 2024

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Glacier and Wildlife 1-Day Tour

Our Most Popular Summer Tour! 

Available June 1 - September 15, 2024

$235/person ($225 age 12 and under) - includes FREE hotel pickup! (a $40 value!)

Activity Level: Easy

Departs 10:30 am

What You'll See and Do:

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views above Anchorage

Travel the majestic Seward Highway/Turnagain Arm

Cruise up to the face of Portage Glacier

See native wildlife up-close at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Have amazing photo opportunities!

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907 Tours van at Portage Lake

907 Tours guests ride in style in our Mercedes Sprinter van for the Glacier & Wildlife Day Tour

Guests in front of Portage Glacier

Part of 907 Tours Glacier & Wildlife Day Tour

Turnagain Arm View

View of spectacular Turnagain Arm

Matanuska Glacier

Hike on the Matanuska Glacier!

Matanuska Glacier Trailhead

907 Tours guest prepares for a once-in-a-lifetime trek on the Matanuska Glacier

King Mountain Overlook

King Mountain scenic stop during Glacier Hike Day Tour

Alaska Wildlife 1/2-Day Tour

A half-day scenic tour and wildlife encounter

May 1 - September 30, 2024

$115/person - includes FREE hotel pickup! (a $40 value!)

Departs 1:00 pm

Sightsee down the Seward Highway along the majestic Turnagain Arm

See native wildlife up-close in a beautiful natural setting at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Have amazing photo opportunities! 

Matanuska Glacier Hike 1-Day Tour

Take a walk on a river of ice! A true "bucket-list" adventure!

$299/person - includes FREE hotel pickup! (a $40 value!)

Activity Level: Moderate

Departs 8:30 am

Travel the scenic Glenn Highway through the spectacular Matanuska Valley.

Spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the face of the Matanuska Glacier with an expert glacier guide.

Brown Bear at the AWCC

907 Tours guests get up close to native animals and enjoy a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Kobuk the Black Bear at the AWCC

Guests get up close to the beautiful Matanuska Glacier with 907 Tours near Anchorage, Alaska

907 Tours van at Portage Lake

907 Tours gets guests up close to native animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Best of Alaska Glaciers & Wildlife 2-Day Tour

See the best of Southcentral Alaska's glaciers, scenery and wildlife on this 2-day experience - Special Rates!

June 1 - September 15, 2024

DURATION: 2 days

$498/person - includes FREE hotel pickup! (a $40 value!)

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Salmon Berry Travel & Tours

Explore Alaska with the Experts

  • Alaska Travel Packages

At Salmon Berry Travel & Tours , we help you experience Alaska like never before. Our travel packages let guests see the breathtaking northern lights with the Alaskan wilderness as a backdrop. Trek into the majestic Denali National Park , looking for snowshoe hares, caribou, and eagles. Adventure into the wild outdoors on a dog sled and create amazing memories.

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Northern Lights Getaway from Anchorage

Northern Lights Getaway to Fairbanks

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights, level: moderate.

An all inclusive 6 day, 5 night tour focused on the aurora borealis, fully guided by a local Alaskan expert!

Price: starting at $2,835 (based on double occupancy)

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2024 Iditarod Aurora Tour

Duration: 9 nights, 10 days.

This tour is dedicated to The Last Great Race, northern lights, and the winter vacation of a lifetime!

Price: $4,287 (based on double occupancy)

Alaska Cruise

Alaska Cruise Alternative: Glaciers, Parks & Wildlife

Duration: 6 days, level: easy to moderate.

Small Group Escorted Tour Package! More Info

Price: $2822 (based on double occupancy)

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Book Your Alaska Tour Packages

Alaska’s splendor is unforgettable, from crystal-clear glacial pools and frozen rivers to immense glaciers and picturesque backdrops. Reserve one of our amazing travel packages to enjoy Alaska’s beauty with your own eyes.

For more information on this tour, please get in  touch with us or give us a call at 866-681-0209

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Alaska Tours & Trips from Anchorage

An adventure starting in Anchorage is a great way to see Alaska. We have 48 tours that range from 4 days up to 20 days. The most popular time for tours from Anchorage is July, which has the most tour departures.

48 Alaska tours from Anchorage with 290 reviews

Alaska Kenai & Denali Adventure Tour

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Alaska Kenai & Denali Adventure

Fabulous Tour in a beautiful place!

Majestic Alaska (10 Days) Tour

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

In general things went very well. However, At the Denali location there was a shortage of staff which prevented full service at the Park, Ie. not all dinning venues were normal and our room service such as daily service was missing. We were told, staff shortage due to Canadian employees may have left due to concern of border being closed into Canada. Hotel dysfunction on a limited basis due to that concern. On our last day at the Anchorage Hilton room service was missing also. Not sure why. Most other activities were well supplied/performed. We were pleased.with our Tour Director Tyler, Bus Driver Les and Health coordinator Carol., Some other venues were a bit restricted due to COVID-19 concerns which appear to be out of control of Tourradar. We loved Valdez,, Fairbanks, Anchorage and Kanai Fjords National Park, as well as the Athabascan Village and flat boat ride and other amenities such as the Husky Dog Farm. Overall pleased, except as noted above. The weather cooperated 100%.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Alaska Adventure - 20 Days Tour

  • Overland Truck
  • Mountain Hikes
  • Hiking & Trekking

Alaska Adventure - 20 Days

I highly recommend Infinite Adventures in general and this trip particularly. If you want to see the best of Alaska you have to join the team and their bus, In 20 days I have seen more from Alaska than I would ever have expected. Dave and Tory are amazing and I would travel with them any time. 5 stars all the way!!!
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days Tour

Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days

It was my fist time camping and it was an unforgettable experience. Thanks to Alaska I have stories to tell and never forget. ????????????⛴⛺️⛰????????????

