Alaska excursion trips

 Go dots travel guide to Alaska

Milepost 2020

wildlife viewing excursions during their Alaska cruises. Whether you’re eager to spot majestic whales, playful otters, or the elusive gray wolf, there are plenty of options to immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural beauty. Here are some recommended wildlife tours:

1. Whale Watching Tours:

   • Juneau, Seward, and Sitka are excellent locations for whale watching.
   • Humpback whales are commonly seen along Alaska’s coast during the summer months.
   • Orcas (killer whales), both residents and transients, inhabit Alaska’s bays and inlets year-round.
   • Consider taking a whale watching tour to increase your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures.

2. Alaska’s Big Five:

   • These iconic animals include:
     • Grizzly bears (brown bears): Watch them play with their cubs or scratch their backs on trees.
     • Alaskan moose: Keep an eye out for these impressive creatures.
     • Caribou: Spot them in their natural habitat.
     • Dall sheep: Admire their presence in the wild.
     • Gray wolves: Although elusive, they inhabit Alaska’s wilderness.

3. Specific Wildlife Tours:

   • Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC offers a 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier. Explore majestic alpine and tidewater glaciers while keeping an eye out for wildlife like sea lions, otters, and eaglesAd1.
   • Alaska’s Finest Tours & Cruises in Anchorage provides various tours to explore Alaska’s beauty, including wildlife encounters2.
   • Allen Marine Tours operates vessels from Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, offering opportunities to witness whales, eagles, and other wildlife3.

4. Land and Sea Journeys:

   • Holland America Line’s luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer® takes you deep into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Witness moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves from the open decks of their ships4.

Remember to bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens to capture these incredible moments. Enjoy your wildlife adventures in the stunning Alaskan frontier! 🌲🐋🦅🏞️

While on a Holland America cruise in Alaska, you have the opportunity to savor some delicious salmon bake meals. Here are a couple of highly rated options:

1. Alaska Salmon Bake:

   • This excursion has been grilled to perfection for nearly 40 years.
   • Dine under translucent, heated domes, shielding you from the elements.
   • Enjoy an all-you-can-eat salmon bake feast:
     • Savor Alaskan-caught wild salmonbarbecued over an open alderwood fire, served with a tasty secret sauce.
     • Accompanied by barbecue ribs, cheesy au gratin potatoes, baked beans with reindeer sausage, wild rice pilaf, a variety of salads, cornbread, lemonade, coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and blueberry cake for dessert.
     • Beer, wine, and soda are available for purchase.
   • After your meal, stroll through the woods, roast marshmallows over the campfire, and explore the remains of the historic Wagner Mine.
   • Take a short walk along Salmon Creek, a salmon spawning stream, to a waterfall.
   • Shuttle buses run regularly, allowing you to return to the pier at your leisure1.

2. Alaska Salmon Bake at Pioneer Park (Fairbanks):

   • Enjoy an entree of prime rib, wild Alaskan salmon, Bering Sea cod, or fried chicken.
   • Surround yourself with Alaskan history while dining.
   • Your meal includes salad, a side of your choice (baked beans, macaroni and cheese, or roasted potatoes), rolls, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks2.

Both options promise a delightful culinary experience, allowing you to relish the flavors of Alaskan cuisine amidst stunning natural surroundings. Bon appétit! 🐟🔥🌲

For more details and booking information, visit the Holland America Line’s Alaska Salmon Bake page1

Salmon fishing in Alaska is an incredible experience, and if you’re on a Holland America cruise, you’ll have opportunities to explore this iconic activity. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of salmon fishing during your cruise:

1. Cruise Ship Excursions:

   • Holland America offers shore excursions that include salmon fishing experiences.
   • The cost of these excursions can vary based on the specific package, duration, and location.
   • Typically, expect to pay $200+ for a half-dayfishing trip and $300+ for a full-day boat charter per personAd1.

2. Fly-In Fishing Trips:

   • For a more immersive experience, consider a fly-in fishing trip.
   • These trips take you to remote areas with pristine waters and abundant salmon.
   • Prices for fly-in trips usually start at around $700+ per personAd1.

3. Licensing Fees:

• You’ll need an Alaska fishing license to fish legally.
• The cost for a license is approximately $20

Riverboat Discovery tour in Fairbanks, Alaska. 🌲🏔️

1. Overview:

   • Duration: Approximately 3 hours (roundtrip).
   • Experience: More than just a boat ride! Immerse yourself in the heart of Alaska’s rivers and connect with a family that has embraced river life for five generations.
   • Authentic Sternwheeler: Climb aboard an authentic Alaskan sternwheeler, the Riverboat Discovery, and journey along the Chena and Tanana Rivers.

2. Highlights:

   • Chena Village Living Museum:
     • Explore an Athabascan village firsthand with a guided walking tour.
     • Witness cabins made of spruce logs, a cache for supplies, a primitive spruce bark hut, and fur pelts.
     • Learn how Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years and adapted to village life and Western culture.
     • Interact with guides and visit dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel.
   • Bush Pilot Demonstration:
     • See an Alaskan bush pilot take off and land right next to the boat.
     • Discover the vital role planes play in remote Alaska.
   • Trail Breaker Kennel:
     • Visit the home and kennel of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher.
     • Learn about kennel life and the challenges of creating a champion dogsled team.
     • Don’t miss the exciting dog mushing demonstration!
   • Steamboat Landing:
     • Explore the Discovery Trading Post(onboard Discovery III) and Steamboat Landing (onshore).
     • Find unique Alaskan souvenirs and gifts.
   • Discovery Dining Hall:
     • Enjoy a full family-style meal with hearty miner’s beef stew, rustic roasted vegetables, a kale apple pecan salad, sourdough rolls, and a German chocolate brownie.
     • Beverages include iced tea, water, coffee, and hot tea. Beer and wine are available for purchase.
   • Captain’s Corner Grab & Go Lunch:
     • For a quick bite, visit the Captain’s Corner inside Steamboat Landing.

3. Booking Information:

   • Seasonal Business: Open from mid-May to mid-September.
   • Location: 1975 Discovery Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
   • Phone: (907) 479-6673.
   • Availability: June, July, and August usually have ample availability.

Make 2024 your year to cruise the great rivers of the Last Frontier! 🌊🌟

Denali McKinley Chalet Resort in Denali, Alaska. This charming resort is situated in the heart of the Denali Canyon, nestled along the banks of the Nenana River, less than 2 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park. Here’s what you need to know about this delightful retreat:

1. Location and Setting:

   • Address: Mile 238.9 Parks Highway, Denali National Park, Alaska, 99755.
   • Riverside Charm: Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of the Nenana River, surrounded by pristine wilderness. The McKinley Chalet Resort offers a serene escape at the edge of the wilds.

2. Comfortable Accommodations:

   • The resort boasts 582 guest rooms, ensuring a cozy and restful stay.
   • Whether you’re here to discover the tallest mountain in North America or catch glimpses of caribou, the McKinley Chalet Resort has a comfortable room ready for you.

3. Dining Options:

   • Canyon Steakhouse: Savor delicious meals at the Canyon Steakhouse, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
   • Karstens Public House: Enjoy warm northern hospitality and quality dining at Karstens Public House.
   • Grizzly Grind Espresso: For a quick pick-me-up, visit the grab ‘n’ go espresso bar.
   • Music of Denali Dinner Theater: Experience a rip-roaring dinner theater right at the resort.

4. Denali Square:

   • This gathering place features fire pits and daily entertainment.
   • Take in views of the nearby mountains while connecting with fellow travelers.

5. Additional Amenities:

   • Shuttle to National Park Visitor Center:Convenient transportation between the lodge and Denali National Park.
   • Tour Desk: Helpful representatives can assist in planning wildlife viewing, river rafting, or ATV adventures.
   • Complimentary Wireless Internet: Stay connected even in the heart of the wilderness.
   • Gift Shop: Find unique Alaskan souvenirs.
   • Guest Laundry Facilities: Practical amenities for longer stays.

6. About Denali:

   • The name Denali means “High One” in the Athabascan language.
   • This magnificent mountain stands at 20,310 feet, making it the highest peak in North America.
   • Denali National Park and Preserve covers six million acres with only one road, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Welcome to Denali National Park, where adventure awaits! 🌟🏞️

For more information and reservations, visit the AdMcKinley Chalet Resort website1.

!McKinley Chalet Resort

Anchorage Let’s explore the Westmark Anchorage Hotel in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. This contemporary hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay for travelers. Here are the key details:

1. Location and Views:

   • Address: 720 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501.
   • Scenic Setting: Enjoy majestic views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet right from your room’s private balcony.
   • Heart of Downtown: The Westmark Anchorage Hotel is perfectly situated in the bustling heart of downtown Anchorage.

