A few years back, my husband mentioned that he would like to tour Alaska one day. Well, anyone who knows me also knows that was all I needed to be off and running! I immediately started envisioning 2-3 weeks of Alaskan beauty with a cruise and tour combo. But alas, it was not meant to be. Mike had started a new job and only had 1 week of leave. Ugh! So, I quickly started planning a mere 7 days in Alaska.
Mike and I immediately began debating the merits of Land vs Sea for our Alaska vacation. In a perfect world we would have done both, but since I travel frequently and he was only getting 1 week, I decided this trip would be all about him (well, almost all).
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Getting There
Anyone who is serious about travel knows that one week of vacation, when used properly, takes 9 days. No matter how you slice it, some places take a day to get to and another to get back. So, we left Texas Saturday morning and arrived in Anchorage at 5:00 p.m. If you are fortunate enough to get a direct flight, you will save loads of time. But I live in Corpus Christi, TX, so any trip I take involves at least one layover and this one was a doozy.
We rented a car at the Anchorage airport and drove approximately 3-hours via the Sterling Highway to Seward. You will be hard pressed to find a more scenic and beautiful drive anywhere. In addition to stunning cliffside views, you might get lucky and see all sorts of wildlife along the way. Also, since there are only about 3 hours of “night” during an Alaska summer, this drive was quite nice.
Upon arrival in Seward, we stopped at the grocery for breakfast foods and snacks, checked into our hotel, and then pulled the black-out curtain so we could pass out. Do not forget to pull your black-out curtains during an Alaska summer! It is difficult enough to trick your body into sleep when it is daylight 21 hours a day, but it is impossible when the sun is blaring into your room. And trust me, you will need your beauty sleep if you are going to truly experience 7 full days in Alaska.
Sunday – Kenai Fjords, Aialik Glacier, and Whale Watching
When I think of Alaska, I think of glaciers! So, our first day was spent touring Kenai Fjords. We woke early that morning allowing us time to worship before we began our excursion. Our boat departed Seward from the small boat harbor late-morning for a 6-hour cruise. This is the perfect way for those who tour Alaska by land to see majestic glaciers calving into the sea and to watch whales, puffin, and other sea life frolic and play.
We enjoyed a few encounters with whales and other sea life as we made our way down Resurrection Bay and then up Aiakik Bay. It was a beautiful day for a cruise and the weather was quite tolerable most of the day. The closer we got to the Aialik Glacier, the colder it became! It also became a bit damp as the glacier calved into the bay adding to the sea of ice floating all around us. It wasn’t the full experience one gets with a cruise line visit to Glacier Bay, but it was amazing all the same.
After the glacier, we went into serious whale watching mode. The whales did not disappoint! A few came out to put on a show just for us!
We also passed areas where sea lions enjoy hanging out (hold your nose) and saw other sea life as we made our way back to Seward. This was a great way to spend day one of our 7 days in Alaska.
Monday – Deep Sea Fishing
Mike couldn’t wait for the chance to catch salmon and halibut in Alaska. So, he jumped at the chance to go deep sea fishing. I didn’t join him (fishing isn’t really my thing) but regretted it later as he had an amazing day. In addition to catching his limit, he saw many different varieties of birds and fish, as well as sea otters, sea lions, and other great sights.
As a bonus, we had the fish frozen and sent to us after the trip. We enjoyed delicious salmon and halibut the rest of the year. Mike swears that fish tasted better because he caught it in Alaska. I don’t really know how much he personally impacted the flavor, but it really was better than what we get at the grocery store. It was a beautiful day on the water, and I highly recommend you take this trip even if you aren’t all that into fishing.
How I Spent My Monday
While Mike fished, I enjoyed a wonderful glacier hike and kayaking excursion in the Lowell Point area. The long summer days in Alaska allow you to do and see far more than on a typical summer day in the lower 48. I most enjoyed my time kayaking among the porpoises and sea otters.
I spent the remainder of time before Mike returned from fishing checking out the tide pools, the Alaska Sea Life Center (aquarium), and the varies galleries and shops in Seward. this self-guided audio tour of Seward is also a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Admittedly, I also spent a good chunk of time watching the sea otters at the marina. I couldn’t get enough of them!
Tuesday – Take the Long Way Back to Anchorage
We arose bright and early Tuesday morning to spend the day exploring every place we could between Seward and Anchorage. With all day to explore by car, we did not have a plan and just went where the wind took us.
We stopped at several overlooks we were unable to take the time for on the way down. Many of these overlooks are attached to trails where we did some light hiking. We also checked out a few of the small towns along the way. But our biggest (and best) stop was in and around Cooper Landing. There is a nice little historic district and museum in Cooper Landing and we enjoyed talking with people there.
Fishing the Russian River
The real draw to Cooper Landing was the trail that led us to the Russian River. Here we found anglers lined up almost shoulder to shoulder catching salmon as they made their way up the river. The fishing was hot and I wasn’t sure I would be able to pry Mike away – ever. This was definitely a highlight of Mike’s 7 days in Alaska. Before leaving, I had to make a solemn vow to bring him back to Cooper Landing for a week once he retires.
I enjoyed walking along the river’s edge and watching the action at Cooper Landing. Suddenly, I heard a commotion down river a bit. Sure enough, a lazy old bear had come to the river to steal fish. I was so excited, I nearly forgot to take a picture!
Wednesday – The Alaska Railroad Heading North to Denali
Wednesday we were up bright and early to catch the Alaskan Railroad to Denali National Park and Preserve. This was (almost) an all-day experience but we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We saw several small towns and a whole lot of nature along the way.
Upon arrival at Denali, we were ready to explore our resort, enjoy an early dinner, and hit the sack. We had enjoyed a few hard days of travel and had an early morning the next day.
