Cruise ships are cancelled but road trips are in. In an unfortunate but understandable turn of events, Canada has continued their cruise ship ban until February of 2022. So you had your dream trip booked on a cruise to Alaska? Now what? Well Alaska is still open, wiiiiide open, 663,300 square miles of open wilderness to be exact. The 49th state has been social distancing for 62 years and we are ready to share our backyard of adventure with you. With cheap flights, no cruise ships, open and safe businesses, and plenty of beautiful places to visit, now is the best time to plan your land-based trip to Alaska.
It’s time to rethink travel! Alaska has amazing transportation options to help you explore the state on your vacation. First up is your flight, flights are cheaper than ever to Alaska right now. Flying to Alaska is not as intimidating as you may think, the international airport in Anchorage has several direct flights a day from Seattle, Portland, LA, and other large hubs in the lower 48.
Once in Anchorage, your options are endless. The Coastal Classic route on the Alaska Railroad has continuously been named as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. This will take you right from downtown Anchorage and head south to Seward. The train can also take you as far north as Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, the quirky mountain town of Talkeetna, and Denali.
Another great option for getting around Alaska is the Park Connection Motorcoach, which operates buses on the same routes as the train.
Want the most travel freedom? Rent a car or RV in Anchorage and hit the highway! Typically car rentals in Alaska are quite the splurge, but without cruise ships this year it’s going to be more affordable than ever to take the exact road trip that fits your ideal itinerary.
If you have three days to spend, spend them in Seward. We have everything you need right outside our front doors. Wildlife, glaciers, dog-sledding, fishing, mountains, ocean, kayaking, seriously it’s a one-stop shop for all of Alaska’s best activities. Taking a half or full-day cruise with us a must! You will have the opportunity to see abundant marine life such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, porpoise, puffins, and other seabirds! You’ll even get a chance to see black bears and mountains goat on the coast. Once you’ve cruised, head to the Alaska SeaLife Center to witness marine life that has been rescued, stranded and rehabilitated at the center. Seward is also one of the best spots for saltwater fishing in Alaska. You can do a half or full-day trip that will take you out to catch halibut, salmon, cod, and rockfish. Hiking is a must in Seward if you love the outdoors, going up to Exit Glacier or following the historic race trail on Mount Marathon is a great way to spend an afternoon. Spend your nights at the Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward’s premier waterfront hotel, or the brand new Gateway Hotel located right by the harbor. Transportation options: rental cars, RV, bus, or train.
You could spend your whole trip and still have more to explore on the Kenai Peninsula. We would recommend 2 nights in Seward, one night in Cooper Landing, and 2 nights in Homer. With two days in Seward you will have time to do a glacier and wildlife cruise and a fishing trip if you are an ocean lover. Or a cruise, hike, and kayaking! Head to Cooper Landing for a night and fish on the world famous Kenai and Russian Rivers or take scenic float down the river and watch for bears in search for salmon. Once you get to Homer, check out the Homer Spit first, it’s filled with great shops and restaurants with 360 degree views of Kachemak Bay! If you don’t end up fishing in Seward, definitely book a halibut fishing trip out of Homer. Lastly, taking the ferry to the small town of Seldovia is a great option for those wanting a leisurely day of small hikes and sightseeing. Transportation options: rental cars or RVs.
If you have a full week in Alaska, you will have time to visit the two most popular national parks: Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks. Start your trip in Anchorage, and you can rent a car, take a train, or a bus throughout the duration of your trip. We recommend one night in Anchorage, 2 nights in Denali, one night in Talkeetna, 2 nights in Seward, and then back to Anchorage. Head north to Denali first and take a bus tour into the park, this is the best way to see wildlife such as bears, caribou, Dall’s sheep, moose, and even wolves on occasion. Denali is also great for hiking and white water rafting! Once you depart Denali and head south, you’ll want to spend one night in Talkeetna. Talkeetna is a quintessential mountain town that is the hub for all climbers heading to summit Denali. Talkeetna is perfect for flightseeing, river floating, and ATV tours. Talkeetna is the perfect stop before you make the drive, or train trip, down south to Seward. Once you get to Seward for the ocean-based part of your trip, head out on a full-day cruise to see the wildlife and tidewater glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Kayaking, fishing, or paddle boarding are great options to maximize your time on the water before heading back to Anchorage. Transportation options: rental cars, RV, bus, or train.
Don’t let your cancelled cruise deter you from your once in a lifetime vacation. No matter how much time you have, there is a dream trip to Alaska available for you. Call our local staff here in Seward at 907-224-8030 and we can give you our best recommendations for you trip. Our company has spent all winter adapting our operations and procedures to ensure the safest, most comfortable experience for our guests.