Spectacular Alaska! Tour

Spectacular Alaska!

The Tour of Alaska was filled with beauty and adventure. We cannot imagine a better way to see this beautiful area. Our Guide was fantastic, and our driver was just as great!

Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali Tour

Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali

Had a wonderful time in Alaska. A combination of the sights and sounds and what we saw as well as the CEO and other participants made it a great experience. A well balanced program with options to please all interests, it was a good time for all of us. Can't control the weather though, which would have made it a five star vacation. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Alaska: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure - 9 Days Tour

  • Ice Trekking
  • Kayak & Canoe
  • Sightseeing

Alaska: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure - 9 Days

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. He also shared wonderful photos of all the animals we saw. Bear Mountain Lodge was the highlight of the tour. I couldn't believe how many bears we saw and how close we got to them. It was awesome!

Anchorage: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day/4 Night Adventure Tour

Anchorage: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day/4 Night Adventure

We had a terrific experience in Alaska. Some wonderful scenery and animal sightings. Our hosts were very accommodating and thoughtful to enhance our experience. Well worth the visit.

Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys Tour

Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Grand Alaskan Adventure Tour

Grand Alaskan Adventure

Just returned from the Grand Alaskan tour booked on line with Cosmos.........after paying an additional $1,300 for balcony suite we were extremely disappointed to board the ship and find out Cosmos had booked us an ocean view room only with the cruise line. We are now in the process of trying to contact Cosmos post trip and are told they only have two staff members working their client relations centre and that we will have to wait 2 to 6 weeks to look into this issue. Prime example of a company who no longer cares about their clients once they’ve received their $$$$

Spectacular Alaska! with Alaska Cruise Tour

  • Ocean Cruise

Spectacular Alaska! with Alaska Cruise

Outstanding tour of Alaska in every way. Highly recommend!

Grand Alaskan Adventure with Alaska Cruise Tour

Grand Alaskan Adventure with Alaska Cruise

4 day Alaska Seward Camping Adventure from Anchorage Tour

4 day Alaska Seward Camping Adventure from Anchorage

Myself and my buddies just got back from a Private Alaska tour with Bindlestiff. This was a great tour at a great price with a great guide. Alaska is sooo big, so we narrowed down an area we really wanted to see and explore in more depth. What a fantastic action packed itinerary. Lots of great meals included - very thought out. We loved the optional activities offered, along with hikes and free time in town. We are a group of friends traveling together and appreciate the stress being taken away and not having to plan and just enjoy - thank you so much for the fantastic time!
  • 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak (5 destinations) Tour

Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak (5 destinations)

Hiking in Denali National Park (5 destinations) Tour

Hiking in Denali National Park (5 destinations)

Reviews of alaska tours from anchorage.

Everything was great organized, our CEO Megan was so kind and well prepared.
It was an awesome tour. Saw and did so much. I would recommend Trafalgar to tour with. We are booked next year for The Colorful Trails of the SW in September. I want to say our tour director,Tyler Browning, is one of the best guides we have had. He is personable, friendly, caring, very knowledgeable and on top of everything. He is GREAT!

Tours starting from Anchorage

  • Anchorage to Anchorage tours (40)
  • Anchorage to Fairbanks tours (5)
  • Explorer from Anchorage (32)
  • Family from Anchorage (22)
  • Active Adventure from Anchorage (15)
  • Hiking & Trekking from Anchorage (14)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Alaska Reise von Anchorage
  • Français: Circuits et voyages Alaska au départ de Anchorage
  • Español: Alaska Circuitos desde Anchorage
  • Nederlands: Alaska Rondreizen die beginnen in Anchorage

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Tours & Sightseeing Trips in Fairbanks, Denali & the Arctic Circle.

Touren & sightseeing in fairbanks, zum denali park & polarkreis ., summer tours, arctic circle, price $260~.

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Chena Hot Springs

Price $200~, fairbanks city tour, price $150~, aurora viewing (fall), price $110 - $300, river fishing and rafting, price $215 - $360, discounts, specials, and packages, price $220 - $3,124, trains, shuttle, and customized tours, price $150 up.

Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC

Summer Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska

We offer a variety of tours to meet your needs, including customized, private tours. 

Our summer season ranges from early-mid May to late August and we operate Monday to Friday during the summer season.

  • Our Most Requested Tour!
  • Hour Glass 14 hours
  • Tags Summer Tours

Arctic Circle Day Tour

Cross the Arctic Circle and explore the wild and vast North. This tour is a very exciting, one-of-a-kind adventure. You will not regret booking this most requested tour with us.

  • Hour Glass 10 hours

Beauty of the North Tour

Explore the Alaska Interior and take a different route with us to experience one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska. Stops will include Salcha, Delta Junction, and Summit Lake.

  • Hour Glass 8 hours

Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

Take a tour through the Fairbanks Ice Museum before sitting back, relaxing and enjoying some interesting commentary from your guide as you make your way out the 60 miles towards Chena Hot Springs Resort.  Take a tour of the green house, eat some amazing food (optional and not included), or take a dip into the phenomenal healing waters of the hot springs. Chena Hot Springs is not just healthy for the body, but also for the soul.

  • Hour Glass 5.5 hours
  • Tags Summer Tours , Winter Tours

Fairbanks Heritage Tour

This tour is for anyone who is interested in the history and highlights of Fairbanks, Alaska. Tour includes a convenient pick up from your hotel (within the city limits) and a local guide to show you the sites around Fairbanks.

