Alaska is big and wild. It is the largest state in the union encompassing 586,412 square miles, or about 365,000,000 acres and hosting more miles of coastline than the entire lower 48 contiguous states put together. It is one-fifth the size of the lower 48 states. Because Alaska seems limitless in size (including elevation!) weather and seasonality can be quite different from one part of the state to another. For example, areas in southeast Alaska are part of a coastal rainforest while northern tundra regions tend to be dry and less humid. Visitors can touch the Arctic Ocean in the land of the midnight sun; go fishing for King salmon along the Kenai Peninsula; visit historical museums in Unalaska in the Aleutians; or kayak in the southeastern waters near the capitol, Juneau. However, you can't see it all, in one trip, or a lifetime. It also depends on what time of year you plan to visit Alaska for your favorite activity. Whether you come by vehicle, plane or boat, you'll want to be able to explore the best Alaska has to offer! It is good to know a little bit about distances between communities and destinations and Alaska's changing seasons.
Alaska is a large and vast place - it can be challenging to decide where to go first! As you plan your trip, ask yourself what you want and expect from your Alaskan adventure. Researching and preparing ahead of time is the best way to get the most value for your time and money when traveling. Deciding first, before you visit, how long you can stay and where you want to go, will help make your trip to Alaska one to remember.
Anchorage - You can fly or drive into Anchorage, Alaska's largest city (population approximately 250,000) located in the south central portion of the state. Most travelers arrive at the Ted Steven's International Airport on one of several airlines. Anchorage hosts big city attractions like world class museums and art galleries with traditional amenities in hotels, bed and breakfasts and charming restaurants. Alaska Airlines, the state's largest inter-state carrier, flies to many communities around the state. Anchorage is also the major road system hub community, connected to Denali National Park and Fairbanks to the north, or south to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula. The drive to Fairbanks through the Matanuska - Susitna Valley and past Denali National Park, is about 6 hours. Seward is located just 2 hours along the Seward Highway. This drive takes you past the Chugach State Park and National Forest, Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and to Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward. A slight turn along the Sterling Highway (cut-off from the Seward Highway) will take you through the west part of the Kenai Peninsula where a river and a wildlife refuge bear the same name. This route ends in Homer, a small coastal town hosting incredible shorebirds, complete with an annual festival each spring.
Fairbanks - Alaska's second largest city (population approximately 60,000) is located north of Anchorage in the interior part of the state. From Anchorage, travelers can drive the Parks Highway or fly Alaska Airlines to Fairbanks. Fairbanks, and the area surrounding it, provides an even landscape at the edge of the burgeoning mountains of the Brooks Range. Travelers to Fairbanks enjoy northern lights or the aurora borealis in the winter as well as river boat adventures, hikes and wildlife viewing in the summer. From Fairbanks, visitors can fly above the Arctic Circle, drive the Haul Road (check with your rental car agency) north toward the Arctic Ocean, or spend a relaxing summer evening along the Chena River.
Juneau - Alaska's capitol city is located along the islands of southeast and amidst the Tongass National Forest. It is only accessible by flying Alaska Airlines, the state's largest air carrier, or by boat. Small and large cruise ships visit Juneau and it is serviced by the Alaska Marine Highway or state ferry system. From Anchorage, a flight to Juneau is approximately 2-3 hours, depending on community stops along the way. Often, flights will stop in Juneau, Ketchikan, Yakutat or Sitka in one route. From Juneau, you can access many other small communities and great destinations by air or the state ferry including Haines, Skagway, Gustavus, and Petersburg. It's only a day away to nearby Glacier Bay National Park - or, stay in town for views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Mt. Roberts.
Summer - From the end of May to September is the busy season for Alaska and its visitors. The summers in Alaska can be quite hot, reaching 80 degrees in northern communities like Fairbanks or a moderate 60 degrees in Anchorage. And, weather can be almost as exciting as your adventure in Alaska. July tends to be a rainier month. Be ready with outdoor gear and clothes for warm, wet, and windy conditions. During any kind of weather, outdoor adventure abounds in summer. Name any recreational activity - and Alaska most likely offers it! From ocean and river kayaking - to fishing - to horse back riding - to hunting - to cruising - to relaxing in the wilderness, you can find it here. The majority of tourism businesses and services are open in summer. Think about what your recreation of choice and plan your trip around it. It is good to think about either a favorite activity or destination in the state as you start to plan your adventure in Alaska!
Fall - September, October, and November are also beautiful times to visit Alaska. The fall colors of coastal and interior forests represent vibrant yellows, reds and oranges. Usually, fewer people visit during this time. Take advantage of less crowded restaurants and possible discounts on rooms and adventure trips! Many tourism businesses are offering more and more services into the fall months. Be sure to call ahead for the operating time of a business.
Winter - Alaska can truly be a snow lovers' delight! From top notch skiing to snow shoe hikes, to experiencing the traditional mode of dog sledding -- the most northern U.S. state knows how to have fun in the snow. Several communities plan special events during the winter to help adjust to the darker days. For example, Fur Rendezvous is celebrated in February in Anchorage with a multitude of activities including ice carving contests and fire work displays. The city itself hosts miles of world-class cross country ski trails and races. Throughout the snowy season, the Alyeska Prince Resort in Girdwood (45 minutes south of Anchorage) and ski hill attracts professional down hill ski races while the community of Valdez (accessible from the Glenn Highway, air service or state ferry from Anchorage) boasts high adventure extreme skiing events, annually. Fairbanks boasts outside tours to see the aurora borealis - or northern lights during the winter. On your own, rent a small cabin amidst peaceful and snow covered pines. Take a snow shoe hike through miles of trails and then cozy up to a fireplace with hot chocolate. Watch amazing feats of snow skiers as they fly through the air!
Spring - Alaskans call the time when snow is starting to melt "break-up." It starts to get warmer and wildlife becomes more active during breeding and migration periods. The famous Iditarod dog race is hosted every March with the ceremonial start beginning in Anchorage. Visitors can reserve spots at lodges or with tour companies to watch the racers at a spot along the route. Or, plan your trip to see a more natural event, like the spring migration of whales and thousands of birds that travel to and through Alaska from far away continents. The communities of Homer and Cordova, both in south central Alaska, host annual shorebird festivals to celebrate these migration miracles.
Remember to ask good questions of your travel agent, tour operator, or business owner. Don't be shy about asking for references; if they have the right insurance; or if they are members of a travel association or convention & visitor bureau. These questions might save you a whole lot of time and value, so all you will have to do is enjoy your trip to Alaska!