TRAVEL ALASKA
(IN CLUDING ANCHORAGE-DENALI-FAIRBANK-SEWARD)
(IN CLUDING ANCHORAGE-DENALI-FAIRBANK-SEWARD)
GENERAL INFORMATION-Alaska is a U.S. state situated in the northwest of the North American continent. It is the largest state in the United States by area, and the 4th least populous and the least densely populated of the 50 States. Alaska land area is 15, 18,800 km2, over twice the size of Texas (6,96,240Km2), which is the next largest state. Approximately half of Alaska's 7, 32,000 residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska's economy is dominated by the oil, natural gas, and fishing industries, these are the resources which are in abundance. The oil and gas industry dominates the Alaskan economy, with more than 80% of the state's revenues derived from petroleum extraction. Trans -Alaska Pipelines (TAP) is the main line to transport the gas. Alaska's main export product (excluding oil and natural gas) is seafood, primarily salmon, cod, Pollock and crab. Alaska has fourth place in the nation in crude oil production after Texas, North Dakota, and California. Tourism is also a significant part of the economy. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959. It is the only noncontiguous US State on continental North America. It not connected by mainland of the continent. Gold was discovered along Turnagain Arm in 1888. Anchorage is the largest city of the Alaska state. Fairbank is the second largest city. Juneau is the state capital and is the third largest city. Barrow is the north most city in Alaska & USA.
GEOGRAPHY- It is situated in Artic Circle. Bordering to the east is Yukon (a Canadian territory) and the Canadian province of British Columbia, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait. Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska. Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America, is 20,320 ft. above sea level. Denali, the Indian name for the peak, means "The Great One." The Yukon River, almost 2,000 miles long, is the third longest river in the U.S. There are more than 3,000 rivers in Alaska and over 3 million lakes. The largest, Lake Iliamna, encompasses over 1,000 square miles. The largest glacier is the Malaspina at 850 square miles. Five percent of the state, or 29,000 square miles, is covered by glaciers. Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other U.S. states combined. Alaska has 6,640 miles of coastline and, including islands, has 33,904 miles of shoreline. There are volcanoes and at Unimak Island is home to Mount Shishaldin which is a live volcanoes and has perfect cone than Mount Fuji.
ALASKA ZONES AND CITIES -
INNER PASSAGE SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST INTERIOR FAR NORTH
Ketchikan Anchorage Bethal Fairbank Barrow
Sitka Seward Naknek Denali Prudhoe Bay
Juneau Talkeena Dillingham Healy Coldfoot
Skagway Kenai Fort Yukon
Hommer
Girdwood
INNER PASSAGE SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST INTERIOR FAR NORTH
Ketchikan Anchorage Bethal Fairbank Barrow
Sitka Seward Naknek Denali Prudhoe Bay
Juneau Talkeena Dillingham Healy Coldfoot
Skagway Kenai Fort Yukon
Hommer
Girdwood
NATIONAL APRKS-
INNER PASSAGE SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST INTERIOR FAR NORTH
i-Misty Fiords Kenai Fjords Togiak National Denali National Park Cape Krusenstern
National Monoument National Park Wildlife Refuge and Preserve National
ii-Tongass National Chugach National Yukon Charley Rivers
Forest Forest National Preserve
iii-Sitka National Wrangell St Elias
Historical Park National Park
iv-Glacier Bay Lake Clark National
National Park and Park and Reserve
Preserve
v-Klondike Gold Rush
National Historical park
INNER PASSAGE SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST INTERIOR FAR NORTH
i-Misty Fiords Kenai Fjords Togiak National Denali National Park Cape Krusenstern
National Monoument National Park Wildlife Refuge and Preserve National
ii-Tongass National Chugach National Yukon Charley Rivers
Forest Forest National Preserve
iii-Sitka National Wrangell St Elias
Historical Park National Park
iv-Glacier Bay Lake Clark National
National Park and Park and Reserve
Preserve
v-Klondike Gold Rush
National Historical park
CLIMATE- During the summer, average daytime temperatures throughout the state range from the 60s to the 90s 0F. Starting mid-May and ending mid-September you are sure to see the best the State of Alaska has to offer. The peak season, starting early to mid-June and running through mid-August (three months), is the period that offers the most tour options, the best weather and the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
AREA-17,17,854 Km2 (3639x2285kms) i.e. total area.
POPULATION-7,35,000
CO-ORDINATES- Latitude 51°20'N to 71°50'N (Arctic Circle- 66°33′46″)
Longitude 130°W to 172°E
TIME ZONE-The International Date Line was drawn west of 180° to keep the whole state, and thus the entire North American continent, within the same legal day.
AIRPORT- Alaska has few road connections compared to the rest of the U.S. The state's road system covers a relatively small area of the state. Cities not served by road, sea, or river can be reached only by air, accounting for Alaska's extremely well developed air service. Anchorage and Fairbanks, is served by many major airlines. Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Juneau are also served by daily jet service through Alaska Airlines flights originating in Seattle and terminating in Anchorage. Because of limited highway access, air travel remains the most efficient form of transportation in and out of the state. Alaska Airlines is the only major airline offering in-state travel from Anchorage and Fairbanks to regional hubs like Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Dillingham, Kodiak, and other larger communities as well as to major Southeast and Alaska Peninsula communities.
POPULATION-7,35,000
CO-ORDINATES- Latitude 51°20'N to 71°50'N (Arctic Circle- 66°33′46″)
Longitude 130°W to 172°E
TIME ZONE-The International Date Line was drawn west of 180° to keep the whole state, and thus the entire North American continent, within the same legal day.
AIRPORT- Alaska has few road connections compared to the rest of the U.S. The state's road system covers a relatively small area of the state. Cities not served by road, sea, or river can be reached only by air, accounting for Alaska's extremely well developed air service. Anchorage and Fairbanks, is served by many major airlines. Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Juneau are also served by daily jet service through Alaska Airlines flights originating in Seattle and terminating in Anchorage. Because of limited highway access, air travel remains the most efficient form of transportation in and out of the state. Alaska Airlines is the only major airline offering in-state travel from Anchorage and Fairbanks to regional hubs like Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Dillingham, Kodiak, and other larger communities as well as to major Southeast and Alaska Peninsula communities.
TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE SYSTEM (TAP) -Trans-Alaska Pipeline, in full Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, pipeline that connects the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay in northern Alaska, with the harbor at Valdez, to the south. Oil going into the Trans-Alaska Pipeline comes from one of several oil fields on Alaska's North Slope. The discovery of oil on Alaska’s North Slope in 1968 spurred the creation of a safe and efficient way to bring those reserves to market. The length of the line is 1288kms and diameter of pipe is 48 inches. Air Temperature along the route is from -800F to 950F. Mountain Ranges Crossed, North to South (three)-Brooks Range, Alaska Range, Chugach Range. Conveys oil from Prudhoe Bay, to Valdez, Alaska. The pipeline was built between 1974 and 1977. The Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, the one most commonly associated with the pipeline, contributes oil. Oil emerges from the ground at approximately 49 °C and cools to 44 °C by the time it reaches Pump Station. From Pump Station 1 it takes an average of 11.9 days for oil to travel the entire length of the pipeline to Valdez, a speed of 6.0 km/h.
TRAVEL ANCHORAGE
GENERAL INFORMATION-Alaska’s largest city is the Anchorage, lies between the mountains and the sea (Coordinates: 61°13′N 149°54′W). It lies slightly farther north than Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki
(60°10′15″N) and Saint Petersburg, but not as far north as Reykjavík (64°08' N- world's northernmost capital). Anchorage urban area is 79 square miles and the population 2, 52,000. It is the northernmost city in the United States. Anchorage is a gateway airport for Alaska travellers. It is also the central spot for air travel inside Alaska, with more intra-state flights than any other place in Alaska. Paved highways accessible from Anchorage connect to places like Fairbanks, Valdez, the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park and Preserve and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The city's seacoast consists mostly of treacherous mudflats. Approximately 250 black bears and 60 grizzly bears live in the urban area of Anchorage. Moose are also a common sight in the Anchorage. It is about 2300 miles from Seattle to Anchorage and for the most part the roads are in pretty good shape.
