Alaska Itinerary:

7 Days with MettaWings

Alaska is a land of wonder, where nature’s grandeur unfolds in breathtaking vistas. Here’s a delightful 7-day itinerary that combines scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural exploration

Day 1: Anchorage

  • Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Snow City Cafe in downtown Anchorage. Visit the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaska’s Native tribes and scientific wonders.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or venture to Flattop Mountain for a hike. For lunch, try Lucky Wishbone or Middle Way Cafe.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at 49th State Brewing in downtown Anchorage.

Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park

  • Embark on a scenic drive to Seward, your base for exploring Kenai Fjords. Witness glaciers, marine wildlife, and stunning fjords.

  • Consider a boat tour to see calving glaciers and spot whales, sea lions, and puffins.

Glacier Tour

Embark on a scenic drive to Seward and witness the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park.

Marine Wildlife

Experience the thrill of spotting whales, sea lions, and puffins on a boat tour.

Calving Glaciers

Get up close to calving glaciers and marvel at their awe-inspiring beauty.

Discover the breathtaking fjords and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Kenai.

Base in Seward

Day 3: Denali National Park

  • Drive north to Denali National Park. Take a guided bus tour into the heart of Denali’s wilderness.

  • Keep an eye out for grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.

Day 4: Denali Adventures

  • Explore Denali further with optional activities like flightseeing tours, rafting, or hiking.

  • Marvel at the majestic Denali (formerly Mount McKinley).

Day 5: Anchorage to Fairbanks

  • Drive to Fairbanks, Alaska’s northern hub.

  • Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about indigenous cultures.

Day 6: Fairbanks Exploration

  • Explore Fairbanks’ unique attractions, such as the Museum of the North and the University of Alaska’s Large Animal Research Station.

  • Consider a flightseeing tour to see the vast wilderness from above.

Unique Attractions

Explore Fairbanks’ unique attractions

Alaskan art museum

Visit the Museum of the North

Animal Research Facility

Discover the University of Alaska’s Large Animal Research Station

Experience the vast wilderness from above

Flightseeing Tours

Day 7: Girdwood or Northern Lights

Let’s delve into the enchanting world of Girdwood, a place where rugged wilderness meets cozy charm. If the Northern Lights decide to play hide-and-seek, fear not—there’s a wealth of experiences waiting for you in this Alaskan gem.

Discover Girdwood: Where Adventure and Tranquility Converge

Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway:

  • Ride the Tram: Ascend to the heavens in just seven minutes aboard the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway. From the top, behold a breathtaking panorama of mountains, hanging glaciers, and more. Explore the trails or savor a meal at the casual Bore Tide Deli or the upscale Seven Glaciers Restaurant. Bonus: Hike the North Face Trail down for free!

  • Pan for Gold: Bring the family to the Crow Creek Mine. Pan for gold amidst stunning views, tour historic buildings, and keep whatever gold you find. Evening salmon bakes and live music add to the allure.

Girdwood’s Great Trails:

  • Venture into North America’s northernmost temperate coastal rainforest.

  • Winner Creek Trail: Traverse lush forests and cross Glacier Creek on a unique hand tram, 100 feet below!

  • North Face Trail: A challenging ascent rewarded with a free aerial tram ride down.

  • Crow Pass: Ambitious hikers can tackle the 21-mile traverse, but day hikers often enjoy the first 4 miles (8 roundtrip).

Portage Valley:

  • Glacier Enthusiast’s Paradise: Nearby Portage Valley boasts hanging glaciers aplenty.

  • Begich, Boggs Visitor Center: Start here to explore options.

  • Portage Glacier: Take a one-hour boat trip on Portage Lake for an up-close view.

  • Byron Glacier: Short hike to witness another glacier’s icy beauty.

  • Trail of Blue Ice: A 5-mile trail with stunning mountain and hanging glacier vistas.

Glacier Discovery Train to Whittier:

  • Hop on the Glacier Discovery Train to Whittier.

  • From there, embark on a glacier and wildlife cruise into Prince William Sound.

  • Witness tidewater glaciers dramatically calving into the ocean.

  • Keep an eye out for bald eagles, otters, and Dall’s porpoises.

  • For a more personal experience, paddle out on a kayak in the calm waters.

Remember, Girdwood isn’t just a destination; it’s a canvas of possibilities. Whether chasing the Northern Lights or immersing in the wonders of nature, your readers will find magic in every moment. 🌲🏔️✨

When to See Northern Lights in Alaska: A Guide

October (Late Autumn):

  • As the rivers and lakes begin to freeze over, the skies become darker, providing an ideal canvas for the aurora borealis.

  • Recommended Activities: Explore the vast Alaskan wilderness away from cities to minimize light pollution.

March (Early Spring):

  • As winter ice starts to thaw, March offers excellent viewing conditions.

  • Best Viewing Hours: Aim for 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for prime aurora displays.

  • Tip: Check the Almanac moon calendar to avoid moonlight interference.

January:

  • Although it represents some of the shortest days in Alaska, January is a great time for aurora hunting.

  • Barrow, the northernmost point of the United States, is an excellent location.

  • Remember: Seek out areas with minimal light pollution.

Late August to Mid-April:

  • These months provide long, dark nights, making them ideal for Northern Lights viewing.

  • Avoid: The summer months due to Alaska’s midnight sun.

Remember, the Northern Lights dance across the Alaskan sky, weaving magic and wonder. Plan your visit during these optimal months for an unforgettable experience! 🌠🌲

🌌✨ When it comes to witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Alaska, timing is everything. Let’s create a concise guide for your webpage, highlighting the best months to experience this celestial spectacle:

running man on bridge
running man on bridge
person standing on brown rock formation looking at waterfalls during daytime
person standing on brown rock formation looking at waterfalls during daytime

Rental Car and Accommodations

  • MettaWings will arrange a comfortable rental car for your convenience.

  • For accommodations, consider luxurious wilderness lodges or boutique hotels.

Quote and Booking

  • To receive a personalized quote and book this itinerary, reach out to MettaWings via email at malissa@mettawings.com.

  • MettaWings promises exceptional service, attention to detail, and kindness throughout her journey.

Remember, with MettaWings, you're not just a traveler; you're an honored guest on a canvas of possibilities. 🌄✨

Alaska

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Alaska, USA

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Reach the Last Frontier🌲📞✨