alaska vacation Archives - integritylawfirmcmr.com https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/tag/alaska-vacation/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:39:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Experience the Amazing Kenai Fjords During Your Family Vacation in Alaska https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/experience-the-amazing-kenai-fjords-during-your-family-vacation-in-alaska/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/experience-the-amazing-kenai-fjords-during-your-family-vacation-in-alaska/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:30:50 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=2426 Have you always wanted to experience the beauty of Alaska during a family vacation? Do you want to escape the larger cities in this gorgeous oasis and spend most of your time in the great outdoors? Well, a little time in the Kenai Fjords along the peninsula may be exactly what you want! Today I […]

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Have you always wanted to experience the beauty of Alaska during a family vacation? Do you want to escape the larger cities in this gorgeous oasis and spend most of your time in the great outdoors? Well, a little time in the Kenai Fjords along the peninsula may be exactly what you want! Today I am sharing a sample itinerary that will have your family exploring the Kenai Fjords during your vacation in Alaska. This itinerary is packed with outdoor family adventures. Your itinerary may look slightly different, but that’s the fun part of having it personalized for your family. When you work with me, you always get a personalized vacation itinerary that meets your family’s needs and wants. After all, it is the only way to make those memories you will cherish forever!  

Experience the Amazing Kenai Fjords During Your Family Vacation in Alaska 

Day One: Alaska Railroad, Seward, and Resurrection Bay 

Your first day exploring the Kenai Fjords will start out bright and early! You will be picked up in Anchorage for a four-hour train ride on the Alaska Railroad. This scenic ride will take you towards the south until you reach Seward.  

When you arrive in Seward, you will receive all you need for your kayaking adventure on Resurrection Bay. During your time out on the water, your family will have the opportunity to see sea lions, orca whales, and Dall’s porpoises.  

After your time in the kayak, you will be taken to your hotel to check in. The rest of the evening will be yours to relax, explore the town, and relive the memories you have already made on this family vacation.  

Experience the Amazing Kenai Fjords During Your Family Vacation in Alaska - Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords

Day Two: Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, and Seward 

A hearty breakfast will be needed on day two of your family vacation along the Kenai Fjords. This is a big day of hiking to see the spectacular sights!  

There are two hikes you can choose from on this incredible day. The easier hike will take you along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. The more challenging hike takes you to the Harding Ice Field.  

The hike your family takes will depend on how skilled your family is at wandering around in the wilderness. Afterwards, a stop at the Alaska Sea Life Center will be the perfect way to unwind. Imagine relaxing amongst the puffins, sea lions, and other sea life.  

Day Three: Kenai Fjords National Park Wilderness Cruise and Seward 

Yes, you are spending three nights in Seward, so every evening in town brings new sights and sounds. Hopefully, your family didn’t overdo it last night, because you have a big day today! The adventure for day three of your family vacation in Alaska includes a Kenai Fjords National Park Wilderness Cruise.  

This will be an easy day where you can sit back and relax, as the captain and crew do all the work. Have your camera ready to capture pictures of the glaciers and marine life. Don’t forget to get the family in the pictures. You won’t want to forget the memories you are making during this time away from home.  

Day Four: Johnson Pass Trail, Hope, and Girdwood 

After quickly packing your belongings in the morning, it will be time to head out for a bike ride on the Johnson Pass Trail. Your family will pedal along Granite Creek all the way to the gold rush town of Hope. This trail is twenty-five miles long, so it will take a few hours to complete the journey. Don’t worry, you will be rewarded with waterfalls, alpine valleys, and tons of wildflowers along the way.  

At the end of the ride, you will be taken to Girdwood to check into your hotel. You may want to grab an early dinner before heading back to your room for a good night’s sleep.  

Day Five: Mount Alyeska and Byron Glacier 

You cannot spend a family vacation in Alaska and not hike the trails of a mountain. At least not when you are in the Kenai Fjords.  