(60°10′15″N) and Saint Petersburg, but not as far north as Reykjavík (64°08' N- world's northernmost capital). Anchorage urban area is 79 square miles and the population 2, 52,000. It is the northernmost city in the United States. Anchorage is a gateway airport for Alaska travellers. It is also the central spot for air travel inside Alaska, with more intra-state flights than any other place in Alaska. Paved highways accessible from Anchorage connect to places like Fairbanks, Valdez, the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park and Preserve and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The city's seacoast consists mostly of treacherous mudflats. Approximately 250 black bears and 60 grizzly bears live in the urban area of Anchorage. Moose are also a common sight in the Anchorage. It is about 2300 miles from Seattle to Anchorage and for the most part the roads are in pretty good shape.
TED STEVENS ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ANC) -Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is a major airport in the U.S. state of Alaska, located 7 km southwest of downtown Anchorage. The airport is named in honour of Ted Stevens, the U.S. Senator from Alaska serving from 1968 to 2009.Equidistant from Tokyo and New York, within 9.5 hours. Three runways over 10,600 ft. 4th largest airport in the world in terms of cargo throughput (#1 Hong Kong, #2 Memphis, #3 Shanghai). Non-stop flights are available from Chicago, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Phoenix year-round. The South Terminal (domestic) serves Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Condor (Departures), Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Sun Country, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America. All regional intrastate carriers also use the South Terminal. The North Terminal (International) serves Condor, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Icelandair, Yakutia Airlines, all international seasonal charter flights and military flights. A shuttle bus runs approximately every 15 minutes between the North and South terminals. Anchorage People Mover bus system serves the airport's North and South terminals once every hour in each direction, connecting it with the downtown Transit Centre and the Dimond Center Mall.
CLIMATE-
AVE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MAX -5 -3 2 8 14 17 19 17 13 5 -3 -5
MIN -11 -10 -7 -2 4 8 11 10 5 -2 -8 -10
AVE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MAX -5 -3 2 8 14 17 19 17 13 5 -3 -5
MIN -11 -10 -7 -2 4 8 11 10 5 -2 -8 -10
ALASKA RAILROAD & ROUTES & TOURS -The Alaska Railroad (ARR) which extends from Seward and Whittier, in the south of the state of Alaska, to Fairbanks (passing through Anchorage-Palmer-Talkeetna-Denali- Huricane Gulch). It carries both freight and passengers throughout its system, including Denali National Park. The railroad has a mainline over 760 km long. It is currently owned by the state of Alaska. The railroad is a major tourist attraction in the summer. Coach cars feature wide windows and domes for tourism peaks. Private cars owned by the major cruise companies are towed behind the Alaska Railroad's Coaches, the trips are included with various cruise packages. The Denali Star Train runs between Anchorage to Faibanks and the duration is 12 hours for one way and the distance is only573kms only. There are other routes also-The Hurricane Turn, The Glacier Discovery route serves town of Whitter, The Coastal Classic route serves south of Seward.
001-THE DENALI STAR RAIL ROUTE (by alaska train.com)-It is between Anchorage and Fairbank through Denali Park. On Denali Star Route-On this route view Mt. McKinley from the train. At 20,322 feet Mt. McKinley is the tallest peak in North America and the train offers a number of unobstructed views as it passes within 50 miles of the summit. Some of the best views are just north and south of Talkeetna across the Susitna River. Just north of Anchorage is a beautiful section where the train follows the Chugach Mountains then turns and crosses the Knik and Matanuska Rivers, heading north towards the Talkeetna Mountains and into the Matanuska Valley. North of Talkeetna the train crosses over the 918-foot Hurricane Gulch trestle, towering 296 feet above the creek below and allowing breath-taking photo opportunities. Before arriving at Denali Park you pass through Broad Pass, the highest point on the Alaska Railroad at 2,363 feet, featuring impressive panoramic views of the Alaska Range.
A private dome rail cars are attached to the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star train, and consequently operate on the same schedule listed as-
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Anchorage 00/↓8.15am ↑8pm/00
Talkeetna ↓11.05am/11.20am ↑4.40pm/4.55pm $95(adventure)
Denali Park ↓3.40pm/4pm ↑12.10pm/12.30pm $156
Fairbank ↓8pm/00 00/↑8.15am $224
A private dome rail cars are attached to the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star train, and consequently operate on the same schedule listed as-
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Anchorage 00/↓8.15am ↑8pm/00
Talkeetna ↓11.05am/11.20am ↑4.40pm/4.55pm $95(adventure)
Denali Park ↓3.40pm/4pm ↑12.10pm/12.30pm $156
Fairbank ↓8pm/00 00/↑8.15am $224
002- THE COASTAL CLASSIC RAIL ROUTE (by Alaska Train.com)-The first hour south of Anchorage is along the coastline of the Turnagain Arm where there are great views of the train as it rounds several scenic points. South of Portage the train separates from the highway and enters a truly remote and rugged section of track. You will head through the Placer River Valley, right past the impressive ice wall of Spencer Glacier and over the 1,063foot pass of the Kenai Mountain. Experience the 50mile scenic section along the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Portage. The Turnagain Arm has the largest tidal range in the United States at 30 feet, and is bordered on both sides by steep mountains seemingly rising from the sea.
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Anchorage 00/↓6.45am ↑10.15pm/00 -
Seward ↓11.05am/00 00/↑6pm $85(adventure)
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Anchorage 00/↓6.45am ↑10.15pm/00 -
Seward ↓11.05am/00 00/↑6pm $85(adventure)
003-THE GLACIER DISCOVERY RAIL ROUTE (by Alaska Train.com)- The train departs Anchorage for Whittier each morning during the summer, returning from Whittier to Anchorage in the evening. This schedule allows for a day trip from Anchorage, with plenty of time in Whittier for a day cruise to the see the glaciers of Prince William Sound. The Glacier Discovery train also stops in each direction in both Girdwood and
Portage.
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Anchorage 00/↓9.45am ↑9.15pm/00 -
Whitter ↓12.05pm/00 00/↑6.45pm $74(adventure)
Portage.
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Anchorage 00/↓9.45am ↑9.15pm/00 -
Whitter ↓12.05pm/00 00/↑6.45pm $74(adventure)
004-ALASKA CRUISE AND RAILROAD TOURS-The two primary cruise ports in the region are in Whittier and Seward. You can easily take the train to or from your cruise ship in both places. If you are travelling on a northbound cruise, you can catch the train to Anchorage in the evening from either Seward or Whittier. Both train departures are great for those wanting to catch a day cruise to see the glaciers and wildlife out of either port after disembarking their cruise ship. To continue north from Anchorage by rail you will need to overnight and catch another train the following morning. The northbound Denali Star train leaves Anchorage at 8:15am heading north to Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
005- ALASKA CRUISE AND ALASKA PARK CONNECTOR MOTOR COACH- If you prefer to disembark the cruise ship and go directly north to either Talkeetna or Denali National Park, you can book a seat on the Park Connection Motor Coach. This is the only scheduled service available that will allow you to travel from the port to either of the above locations in one day. For example, say you are in Seward, having either travelled down from Anchorage by train, or having arrived in Seward by cruise ship. To travel north to Talkeetna or Denali Park by train would require an overnight in Anchorage, while the trip by bus can easily and economically be done in a day.
i-The Park Connection is an Alaskan bus line operated by Alaska Tour & Travel, offering seasonal summer service to Anchorage, Denali Park, Seward, Talkeetna and Whittier. There are two departures each day to both Seward and Denali Park from Anchorage, so there is sure to be a trip that fits your schedule. The Denali Express route not only offers some savings each day, but matches up perfectly with buses traveling to or from the Denali Kantishna lodges located inside Denali Park. They have special cruise transfers that can pick up or drop off dock side in Whittier or Seward. Motor coaches feature large picture windows, comfortable leg room, on board restrooms, luggage racks above, and luggage bays underneath the coach.