  • Hour Glass 6 hours

Table Top Mountain Hiking Tour

The Table Top Mountain Trail is a wonderful and easy day tour for all age groups. The hike is spectacular and offers beautiful views of Nome Creek valley and Beaver Creek valley.

  • Hour Glass 7 hours

Wickersham Dome Hiking Tour

The Wickersham Dome Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the White Mountains, close to Fairbanks, 28 miles on the Elliott Highway.

  • Hour Glass 5 hours

Angel Rocks Hiking Tour

Come explore Alaska’s wild side. Angel Rocks is one of the most popular hiking trails and is suitable for the whole family.

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The 13 most affordable alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Book your Alaska cruise during one of the best promotions of the year.

The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

The Holland America Noordam in Skagway.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

There's no better time than now to book your dream vacation to The Great Land. Cruise vacations are more popular than ever, and affordable cruises are getting harder to find – especially for beloved destinations like Alaska.

Cruisers can nab some of the lines' best deals of the year during wave season. This period, which extends from January to March, refers to the "tidal wave" of lower pricing across the cruising industry during this time. Some cruise lines even kick off their sales in December, so it's advisable to begin your search for discounted pricing early.

Below, we've included some of the best Alaska cruise deals available right now for sailings in 2024 and 2025. All quoted prices are per person for double occupancy and were accurate at the time of writing. Keep in mind: Each itinerary may be available on multiple dates; we've listed the date with the lowest starting price to get you the best value.

Read on to explore the top options for an affordable Alaska cruise.

Find your perfect cruise

Holland America Line

The Holland America Noordam in Yakutat Bay.

Holland America's "Time of Your Life" wave season deal features up to 40% off bookings for select sailings from summer 2024 through spring 2025; the sale ends at the end of February. You can also add the premium "Have It All" bundle. This added perk features a signature drink package , specialty dining, shore excursions and Wi-Fi access. The exact pricing and benefits of the package depend on the length of the cruise. The wave season pricing also features a complimentary stateroom upgrade, reduced deposits, and free or discounted fares for kids.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound

Holland America's seven-day voyage aboard Noordam includes an afternoon cruising in Hubbard Glacier and a full day of sailing through picturesque Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. The ship also calls on the ports of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, with one additional day of scenic cruising on the Inside Passage, before disembarking in Vancouver. Plan to stay an extra day in Vancouver to explore on your own, or opt for a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour with Holland America (complete with luggage service and an airport transfer) before taking a flight home later that evening.

This southbound itinerary is also available on May 25, 2025, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam , starting at $679 per person.

7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

This round-trip sailing on Zaandam from Vancouver highlights the Inside Passage with a day of scenic cruising, plus a limited stop in Tracy Arm Inlet for excursions, before reaching the coastal towns of Juneau and Skagway. Then, you'll enjoy another day of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, followed by a stop in Ketchikan and cruising the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver .

The Tracy Arm fjord features glacier-covered mountains and the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the country. It is also home to abundant wildlife, including whales, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and mountain goats. Book the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to see the majestic beauty of the Tracy Arm wilderness and the twin Sawyer Glaciers up close. You might even see and hear ice calving into the pristine waters. You'll cruise through Stephens Passage on your way back to meet the ship in Juneau.

Zaandam sails this itinerary in 2025, as well. The lowest fare starts at $629 per person for the voyage on May 14, 2025.

Princess Cruises

The Majestic Princess in Skagway.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises' wave season deals feature up to 40% off cruise prices, complimentary room upgrades, $100 deposits, and free fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom or suite. The advertised fares on the Princess Cruises website are for the line's MedallionClass experience, which includes dining at the complimentary onboard restaurants, entertainment on the ship, fitness facilities, and the youth and teen clubs. You can add optional upgrades, such as a beverage package, specialty dining, shore excursions and Wi-Fi access, either individually or with a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package.

7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound)

Princess' seven-day itinerary aboard Grand Princess features the lowest available fare for the line's 2024 Alaska season. The itinerary starts with a relaxing sea day, followed by stops in three ports of call in Alaska: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. You'll also have two days of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord before disembarking in Whittier, near Anchorage .

The southbound voyage (which is the reverse itinerary) on Grand Princess departs May 15, 2024, from Anchorage and also starts at $398 per person. Or, you can sail that southbound itinerary on Sapphire Princess on May 18, 2024, for the same price.

In 2025, you can book this itinerary on Caribbean Princess for as low as $467 per person, embarking on May 10, 2025.

7-Day Inside Passage (Roundtrip Vancouver)

This shoulder season sailing in September is available on Grand Princess. The round-trip voyage from Vancouver features two days at sea; one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier; and stops in the coastal towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. While on the ship, spend warmer days outdoors relaxing at The Sanctuary, an adults-only venue. You can also experience one of the line's Discovery at SEA enrichment programs on board, or book one of the affiliated excursions ashore.

This Grand Princess itinerary is also available on May 27, 2025, for as low as $547 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Jewel in Alaska.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian's current "Free At Sea" promotion includes a free unlimited open bar package, free specialty dining, free shore excursions and complimentary Wi-Fi access. You'll also find additional deals like 50% off deposits, free third and fourth guests (or $99 per additional person, depending on the sailing), and free airfare for a second guest. Be sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a Norwegian sailing.

7-Day Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway

Norwegian's sailing from Seward to Vancouver on Norwegian Jewel features two days cruising through Hubbard Glacier, where you'll be able to book the Hubbard Glacier & Wilderness Explorer excursion for an up-close look at North America's largest tidewater glacier. Afterward, the ship calls on Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove).