2. Accommodations:

   • The hotel features 200 guest rooms, each with its own private balcony.
   • Rooms are decorated with white linens, dark wood furnishings, and splashes of color.
   • Stay connected with complimentary wireless Internet.

3. Dining Options:

   • Solstice Bar & Grill: This popular onsite restaurant serves fresh Alaskan seafood, steaks, salads, and unique micro beer and wine varieties. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
   • Solstice Espresso Bar: Grab a pastry and your favorite cup of Starbucks coffee.

4. Additional Amenities:

   • Fitness Center: Stay active during your stay.
   • Tour Desk (Seasonal): Plan your Alaskan adventures.
   • Meeting Facilities: Ideal for business meetings or functions.
   • Non-Smoking Hotel: Enjoy a smoke-free environment.
   • Air Conditioning: Keep cool in any season.

5. Nearby Attractions:

   • 5th Avenue Mall: Just a 5-minute walk away.
   • Alaska Center for the Performing Arts: A short drive from the hotel.

!Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Whether you’re here for business or leisure, the Westmark Anchorage Hotel provides supreme comfort and stunning Alaskan vistas. 🌟🏞️

For more information and reservations, visit the AdWestmark Anchorage Hotel website1.

Salmon bake

Juneau, Alaska, experiencing a traditional salmon bake is a must. Here are some delightful options:

1. Gold Creek Salmon Bake:

   • Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
   • Highlights:
     • Begin with a scenic coastal drive south of the city, enjoying views of the rugged coastline.
     • Scout for bears, eagles, salmon, and other wildlife at Herring Cove.
     • Your Salmon experience begins at the First City Salmon.
     • First Course: Savor a cold plate with smoked salmon, salmon dip, salmon poke, and sourdough bread.
     • Learn about the life cycle of Wild Alaskan Salmon during your presentation.
     • Second Course: Enjoy a hot plate with a Salmon Steak topped with a delicious sauce and a freshly baked sourdough bowl filled with award-winning smoked salmon chowder.
     • After lunch, unwind with a locally brewed beer or a glass of wine at the pub.
     • Shop for gold panning kits and other mementos in the trading post.
     • Combine this event with two other Alaska Travel Adventures day trips: its Historic Gold Panning Adventure and the Whale Watching Adventure.
   • What to Bring: Dress comfortably, in layers. Bring a camera, rain jacket, and umbrella in case of showers.
   • Prices & Dates (2024 Season):
     • Adult: $69
     • Child (ages 12 and under): $49

2. Other Options:

   • Explore local restaurants and eateries in Juneau that serve fresh, locally caught salmon prepared in various ways.
   • Keep an eye out for seasonal salmon festivals or events where you can enjoy salmon dishes and learn about their significance in Alaskan culture.

Remember, a salmon bake isn’t just about the food—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Alaska. 🐟🌲

Juneau, Alaska, experiencing a traditional salmon bake is a must. Here are some delightful options:

1. Gold Creek Salmon Bake:

   • Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
   • Highlights:
     • Begin with a scenic coastal drive south of the city, enjoying views of the rugged coastline.
     • Scout for bears, eagles, salmon, and other wildlife at Herring Cove.
     • Your Salmon experience begins at the First City Salmon.
     • First Course: Savor a cold plate with smoked salmon, salmon dip, salmon poke, and sourdough bread.
     • Learn about the life cycle of Wild Alaskan Salmon during your presentation.
     • Second Course: Enjoy a hot plate with a Salmon Steak topped with a delicious sauce and a freshly baked sourdough bowl filled with award-winning smoked salmon chowder.
     • After lunch, unwind with a locally brewed beer or a glass of wine at the pub.
     • Shop for gold panning kits and other mementos in the trading post.
     • Combine this event with two other Alaska Travel Adventures day trips: its Historic Gold Panning Adventure and the Whale Watching Adventure.
   • What to Bring: Dress comfortably, in layers. Bring a camera, rain jacket, and umbrella in case of showers.
   • Prices & Dates (2024 Season):
     • Adult: $69
     • Child (ages 12 and under): $49

2. Other Options:

   • Explore local restaurants and eateries in Juneau that serve fresh, locally caught salmon prepared in various ways.
   • Keep an eye out for seasonal salmon festivals or events where you can enjoy salmon dishes and learn about their significance in Alaskan culture.

Remember, a salmon bake isn’t just about the food—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Alaska. 🐟🌲