Park Connection Motorcoach Schedule-
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Seward 00/↓10.30am ↑5.45pm/00 $65
Anchorage ↓1.30pm/3.00pm ↑1.30pm/3.00pm -
Talkeetna ↓5.30pm/5.45pm ↑10.30am/11.00am -
Denali Park ↓8.30pm/00 ↑00/7.00am $90
i-The Park Connection is an Alaskan bus line operated by Alaska Tour & Travel, offering seasonal summer service to Anchorage, Denali Park, Seward, Talkeetna and Whittier. There are two departures each day to both Seward and Denali Park from Anchorage, so there is sure to be a trip that fits your schedule. The Denali Express route not only offers some savings each day, but matches up perfectly with buses traveling to or from the Denali Kantishna lodges located inside Denali Park. They have special cruise transfers that can pick up or drop off dock side in Whittier or Seward. Motor coaches feature large picture windows, comfortable leg room, on board restrooms, luggage racks above, and luggage bays underneath the coach.
Park Connection Motorcoach Schedule-
Station Arrival/Departure Arrival/Departure Fare from Anchorage
Seward 00/↓10.30am ↑5.45pm/00 $65
Anchorage ↓1.30pm/3.00pm ↑1.30pm/3.00pm -
Talkeetna ↓5.30pm/5.45pm ↑10.30am/11.00am -
Denali Park ↓8.30pm/00 ↑00/7.00am $90
006- SOUTHBOUND CRUISING- If you are cruising southbound and want to tour by train before your Alaska cruise, you will want to fly into either Anchorage or Fairbanks. Anchorage has the largest airport in Alaska, and most travellers choose that option. From Anchorage you can take the train directly to your cruise ship port city, either Seward or Whittier. You can also do a short land tour north to Denali National Park and or Talkeetna. If you are short on time, consider returning to Whittier or Seward on the motor coach. This is the only scheduled service that will allow you to travel to your cruise port from either Denali Park or Talkeetna in the same day.
007-DELUXE ALASKA SAMPLER (by alaskarailroad.com) - 7 Days/7 Nights, Available May 31 - September 5 - Adventure Class: $2,299.
Highlights-Ride the Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery and Denali Star Trains, Glacier & wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacial river float trip, Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
Backcountry Jeep excursion in Denali.
Itinerary-
Day 1-Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Book an excursion, or explore shops, museums and restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2- Board the Coastal Classic Train for a breath-taking ride along Turnagain Arm and through scenic Grandview. Upon arrival in Seward, embark on a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park in search of glaciers, whales, sea lions and more. The on board Park Ranger ensures you'll stay informed and entertained. Overnight in Seward.
Day 3-Today, explore the charming port community of Seward, Alaska. The Real Alaska Tour promises authentic adventures, including a dogsled ride, lunch at an Alaska roadhouse and a tour to massive Exit Glacier. Later, depart on the Coastal Classic Train and overnight in Girdwood.
Day 4-Travel via the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Float among the icebergs at Spencer Glacier and down the Placer River. A short train ride to Portage follows the float tour. A motor coach transfer from Portage to Anchorage gets you back in time for dinner. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 5-Journey to Denali National Park aboard the Denali Star Train. Enjoy an evening of rip-roaring' entertainment at Cabin Night Dinner Theatre (choose 5:00 pm or 7:30 pm reservation). Overnight in Denali.
Day 6-Embark on the Denali Backcountry Adventure deep into the heart of Denali National Park. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera handy. Overnight in Denali.
Day 7-Take the wheel of a 4WD Jeep for a thrilling, guided journey into Denali's backcountry. This 3.5-hour tour includes a hearty Alaska snack and fabulous scenery. That afternoon, return to Anchorage on the Denali Star Train. Overnight in Anchorage.
Highlights-Ride the Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery and Denali Star Trains, Glacier & wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacial river float trip, Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
Backcountry Jeep excursion in Denali.
Itinerary-
Day 1-Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Book an excursion, or explore shops, museums and restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2- Board the Coastal Classic Train for a breath-taking ride along Turnagain Arm and through scenic Grandview. Upon arrival in Seward, embark on a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park in search of glaciers, whales, sea lions and more. The on board Park Ranger ensures you'll stay informed and entertained. Overnight in Seward.
Day 3-Today, explore the charming port community of Seward, Alaska. The Real Alaska Tour promises authentic adventures, including a dogsled ride, lunch at an Alaska roadhouse and a tour to massive Exit Glacier. Later, depart on the Coastal Classic Train and overnight in Girdwood.
Day 4-Travel via the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Float among the icebergs at Spencer Glacier and down the Placer River. A short train ride to Portage follows the float tour. A motor coach transfer from Portage to Anchorage gets you back in time for dinner. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 5-Journey to Denali National Park aboard the Denali Star Train. Enjoy an evening of rip-roaring' entertainment at Cabin Night Dinner Theatre (choose 5:00 pm or 7:30 pm reservation). Overnight in Denali.
Day 6-Embark on the Denali Backcountry Adventure deep into the heart of Denali National Park. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera handy. Overnight in Denali.
Day 7-Take the wheel of a 4WD Jeep for a thrilling, guided journey into Denali's backcountry. This 3.5-hour tour includes a hearty Alaska snack and fabulous scenery. That afternoon, return to Anchorage on the Denali Star Train. Overnight in Anchorage.
008- GLACIER CRUISE & INTERIOR ALASKA (by alaskarailroad.com) - 6 Days/6 Nights, Available May 31 - September 6.
Highlights-Ride the Glacier Discovery and Denali Star Trains, Glacier & wildlife cruise in Prince William Sound, Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks, Arctic Circle Flightseeing, Adventure Class: $1,989
Itinerary-
Day 1-Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Book an excursion, or explore shops, museums and restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2-Depart for Whittier, gateway to Prince William Sound, on the Glacier Discovery Train. Cruise the protected waters of Prince William Sound on the 26 Glacier Cruise. See immense tidewaters glaciers and watch for wildlife, including whales and harbour seals. Return to Anchorage and overnight.
Day 3-Take the Denali Star Train, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Mount McKinley and keep an eye out for wildlife. Overnight in Denali.
Day 4-Embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. On this 6- to 8-hour bus tour of Denali National Park wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera handy. You'll definitely want a photo if spectacular Mount McKinley comes into view! Later, on to Fairbanks aboard the Denali Star Train. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 5-Enjoy the Riverboat Discovery, the most popular attraction in Fairbanks, highlighting the best of life in Interior Alaska. That evening, fly to the Arctic Circle and learn the stories of Alaska's Arctic regions. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 6-Return flight to Anchorage and overnight.
Highlights-Ride the Glacier Discovery and Denali Star Trains, Glacier & wildlife cruise in Prince William Sound, Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks, Arctic Circle Flightseeing, Adventure Class: $1,989
Itinerary-
Day 1-Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Book an excursion, or explore shops, museums and restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 2-Depart for Whittier, gateway to Prince William Sound, on the Glacier Discovery Train. Cruise the protected waters of Prince William Sound on the 26 Glacier Cruise. See immense tidewaters glaciers and watch for wildlife, including whales and harbour seals. Return to Anchorage and overnight.
Day 3-Take the Denali Star Train, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Mount McKinley and keep an eye out for wildlife. Overnight in Denali.