On day five of your family vacation, you will hike the trail on Mount Alyeska. Once you reach the summit, you will see glaciers and other mountains for as far as you can see. Hopefully you get a really clear day when you tackle this adventure!  

The good news is you won’t need to hike back down to the bottom. There will be a tram waiting to give you a ride.  

After a picnic lunch, I recommend heading over to a nearby glacier that you can walk on. It will be the perfect way to spend the end of your family vacation!  

Day Six: Girdwood to Indian Creek and Anchorage 

Today is your last day in the Kenai Fjords. Thankfully, you can all take a bike ride to Indian Creek before heading back to Anchorage and saying goodbye.  

There are so many other fun things your family can do while visiting the Kenai Fjords while on vacation in Alaska. You can even include this adventure with a few days in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and other Alaskan destinations. The choice is yours. All you need to do is let me know what your family wants to do, and I will personalize your vacation accordingly.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for you in Kenai Fjords or another destination?   

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

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Alaska Bucket List Destinations https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/alaska-bucket-list-destinations/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/alaska-bucket-list-destinations/#respond Thu, 29 Jun 2023 09:30:38 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=2238 Do you currently have a travel bucket list filled with destinations you want to visit? Are you ready to start checking those destinations off with your family? Well, why not start with a family vacation in Alaska! You can do a road trip in Alaska. Or you may decide to cruise around Alaska. Honestly, the […]

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Do you currently have a travel bucket list filled with destinations you want to visit? Are you ready to start checking those destinations off with your family? Well, why not start with a family vacation in Alaska! You can do a road trip in Alaska. Or you may decide to cruise around Alaska. Honestly, the options are endless. I can help you figure it out, as I am personalizing your family trip to Alaska. To help you get started, let me share a few of the best Alaska bucket list destinations with you.  

Alaska Bucket List Destinations 

Anchorage 

You really can’t miss Anchorage when you are on a family vacation in Alaska. Most of the time, you will find yourself in this city after your flight or while on a cruise.  

This city is full of museums, stores, and cultural exhibits. And yet, you may also spot a moose and other wildlife walking right down the streets in Anchorage. It’s a great reminder of how close you really are to nature in this beautiful state.  

Start with a visit to the Anchorage Museum. Then head out on a walking tour of Anchorage. You may even want to head out on a hike in Anchorage to see the surrounding landscape.   

Talkeetna 

Talkeetna is a small town in Alaska that often gets overlooked. This is a wonderful destination for fishing and whitewater rafting.  

Another option is to take a flight over Denali. These flights are amazing and allow you to see Denali from a different vantage point.  

Denali National Park 

Alaska Bucket List Destinations - Denali National Park

There are so many things to see and do while visiting Denali National Park. Hiking will allow you to see part of this park. However, if you want to see as much as possible, I recommend hopping on the tour bus or doing a Jeep excursion.  

Those will both allow you to cover at least one hundred miles of this park. During your tour, you will see the best of Denali. This includes glaciers, wildlife, and so much more.  

Seward 

Seward is one of the best places to see glaciers in Alaska. Head out on a boat tour to see at least one glacier. The good news is you will also have ample opportunities to see humpback whales, puffins, sea otters, and other marine life while on the boat.  

Back on land, you can stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They take care of animals who have been injured and cannot be released back into the wild. During your visit, you can see moose, musk ox, bears, porcupines, bison, wolves, and other animals.  

Soldotna 

The Kenai River is one of the best places to go fishing in Alaska. It is also where you can watch the Salmon Fishing Run. While on the banks of the Kenai River, you must keep an eye out for wildlife. You never know when a moose or bear will join you down by the river.  

After your fishing adventures, head to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for a hike. Or go to the Soldotna Historical Museum to see vintage log cabins.  

These are the best Alaska bucket list destinations for your next family vacation. I can easily add other Alaskan destinations to your itinerary. So, let me know where you want to explore during this family trip. Here is a sample 8-day Alaskan itinerary to check out as inspiration. As I plan your trip to Alaska, I’ll make sure all your Alaskan vacation dreams come true, as you make extraordinary memories with your family.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your vacation in Alaska or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter so you always receive all the exciting travel information I share.  