Thursday – Denali
We awoke early to shuttle the short distance to park headquarters for the 6:00 a.m. history and nature tour of Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is 6 million acres of wild tundra and snowy mountains. There is only one road bisecting the park (and mostly only open to park busses) enabling the animals to roam freely. Denali herself (formerly known as Mt. McKinley), is the highest peak in North America rising to 20,310 feet. This snow-covered mountain can be elusive to see but the view is worth the trip when you do.
We elected this early morning tour to maximize our chances of seeing wildlife. Denali is home to 39 species of mammals, 169 species of birds and (fortunately) only 1 amphibian. There are, however, loads of insects, spiders, slugs, bees, and other bothersome but important critters.
Of course, we had priorities, we wanted to see the Big Five of Denali. Denali considers these to be grizzly bears, moose, caribou, sheep, and wolves. Honestly, we mostly cared about the top 3 plus the golden eagles the park is famous for. We were not disappointed! We were able to see one or more of each during our 5-hour tour (note: animal sightings cannot be guaranteed and are less common now due to some park closures).
- Denali National Park Walking Tour
- Denali Jeep Adventure
- Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure
- Horse-Drawn Covered Wagon Ride with Backcountry Dining
- Denali Park Zip Line Adventure
River Rafting
In the afternoon we took a river rafting excursion. This adrenaline-filled activity is great for all ages. The tour operator provided the equipment and dry suits. They even provided our paddler so we mainly got to watch as the scenery flashed by – and I do mean FLASHED by! We both really enjoyed the ride and loved that – thanks to the dry suits – we didn’t get wet from our seats in the back.
Friday – Sled Dogs and Trains to Fairbanks
We visited the kennels to see how sled dogs are bred, raised, and trained on Friday morning. These dogs are amazing and can haul very heavy loads during the Alaska winters. It was summer, so while they gave a demonstration, one had to use their imagination a bit, but it was still fun. The best part was getting to love on the puppies.
We reluctantly said farewell to Denali that afternoon. It was time to complete our trip north to Fairbanks. This was a 4-hour train ride through more of the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.
Saturday – Gold, Black Gold, and Santa
We decided to learn a bit about Alaskan gold mining at Gold Dredge 8. This is a great spot for kids because it combines a history lesson about mining in their museum with a chance to pan for a little gold themselves. It isn’t 100% authentic with the comfy seating while you learn to pan, but it can be fun all the same. And everyone goes home with a bag filled with pay dirt!
Next, we stopped by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This is really just a giant pipe headed south to the harbor, but it carries 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. I wish I owned all that oil!
North Pole, Alaska
With loads of time to spare before our evening flight home, we headed to the Santa Claus House in North Pole. This place is Christmas on steroids. Not only did I get to meet the big guy and his lovely wife for hot chocolate and cookies, but he promised to send my young niece and nephews a letter. Imagine their delight when they received their letter and learned that Auntie Amanda and Uncle Mike actually knew Santa Claus. I totally became the coolest aunt ever!
While visiting Santa, don’t forget to step over to the Antler Academy of Flying Reindeer Games to meet the team. They love to be fed by young (and young at heart) visitors. You can also take care of your Christmas shopping with fabulous holiday merchandise and Alaskan handicrafts and souvenirs. A deed for 1 square inch of North Pole is the perfect gift for that person who has everything and a wonderful souvenir from your 7 days in Alaska.
July 4th Festivities
We were extremely happy to take part in the North Pole July 4th parade. This fun parade featured unique entries from every community group imaginable. We saw fabulous marching bands, dance troupes, and of course no parade in North Pole would be complete without Santa. This was a fun and festive way to end our wonderful 7 days in Alaska
What I Would Do Differently
There are two things I wish we had done differently during our 7 days in Alaska. I regret not spending the money to go to the Arctic Circle during our day in Fairbanks. We had loads of fun with what we did, but it seemed like we had to search out the fun more there. That said, we were there in summer and the Northern Lights don’t really make an appearance in July.
Unless I plan on visiting the Arctic Circle, I might skip Fairbanks to give Mike a day or two more at Cooper Landing. He was really in his element with the salmon fishermen along the Russian River and I believe staying in a cabin or RV in that area is his idea of heaven.
Second, I wish we had gone to Talkeetna instead of Denali. You typically get better views of the mountain from nearby Talkeetna and will often find the wildlife viewing to be more promising. Plus, I was a fan of the TV seires “Northern Exposure” back in the day and Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration behind the fictional city of Cicely
Next Time
Next time we visit Alaska, Mike and I hope to rent an RV (after a week-long cruise visiting some of the coastal towns). I would then like to spend 2-3 weeks touring Alaska in the RV so that we can spend time out in the wilderness (but with the comfort of plumbing). I believe that is where we will find the real Alaska.
- How to Book an Alaskan Cruise
- Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer – Port of Seward to Anchorage
- RV Rentals in Alaska
Ready to Plan Your Alaska Vacation?
Well I can help! As a Certified Alaska Specialist and an Ocean Cruising Specialist, I can plan and book the Alaska vacation of your dreams. I do not charge a fee for my services and can often save you money, so get in touch with me today.
If you plan to cruise, you need to book 12-18 months in advance to get the “best side” of the ship. So don’t delay!
How do you want to spend your Alaska vacation? Let us know in the comment section and join us for other great travel debates! You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
I would like to know the price of two or something that we can’t do because of my husband’s health. We’d like to pan for gold we’d like to go on the river raft maybe go fishing on a boat. Some easy things that don’t have a lot of walking or standing. Would that be a possibility. How much for the Cruise airfare all inclusive. Would like to fly from Des Moines Iowa to Florida. And Florida back to Des Moines.