Day 4-Embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. On this 6- to 8-hour bus tour of Denali National Park wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera handy. You'll definitely want a photo if spectacular Mount McKinley comes into view! Later, on to Fairbanks aboard the Denali Star Train. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 5-Enjoy the Riverboat Discovery, the most popular attraction in Fairbanks, highlighting the best of life in Interior Alaska. That evening, fly to the Arctic Circle and learn the stories of Alaska's Arctic regions. Overnight in Fairbanks.
Day 6-Return flight to Anchorage and overnight.
009-DENALI PARK & KENAI FJORDS COMBO – (http://www.alaskatravel.com/)-The peak season rate for this package is $1,825 per person, based on double occupancy.Available for travel in May and September. Itinerary and Trip Features.
Itinerary-
Day 1-Comfort Inn Hotel Anchorage, overnight in Anchorage for 1 night
Day 2-Railroad Anchorage to Seward, from 6:45 AM to 11:05 AM
Alaska Sea Life Centre, Seward Windsong Lodge, overnight in Seward for 2 nights
Day 3-Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Buffet, from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Day 4-Motorcoach Seward to Talkeetna, from 10:45 AM to 5:30 PM
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, overnight in the Talkeetna area (South Denali) for 1 night
Day 5-McKinley Flight from Talkeetna, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Motor coach Talkeetna to Denali, from 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM
Denali Bluffs Hotel, overnight in Denali Park for 2 nights
Day 6-Kantishna Wilderness Trails Bus Tour Denali Park, from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Day 7-Denali Park Rafting Scenic Mild Water, from 7:10 AM to 10:30 AM
Dome Rail Denali Park to Anchorage, from 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Tour concludes in Anchorage.
Itinerary-
Day 1-Comfort Inn Hotel Anchorage, overnight in Anchorage for 1 night
Day 2-Railroad Anchorage to Seward, from 6:45 AM to 11:05 AM
Alaska Sea Life Centre, Seward Windsong Lodge, overnight in Seward for 2 nights
Day 3-Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Buffet, from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Day 4-Motorcoach Seward to Talkeetna, from 10:45 AM to 5:30 PM
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, overnight in the Talkeetna area (South Denali) for 1 night
Day 5-McKinley Flight from Talkeetna, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Motor coach Talkeetna to Denali, from 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM
Denali Bluffs Hotel, overnight in Denali Park for 2 nights
Day 6-Kantishna Wilderness Trails Bus Tour Denali Park, from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Day 7-Denali Park Rafting Scenic Mild Water, from 7:10 AM to 10:30 AM
Dome Rail Denali Park to Anchorage, from 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Tour concludes in Anchorage.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE
ABOUT THE PARK-Denali National Park and Preserve is a National Park and Preserve, centred on Denali (Mount McKinley-20,320ft), the highest mountain in North America. Driving distance from Anchorage is 237 miles. The park encompasses more than 24,500 km². Denali's landscape is a mix of forest at the lowest elevations, including deciduous taiga. The preserve is also home to tundra at middle elevations, and glaciers, rock, and snow at the highest elevations. The longest glacier is the Kahiltna Glacier. About 4,00,000 people visit the park annually. The park is serviced by a 92-mile road from the George Parks Highway to the mining camp of Kantishna. Wonder Lake can be reached by a six-hour bus ride from the Wilderness Access Centre. Eielson Visitor Centre is located four hours into the park on the road. Several portions of the road run alongside sheer cliffs that drop hundreds of feet at the edges. There are more extensive glaciers on the south-eastern side of the range because more snow is dropped on this side from the moisture-bearing winds from the Gulf of Alaska. The largest glacier, Muldrow Glacier (51 km) long, is located on the north side. The treeline is at 2,500 feet, causing most of the park to be a vast expanse of tundra. In the lowland areas of the park, such as the western sections surrounding Wonder Lake, Spruces and Willows dominate the forest. Over 450 species of flowering plants fill the park and can be viewed in bloom throughout summer. Denali is home to a variety of Alaskan birds and mammals, including grizzly bears and black bears. Herds of caribou roam throughout the park. Dall sheep are often seen on mountainsides, and moose feed on the aquatic plants of the small lakes and swamps. On the summer solstice, around June 21 every year, sunrise is about 3:40 am, and sunset is 12:30 am – therefore the day is for roughly 21 hours, the sun is above the horizon.
WHEN TO VISIT - Summer is the main visiting season. In summer the most services and activities are possible and access into the park is easiest. The "core" season runs June 8 – to mid-September each year, with some bus options available both before and after those dates. Mid-June to mid-August also sees the largest number of visitors to the park. Summer bus service begins May 20 each year, although the entire road is not accessible by bus until June 8. The land to turn from brown to green in just a few days, at the end of May or beginning of June - depending on how mild the weather is. Wildflowers begin to bloom in early June, and can be seen until late July. Most flowers have gone to seed by early August, making way for a variety of berries and fall colours. By early August, tundra plants at high elevation will change colour first; brilliant reds, oranges and yellows march downhill into the valleys, where trees change colour in turn by early September. Animals are at their most active and visible from May to September, as they squeeze in as much living (and eating) as they can before the onset of another cold winter. Mosquitoes, too, are active in early summer. The summer sun provides so much light, the Aurora Borealis is unlikely to be seen until late August. As daylight hours rapidly decrease in the fall, however, chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase. There is a park entrance fee. This fee provides the visitor a 7-day entrance permit. There are also Multi–Day Alaska Land Tours and Sightseeing Tour Packages by-http://www.graylinealaska.com/.
PLACES TO GO IN THE PARK -
PLACES TO GO IN THE PARK -
001-THE WILDERNESS ACCESS CENTER-Located at mile 1 on the Park Road, the Wilderness Access Center is the main location to arrange a bus trip into the park, or reserve / check-in for a campground. All shuttle buses depart from here, as do some tours.
002-THE MURIE SCIENCE AND LEARNING CENTRE-Located at mile 1.4 on the park road, close to the Denali Visitor Centre, the Murie Centre offers many small-group, interactive courses each summer. These courses include teacher trainings, field seminars and youth camps.
003-THE DENALI VISITOR CENTER-Located at mile 1.5 on the park road, the Denali Visitor Center is the main source of visitor information and inspiration in the summer. Most ranger-led programs begin at the Denali Visitor Center. Other features include an impressive exhibit hall and regular showings a 20 minutes’ duration park film, "The Heartbeats of Denali." A restaurant, bookstore, baggage claim, and Alaska Railroad depot are within short walking distance of the Denali Visitor Center.
004-HORSESHOE LAKE WALK-The Horseshoe Lake Walk starts from the Denali Visitor Centre, mile 1.5 on the Park Road. Parking is available at the centre. No sign-up is required - simply arrive at the centre a few minutes before the group begins. The trip is slow paced, though the trail does change from easy to moderate at various points. In wet weather, the trail can be muddy in areas. The program lasts about 2.5 hours.
005-MCKINLEY STATION WALK-This 2 hour trail walk starts at the Denali Visitor Centre, mile 1.5 on the Park Road. The McKinley Station Trail travels through an area that once housed early pioneers and, for a short while, National Park Service Headquarters in Denali. The trail eventually parallels Riley Creek and passes under the Alaska Railroad trestle which spans said creek. The walk ends at Riley Creek Campground, where folks can catch a courtesy bus back to the Denali Visitor Centre.
006-TOKLAT RIVER CONTACT STATION-Located at mile 53 on the park road, all shuttle and tour buses make a stop at Toklat River except for the Denali Natural History Tour. Features include rest rooms, visitor information, and a small bookstore. The station is staffed by both the National Park Service and sales associates working for Alaska Geographic, a non-profit partner of the park service.
007-EIELSON VISITOR CENTRE-Located at mile 66, Eielson Visitor Centre can be reached by most shuttle buses, and by the Kantishna Experience tour bus. Features include daily ranger-led programs, a small gallery of art inspired by Denali's natural wonders, and, on clear days, amazing views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range.