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Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/best-things-to-do-in-fairbanks-alaska/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/best-things-to-do-in-fairbanks-alaska/#respond Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:30:05 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=2188 Fairbanks is a city located in the interior of Alaska. It is also the northernmost city most people visit while on an Alaska family vacation. For some reason, no one wants to head any further north to the Arctic Circle while making memories with their family. If you are one of those people, you will […]

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Fairbanks is a city located in the interior of Alaska. It is also the northernmost city most people visit while on an Alaska family vacation. For some reason, no one wants to head any further north to the Arctic Circle while making memories with their family. If you are one of those people, you will be happy to know there are quite a few things to do in Fairbanks during a family vacation. Today, I am going to share the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska with you. I can easily add as many of them as you want to your itinerary, as I personalize it for your family trip to Alaska.  

Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska 

Wander Through the Georgeson Botanical Garden 

The Georgeson Botanical Garden is a five-acre garden located at the University of Fairbanks. This lush green space is filled with flowering paths, a native Alaska plant garden, wooden bridges, and plenty of areas to sit.  

You can only visit this garden between the months of May and September. So, plan your family vacation in Fairbanks carefully if this is on your must-see list.  

While you are visiting this university, you may also want to stop in the Museum of the North. Inside, you will see displays of gold, modern art, and so much more.  

The most popular display is Blue Babe. That is a thirty-six-thousand-year-old mummified and preserved Alaskan Steppe Bison. Oh, and don’t skip seeing the elaborate Alaskan outhouse.  

Take a Hike at Chena River State Recreation Area 

One of the best places to hike in Fairbanks is the Chena River State Recreation Area. There is a loop called the Angel Rocks Trail. It is just over eight miles long. During your hike, you can see the Alaska Range, Bear Paw Butte, and the Chena Dome.  

After your hike, head to the Chena Hot Springs to soak in the healing water. But before you do that, check out the Aurora Ice Museum. This museum is open all year long and is kept at twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit.  

Take a Ride on the Wilderness Express Train 

Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska - Wilderness Express Train

A trip on the Wilderness Express Train will take you to Anchorage, Talkeetna, or Denali National Park from Fairbanks. I recommend heading to Denali National Park. There are quite a few things to do within this park. They will all enhance your experience while on vacation in Alaska.  

The curved glass dome will allow your family to see three hundred sixty-degree views from your seats.  

This is one of the best things to do in Fairbanks that you must plan in advance. I can make your reservations for you as I am personalizing your family vacation itinerary for your Alaska trip.  

Check Out Pioneer Park 

There are plenty of things to keep you busy at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. Start at the Queen of the Yukon display. This is where parts of the Riverboat Nenana sternwheeler are scattered about.  

Then head over to the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, Pioneer Air Museum, Pioneer Hall, or the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts. Each one will share the history of this area, as well as the people who live there.  

Grab Pictures at the Antler Arch 

The Fairbanks Antler Arch is one of the best places to take family pictures while in Alaska. This arch is made from caribou and moose antlers. Stand underneath and get some pictures making funny faces or doing silly poses to make this an incredible experience.  

Take a Ride on the Riverboat Discovery 

There are a few different options for Riverboat Discovery rides in Fairbanks. I recommend doing the one that takes you to the Chena Indian Village Living Museum. You will learn a lot about Alaska Native culture and traditions at this living museum.  

Meet the Sled Dogs 

Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska - Sled Dogs

There are quite a few places to meet sled dogs in Alaska. However, when you are in Fairbanks, you will most likely go to the Trailbreaker Kennel or Paws for Adventure. You can usually participate in sled dog riding tours during your visit. Just don’t forget to snuggle with the puppies during your visit.  

