Travel and Tourism

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

Your PFD has arrived and you’re anxious for a winter getaway. Before you book your flight, learn the best hacks and top destinations for solo travel adventures based on safety, scenery and friendliness.

It’s not too late to plan one last family adventure before school starts. From Fairbanks, catch the Alaska Railroad for a day trip to Denali National Park and return that same night: take the Denali Star Train and spend quality family time onboard the train and exploring the park. And, kids under 12 ride free with a full-price adult.

As the school year approaches, take the time to learn about how Renewable Energy Alaska Project’s Tour Green program connects local businesses and their customers with opportunities to preserve natural resources and improve the local economy via REAP education and advocacy programs.

With daily summer departures both north and south of Anchorage, the Alaska Railroad is an ideal way to plan a memorable daytrip outside the city – before catching the train back to Anchorage that evening.

Looking to get inspired by Alaska’s nature or wildlife? Join Salmon Berry Travel & Tours on its new Anchorage Eco Tour that will take you to the lush (and very Instagram-worthy) Alaska Botanical Garden, before stopping by Anchorage’s very own fish hatchery.

When you have limited vacation but still want maximum adventure, look no further than Orca Island Cabins. You’ll be treated to the trip of a lifetime.

Sunday, July 15, marked the 95th anniversary of the completion of construction on the Alaska Railroad. If you are not familiar with the story, President Warren G. Harding made a historic trip to Alaska in 1923, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the Last Frontier. This date commemorates the completion of the railroad in Nenana, when the president himself drove in the golden spike that officially completed the main line.

Book a summer adventure with the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Getaways Package, combining round-trip rail to Denali National Park and Preserve from Anchorage or Fairbanks as well as one or two nights at a park hotel.

Packed full of fun, John Hall’s Alaska’s 2019 winter itineraries offer guests two full adventure days and overnight accommodations at the recently opened Borealis Basecamp.

Major Marine Tours provides world-class wildlife and glacier cruises in Southcentral Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound. For 2018, they have added a new, energy-efficient vessel to their fleet.