008-WALTER HARPER TALKEETNA RANGER STATION-Located in the town of Talkeetna, about 100 miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, this ranger station serves as the centre of mountaineering operations. Climbers wishing to attempt Mt. McKinley or other peaks in the Alaska Range stop here first, for an orientation to the mountain and to acquire their climbing permit.
009-SLED DOG DEMONSTRATIONS-Rangers and dogs work together to demonstrate a traditional Alaskan mode of travel. These unique, 30 minute programs include an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali's Alaskan huskies. Free buses leave the Denali Visitor Centre for the kennels approximately forty (40) minutes before each demonstration. No parking is available at the kennels, so please plan on using the buses or walking the 1.5 miles from the Denali Visitor Centre to the kennels. Some seating is available for the demonstration, and there is plenty of standing room. Programs are given rain or shine, so be prepared with an umbrella or rain coat if skies look forbidding. Demonstrations are given three times daily in peak season, at 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. The kennels are open to visitors year-round, generally from 8 am - 5 pm.
010-MOUNTAINEERING- All climbers attempting Mt. McKinley (20,320 feet) or Mt. Foraker (17,400 feet) must register your expedition with Denali National Park and Preserve. The strictly enforced 60-day pre-registration regulation allows mountaineering rangers to have direct contact with climbers before they arrive in Talkeetna. Those attempting Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker must also pay a current special use fee of $360.00 per climber, in addition to the $10 park entrance fee.
011-FLIGHTSEEING- Tour Denali National Park and Preserve is from the window of a small aircraft. From the air, visitors can take in the enormity and diversity of the park landscape over gentle foothills, along glaciers, up to the peaks of the Alaska Range. For an enhanced flightseeing experience, visitors can opt to land on one of the park glaciers aboard a ski-equipped airplane. Enjoy a unique opportunity for a mid-summer snowball fight, or for the more experienced, an overnight glacier adventure. Due to variable snow conditions, glacier landings are primarily offered during the spring and summer months. Operated by- www.flydenali.com /www.sheldonairservice.com/ www.talkeetnaair.com/http://katair.com/index.html.
012-ACCOMODATION-There are 7 hotels near the Denali Park Entrance - McKinley Chalet, McKinley Village Lodge, Denali River Cabins, Denali Princess Lodge, Tonglen Lake Lodge, Grande Denali Lodge, and Denali Bluffs Hotel. They are all scenically situated and among the better-managed Denali lodges at the park.
013-EXPLORE DENALI PARK ROAD BY BUS (http://www.nps.gov/) -92 miles long, the Denali Park Road parallels the Alaska Range and travels through low valleys and High Mountain passes. It is the only road in the park. Along the route, beautiful landscapes can be seen at every turn, and there are many opportunities to view Mount McKinley. During summer, roughly late May through early September, private vehicles may drive the first fifteen miles of this road, to a place called Savage River. The road to Savage River is paved, and features numerous pull-outs for folks to stop and snap some scenic photos. Beyond Mile 15, the road turns to gravel and traffic is primarily restricted to buses. Park authority encourage all visitors to take some kind of bus trip while in Denali.
Narrated Tour Buses (http://www.nps.gov/) -Unlike shuttle buses, which are not narrated, tour buses feature a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates during the trip. Tour bus trips begin and end at various locations around the entrance of the park - they do not pick up at campgrounds along the Park Road and they are not set up for passengers to disembark and re-board. Shuttle buses are a better option for passengers who want to get off the bus to hike, picnic, etc. There are three different bus tours from which to choose.
i-Denali National History Tour (DNHT) (Offered mid-May - mid-September)-Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this 4 ½ to 5-hour tour travels to Primrose Ridge (Mile 17). Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, beginning with a stop at the Wilderness Access Centre for a viewing of the film "Across Time and Tundra" which depicts early visitor experiences within the same area travelled by DNHT passengers. A stop at the still-used ranger cabin called Savage Cabin, it provides a living-history glimpse of the folks who might have used the cabin at one time. At the Primrose Ridge turnaround point, you will experience a memorable Alaskan Native presentation that will enlighten you regarding how this land has been used for nearly 10,000 years. A snack and hot beverages are provided. Ticket=$69.50
Narrated Tour Buses (http://www.nps.gov/) -Unlike shuttle buses, which are not narrated, tour buses feature a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates during the trip. Tour bus trips begin and end at various locations around the entrance of the park - they do not pick up at campgrounds along the Park Road and they are not set up for passengers to disembark and re-board. Shuttle buses are a better option for passengers who want to get off the bus to hike, picnic, etc. There are three different bus tours from which to choose.
i-Denali National History Tour (DNHT) (Offered mid-May - mid-September)-Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this 4 ½ to 5-hour tour travels to Primrose Ridge (Mile 17). Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, beginning with a stop at the Wilderness Access Centre for a viewing of the film "Across Time and Tundra" which depicts early visitor experiences within the same area travelled by DNHT passengers. A stop at the still-used ranger cabin called Savage Cabin, it provides a living-history glimpse of the folks who might have used the cabin at one time. At the Primrose Ridge turnaround point, you will experience a memorable Alaskan Native presentation that will enlighten you regarding how this land has been used for nearly 10,000 years. A snack and hot beverages are provided. Ticket=$69.50
ii-Tundra Wilderness Tour (TWT) (Offered May 20 - mid-September)-Variations of this tour have been in existence since 1923, with the first bus trips as far as the road extended at that time. Today, the TWT is a 7-8-hour excursion into the park with a certified driver-naturalist. Going to at least Toklat River (mile 53), this tour provides in-depth information about the history of the park, while maintaining a keen eye in search of wildlife and photography opportunities. A box lunch and beverages are provided. Ticket=$118.50
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iii-Kantishna Experience (Offered June 8 - mid-September)- This trip lasts 11 to 12 hours, traveling the entire 92-mile road and back over the course of the day. Follow the trail of pioneer Fannie Quigley to the old gold town of Kantishna on this all-day adventure to the end of the Park Road. Your driver is a Certified Interpretive Guide and a National Park Service interpretive ranger joins you roughly halfway through your journey on this immersive experience. You will spend time in Kantishna learning about its interesting history and role in Interior Alaska. The Kantishna Experience includes a lunch, snack and beverages. There are two daily departures. The tours pick up from area hotels in the early morning and depart from the Wilderness Access Center at 6:30 am and 7:30 am. They return roughly twelve hours later. Some walking is involved. Ticket=$165
TRAVEL FAIRBANK
ABOUT FAIRBANK- Fairbanks is located in the heart of interior Alaska 370 miles north of Anchorage, about eight hours by car. Fairbanks is Alaska's second largest city with over 80,000 residents in the greater Fairbanks area. Located near the confluence of the Tanana and Chena Rivers, the town was originally founded in the early 1900’s as a trading post serving stern-wheeler riverboats and early gold prospectors. The town still plays an important supply role in Alaska due to its proximity to the Arctic region and North Slope oil fields. Its central location makes it the focal point for the tiny villages scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness, and Fairbanks is a staging point for North Slope villages such as Barrow and the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Lying less than 190 km south of the Arctic Circle (The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth, it is the parallel of latitude that runs 66° 33′ 44″/66.560). Located just below THE ARTIC CIRCLE at 64°50′37″N 147°43′23″W. The population of the city was 32,000(2012) and the area is 84.60Km2.
CLIMATE-
TEM JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Hi -17 -12 -4 7 16 22 23 19 13 -0.1 -12 -15
Lo -27 -25 -19 -6 3 10 11 8 2 -9 -21 -25
TEM JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Hi -17 -12 -4 7 16 22 23 19 13 -0.1 -12 -15
Lo -27 -25 -19 -6 3 10 11 8 2 -9 -21 -25
AIRPORT-Fairbanks International Airport (IATA: FAI) It serves both remote destinations in Alaska's interior and international cities. Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and Era Aviation serve Fairbanks year round and are the primary air carriers. Direct flights are also sometimes served from Vancouver and Seattle.