In Ketchikan, reserve a spot for the Alaskan Cultural & Lumberjack Show Experience, which includes an entertaining show, a chance to learn about Alaska Native culture, and a tasting of local food and wines. Alaska also offers some of the best fishing conditions in North America, so anglers may want to consider booking a private excursion to go fishing for halibut or salmon. After several days in port, enjoy one more day of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver.

In 2025, the seven-day Hubbard Glacier & Skagway itinerary will sail from Vancouver to Whittier. The lowest fare for this cruise starts at $529 per person aboard the Norwegian Jade on May 5, 2025.

7-Day Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau

This sailing on Norwegian Jewel departs from Vancouver and includes three sea days cruising the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hubbard Glacier. The itinerary also calls on the ports of Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Juneau and Skagway.

The 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, and the line offers a variety of excursions to view the impressive ice sheet. For a bucket list adventure, splurge on the helicopter and dog-sledding excursion to Mendenhall Glacier from Skagway. You can also opt for another once-in-a-lifetime trip: a flightseeing tour by floatplane. You'll fly into the wilderness, kayak across a stream and then hike the surface of the Norris Glacier, a remote glacier in the Coast Mountains that's only accessible by plane or on foot.

If you're looking forward to 2025, you can book a similar itinerary from Whittier to Vancouver on April 28, 2025, starting at $499 per person on Norwegian Jade.

alaska summer tours

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Celebrity Cruises

Balcony of the Celebrity Suite on the Celebrity Summit.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's 2024 wave season includes flash sales with offers like 75% off the second guest on nonrefundable deposit rates and a 50% discount with refundable deposit fares. Other deals may include free upgrades, depending on the sailing. Refer to the Celebrity Cruises website for the current promotions, or consult with a cruise specialist for the best deals and pricing.

7-Night Alaska Southbound Glacier

This mid-May itinerary on Celebrity Summit is currently the line's lowest-priced Alaska cruise for the 2024 season. The one-way sailing from Seward includes a day of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier: one of Alaska's most beautiful natural treasures at 7 miles wide, 76 miles long and an impressive 30 stories high. The ship also calls on ports in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, with an additional full day cruising the Inside Passage, before disembarking in Vancouver.

For 2025, this same itinerary currently starts at $649 per person for the May 16 sailing on Celebrity Summit.

7-Night Alaska Northbound Glacier

The reverse itinerary of the southbound voyage above, this cruise offers similar ports of call and sea days, except you'll stop in Sitka rather than Skagway. This sailing is also on Celebrity Summit. During your time in Icy Strait Point, consider a whale watching excursion; you are guaranteed to see whales (or receive your money back) on one of the tours departing from their shores. In Sitka, take a guided hike to explore the beautiful Tongass National Forest or a tour to learn about the Tlingit culture. This outing includes a visit to local totem artists and a beer meister, as well as a sampling of regional foods at a popular restaurant.

Or, consider a comparable cruise aboard Celebrity Summit on May 9 or May 23, 2025. Fares start at $649 per person.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas on the open ocean.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's current deal features up to $600 in onboard credit, 60% off the second guest and kids sail free fares . The line offers sales throughout the year, so you can check back to see what promotions are available at a later date, or contact a cruise specialist for additional specials. Below, you'll find the lowest fares currently available for Royal Caribbean sailings in Alaska.

7-Night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Royal Caribbean's one-way sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas features scenic cruising along the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier, as well as stops in the ports of Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway. Consider booking a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route while in Skagway: The historic narrow-gauge railway offers a picturesque ride through Alaska's wilderness, with views of White Pass.

The reverse itinerary, the Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier voyage, is also available on Radiance of the Seas; prices start at $339 per person for the May 10, 2024, sailing. In 2025, the May 30 northbound itinerary aboard Radiance of the Seas currently begins at $680 per person.

7-Night Alaska Experience Cruise

This round-trip voyage from Seattle on Quantum of the Seas calls on Sitka, Skagway and Juneau in Alaska. It also makes a late afternoon stop in Victoria, British Columbia , where you can plan to have dinner that evening. You'll have two days at sea for relaxing or enjoying all the activities and attractions on the ship, including the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, robotic bartenders and live performances with aerial entertainers. You can also take a ride on the FlowRider surf simulator, surrounded by snowcapped mountain views and calving glaciers.

In 2025, this round-trip voyage from Seattle on Quantum of the Seas starts at $840 per person for the Sept. 8 voyage.

Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Miracle in Alaska.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

This cruise line advertises limited-time promotional rates and deals throughout the year. You can join Carnival 's VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club to unlock even more deals and additional perks. Current specials include reduced deposits, up to 35% off fares, free room upgrades, onboard credit and discounts for families traveling in the same stateroom.

7-Day Alaska from Seattle

This seven-day voyage on Carnival Spirit sails round-trip from Seattle and features one day to explore the ship while at sea, plus a scenic cruising day in Tracy Arm Fjord. Ports of call include Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as a late evening stop in Victoria before you disembark the next day in Seattle. For your day in Ketchikan, consider booking the award-winning Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour on the famed Aleutian Ballad from the Discovery Channel show, "Deadliest Catch."

This itinerary is also offered on Carnival Luminosa . If you are sailing in 2025, you can book the same seven-day cruise starting at $609 per person for the April 14 voyage on Carnival Spirit.

Shorter cruises

A shorter cruise may be an attractive option if you don't have extensive vacation time or you prefer to spend a few days ashore before or after your sailing. If kids are in tow for the adventure – and it's your first time cruising with them – you might also want fewer days at sea to test the waters (literally). See our pick of competitively priced four- and five-night Alaska cruises, below.

