Early July is one of the best times to be in Alaska, so we highly recommend coming early or staying after the event to explore all of the amazing places Alaska has to offer in the summer time. Here are a few ideas for possible adventures:
Turnagain Arm Area
Driving South from Anchorage you will follow Turnagain Arm, a beautiful coastal area where you may spot Dall sheep or even a Beluga whale! There are a variety of attractions and you can have a nice meal in the ski resort town of Girdwood on the way down or back.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: This great place offers guaranteed wildlife about an hour south of Anchorage. This organization cares for rescued bears, moose, wolves, and other wildlife in a beautiful setting along Turnagain Arm.
Portage Glacier Cruise: A short cruise that will take you up close to Portage Glacier. See it before it’s gone!
Portage Pass Trail: Portage Pass is a short but stunning hike! Take the tunnel through to Whittier to access the trailhead.
Seward Area
Located on the spectacular Resurrection Bay, Seward is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a 2 – 2 ½ hour drive from Anchorage, but well worth the trip, especially if the forecast is good.
Wildlife / Glacier Cruises: The Kenai Fjords tours are fantastic– you will generally see sea lions, glaciers, and a variety of seabirds on the longer trips, and there is also the possibility of seeing orcas, humpbacks, and other wildlife if the timing is right. Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine are the two primary operators here.
Sealife Center: The Alaska Sealife Center is a great public aquarium / research center where you can watch sea lions and seals swimming underwater and explore the diverse aquatic life of the Pacific.
Exit Glacier / Harding Icefield hike: It is a short walk to the exit glacier overlook, but if you have the time and it’s clear, it is well worth the 8-mile round trip hike to see the Harding Icefield.
Kayaking / Fishing: There are a variety of charter fishing tours out of Seward– a great way to see the bay while catching some fresh, delicious wild fish. If you’d rather explore on your own from a kayak, Miller’s Landing is a great starting place.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America and is filled with wildlife. Take the bus into the park to see the wildlife, or explore the trail-less backcountry and camp overnight for extra adventure.
Guided Tours
Ascending Path Guides
Experience unique Alaskan wilderness with Ascending Path Guides on adventure day tours from Anchorage. Within an hour of Anchorage you can helicopter out to a glacier hiking or ice climbing adventure.
Or try Ascending Path Guides most popular trip: Take a train ride to Spencer Whistle Stop where you can go iceberg sea kayaking, glacier hiking, ice climbing and trail hiking.
Website link: www.AscendingPath.com
Ascending Path Guide Service
Girdwood, Alaska
907-783-0505
info@ascendingpath.com
www.AscendingPath.com
Seward – Major Marine Tours
Experience the spectacular beauty of Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and scenery on a full-day or half-day cruise with Major Marine Tours. Enjoy glacier and wildlife cruises that explore Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay, departing from the beautiful harbor town of Seward. Most cruises are narrated by an onboard National Park Ranger and feature an optional Alaska salmon and prime rib buffet served onboard during the cruise.
Major Marine Tours & Harbor 360 Hotel
www.majormarine.com / www.harbor360hotel.com
(907) 865-6214
Alaska Railroad
Alaska Railroad extends a warm welcome to join them on the world-famous Alaska Railroad for an experience of a lifetime! Explore from our fabulous Adventure Class rail cars. A journey on our iconic train is one of the best ways to take in the magnificence of our great State!
Visit us online at www.AlaskaRailroad.com to learn more.
Alaska ATV Adventures
Visitors to South-Central Alaska can enjoy the opportunity to ride ATVs among the most spectacular mountains, scenery and wildlife imaginable with Alaska ATV Adventures. They offer twice-daily departures during the summer.
Website link: alaskaatvadventures.com
Contact: (907-320-0007)
Additional Links of Interest:
- Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Brewery Tour
- Alaska Farm Tour
- Palmer Musk Ox Farm
- Chugach National Forest
- Eagle River Nature Center
- Hatcher’s Pass and Independence Mine
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Sport Fishing Licenses
- Stewart’s Photo – Photography Equipment and Rentals
- Alaska Pacific University – Gear Rental
- REI – Gear Rental
- Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental