Alaska

12 Things to Consider When Planning Your Alaska Vacation

May 13, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Alaska. The Last Frontier. The 49th State. The Land of the Midnight Sun. There has always been a draw for people from all around the globe to visit the northernmost state in the United States. Is it for the scenic views? The abundance of activities? The majestic wildlife? Whatever your reason is for planning your adventure way up north, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime. However, there are a few things to consider when planning your Alaska vacation to get the most out of your visit to our beautiful state.

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Budget

Let’s hop right into it with the B word. Budget. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you need a fairly large budget. Even if you’re renting a vehicle and tent camping along the way or staying with friends while you’re here, Alaska is expensive. Getting here, renting a vehicle, accommodations, food, and activities are all very costly. But don’t fret, there are some ways to save money!

One of things you can do to have a more budget friendly Alaska vacation is renting an RV so you have your accommodations and transportation in one. This also allows you to stock up on food and cook some of your own meals to save a bit. Another thing is narrowing down your list of excursions. There are so many to choose from, but if you do a few of them your cost will skyrocket. If you narrow it down to just a couple, it will save you a ton. Plus, there are many options such as hiking, fishing lakes and rivers, and spotting wildlife near the road that are just as fun as more pricy adventures. You can check out some more money saving tips I’ve compiled here!

Daylight Hours

The nickname the Land of the Midnight Sun probably gives away the fact that daylight hours are a big deal in Alaska. There really are some days with twenty-four hour daylight. If you’re visiting during summertime there are a plethora of activities going on, everyone stays up late to take advantage of the daylight, and places are open longer. It’s a busy and bustling time for Alaskans, and this is a time when most visitors come as well. If you visit during summer, plan to wear your sunglasses (and sunscreen) at night, too! If you’re wondering how we sleep when it’s light out all the time, check out this article here.

During winter it gets dark. Very dark. I heard “reality” tv refer to it as “dark winter”, and that’s just what it is. Daylight pops up it’s head for short periods of time, and then goes back into hibernation. That being said, there are some awesome things to do in Alaska during winter. These include viewing the northern lights, snowmachine (AKA snowmobile) tours, dog sled tours, snowshoeing, skiing, and more. Plus, there are no crowds! If you’re interested in visiting during winter, check out my winter bucket list here. But, be aware that places will shut down earlier, and all of the seasonal “touristy” areas will be very quiet or shut down as well.

Time Zones

Considering Alaska is the biggest state, it’s fitting that it would have its own time zone. Most of Alaska, other than part of the Aleutian Islands and St. Lawrence Island (which go by Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time) is on Alaska Standard Time. This means that, depending on where you’re visiting from, you’ll have a bit of an adjustment to make from your normal sleep schedule. This, on top of unique daylight hours and travel itself, can wear a person out.

The reason I’m bringing this up is because I’ve seen many people’s itineraries that have them heading off to adventure shortly after they arrive. While I know you’ll want to make the most of your Alaska vacation, I really think it’s best to have at least a half day to just rest, grab some food, and maybe take a nap before you start exploring. This way you can recuperate and be refreshed and ready to enjoy your time here.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead. And in some cases I mean waaayyyy ahead. I just read another comment from a lady trying to book a halibut charter for August, but everything is full since that’s only three months away. Other people are trying to find rental cars for this summer, but are coming up empty. This is pretty common considering how busy Alaska is during summertime. Booking rental cars, accommodations, fishing trips, and some excursions well in advance in highly recommended. I’d say start planning and booking a year ahead, and at least get your accommodations and transportation set up first. After that, book adventures that fill up quickly like fishing trips, train rides, and smaller guided tours. Check cancellation policies for these bookings first, though, incase you have to cancel or change your schedule.

That being said, not everyone has the luxury of being able to plan far in advance, or you may just be spontaneous and not want to plan much. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit Alaska! If you’re short on planning time or just found a good deal on plane tickets to fly up here, come on up! Just make sure you look for transportation and a hotel ASAP.