RAILROAD-During the summer the Alaska Railroad provides daily service between Anchorage and Fairbanks, stopping in Denali National Park and other spots along the way. Trains depart Fairbanks at 8:15AM, and arrive from Anchorage at 8:15PM. Fares vary throughout the season, with rates between $167 and $210 for a one-way ticket between Fairbanks and Anchorage. Rail tickets can be booked at Alaska Railroads website.
NOTRHEN LIGHTS-The Northern Lights are the curtains of colour lights in the upper atmosphere, caused by magnetic disturbances from the sun rays collide with atoms there. Technically known as “AURORA”. Northern Lights give off colours that include red, green, blue, violet and single display can last for 10 to 15 minutes. The Northern lights can be seen to some extent anywhere above 60 degrees north. Therefore, at Fairbanks which is at 65 degrees is the one of the best places on earth to see northern lights. Fairbank is situated within a ring shaped region around the North Pole called auroral oval. This provides Fairbanks a terrific balance of occurrence, frequency and activity. The most common yellow-green glow occurs heavily between late August and April. Prime viewing time is late evening through the hours of morning. Experience the aurora from a heated “AURORIUM” cabin. Denali at 63 degree and Anchorage at 61 degrees therefore the Fairbank is the best place to see northern lights. The best time to see the northern lights at Fairbanks is from September 22 or March 22, on a new moon night. They are more intense from December to March when nights are longer and the sky are clearer. The best places for viewing are outside town away from city lights. At Easter Dome get a view from horizon to horizon.
# Display takes place as low as 40 miles above the Earth's surface but usually begins at 68 miles above and extends hundreds of miles into space.
# Clear skies and darkness are essential to see the northern lights. There are 100% chances to see if one stays for three days.
# Almost all planets in the solar system have an aurora of some sort.
# Display takes place as low as 40 miles above the Earth's surface but usually begins at 68 miles above and extends hundreds of miles into space.
# Clear skies and darkness are essential to see the northern lights. There are 100% chances to see if one stays for three days.
# Almost all planets in the solar system have an aurora of some sort.
NORTHERN LIGHT TOURS- There are so many tour companies as- http://www.goalaskatours.com/, http://www.alaska.org/, http://www.alaskatours.com/, http://bettleslodge.com/ etc. Some sample tour is as-
001-FAIRBANKS NORTHERN LIGHTS VIEWING TOUR (http://www.alaskatours.com/winter/aurora)-You will be transferred 30 - 45 minutes from your hotel to a prime Aurora viewing destination away from the city lights. It is recommended that you dress warmly for this tour, so you may view the Northern Lights from outdoors also. If you become cold, you can warm up inside. Hot beverages and roundtrip transportation are included. Your driver will return you to your hotel around 2:30H. A 2-person minimum is required for the tour to operate.
Season: Aug 25, 2013 - March 31, 2014 (No departures on Nov 28, Dec 24, 25, 31, & Jan 1)
Departure Time: between 10:00pm and 11:00pm (between 22 and 23:00H)
Duration: approx. 4 to 4.5 hours including transfer time
Price: USD 105 per person (2 or more) /USD 210 for single
Season: Aug 25, 2013 - March 31, 2014 (No departures on Nov 28, Dec 24, 25, 31, & Jan 1)
Departure Time: between 10:00pm and 11:00pm (between 22 and 23:00H)
Duration: approx. 4 to 4.5 hours including transfer time
Price: USD 105 per person (2 or more) /USD 210 for single
002-NORTHERN LIGHTS VIEWING AND CHENA HOT SPRINGS FROM FAIRBANKS (http://www.alaskatours.com/winter/aurora)- You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred 1.5 hours to Chena Hot Springs. After arriving, you will take a guided tour of the Ice Museum. Afterwards, soak and relax in the natural hot springs. At around midnight, look for the Northern Lights to dance across the sky. Depart at 2:30am, arriving at your hotel around 4am. Tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, tour of the Ice Museum, admission to the hot springs.
Season: Daily departures August 21 - October 10 and November 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015 (No departures on Nov 27, Dec 24, 25, 31, & Jan 1)
Departure Time: approx. 5:00pm
Duration: approx. 11 hours including transfer time
Price: USD 155 per person
Season: Daily departures August 21 - October 10 and November 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015 (No departures on Nov 27, Dec 24, 25, 31, & Jan 1)
Departure Time: approx. 5:00pm
Duration: approx. 11 hours including transfer time
Price: USD 155 per person
003-ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS (http://www.goalaskatours.com/) - September 16 – April 15 | Tour Start: Daily, Price=$ 750.00
Day-1- Fairbanks-Arrive in Fairbanks. Complimentary transfer to your Resort Hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Relax during your first evening in Fairbanks. and/or enjoy a dinner at the scenic Pikes Landing Restaurant or the Pump house. Overnight: Fairbanks
Day-2- Fairbanks - Join this afternoon our Fairbanks & area sightseeing tour (included) - Your first stop is the Santa Claus House in North Pole where you can have a picture taken Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Continue to the Trans- Alaska Pipeline viewpoint and the Morris Thompson Cultural Centre and an interpretive exhibit gallery featuring the land, seasons and people of Interior Alaska and the Arctic. For an authentic gift, then the Great Alaskan Bowl Company is the perfect place. Evening transfer to a prime aurora viewing lodge, located in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights (included). Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge or outside. Return transfer to your hotel around 2:00 am.
Day-3- Fairbanks - Today you'll visit Chena Hot Springs Resort, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake and numerous hot tubs are providing a great opportunity to soak, swim or rejuvenate until the Northern Lights appear in the evening. Included is the visit of the famous Aurora Ice Museum and Stoli Ice Bar. Enjoy Northern Lights viewing opportunities after darkness at Chena or in Fairbanks. There are two tour departures available. Departure: Chena Day Tour: 11:30 am - 6:30 pm or our Chena Night Tour: 5:00 pm - 4:00 am. Overnight: Fairbanks
Day-4- Fairbanks-Morning at leisure. Stroll through downtown before returning to the airport for your individual return flight. Optional: Bush Mail Plane flight to rural Alaska villages. Fly over hundreds of miles of beautiful Alaskan wilderness and land at villages accessible only by airplane.
Day-1- Fairbanks-Arrive in Fairbanks. Complimentary transfer to your Resort Hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Relax during your first evening in Fairbanks. and/or enjoy a dinner at the scenic Pikes Landing Restaurant or the Pump house. Overnight: Fairbanks
Day-2- Fairbanks - Join this afternoon our Fairbanks & area sightseeing tour (included) - Your first stop is the Santa Claus House in North Pole where you can have a picture taken Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Continue to the Trans- Alaska Pipeline viewpoint and the Morris Thompson Cultural Centre and an interpretive exhibit gallery featuring the land, seasons and people of Interior Alaska and the Arctic. For an authentic gift, then the Great Alaskan Bowl Company is the perfect place. Evening transfer to a prime aurora viewing lodge, located in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights (included). Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge or outside. Return transfer to your hotel around 2:00 am.
Day-3- Fairbanks - Today you'll visit Chena Hot Springs Resort, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake and numerous hot tubs are providing a great opportunity to soak, swim or rejuvenate until the Northern Lights appear in the evening. Included is the visit of the famous Aurora Ice Museum and Stoli Ice Bar. Enjoy Northern Lights viewing opportunities after darkness at Chena or in Fairbanks. There are two tour departures available. Departure: Chena Day Tour: 11:30 am - 6:30 pm or our Chena Night Tour: 5:00 pm - 4:00 am. Overnight: Fairbanks
Day-4- Fairbanks-Morning at leisure. Stroll through downtown before returning to the airport for your individual return flight. Optional: Bush Mail Plane flight to rural Alaska villages. Fly over hundreds of miles of beautiful Alaskan wilderness and land at villages accessible only by airplane.
FAIRBANK LOCAL TOURS -
004-ICE ALASKA-The World Ice Art championships take place every year usually around February end or early March. Ice sculptors from all over the world come here and sculpt stunning ice sculptures. These sculptures are worth visiting both during day and night.
005- RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY-Three-and-a half hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and the heart of a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for four generations. You will see a bush plane taking off from a "bush" style runway, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Alaskan Native guides who have worked and lived in Alaska will take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. Timing at 8.45am & 2pm.
006- GOLD DREDGE 8 (http://www.alaskatravel.com/)- Your adventure at Gold Dredge begins with a ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad through the gold fields of Interior Alaska. Before you board the train, enjoy a close up view of the Trans-Alaska pipeline and information displays about the pipeline. Aboard the train the conductor and local miners provide lively commentary about the history of mining in Alaska. The short train rides take you to Gold Dredge where you will see first-hand how the dredge worked the gold fields. Once the train arrives at the camp you will receive a poke sack filled with pay dirt, and get a chance to pan for gold. You will find gold - they guarantee it. After you pan for gold, explore the dredge and feel the history come alive. There is no transportation to and from Gold Dredge. You must have your own means of transport to book this tour, for example a rental car. Gold Dredge is located at 1803 Old Steese Highway North, about 7 miles north of Fairbanks. The tour is from Mid-May through Mid-Sept. Departure Information-1:45 PM depart Gold Dredge 8, return 3:45 PM.
TRAVEL SEWARD
ABOUT SEWARD-Seward (pronounced "Soo-word,") is a small port city in Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska. Mile 0 of the historic Iditarod Trail is at Seward. The area of the town is 55.8Km2 and the population is 2700.Located at 60°07′28″N 149°26′00″W. Seward is also a southern Alaska Railroad terminus which has a maintained dock for cruise vessels. Another major industry in Seward is tourism. The main revenue come from fisheries. Seward a primary end point for north-bound cruise ships. Cruise ship passengers get off the boats and take the train farther north to Denali or other Alaskan attractions. Seward is a departure point and destination for large cruise ships from Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International and others. The Seward Highway is a very scenic 3.0-hour drive from Anchorage to Seward and they are 127 miles apart. Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park and Caines Head State Recreation area are nearby. Seward is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park.
HUMPBACK WHALES-In Alaska most migrate to the warmer waters of Hawaii where reproduction occurs and their young are born. This migration takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks and distance nearly 3,500 miles. During springtime, and after a long Hawaiian winter, Humpbacks migrate back to Alaska where food, due to extra hours of sunlight for photosynthesis, is abundant. They commonly use a practice called bubble feeding to corale small fish into a cylinder like formation and then approach from below with their mouth open.
CLIMATE-It has moderate temperatures and, due to its location along the Gulf of Alaska coast.
TEMP JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM -0.1 0.8 3 7 12 15 16 16 13 7 2 1
AvL -5 -5 -3 0.3 4 8 10 10 7 1 -3 -4
TEMP JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM -0.1 0.8 3 7 12 15 16 16 13 7 2 1
AvL -5 -5 -3 0.3 4 8 10 10 7 1 -3 -4
RAILROAD-The Alaska Railroad offers daily rail passage between Anchorage and Seward in the summer, May 13 to Sept 14. The trip between Anchorage and Seward, the Coastal Classic- is arguably its most scenic section, and you can take the train one-way. The train parallels the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm, but also heads up into the mountains away from the road, past glaciers and alpine meadows.
i-Northbound Train -
6:00PM - Depart Seward Depot
10:15PM - Arrive Anchorage Depot
ii-Southbound Train -
6:45AM - Depart Anchorage Depot - 411 West 1st Avenue
11:05AM - Arrive Seward Depot - 410 Port Avenue (short walk to small boat harbor; about 1/2 mile to cruise ship dock). Adventure Class (with shared access to older vista dome railcar) Round Trip/One Way fare: $119/$75.
i-Northbound Train -
6:00PM - Depart Seward Depot
10:15PM - Arrive Anchorage Depot
ii-Southbound Train -
6:45AM - Depart Anchorage Depot - 411 West 1st Avenue
11:05AM - Arrive Seward Depot - 410 Port Avenue (short walk to small boat harbor; about 1/2 mile to cruise ship dock). Adventure Class (with shared access to older vista dome railcar) Round Trip/One Way fare: $119/$75.
BY BUS-The Park Connection, offers twice daily bus service between Anchorage and Seward in the summer, mid-May to mid-September. Check in 15 minutes’ prior; luggage 2 pieces max. In general, the trip by bus is faster than by train, but slower than by car.
i-Northbound
10:30AM - Depart Seward Small Boat Harbour: $65
1:30PM - Arrive Anchorage Museum
6:30PM - Depart Seward Small Boat Harbour: $55
9:30PM - Arrive Anchorage Museum
ii-Southbound
7:00AM - Depart Anchorage - Egan Centre: $55
9:45AM - Arrive Seward Small Boat Harbour
3:00PM - Departs Anchorage Museum: $65
5:45PM - Arrive Seward Small Boat Harbour
i-Northbound
10:30AM - Depart Seward Small Boat Harbour: $65
1:30PM - Arrive Anchorage Museum
6:30PM - Depart Seward Small Boat Harbour: $55
9:30PM - Arrive Anchorage Museum
ii-Southbound
7:00AM - Depart Anchorage - Egan Centre: $55
9:45AM - Arrive Seward Small Boat Harbour
3:00PM - Departs Anchorage Museum: $65
5:45PM - Arrive Seward Small Boat Harbour
001-KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK-Kenai Fjords National Park is a United States National Park established in 1980 near Seward. The park covers an area of 2,711.33 km2 on the Kenai Peninsula. The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States and one of only four remaining ice fields in the U.S. The ice field is almost 714 sq. miles and up to a mile thick and the source of at least 38 glaciers, the largest of which is Bear Glacier. Exit Glacier is reachable by road and is a popular tour destination. The remainder of the park is primarily accessible by boat. From the massive ice field countless tidewater glaciers (Tidewater Glaciers are valley glaciers that flow all the way down to the ocean. They often calve numerous small icebergs, which can sometimes pose problems for shipping lanes.) pour down, carving valleys that fill with seawater to form the stunning fjords that the park is named after and then filling them with icebergs.
With such a landscape and an abundance of marine wildlife the park has become a major tourist attraction. As far as visitors are concerned Kenai Fjords has three main areas - Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield and the rugged coastline with the beautiful tidewater glaciers. The easiest to reach is the road-accessible Exit Glacier which explains why it's the park's most popular attraction, easily drawing more than 1,00,000 visitors each summer. Hardier souls can ascend to views of the Harding Ice Field from a trail at Exit Glacier. To see the tidewater glaciers and the park's abundant marine wildlife visitors take advantage of tour-boat cruises along the coast, dipping into such sizable fjords as Aialik Bay, Northwestern Lagoon, McCarty Fjord and North Arm, as well as sailing beneath mountains exceeding 6000ft in height. Possible wildlife sights from the side of a vessel range. This area offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and an opportunity. Surrounded by steep mountain walls, the Kenai Fjords provides the perfect habitat for Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Orca (or killer whales), Mountain Goats, Bald Eagles and a vast number of sea birds. In addition to the resident pods of Orca, migrating whale species are common sights and include the Humpback and Gray Whales, as well as Minke and Fin whales.