See the Birds at Creamer’s Field 

Creamer’s Field used to be a dairy farm in Fairbanks. Now, it is a field where migratory birds spend their time. A visit here will have you seeing Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, and Canadian Geese. You may even spot a moose or two if you are lucky.  

Check Out the Midnight Sun 

You must plan your family vacation in Fairbanks carefully if you want to experience the Midnight Sun. The sun stays out past midnight for quite a few days each year. There is a total of seventy-two days where it is never night in this part of Alaska. That’s a lot of sunlight to experience and extra time to check things off your list!  

If you miss the Midnight Sun, you may be able to capture some of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Those dancing lights will make you forget all about constant sunlight!  

Pan for Gold at Gold Dredge 8 

One of the best things to do in Fairbanks is learn about the gold rush in Alaska and pan for gold. During an open-air train car ride at Gold Dredge 8, you will learn about the gold mining history. After the ride, you will pan for gold and hopefully discover a nugget or two.  

Celebrate Christmas at the Santa Claus House 

Christmas is every day at the Santa Claus House at the North Pole! This is an excellent place to stock up on ornaments and other decorations.  

Of course, you can’t miss out on a visit with the jolly ol’ Saint Nick and his reindeer. Take some family photos. Bribe the kids with fudge afterwards and you will be amazed at how good the pictures turn out!  

Purchase Local Foods at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market 

The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer months. Therefore, you must plan your visit carefully if you want to try local foods.  

This outdoor market is the perfect place to grab fresh produce, as well as local souvenirs. Check out the native handicrafts and pottery for unique souvenirs.  

Get Close to Reindeer 

If you didn’t get enough of the reindeer at the Santa Claus House, you may want to add the Running Reindeer Ranch to your itinerary. When you arrive, you will learn numerous fascinating facts about reindeer.  

Afterwards, you will be allowed to wander through the forest amongst the reindeer. Interacting with these creatures will be your favorite thing to do in Fairbanks! Just don’t forget to snap a few pictures, so you can remember this time forever.  

These are some of the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska. There are many others, and I can include as many of them as you want when I personalize your Alaskan vacation itinerary. We can discuss it all during our planning session, as I get to know the likes and dislikes of your family. I know you want this to be a special vacation where you make tons of memories, and I will make sure that happens!  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Fairbanks or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

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Spend a Little Time with the Bears in Homer, Alaska https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/spend-a-little-time-with-the-bears-in-homer-alaska/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/spend-a-little-time-with-the-bears-in-homer-alaska/#respond Sat, 24 Dec 2022 10:30:05 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=1414 As you are planning your Alaskan vacation, you will discover that you have a few items on your must-do list. A couple of those items will be to see the glaciers, fjords, and dog camps. You may also decide you want to see some of the wildlife that this part of the country is known […]

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As you are planning your Alaskan vacation, you will discover that you have a few items on your must-do list. A couple of those items will be to see the glaciers, fjords, and dog camps. You may also decide you want to see some of the wildlife that this part of the country is known for. Bears are a huge part of the wildlife in Homer. I recommend visiting that part of Alaska if you want to see quite a few of them.

There are many different tour groups that go out to see these bears. So you are guaranteed to see at least a few during your visit. Most of the time, you will be taken over to either Lake Clark National Preserve or Katmai National Park. Those are the two areas where the bears spend most of their time.

It is best to visit Homer between the months of June through September. This is when the bears are out exploring and looking for food. They begin their food journey digging for clams, but it is not long before they catch the salmon that is flowing down the streams and rivers. By the time fall hits, the bears are turning their sights to the berry bushes as they stock up for the winter season.

When you decide to take a bear tour, you must be prepared to fly from Homer to the Katmai Coast. These tours are usually not as crowded due to the length of time that is required for them. You may not be happy with the time you are spending on just one activity at first, but I guarantee you will change your mind rather quickly. The reason for this is you will see so much more than bears during this time. As you go over the water, you will have ample opportunities to see orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and many other marine animals.

You will also have the chance to see Kachemak Bay, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Mt. Katmai, 4 Peaks Glacier, and so much more. So, don’t look at this as a bear-watching opportunity. Instead, view it as an opportunity to see all that Alaska has to offer!

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation in Homer, Alaska, to see the bears and other wildlife?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive the travel information I share.

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Love Oysters? Check Out the Local Oyster Farm in Homer, Alaska https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/love-oysters-check-out-the-local-oyster-farm-in-homer-alaska/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/love-oysters-check-out-the-local-oyster-farm-in-homer-alaska/#respond Fri, 23 Dec 2022 10:30:56 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=1416 If you love oysters or simply want to know where they come from, you must check out the local oyster farm in Homer, Alaska. The Jakolof Bay Oyster Farm is located within Jakolof Bay. It is approximately two hundred twenty miles to the south of Anchorage. This local oyster farm was opened back in 2012 […]

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If you love oysters or simply want to know where they come from, you must check out the local oyster farm in Homer, Alaska. The Jakolof Bay Oyster Farm is located within Jakolof Bay. It is approximately two hundred twenty miles to the south of Anchorage.

This local oyster farm was opened back in 2012 when the owners decided to make this part of Alaska their new home. Of course, it wasn’t until they tried the oysters there that they decided that oyster farming was their new career!

This small family farm does its best to harvest oysters year-round, but it isn’t always possible due to the wind and ice formations. The strong currents of the bay also do not always help when it comes time to harvest. Although, those same currents are perfect for bringing in the foods the oysters love as they are growing.

Unfortunately, you cannot tour the processing plant of this oyster farm. However, you can go spend some time on the bay and soak in all the beauty of the area. Once you have seen why the oysters love this bay so much, you can go grab some oysters to have for your next meal.

Of course, if you fall in love with the Jakolof oysters, you will not need to worry because they do ship them all over the country. So, you can easily go online and have a box shipped to you on a Wednesday. The oysters are delivered the very next day, so they are always alive and fresh. You can easily keep your oysters alive for up to two weeks, but most people usually don’t let them sit there that long!

This is not the only oyster farm in Alaska. There is one at Alaska Shellfish Farms up in Halibut Cove. It takes much longer to harvest those oysters because of the location of the farm and the really cold water. But the results offer some of the best-tasting oysters in the world.

Are you ready to taste some fresh oysters during a vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you aren’t ready to plan your next family vacation, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

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Your Guide to Northern Lights in Alaska https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/your-guide-to-northern-lights-in-alaska/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/your-guide-to-northern-lights-in-alaska/#respond Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:59:29 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=1136 The Aurora Borealis, or northern lights as they are more commonly called, are a prominent feature up north. There are only a few places where you can see these dancing lights in the nighttime sky. Alaska is one of those destinations. If you have been wanting to see the northern lights, a family vacation in […]

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The Aurora Borealis, or northern lights as they are more commonly called, are a prominent feature up north. There are only a few places where you can see these dancing lights in the nighttime sky. Alaska is one of those destinations. If you have been wanting to see the northern lights, a family vacation in Alaska is exactly what you need. This guide to northern lights in Alaska will help you understand what you need to know to enjoy this magnificent experience. And make memories your family will remember forever.

Your Guide to Northern Lights in Alaska

What are the Northern Lights?

Before we get into seeing the northern lights in Alaska, let’s discuss what these lights are. The Aurora Borealis are waves of color and light. Those waves are created by energized particles from the sun. The particles reach speeds of up to forty-five million miles per hour. They then crash into the Earth’s atmosphere. The interaction of the particles with the Earth’s magnetic field creates colorful dancing lights.

The northern lights are actually in the atmosphere every day of the year, all day, and all night. But you heard it hear first; they can only be seen when the conditions are optimal.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

When you take your vacation in Alaska, you must go during specific months if you want to catch the northern lights. The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is from the end of August until April. The lights are best seen during the darkest nights of the winter, as long as the skies are clear.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

There are so many places to see the northern lights in Alaska. You can be practically anywhere and catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. But if you want to see the best northern lights, you should choose one of these locations.

  • Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Alaska. You won’t be able to see the lights right in the city. But you can travel a few miles outside the city to where there are dark skies with amazing views. I can easily arrange for you to take one of the many northern lights tours from Fairbanks when I am planning your vacation in Alaska.

If you want to keep up with when the northern lights are near Fairbanks, you can check out the city’s Aurora Tracker.

  • Talkeetna

A little more than one hundred miles to the north of Anchorage is a town called Talkeetna. This town is also located at the base of Denali Mountain. It is a perfect location for family fun, including checking out the northern lights.

Your nights may be filled with the dancing lights up in the sky. But during the day, you can explore the historic village. The shops, restaurants, and galleries will keep you busy for hours. And during the month of December, they hold Winterfest. The festival includes a parade, food, tree lighting, Bachelor Auction, and Wilderness Woman Competition.

  • Denali National Park

One of my favorite spots to view the northern lights in Alaska is Denali National Park. There is very little light pollution within the park. This means that as long as the skies are clear and dark, you can see the Aurora Borealis quite well.

It can be difficult to access this park during the winter months. I recommend you keep that in mind when deciding where to catch the northern lights during your vacation in Alaska.

  • Nome

Nome is the town where the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race ends. While the town is popular when the race is happening, it is much quieter the rest of the year. Therefore, it is the perfect destination for a little northern light viewing.

  • Anchorage

Anchorage is another larger city in Alaska. Many people check this city off their list for viewing the northern lights because it is a city. However, you can see the northern lights without traveling too far from Anchorage.

A quick drive can have you at Beluga Point, Flattop, Potter Valley, or Hiland Road to capture the beautiful sky on dark nights.

This is your guide to the northern lights in Alaska. While I listed many incredible places to see the northern lights, please know there are other destinations. I can share them with you as I am planning your vacation in Alaska. Oh, and if you prefer to cruise in Alaska, I can arrange for you to take a northern lights cruise during your vacation.

So, are you ready to plan a vacation in Alaska to see the northern lights?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to see the northern lights during a family vacation in Alaska, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you do not miss out on any of the incredible travel information I share.

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Exploring Dawson City, Yukon During My Alaska Vacation https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/exploring-dawson-city-yukon-during-my-alaska-vacation/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/exploring-dawson-city-yukon-during-my-alaska-vacation/#respond Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:30:03 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=1043 It is hard to believe that my vacation in Alaska is almost over! From my time wandering around Anchorage to exploring Denali National Park and cruising down the Chena River. I have loved every minute of my Alaska vacation. After I stepped off the Riverboat Discovery, I was able to spend a little more time […]

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It is hard to believe that my vacation in Alaska is almost over! From my time wandering around Anchorage to exploring Denali National Park and cruising down the Chena River. I have loved every minute of my Alaska vacation. After I stepped off the Riverboat Discovery, I was able to spend a little more time in Fairbanks. But it wasn’t long until it was time for me to head over to Dawson City, Yukon.

Quick Stop at Gold Dredge 8

Before I left Fairbanks, I decided to check out Gold Dredge 8. This area is where more than 100,000 people spent time trying to strike it rich by searching for gold. A quick ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad had me at the gold field in no time.

The dredge is the machine that helped the people during their search for gold. It basically scooped up dirt and panned it. It was exciting to go through the debris on the dredge tailings, as I searched for gold.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find enough gold to make me rich. But I did have a fabulous time learning something new!

Exploring Dawson City, Yukon During My Alaska Vacation

It wasn’t long before I said goodbye to Gold Dredge 8 and Fairbanks, Alaska. My sights were set on the next portion of my journey. I boarded a flight to Dawson City, Yukon!

I arrived in Dawson City later in the afternoon, so I didn’t get to explore too much that first day. But the following day was spent checking out this town.