If you’ll be visiting during summer, check into renting an RV if there are no vehicle or hotel reservations available. Maybe you’d hoped to take a fishing charter out of Homer but they’re all booked by the time you look at them. Check into fishing rivers or lakes. Say you wanted to take a guided glacier tour but there are no more available spots. Check out glaciers you can drive or hike to. Know that last minute planning may change the activities you can do, but it won’t change the amount of fun you’ll have!

Weather

Another thing to consider when planning your Alaska vacation is the weather. My, oh my, the weather here changes quickly. The thing to remember about the weather is although it might dictate how some of your plans go, don’t let it dictate your mood. Do you plan on driving north to view Denali? It might be clouded in and not visible. You scheduled a bush plane flight for bear viewing but it got weathered out? That happens. And, yes, it’s a huge bummer when the weather ruins your plans, but Alaska is a vast state with so much to see, even on those bad weather days. Make the best of it and know that the weather changes minute by minute, so sunshine may be on it’s way!

One more thing to note about the continually changing weather is how to be prepared for it. If you ask anyone what to pack for an Alaska vacation, they’ll likely tell you layers. No matter the season, layers are a necessity. Summertime? Shirt, sweatshirt, windbreaker/raincoat. Fall? Long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, raincoat, hat. Winter? Long sleeve base layer, shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, hat. Spring? Shirt, sweatshirt, windbreaker. You never really know what weather you’ll be getting. It could be a great day for kayaking, but once you’re out it starts to rain. And then it hails. Just put those layers on and keep on keeping on! Being prepared with the right layers will help you embrace the changing weather and continue enjoying Alaska.

Denali view from the Denali Highway. — A distant view of Denali from the Denali Highway. When the weather cooperates, it’s quite the sight!

Mosquitos

Speaking of things to wear, lets talk bug nets. A thing you’ll want to add to your wardrobe if you’ll be visiting during May through September is a bug net. It’s not a super hot fashion statement, but it works. People joke that mosquitos are the state bird, so it’s safe to assume that they’re pretty prevalent. If you’ll be in more populated areas, you’ll see less of them. If you venture off the beaten trail or are in more wooded or swampy areas, you’ll likely encounter more of them. Just grab some bug spray, a Thermacell, and don your bug net when necessary. They’re an annoyance, but really nothing to stress about as long as your prepared. If you do get a bite, check out these remedies here.

Road Construction and Conditions

As many people say, there are two seasons in Alaska: winter and construction. Something to keep in mind, in particular during the summertime, is road construction. I’ve seen many itineraries that have full days scheduled in Seward or Homer, and then plans to drive back to Anchorage that evening and get there in the nick of time to catch their flight back home. There are a few problems with plans like that, and one is road construction. This is an important variable you’ll want to account for when planning your trip, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of driving through various areas of Alaska. How to you account for such a thing, though?

To give you updates on road construction and even weather conditions there are two places you’ll want to check. Alaska 511 will show you road construction, closures, and more. The Road Weather Information System will give you weather information and cameras to keep you up to date on weather conditions along the highways. Using both of these will alert you to any updates you’ll want to be aware of as you travel throughout the state so your trip can go as smoothly as possible (minus a couple of our famous/infamous potholes 😉 ).

Roadwork on the Seward Highway. — Rock blasting work along the Seward Highway.

Cruise or Land

While planning your Alaska vacation you may wonder which is best, a cruise or exploring Alaska by land? I’ll give you my two cents on this. Being someone who has never done a big cruise before you can take it with a grain of salt, but I think it’s good advice. If you will only visit Alaska once, don’t take a cruise.

Here’s why. Obviously cruises are very popular. A huge amount of visitors to Alaska see it via a cruise. So, what’s wrong with a cruise? Absolutely nothing! People really seem to enjoy them, and it’s a great way to see things. But, do you get the real Alaskan experience from a cruise? I don’t think so. Being shuttled from place to place with time limits and lists of excursions to choose from isn’t really what Alaska is about. Taking time to enjoy views, wildlife, visit with locals, and see off the beaten path places is what really makes a trip to Alaska.