With such a landscape and an abundance of marine wildlife the park has become a major tourist attraction. As far as visitors are concerned Kenai Fjords has three main areas - Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield and the rugged coastline with the beautiful tidewater glaciers. The easiest to reach is the road-accessible Exit Glacier which explains why it's the park's most popular attraction, easily drawing more than 1,00,000 visitors each summer. Hardier souls can ascend to views of the Harding Ice Field from a trail at Exit Glacier. To see the tidewater glaciers and the park's abundant marine wildlife visitors take advantage of tour-boat cruises along the coast, dipping into such sizable fjords as Aialik Bay, Northwestern Lagoon, McCarty Fjord and North Arm, as well as sailing beneath mountains exceeding 6000ft in height. Possible wildlife sights from the side of a vessel range. This area offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and an opportunity. Surrounded by steep mountain walls, the Kenai Fjords provides the perfect habitat for Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Orca (or killer whales), Mountain Goats, Bald Eagles and a vast number of sea birds. In addition to the resident pods of Orca, migrating whale species are common sights and include the Humpback and Gray Whales, as well as Minke and Fin whales.
A-TOUR OF THE KENAI FJORD-
Cruise tours originating from Seward provide access to the park via Resurrection Bay. For recommendations on getting around the park, visit the Kenai Fjords National Park Information Center near the small boat harbor at Seward. The most popular and accessible area in the park is Exit Glacier, 13 miles northwest of Seward. You can drive to it or take a tour bus. Various companies offer tours, many guided by National Park Rangers. The tours provide views of land and marine wildlife, particularly Steller Sea Lions, Puffins, Dall's Porpoises, American Black Bear, Mountain Goats, and Humpback and Orca Whales, as well as natural sights such as the fjords and tidewater glaciers. From Seward or Homer you can book a breath-taking one-hour flight over the Harding Icefield and Kenai coast. For extended adventures, skiplanes drop off and pick up skiers on the ice field, and floatplanes do the same for kayakers in the fjords.
The big choice you need to make with a Seward cruise is whether you want to stick with a tour in Resurrection Bay, or take one that goes all the way into Kenai Fjords National Park. Resurrection Bay cruises are shorter (no more than 5 hours) and will get you plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities as well as calm waters—it’s great for families. You’re not really getting to see any glaciers with any proximity. If your cruise goes into Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll get a longer trip (more like 9 hours), see glaciers within a half mile of the deck, and, get more dramatic scenery.
Cruise tours originating from Seward provide access to the park via Resurrection Bay. For recommendations on getting around the park, visit the Kenai Fjords National Park Information Center near the small boat harbor at Seward. The most popular and accessible area in the park is Exit Glacier, 13 miles northwest of Seward. You can drive to it or take a tour bus. Various companies offer tours, many guided by National Park Rangers. The tours provide views of land and marine wildlife, particularly Steller Sea Lions, Puffins, Dall's Porpoises, American Black Bear, Mountain Goats, and Humpback and Orca Whales, as well as natural sights such as the fjords and tidewater glaciers. From Seward or Homer you can book a breath-taking one-hour flight over the Harding Icefield and Kenai coast. For extended adventures, skiplanes drop off and pick up skiers on the ice field, and floatplanes do the same for kayakers in the fjords.
The big choice you need to make with a Seward cruise is whether you want to stick with a tour in Resurrection Bay, or take one that goes all the way into Kenai Fjords National Park. Resurrection Bay cruises are shorter (no more than 5 hours) and will get you plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities as well as calm waters—it’s great for families. You’re not really getting to see any glaciers with any proximity. If your cruise goes into Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll get a longer trip (more like 9 hours), see glaciers within a half mile of the deck, and, get more dramatic scenery.
i-6-Hour Kenai Fjord National Park Full-Day Tour
(www.majormarine.com )-
May 10 - September 14,
Departs11:30 am &Returns5:30 pm
Visit Holgate Glacier.
Visit Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection.
High-Speed Catamaran: M/V Glacier Express
(www.majormarine.com )-
May 10 - September 14,
Departs11:30 am &Returns5:30 pm
Visit Holgate Glacier.
Visit Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection.
High-Speed Catamaran: M/V Glacier Express
ii- 8 1/2-Hour Kenai Fjord Northwestern Fjord Tour (www.majormarine.com )-
June 7 - August 24,
Departs9:00 amReturns5:30 pm
Small vessel excursion to North-western Fjord.
View multiple Tidewater Glaciers.
Visit Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
June 7 - August 24,
Departs9:00 amReturns5:30 pm
Small vessel excursion to North-western Fjord.
View multiple Tidewater Glaciers.
Visit Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
iii-With Dinner On Fox Island(http://www.kenaifjords.com/)-10:00 am Departure,
Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park with a one-of-a-kind stop at Fox Island for an all-you-can-eat wild Alaska salmon and prime rib dinner. Enjoy a National Park Ranger presentation at Fox Island.
Daily: May 24–August 24,
8½-hour cruise (10:00 am–6:30 pm)
120 miles round-trip
Exclusive Step ashore at our private Fox Island Lodge
Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park with a one-of-a-kind stop at Fox Island for an all-you-can-eat wild Alaska salmon and prime rib dinner. Enjoy a National Park Ranger presentation at Fox Island.
Daily: May 24–August 24,
8½-hour cruise (10:00 am–6:30 pm)
120 miles round-trip
Exclusive Step ashore at our private Fox Island Lodge
002-WHALE WATCHING in ALASKA-This is a Mecca of marine life for whales to the prized wild salmon that thrive in abundance throughout these waters. The whale watching trips featuring grey whale, orcas (killer whale), humpback whale and the beluga whales. As summer progresses, frequent observations of humpback, minke, and orcas, "killer whales", are present throughout the waters of coastal Alaska. Resurrection Bay in Seward, the many bays off Kodiak AK, Whittier in Prince William Sound, See Map of Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay and Icy Straight, and the Inside Passage around Juneau Alaska. These are some of the hot spots for Alaska whale watching trips. Best time to see whales is from June to early September.
i- Kenai Fjords National Park near Seaward- Gray whales migrate through the waters off Alaska from their winter grounds in Baja California, on their way to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas. In the summer we often encounter humpback, fin, and minke whales which travel thousands of miles to feed in the rich waters of the fjords. Orcas, also known as "killer whales,” are present in these waters throughout the year.
ii-Juneau -May through September this spot is the playground for whales, eagles, Orca, bears, as well as a number of different seabirds. In fact, it is one of the largest concentrations of Humpback whales found anywhere on the planet.
ii-Juneau -May through September this spot is the playground for whales, eagles, Orca, bears, as well as a number of different seabirds. In fact, it is one of the largest concentrations of Humpback whales found anywhere on the planet.
- Orca (Orcinus orca)-Orca whales, also known as "killer" whales, can be seen any day of the year in the Juneau area. These hunters search for salmon and small marine mammals over a large area. A pod of orcas is spotted every five to 15 days during the summer, as they hunt nearby. Orcas are active and fast-moving, and stay in tight family groups for their entire lives. The family pod will travel together, with the dominate males traveling in a separate group nearby. The orcas can be seen with their fins rising out of the water – the alpha male with the tallest of the group. Length up to 30 feet (9.1 meters).
- Humpback Whales- During the season humpback whales are spotted on more than 99% of tours. There are many humpback whales that feed, socialize and play in the waters near Juneau from mid-April through October. Humpbacks are among the most playful whales, and often breach (leap from the water), bubble net feed and slap their tails. Humpback whales are seen more often than any other mammal. Most of the humpback whales here in Juneau spend their winter in Hawaii. There are a few humpback whales that can be found here year round. Length up to 56 feet (17 meters).
iii-Alaska Whale Watching Tours Listed by Area-
- Southeast Alaska Tours -The area known as "The Inside Passage". Includes Craig, Elfin Cove, Glacier Bay, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Hydaburg, Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway and Wrangell.