Tourism

Do you have a picture of the Alaska Railroad from your travels this year? Be sure to enter it in the Catch the Train Photo Contest, and you could win cash, railroad tickets and a trip to Denali National Park and Preserve. Twelve winners will have their photos featured in the 2021 calendar. One finalist will win the grand prize and have the photo featured on the cover.

Summer’s almost over and now’s the time to enjoy tasty treats in a perfect outside setting. What better place to do that than in Alaska? Check out these Southcentral spots before the end of summer.

Located on 200 acres overlooking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge is the perfect destination to escape the daily grind with a relaxing weekend getaway.

Anchorage comes to life during the warm summer months, thanks to the nearly endless hours of daylight under the midnight sun. In the downtown area, there are vibrant festivities for visitors to enjoy all season long. These ongoing events are a few of the local favorites:

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge is beckoning summer adventurers from near and far. Located high on the Kenai River banks, the rustic lodge is home to salmon and trout fishing and wildlife excursions. Just two hours from Anchorage near Cooper Landing, the lodge is convenient for an Alaska staycation. 

As an Alaskan, and founder and co-owner of Salmon Berry Travel & Tours, I take pride in highlighting the best of my state.

The summer is hot, and so are Chena Hot Spring Resort’s upcoming events.

Tech-savvy travelers can save 50% on top Alaska tours and activities with the Alaska TourSaver app. Travelers can download up to 110 e-coupons to iPhones or Android devices.

Nestled within Denali National Park, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is surrounded by backcountry beauty. During long summer days, visitors can explore the Land of the Midnight Sun on nature hikes, rafting excursions, horseback rides and more, all from the property’s backyard.

Pack the car, grab the mosquito spray and leave the headlamps at home, it’s summer solstice camping time. Whether you want the comfort of a campground or the solace of the backcountry, these camping spots will meet your needs. Remember, no matter where you go in Alaska, practice leave no trace, and stay bear-aware.

Portage Glacier Cruises is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019. With five daily trips, the company offers one of the most accessible ways to see the glacier. 

Alaska is known for rugged mountains, towering glaciers, wildlife, knockout views and its eight national parks. Here are some of our favorites:

Summer is almost here, and Alaska is getting ready for a very busy peak travel season. Here are some highlights:

Every Alaskan will agree that you can’t beat a summer here in the 49th state. Enjoy more and pay less when you take advantage of these deals, available only to Alaska residents.

Summer in Alaska brings the bears from their dens, the salmon to fresh streams and tourists from around the world to Alaska.

Here are our favorite apps to make travel easier, more affordable and more fun.

Our next issue is the Toast to Alaska Tourism Edition, and we want to know how you like to travel in Alaska. The 49th state offers incredible opportunities for visitors and locals alike.

Wandering through downtown Anchorage, visitors feel the instant charm of Alaska’s northern hospitality. Strolling through the downtown area on foot is the easiest way to see Alaska’s largest city. Make the Historic Anchorage Hotel your home base to explore all the nearby attractions.

Melting snow and bears emerging from hibernation can only mean one thing: spring is here. From wildlife cruises to flightseeing excursions, Anchorage is the jumping-off point for adventure. Stay at The Historic Anchorage Hotel to easily access four outdoor escapes:

Just north of Willow,

Spring break is right around the corner. Many people are dreaming of tropical beaches, but the Alaska coast has a lot to offer. Alaska has more coastline than all other states combined, and while the beaches aren’t always sandy and sunny, there is plenty of fun to be had.

“It’s freezing.” “There’s limited sunlight.” “Go somewhere fun and warm.” All comments I received after telling friends and family that I wanted to spend my 27th birthday in Alaska.

Each winter, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau hosts a fireside lecture series on various topics of local interest. From nature and science, history to storytelling, each lecture is equal parts informative and entertaining. The events are free to the public.

Kick off one of the Last Frontier’s favorite festivals, Fur Rendezvous, with the Fur Rondy Express, the Alaska Railroad’s newest special-event train. 

REAL ID is the real deal, but many of us are still not quite sure what it is and how it will affect us. Here’s a brief rundown of the federally standardized license compliance:

Sun Country Airlines is giving Alaskans a new reason to say, “Viva Las Vegas!” The airline announced that it will launch nonstop seasonal service between Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport and Las Vegas starting May 18. Beginning June 5, there will be four nonstop flights each week on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone who has spent winter nights in Alaska knows the frustration of missing out on the aurora. Explore Fairbanks recently released a new aurora tracker so you never have to miss the show again.

In the 1890s, during the famed Klondike Gold Rush, it took months just for settlers to transfer equipment from one mining camp to another. Today, however, travelers only need a few weeks to experience the excitement of the gold rush and soak up all the scenery, history and local culture they want as part of John Hall’s Alaska’s “Klondike Gold Rush” tour.

There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re hungry after reaching cruising altitude. This has happened to all frequent travelers, though.

Make the most of your PFD by coming to the PFD Travel Fair on Sept. 29 from noon to 5 p.m. There, you’ll see the latest PFD travel specials from Alaska Airlines, Alaska Railroad and more. Plus, win your share of $20,000 in prizes like packages to the Cook Islands.