I know it seems like I must really hate cruises. I don’t! Personally, I just feel like you get a better Alaskan experience going at your own pace on land. And, if you still want to get out on the water during your travels, check out a glacier and wildlife day cruise to see the beauty of Alaska from the water. However, if you’ll get the chance to visit Alaska more than once, it may be fun to check it out by land and then take a big cruise.

Plan a day cruise in Alaska. — Unloading after our Seward **glacier and wildlife day cruise**.

Transportation

Something else to consider when planning your Alaska vacation is transportation. Don’t count on using public transportation to get you around much of Alaska. Renting your own vehicle or RV is going to be the best way to get around the state if you plan on doing a lot of traveling. If you’re staying in Anchorage or Fairbanks, you may be able to get by with using Ubers, but having your own transportation is vial to travel around Alaska. Just follow the above tip and book as soon as possible.

Seasons

In this case, I’m not talking about your typical spring, summer, fall, winter seasons. We’ve already covered weather and preparing for seasonal temperatures. What we haven’t discussed is seasonal activities.

Activities in Alaska are very seasonally based. This is something important to look into when planning your Alaska vacation. For example, if you’re hoping to see whales and the northern lights during one trip, the chances of that happening are very slim. Aurora season is from the end of August to the end of April. You have a chance to see whales between April and September. Although there is some overlap, and we did have beautiful northern lights displays this April and belugas in the Kenai River in April as well, there isn’t a great chance of experiencing both of those things in one visit.

Those are just a couple examples of seasonal activities. Some others are certain types of fishing, Alaska Railroad excursions, and glacier and wildlife cruises. Another “season” to think about is “tourist season”, as mentioned a bit in the section above regarding daylight. Visitors start showing up in May and the season ends about September. More tourist centered places and activities open up on Memorial Day and shut down at Labor Day, which usually wraps up the busy season up here.

Planning a trip to Alaska isn’t complete without an aurora sighting. — A late season April aurora in Soldotna.

Manage Expectations

This is really important. As visiting Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip for many people, everyone wants to cram an infinite number of activities into their visit. It’s just not a good way to plan your trip. You can’t see everything here in one trip, or even one lifetime. I’m not saying this to discourage you though, because just being in Alaska is an adventure in itself, and you will see more amazing things than you could imagine. Pick a few of your top Alaska bucket list activities, don’t jam pack your itinerary with to-dos, know you can’t do and see everything, and just enjoy the journey.

Alaska is Massive

Last, but not least, Alaska is massive, and size matters when you’re planning your Alaska vacation. For reference, Alaska is over twice the size of Texas. It’s best to map out your drive in an app to give you rough estimates of times, and check the sites above for construction and road conditions. Allot yourself plenty of time to travel from place to place.

Whether you’re planning next year’s dream trip to Alaska or grabbing last minute tickets to visit next week, I hope these tips have helped you in planning your Alaska vacation. If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

The Best Alaskan Souvenirs and Where to Buy Them

May 5, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Are you looking to commemorate your trip to Alaska with one of a kind souvenirs or hoping to grab some unique gifts to bring back for friends and family? This list of Alaskan souvenirs will give you a variety of ideas to choose from to remember your trip to the beautiful 49th State!

How do I know if something is really made in Alaska?

When you’re looking for Alaskan souvenirs you want something that is authentically Alaskan and made by locals. So, how do you go about finding out if what you’re buying is really made here? It’s pretty easy, just “Buy the Bear”!

What does “Buy the Bear” mean? As the State website explains “When purchasing products in Alaska, look for the mother bear and her cub logo signifying the product was manufactured in Alaska.” This will ensure that you get an Alaska made product. That being said, though, there are Alaska made items that may not have the bear logo. But, to ensure you get a made in Alaska product, it’s best to “Buy the Bear” when possible.

This is the logo you’ll find on Alaska made items.

Where can I buy locally made Alaskan souvenirs?

Although sometimes it may take a bit to find what you’re looking for, you can find Alaska made souvenirs all over! More “touristy” type seasonal shops will likely have the same items from place to place, and most of these things are made in China or other places outside of the United States. If you visit local small businesses, fairs, festivals, and markets, though, you’ll find a treasure trove of amazing Alaska made items. To find out what markets, fairs, and more are coming up each month, sign up for my newsletter here.

Another great way to seek out some Alaskan souvenirs is by checking Instagram and Facebook. This is a great way to find artists and businesses local to the area of Alaska that you’ll be visiting. You can check out their products, see how they’re made, and connect with business to find out where they sell their Alaska made items.

What are the best Alaska made souvenirs?

There is such a great variety of Alaska made items that it’s hard to narrow it down, so I’ve just decided to include as many as I can think of! The items listed below are not only great souvenirs and gifts, but they’re also useful, beautiful, and practical items.

Gold

Bring back a little bit of what so many people ventured “North to Alaska” for! Check out gold in all its forms from raw nuggets to coins, jewelry, and more at the Alaska Mint in Anchorage.

Jade

Did you know that jade is the Alaska state gem? For good reason, too, as its beautiful colors make it a unique display piece, and its hardness makes it sturdy and useful. Visit Kobuk Valley Jade Company in Soldotna to learn more about our state gem and purchase a Made in Alaska piece for yourself.

Books

Finding books with Alaskan authors and illustrators is something that is easy to pick up in stores across Alaska. Almost every bookstore you’ll visit here will have an Alaska section. Take home a Alaskan read from a used book store or purchase a newly released novel as a gift. There are so many options to choose from for all ages of readers. Check out our Alaska children’s book list here.

Alaska Native Arts and Crafts

There is such a great variety of Alaska Native art and crafts to purchase. From beadwork, to scrimshawed ivory, masks, and jewelry, there is a plethora of items you can purchase. Great places to find authentic Alaska Native items for sale are the Sealaska Heritage Store in Juneau, the Anchorage Museum Store, and the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market, which occurs during Fur Rondy in March, is also a great place to see Native crafts from all over the state, along with the Craft Shop at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

Birch Bowls

Head to The Great Alaskan Bowl Company in Fairbanks and purchase a birch bowl. See the process of making these beautiful and useful Alaskan souvenirs, and purchase one for yourself.

Ulu

This cutting tool, which was made and used by Indigenous Alaskans, is a popular Alaskan souvenir. Its unique design and usefulness make it a top pick for many visitors looking for something to bring back home. You can find these in many places such as The Ulu Factory in Downtown Anchorage, and Alaska Native markets and craft fairs. Beware of imposters, though; many seasonal gift shops will have ulus that are not made in Alaska.

Art

You’ll find Alaska made art pieces everywhere along your journey through the 49th State. Paintings, pottery, photographs, and carvings are just some of the many items you can find at local stores and gift shops.

Art by Percy Avugiak at the Fur Rondy Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market in Anchorage. — Art by Percy Avugiak at the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market.

Jewelry

You will find jewelry from Alaskan artists in many local gift shops. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more make for easy-to-transport gifts.

Dog Treats

Don’t forget to bring a gift back for your furry family, too! Our pup loves Alaska Wild Treats, which are made of Alaskan salmon. You can find these treats at Three Bears. You can also get Mountain Dog salmon treats, which are available online and at Alaska Mill and Feed and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Dry Bags

Useful for many applications in Alaska and beyond, dry bags are a handy made in Alaska souvenir. Check out Nomar in Homer to see their large selections of these handy bags.

Clothes

Check out Alpine Fit and Nomar for Alaskan adventure gear that will last a lifetime. Also, be on the lookout for kuspuks, which are Alaska Native hooded garments with a distinctive front pocket. They often come in a multitude of fabric colors and patterns and are adorned with beautiful trims.

Qiviut

Some other garments you may want to check out are items made of qiviut, which is the underwool of a muskox. Qiviut scarfs, hats, and more can be found at Oomingmak in Anchorage.

Food

Bring a taste of Alaska back home with you with these delicious ideas and tasty treats.