Princess Cruises: 4-Day Alaska Sampler

This 2025 cruise aboard Discovery Princess includes one port of call, Ketchikan, and two days at sea between Vancouver and Seattle. This 4-Day Alaska Sampler itinerary is also offered on May 13, 2025, on Royal Princess , with a starting price of $327 per person. The reverse itinerary (Seattle to Vancouver) is offered on May 23, 2025, on Grand Princess; pricing starts at $347 per person.

Princess Cruises: 5-Day Alaska Sampler

If you want to sail with Princess for one extra day, consider booking the five-day sampler cruise sailing round-trip from Vancouver. This early season itinerary aboard Caribbean Princess calls on Sitka and Ketchikan, offering more time ashore to explore these two popular coastal towns along Alaska's Inside Passage. Guests will also have two sea days to enjoy activities and dining experiences on the ship.

How to find the best Alaska cruise deals

Book during wave season.

As previously mentioned, you can take advantage of some of the best deals of the year during wave season. Promotions offered during wave season include lower cruise fares, reduced deposits and onboard credits. You can also find special rates (or free fares) for the third and fourth guests in the same room, making this the perfect time to book a family cruise.

In addition, look for discounts on higher-level staterooms and suites, or even accommodations in exclusive areas of the ship, such as The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line or The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises. These private spaces offer swanky extras like luxurious accommodations, all-inclusive pricing , butler service, a team of attendants and concierge service, as well as private restaurants, lounges and pools. With lower pricing, wave season may be the best time to splurge on a cruise vacation in one of these upscale enclaves.

Promotional pricing beyond wave season

If you miss booking your cruise during wave season, don't panic. Many lines offer special pricing and flash sales throughout the year and advertise lower fares for voyages during Alaska's shoulder seasons, which fall in May and September.

"You will always find the more affordable Alaska cruises toward the beginning and end of the season. This year, the Alaska cruise season begins in April and continues through October," says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic. She adds, "The challenge with shoulder season Alaska cruises is that the weather might not be the best – it can snow in Alaska in April and early May – and in the fall, the nights will be longer (although, there is a chance you might see northern lights )."

In addition to giving up the warmer summer weather (and possibly having snow), you may also miss some optimal wildlife viewing opportunities if you cruise early or late in the season. For example, the peak time for bear-watching excursions extends from mid-June to mid-August, which falls during the height of the Alaska cruise season in July and August.

If you're looking for other ways to save money on your cruise, Gray Faust advises that older ships also provide more value when you're looking for deals.

It's important to note that a few of this year's wave deals extend just until the end of February 2024, so you'll need to refer to the individual cruise line websites to see the exact dates for the special offers. You may also be able to find lower prices on some discount and aggregator sites, like Cruise Critic, Cruises.com and Priceline.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
  • The Top Alaska Shore Excursions

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations , Budget Travel

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US News & World Report - Travel

The 16 Best Alaska Shore Excursions for 2024

A cruise to Alaska is one of the best ways to visit many parts of the 49th state, including the Inside Passage and the southeastern port towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. You can also see dozens of glaciers on a cruise, plus remote places reachable only by water, like Glacier National Park & Preserve. Traveling by ship allows you to get closer to one-of-a-kind experiences in Alaska's interior, especially if you extend your vacation with a cruisetour (a package that includes the cruise and a land portion either before or after your voyage).

When it comes to excursions, many cruise lines offer the same experiences ashore for larger ports of call, often with a slight variation in the itinerary. The most popular tours highlight the best activities and attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour in Juneau, the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway. You'll also find entertaining offerings from cruise lines that call on smaller, less visited ports, like Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Sitka, Seward and Haines.

While some tours cost less than $100, don't be surprised to find over-the-top experiences that run about $750 per person – such as heli-flightseeing tours, where you'll land on a glacier and go dog-sledding with a team of Alaskan huskies. If you're comfortable with going it on your own, you might find lower prices on some excursions by booking directly with tour operators. Alaskan outfitters are used to working around cruise ship arrival and departure times, so their tours tend to fit into those schedules.

U.S. News has compiled this list to help you find the best Alaska shore excursions, from the most popular (and affordable) options to once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Category Navigation Box Enhancement : Table of Contents - Travel - Best Alaska Shore Excursions

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Even though it's surrounded by water and mountains – and there's no road into town – Juneau is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer. You'll find plenty to do in Alaska's capital, including whale watching tours, salmon bakes and more.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, so many tours include a visit to the Tongass National Forest to view the 12-mile-long sheet of blue ice. Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises , offer self-guided trekking excursions that include a ride on the Juneau Goldbelt Tram, which affords views of the Chilkat Mountains and other panoramic scenery. You can also opt to see the glacier from the water by boat or kayak, or on a float trip.

However, if you're going to splurge on any one excursion, it's this one: Sign up for a helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier, followed by a dog-sledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies. During the approximately 30-minute helicopter ride, you'll fly over rainforests and spectacular summits, but the real fun is when you arrive at the camp to go zipping through the snow led by your team of dogs and a professional musher.

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion is offered on Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest

Whale watching is another top activity when visiting Juneau, and many cruise lines offer several options for tours. Holland America Line has a five-hour, small-group excursion for just 20 guests; you'll search for humpback whales on a safari vessel, then hike on Mendenhall Glacier where you can look for beavers, Arctic terns, porcupines and black bears. If you prefer an even smaller group, Princess Cruises offers a 3.5-hour private whale watching tour for six people. Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, eagles, harbor seals, lighthouses, glaciers and maybe even a bear along the shoreline.

One of Viking Ocean Cruises ' excursions, the Best of Juneau, lasts more than six hours and takes guests on a naturalist-led whale watching cruise by catamaran. Before heading back to shore, you'll have a lunch of local wild-caught Alaska salmon on remote Colt Island, followed by a scenic drive to Mendenhall Glacier to end the day.

Alaska whale watching and wildlife excursions are offered on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Taku Lodge Salmon Bake

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 3.5-hour Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast excursion that will tick several quintessential Alaska adventures off your bucket list. After flying over the Juneau Icefield (the fifth-largest ice field in North America) in a classic De Havilland seaplane, guests will land in the river at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge across from Juneau's largest glacier, the 5-mile-wide Taku Glacier.

A traditional Alaska salmon bake (with all the fixings) and drinks made with glacier ice are another highlight of the day. You might even see a black bear sniffing around for leftovers after your feast. Following lunch, take a walk in the lush Tongass National Forest before heading back from the wilderness.

Salmon bake excursions are offered on Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Ketchikan sits at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's Inside Passage. It is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Visitors come to this part of the state for the beautiful scenery, Alaska Native culture and fresh seafood, including Alaska salmon and king crab. And they just might enjoy an entertaining lumberjack show or floatplane ride to kick off their day while in town.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Watch Alaska's hearty lumberjacks battle British Columbia's tough woodsmen in a head-to-head competition to see who can win the title of "Bull of the Woods." The thrill-a-minute show – a guest favorite – features a 50-foot tree climb, ax throwing, log rolling, buck sawing and springboard chopping, along with plenty of lumberjack lore. Some lines, like Princess Cruises, offer just the show; it lasts a little over an hour, so there will be plenty of time for a self-guided tour of Ketchikan before heading back to the ship. You may also be able to book a combination tour that includes the show and an ax throwing lesson (plus a competition of your own), or a trip to Totem Bright State Park, where you'll learn about the significance of totem poles and the Native Tlingit and Haida cultures.

Holland America Line offers a tour with the lumberjack show and a feast of local Dungeness crabs. For another culinary option, check out the 3.5-hour excursion with Norwegian Cruise Line . It includes a visit to Saxman Native Village, where you'll sample smoked wild game meats, dine on chef-selected dishes prepared with regional ingredients, and taste local wines and beers.

Lumberjack shows are offered on Alaska voyages with Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Embark on the Aleutian Ballard, the Bering Sea fishing boat made famous by the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" television series. The approximately three-hour excursion gives guests a firsthand experience of what it's like to sail on the vessel as a Bering Sea crab fisherman and catch massive king crabs, octopuses and other marine life with 700-pound crab pots. The boat may also stop at nearby Annette Island, where you'll have the chance to see whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles soaring overhead (one may even try to snag your catch!). You may also get to watch local fishermen at work.

Some lines that offer the fisherman's tour include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Misty Fjords by Floatplane or Cruise

The more than 2 million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the top attractions in Alaska . Described by naturalist and author John Muir as "the Yosemite of the North," the awe-inspiring destination is best viewed from above on a floatplane. From the sky, you'll see towering 1,000-foot waterfalls, the volcanic Revillagigedo Island, snowcapped peaks, verdant forests and 3,000-foot walls of granite descending into the fjords. On a floatplane tour, you'll also have the chance to land on the water and take in the spectacular scenery from another viewpoint.

If you're not a fan of small planes, some lines offer the option of taking a cruise from Ketchikan's harbor. You'll sail into Behm Canal surrounded by the scenery of Misty Fjords, and you may even see wildlife or bald eagle nests. You'll also cruise by Eddystone Rock, a massive volcanic spire emerging from the sea, as well as waterfalls and 3,000-foot cliffs sculpted by glaciers.

Cruise lines that offer floatplane or cruisetours of Misty Fjords include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Raw HTML : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Skagway is another busy and popular cruise port in Alaska. It's one of the most popular towns on the Inside Passage itinerary; its fascinating Klondike Gold Rush history dates back to 1897. Take notice of the historic false-front shops reminiscent of the gold rush days as you explore. Many of these buildings are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and you may even see people strolling down the streets dressed in period costumes.

White Pass & Yukon Route

One of the top-rated attractions in Skagway is the White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad journey through Alaska's wilderness. The narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – an honor shared by the Panama Canal, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Dating back 125 years, the historic railway features vintage rail cars and climbs to a steep 2,865 feet at the summit over just 20.4 miles. Along the way to the summit – located at the official international border between the U.S. and Canada – you'll listen to the history of the Klondike Gold Rush while passing by Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. After making a loop at the top, the train will head back down the mountain. You might even see snow on the ride if your cruise to Alaska is early in the season.

Excursions on some lines combine the rail journey with other activities, like biking on the Klondike Highway from the summit or visiting Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp. Others include a stop (and a cold beer) at the Skagway Brewing Company. In addition, some cruise providers offer the train ride in a luxury class rail car, which includes complimentary beverages, snacks and a private guide who will explain the history of the railroad as you watch the scenery pass by.

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-hour excursion features a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route, a salmon bake at Liarsville and an adult beverage with one of the "madames" at the renowned Red Onion Saloon. Meanwhile, Silversea Cruises ' new 5.5-hour tour includes the train ride; a trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which sits 65 feet above the white water rapids of the Tutshi River; and a hearty lunch of bison chili.