I’m not sure if you have heard about Dawson City before. It is a town most people have heard something about and yet hardly anyone chooses to visit there. It’s a shame, because I enjoyed my visit immensely.

While I was there, I managed to wander around the Jack London Museum. Jack London’s cabin was originally near Dawson City. It was brought to this area after his death. The cabin is now part of the museum dedicated to him.

I discovered the best way to explore Dawson City, Yukon was by taking one of the numerous walking tours. There are a few to choose from. The one I did lasted a couple hours, and I saw the most important sights in the area.

One of the last things I did was hire a driver to take me up to the top of Midnight Dome. I really wasn’t feeling the five-mile round trip hike! The views from the Midnight Dome are stunning and worth the trip to the top.

Oh, and I didn’t have any more success at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall then I did while panning for gold. But it was fun to walk through Canada’s very first casino.

My Alaska vacation quickly came to an end after my time in Dawson City, Yukon. If you have never been to this part of the country, I highly recommend you plan a vacation in Alaska really soon. It’s quite a unique area that you will love.

So, are you ready to explore Dawson City, Yukon during an Alaska vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to explore Dawson City during a vacation in Alaska, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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My Cruise on the Riverboat Discovery During My Alaska Vacation https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/my-cruise-on-the-riverboat-discovery-during-my-alaska-vacation/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/my-cruise-on-the-riverboat-discovery-during-my-alaska-vacation/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2022 09:30:16 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=1041 An Alaska vacation is so much fun! I should know since I have taken a couple over the years. Most of my time in Alaska has been spent while cruising on small ships. My adventure this time had me spending more time on land. Taking land tours is exciting in Alaska. But I was so […]

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An Alaska vacation is so much fun! I should know since I have taken a couple over the years. Most of my time in Alaska has been spent while cruising on small ships. My adventure this time had me spending more time on land. Taking land tours is exciting in Alaska. But I was so happy when I finally got to board a ship partway through my vacation in Alaska. Heading back in time to enjoy the ambiance on the Riverboat Discovery was exactly what I needed to make my adventures in Alaska better than ever before.

Riverboat Discovery

Riverboat Discovery made its first voyage with passengers back in 1950. However, that isn’t where the family’s steamboat history began. It was more than fifty years prior when Charles M. Binkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass in search of a location to build and operate boats. This was back in 1898.

Today, the fifth generation of Binkleys run the sternwheel business. Their current ship holds 900 passengers. That is quite a few more people than the 25 that were on their first vessel, Godspeed.

My Cruise on the Riverboat Discovery During My Alaska Vacation

I was more than happy to board the Riverboat Discovery for my three-hour tour. This cruise took me into the heart of Alaska. Along the way I was able to see how the locals have lived in the area for all these years.

Our first stop was the Chena Indian Village Living Museum. This museum is a replica of an Athabascan Indian Village. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around looking at the cabins made from spruce logs, as well as the primitive spruce bark hut.

My tour guide shared how different animals were used for food and protection. While almost any animal could be hunted, the locals focused mostly on fox, wolves, and beavers.

During my cruise, I was also able to watch a bush pilot demonstration right next to from the boat. After the demonstration, the pilot shared stories about how vital these planes are to those people living remotely in Alaska.

My favorite thing to do during the cruise though was visiting, and playing with, the dogs at the Trail Breaker Kennel. This kennel was where four-time Iditarod champion, Susan Butcher lived. Her home, and kennel, are right next to the Chena River.

Susan’s husband and daughter continue her legacy by sharing what it takes to create a champion dogsled team. They share stories of spending time out on the trails and what happens during the races. I saw plenty of puppies waiting to grow up to see if they could join the team one day.

Truly I have loved every minute of my time cruising down the Chena River on the Riverboat Discovery. I almost wished it could have lasted for a few more hours. But then again, I was excited to continue with my Alaska vacation. There were still a couple more days of fun waiting for me, and I couldn’t wait to see what else I could experience.