Syrup

Try something unique with birch syrup! Head to Talkeetna for this uniquely Alaskan treat. Taste test syrups, and bring back a bottle for yourself or a friend.

Jams and Jellies

Check out local farmers markets for jams and jellies to bring home with you. You can also visit Alaska Wild Berry Products and try some of their delectable jelly centered chocolates yourself.

Alaska made fireweed jelly. — If you come across fireweed jelly give it a try!

Honey

You can occasionally come across delicious local honey at farmers markets around the state.

Groceries

There are many other Alaska made food items that you can find at local grocery stores, Safeway, and Three Bears. The Alaska Flour Company, locally made seasoning, salsa, pasta, teas and more are some of the items you’ll find. Also, check out veggies with the Alaska Grown logo to snack on while you’re here.

This list of Alaskan souvenirs has a little something for everyone. From the foodie to the art collector, and the fashionista to your furry friends, there’s a little something in Alaska for everyone.

Do you have any questions about Alaska travel? Feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

The Best Places to See Wildlife From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula

April 26, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Many people come to Alaska to see wildlife. Seeing moose, bears, sheep, goats, and an extensive list of other Alaskan wildlife are on everyone’s bucket list. The question is, where can you find these amazing animals? Don’t worry, I’ve got the scoop on the best places to see wildlife from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. And, if you’ll be be traveling to other areas of Alaska, you can check out my Alaskan Wildlife Bucket List here to get more information about wildlife across our beautiful state.

Moose Denali National Park Alaska in the fall — A bull moose in Denali during fall.

What animals will I be able to see from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula?

Obviously, I can’t guarantee that you’ll see all or any of these animals on your way from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, but I would say you’ll have a good chance of seeing at least a few. Some of the wildlife you might see will be moose, eagles, bears, and swans. You may even see sheep, goats, puffins, and whales! A lot of this is right place right time, and knowing where to look, which I’ll walk you through below.

An eagle spotted along the Sterling Highway.

When can I see wildlife on my travels to the Kenai Peninsula?

Great question! This will depend a lot on the time of year you visit. You’re very likely to see moose and eagles any time of the year. Sheep and goat sightings will likely be more sparse during winter months, and bears will be hibernating from late fall until spring. Belugas may be seen during parts of July and August along the Turnagain Arm.

A group of Dall sheep just outside of Cooper Landing.

Where are the best places to see wildlife from Anchorage through the Kenai Peninsula?

Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? Below, we’ll make the trek from Anchorage down to Homer, and over to Seward as well, so we’ll cover a lot of territory and wildlife on our journey. Grab your binoculars and buckle up!

A Google Maps itinerary of the places mentioned below. A. Potter Marsh B. Beluga Point C. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center D. Bridge in Cooper Landing E. Cooper Landing F. Russian River Falls G. Sterling H. Homer I. Seward

Anchorage

The start of our journey, Anchorage. As you drive around town, you’ll likely see eagles perched on trees around the city. They are fairly common to see, along with one larger animal, the moose.

There are moose scattered all around Anchorage. I know it’s surprising that you could find such a big critter right in Alaska’s largest city, but they’re there! Along sidewalks, highways, and in parks, moose make themselves at home wherever they please. Which brings me to another point. You’ll need to watch out for moose when walking about and on the road when driving, along with other wildlife. And, as I’m sure you know, all of the wildlife is wild. Sadly, they do not want to be your friends, so keep your distance.

Another animal you may see while in Anchorage is the black bear. Check out Kincaid Park, where you might get a glimpse at these amazing critters, along with more eagles and moose.

Potter Marsh

Next up on our adventure, Potter Marsh. Located on the outskirts of Anchorage, this little oasis is an ideal spot for birdwatchers. You can also see salmon during certain times of the year, and if you’re lucky moose can be spotted at Potter Marsh as well.

Beluga Point

Beluga Point, the name says it all! During July and August, belugas are cruising along this area of the Turnagain Arm, not too far down from Potter Marsh. I’ve seen them there during mid August, and it was so exciting!