Cruise lines that offer the railroad (and combination) tours include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Discovery

If you want to cuddle with Alaskan husky puppies, then this excursion is for you. Norwegian Cruise Line's approximately three-hour excursion takes guests to a professional musher's summer camp in Dyea Valley, where they train sled dogs for the Yukon Quest and Iditarod races. After a thrilling ride into the rainforest on a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll head out on a summertime dog sled with 16 Alaskan huskies at the helm. Before puppy play time, you'll learn how the mushers care for the dogs and prepare for the races. Depending on the cruise line, some tours may end with roasting s'mores by the fire.

Some lines that offer this excursion are Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Adventure

The historic Chilkoot Trail was the main route for those in search of untold riches during the famous gold rush years. Today, the trail, located in Gold Rush National Historical Park, is a rainforest full of birds and wildflowers. Excursions to the park include hikes with river floats on the Taiya River (there are no rapids) or bike tours of the trail. There are also wilderness kayaking outings to Chilkoot Lake, which is home to the five species of Pacific salmon, waterfowl, bald eagles and one of the largest brown bear populations in southeast Alaska.

Some cruise lines that offer these excursions include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Sitka is the only community in the Inside Passage that sits on the Pacific Ocean. The small city – home to just 8,500 residents – was owned by Russia before the U.S. purchased the land in 1867. Today, you'll find remnants of this Russian heritage, like onion-shaped domes and Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Sitka also has a strong Tlingit culture. In terms of shore excursions, you'll find plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing surrounded by pristine landscapes.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest

Royal Caribbean International's three-hour jet boat cruise on Sitka Sound features panoramic scenery (including snow-capped peaks) and the chance to see abundant wildlife. During the tour, look for playful sea otters, whales and brown bears walking along the coast. The line also offers another tour – Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears Oh My – that features a naturalist-guided catamaran cruise followed by visits to the Alaskan Raptor Center (a rehabilitation center for birds of prey) and the Fortress of the Bear (a rescue operation for orphaned bears).

In comparison, Carnival Cruise Line 's VIP wildlife quest in search of whales, sea otters, coastal brown bears and more concludes with a feast of wild salmon cooked over a wood-fired grill, Alaska crab and prime rib at the Fin Island Lodge. Following a wildlife Zodiac cruise around the archipelago, Holland America Line's version of this excursion also visits the lodge for lunch in partnership with Food & Wine magazine.

You can find this excursion on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The Best of Sitka

Several cruise lines offer a version of this tour, which features an exploration of the top attractions in Sitka. On this excursion, you'll visit the Fortress of the Bear in Tongass National Park to learn about the facility's work with orphaned bears. There's also a stop at Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska" between the Russians and the Tlingits was fought. Here, you'll see handcarved totem poles created by skilled Tlingit artists and get to meet local Native artists to learn more. The excursion also includes a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

Icy Strait Point in Hoonah may be a much smaller port than others on this list, but it is a jumping-off point for endless outdoor explorations, including whale watching tours and searching for coastal brown bears. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native-owned and -operated and is home to the largest Native Tlingit village in Alaska. While here, explore the wilderness areas of Chichagoff Islands, visit the 1912 cannery museum, and grab lunch with fresh Alaska king and Dungeness crabs before taking a ride on the world's largest ZipRider. (Or, play it safe and plan to take that ride down the mountain before lunch.)

Whale Watching & Bear Search

The waters surrounding Icy Strait Point host the largest summer population of humpback whales in the state, especially around the Point Adolphus area. If you purchase a tour directly with the Icy Strait Point website, they'll even guarantee you'll see whales – or they'll refund your money. During the tour, look for orcas, Steller sea lions, porpoises and seals. But be sure to also gaze overhead for bald eagles and search along the shore for bears; the Spasski River Valley in the remote wilderness of Chichagof Island has one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world. Some cruise lines offer a variation of this excursion that includes a boiled seafood feast back on shore at Icy Strait Point.

You can find this excursion on voyages with Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Scenic Mountain Ascent & World's Largest ZipRider

Thrill-seekers (who love heights) will jump at the chance to ride the world's largest and longest zip line, which sits more than 1,300 feet above sea level at the top of Icy Strait Point. The ride to the summit on the SkyGlider mountaintop gondola is also a rush, but the real excitement comes as you zoom down 5,330-foot zip lines with five other riders at 60 mph – with views of the forest below and Glacier Bay National Park in the distance. A break-activated landing on the beach brings riders safely back to the ground. The price also includes unlimited rides on the gondola.

Cruise lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

A less visited port than some others on this list (according to CLIA), Seward is the ancestral home to the Alutiiq, or Sugpiaq, people. Its breathtaking natural beauty – with mountains on one side and Resurrection Bay on the other – has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. Top attractions in Seward include the Alaska SeaLife Center and a charming downtown area. It also offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

During your stop in Seward, take a full-day excursion to see the astounding beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. The impressive fjords are surrounded by mountains standing more than 6,000 feet tall and an ecosystem rich in wildlife. While there, watch for a variety of whale species, sea otters, porpoises and sea lions, and onshore, you might see bears and mountain goats. There are also 191 documented species of birds in the park and many glaciers. As you get up close to Holgate Glacier, listen as chunks of blue ice calve into the water.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer this as an individual tour, while others like Holland America Line include it as part of a cruisetour. You can also book the excursion directly with a local tour operator if you're embarking or disembarking in Seward.

Haines, a small port about 20 miles north of Skagway, is best known for its Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The 49,000-acre preserve has the largest natural gathering of eagles during the late salmon runs and boasts pristine forests, marshlands and rivers brimming with wildlife.

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Norwegian Cruise Line's five-hour excursion takes guests on an adventure into the wilderness by boat while cruising North America's deepest and longest fjord, the upper Lynn Canal. You might even see breaching whales and playful sea lions en route to Glacier Point, where you'll disembark at the beach upon arrival. After a drive through the forest and a hike in the woods, you'll have unforgettable, up-close views of the Davidson Glacier by canoe.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. Holland America Line offers this excursion from Skagway.

Eagle Preserve Rafting Float Adventure

Look for bald eagles soaring overhead as you raft down the gentle Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The waters are overflowing with salmon that come to spawn, serving as food for as many as 400 bald eagles living in the Chilkat Valley. Don't be surprised to see brown bears or 1,600-pound moose coming to feast along the riverbank during your rafting adventure.

Some lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Lin e. Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises host this excursion from Skagway.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List
  • The Top Things to Do in Alaska
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Tour attendees looking at crabs on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour.

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The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Wildlife, Northern Lights, and Fewer Crowds

By Susan B. Barnes

Image may contain Boat Transportation Vehicle Nature Outdoors Scenery Water Lake Land Cruise Ship Ship and Sea

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best time to cruise Alaska isn't obvious—until you're quietly sailing along its calm waters under a cloudless, late-spring sky. It was on one such day that someone on board spotted a whale breaching. And then again. And again. Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch. The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals. With binoculars, cameras, and phones at the ready, the passengers and crew aboard  UnCruise Adventures'  86-guest  S.S. Legacy  settled in for what turned out to be an hour-long private show by a juvenile humpback who had migrated from Hawaii to spend the summer in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters.

This is but one of the incredible experiences that may be had when visiting Alaska in the “secret season”—springtime. Not only are the flowers and plant life awakening from their wintertime slumber, so is its wildlife. Though the state’s more temperate summer season has long attracted its largest numbers of visitors, an increasing number of in-the-know travelers are looking to spring as the best time to cruise to Alaska , when they can count on fewer crowds—and increased savings—without sacrificing their chance to take advantage of the state’s landscape and  wildlife sightings .

On that same late-April voyage with UnCruise, the  Northern Lights  danced through the sky on night one, and through the week we spotted grizzly bear mamas and their cubs skirting the coastline; bald eagles soaring overhead; humpback whales and orcas breaking the water’s surface to breathe; puffins, seals, and sea lions bobbing in the water and laying out on rocks—even a wolf on the shoreline, feasting on a fresh kill. (Our captain said he had seen a wolf in Alaska only twice in his 30-year career.)

We sailed roundtrip from Juneau, and while I’ve visited the capital city during the busy summer months, I found the restaurants, bars, and shops much less crowded, reliably filled with locals for the most part. On the water, we rarely passed any other ships or boats, aside from fishermen out for their catches.

According to  Travel Alaska , cruising is the most popular way to explore the state, and Cruise Lines International Association Alaska predicts that 1.64 million cruise line passengers will sail to and within Alaska in 2024.

But when is really the best time to sail Alaska? We’ve broken the seasons down for you, including the highlights of each, as well as the best cruise lines and cruise ships to consider so you can make your bucket list dreams come true.

Celebrity Alaska Cruise

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge sets sail for the first time in Alaska this year.

April and May

If your schedule allows, not only does sailing Alaska in April and May afford the possibilities of glimpsing the Northern Lights and seeing wildlife emerge from their winter hibernation, it’s a more affordable and less crowded time to cruise, too. April and May are also the driest months in Alaska, so the chances of rain are slim.

Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season when Norwegian Bliss sets sail on a weeklong, roundtrip itinerary from Seattle; she will be the only ship sailing in Alaska the first two weeks of spring. Balcony cabins are still available on the season’s inaugural sailing at a discounted fare of $1,029 per person .

Smaller ships like those that comprise UnCruise Adventures ’ and Alaska Dream Cruises ’ fleets can maneuver closer to the coastline for better views of bears rambling along the beaches and on-land excursions without another soul around. Uncruise’s 12-night “Inside Passage” itinerary departs April 15 with rates starting at $6,300 per person , and Alaska Dream Cruises’ seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” has starting rates from $3,995 per person .

June to August

Warmer temperatures, an average of 17 hours of daylight, and schools’ summer vacations all make Alaska a popular destination for cruising in June, July, and August. Expect crowded ports and more ships out on the water, but that’s not to say it’s not a good time to set sail: bears are still active, as are whales and native bird life.

Holland America Line, which has sailed in Alaska for 75 years, offers 50 itineraries throughout June, July, and August, including the new 28-day Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice itinerary that departs June 9 from Seattle; verandah staterooms start at $7,259 per person . Family favorite Disney Cruise Line offers 13 itineraries over the summer, including a seven-night itinerary from $3,467 per person .

Not only is school back in session in September, which means fewer crowds at ports, but the chances of seeing the Northern Lights return, especially if combining your cruise with a land tour that takes you further north into Alaska. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge sets sail for the first time in Alaska this year and has four six- and seven-night itineraries in September, starting at $599 per person . For a cruise-tour option, Princess ’ 12-day Denali Explorer itinerary blends five days on land with a weeklong cruise with mini-suite rates from $4,008 per person .

The Alaska cruise season winds down in October, with only a few ships setting sail. Just as in April and May, you’ll likely have the water to yourself, and even fewer people in the ports you call upon. Along with cooler weather, you’ll also find lower fares that will please your bank account.

Just as Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season in April, it’s the last cruise line to set sail in the state, and the only one to sail in October. The seven- and nine-day itineraries sail roundtrip from Seattle, and a recent search found fares more than 80% off published fares, starting at $499 per person .

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