So, are you ready to take a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery during an Alaska vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to schedule a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery during an Alaska vacation just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the amazing travel information I share.

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Exploring Denali National Park During My Vacation in Alaska https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/exploring-denali-national-park-during-my-vacation-in-alaska/ https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/exploring-denali-national-park-during-my-vacation-in-alaska/#comments Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:30:05 +0000 https://integritylawfirmcmr.com/?p=1039 From the moment I landed in Anchorage, my vacation in Alaska has been amazing. My first few hours in Alaska were spent in Anchorage. I went directly from the airport to my hotel. It was nice to relax for a couple hours after my flight. I didn’t stay in my room for too long though, […]

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From the moment I landed in Anchorage, my vacation in Alaska has been amazing. My first few hours in Alaska were spent in Anchorage. I went directly from the airport to my hotel. It was nice to relax for a couple hours after my flight. I didn’t stay in my room for too long though, because I wanted to get out and explore a little. Alaska is quite different from where I live, and I wanted to soak it all in. I couldn’t stay out long though, because I needed to get some sleep before heading over to explore Denali National Park the following day.

Exploring Denali National Park During My Vacation in Alaska

Day One

My journey to Denali National Park began with me boarding the McKinley Explorer. The McKinley Explorer is a dome train. The upper-level dome in each railcar seats approximately 86 people. The glass dome windows are perfect for seeing 360-degree views of the gorgeous landscape in Alaska.

Once I found my seat, I sat back to listen to the tour guide in my railcar. The tour guide offered lots of information about what we were seeing out the windows.

I didn’t spend much time in the lower level of the dome railcar. But that is where the restrooms and restaurant are located. There is also an outdoor viewing platform, which is perfect for capturing photographs of the approaching mountains in Denali National Park.

We arrived at the park early in the day, so we had the entire afternoon to explore. There is so much to see and do inside Denali National Park. I didn’t want to venture too far on my first day, because I knew the next day would be filled with adventures.

Yet, I didn’t want to miss anything that this national park is known for. So, I wandered around, took pictures, and simply enjoyed my time in this part of the world.

When dinnertime arrived, it was time for me to head over to Denali Square to attend the Music of Denali Dinner Theater. As I ate, I was entertained with a performance that shared the story of the first men who summited Denali.

The food was incredible. And the actors and actresses were amazing during the show. I could have stayed forever but knew I needed sleep for the following day’s adventures of my vacation in Alaska.

Day Two

I was up bright and early on my second day in Denali National Park. The plan for the day was to go on a wilderness tour that would last between five and six hours. At the beginning of the tour, our guide warned us that each day brought something new and different to the tour. We might see extra wildlife or have an experience at a spot that most people don’t have.

Despite taking a vacation in Alaska before, I was excited to explore Denali National Park. I was quite happy that during our time driving along the road, I was able to see the park’s big five. The big five in Denali National Park includes Dall sheep, moose, bears, caribou, and wolves.

My favorite stop of the day was the Murie Science and Learning Center. This building is where they offer numerous field courses. I discovered that taking those courses were an excellent way to learn about the mountain and park, as well as the surrounding area.

I wish I had more time at the Murie Science and Learning Center. If you are interested in visiting, I can tell you that the courses are offered all year long. This building turns into the visitor’s center for the park during the winter months. You can take a course during the winter, or you can borrow a pair of snowshoes and head out into the wilderness.

As I’m sure you could understand, I was exhausted by the end of the tour. The excitement combined with everything I saw and did during the day made me want to crawl into the bed at the hotel and sleep for a week. I didn’t sleep for a week, but I did get a good night’s sleep. This was so I could head out on the next part of my journey during my vacation in Alaska the very next day.

You don’t need to be a travel advisor like myself to enjoy exploring Denali National Park during a vacation in Alaska.

So, are you ready to explore Denali National Park during your own vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to explore Denali National Park during a vacation in Alaska, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the exciting travel information I share.

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