Turnagain Arm

As you continue down the Seward Highway, you’ll be right along the waters of the Turnagain Arm, as mentioned above. In the areas where you’re seeing more jagged cliffs on the other side of the road, be on the lookout for Dall sheep. Sometimes they’ll venture down the mountain right to the road, and other times you’ll likely see them best from a pullout using binoculars.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

I know I said there’s no guaranteed animal sightings, but this is quite close to a guarantee. I know this isn’t the “in the wild” viewing many people want to do, but the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is such an amazing stop that I had to add it in here. Learn more about it here!

Cooper Landing

You’ll see some turnouts as you head into and through Cooper Landing. These are worthwhile places to pull off at and glass for sheep and goats. They are always amazing to watch, as their agility and balance is unmatched in the rugged terrain. Just last weekend we saw both sheep and goats in the area, so it’s worth taking the time to try spot some on the mountains.

Collard cow moose with one of her twin calves. — A collared cow moose with one of her twin calves in the Swan Lake burn area near Cooper Landing.

Kenai Lake

You’ll cross over a bridge in Cooper Landing shortly after passing Wildman’s convenience store. Check around this area for swans, as there are a group of them that stay in the waters of Kenai Lake even during the winter.

Russian River Falls

This is one spot I haven’t been to, but it’s on my bucket list! Russian River Falls, just outside of Cooper Landing, is a well know spot to see bears. When the salmon are running in the Russian River, the bears head there for a feast, so you may get a chance to see them. But, well before you head out, view these bear safety tips!

Roadside Moose

There’s a chance you’ll see moose along your whole drive, but once you get to straighter stretches of road after Cooper Landing, your chances of seeing them really go up! Sighting of moose on and along the highway from Sterling down to Homer are quite frequent, so keep an eye out for them and drive safe.

A moose near Soldotna, Alaska along the Sterling highway in April. — A moose near Soldotna along the Sterling Highway.

The Homer Spit

Head on down to the famous Homer Spit to view sea otters in the harbor, and also get great opportunities to view eagles as well. We just saw sea otters in the harbor last weekend, and boy are they fun to watch! If you head out on a boat from Homer, chances are you’ll see other marine wildlife, and speaking of marine life, let’s head to Seward!

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is the marine life equivalent to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s a must-stop place in Seward. Once again, I know it’s not animals in the wild, but it’s such an informative, interesting, and interactive place to visit that I couldn’t skip it on our list of adventures. Learn more about it here!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Ahoy, matey! Our last stop is in the beautiful waters outside of Seward. Hop aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise to see a plethora of marine wildlife. A variety of whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, and more are just some of the things you might see on one of these awesome adventures on the water.

Okay, ladies and gents, our tour has wrapped up! Time to head on back and visit any wildlife viewing areas you may have missed along the way down the Peninsula. But, with all this being said, wildlife is unpredictable. There are chances you’ll see black bears in Cooper Landing, no sheep on the mountains near the Turnagain Arm, have no eagle sightings, and see a huge pod of belugas at Beluga Point. You really never know, but what I’m hoping is that this Alaska wildlife guide will give you a better chance at seeing wildlife from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula.

Is the Garmin inReach Really Worth It?

April 20, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Is the Garmin inReach really worth it? Considering the price tag, that’s a great question to ask before you purchase one. In this post, I’ll share with you both the perspectives of an inReach user and of the recipient of inReach messages, and let you know the pros and cons of purchasing a Garmin inReach.

What is the Garmin inReach?

The Garmin inReach is a satellite communication device that allows for two way text communication, route tracking and sharing, and an emergency SOS button, among other things. You can Bluetooth these devices to your phone to easily text people updates, and send links to loved ones so they can track your adventures. There are a few different versions of the inReach, such as the Explorer, Mini, and Messenger. We have the full size Explorer, which I think is a little more user friendly, but the Mini is definitely more compact and lighter weight along with the Messenger, so there are perks to either model.

Who would the Garmin inReach be useful for?

The inReach is useful for everyone. Whether you are a hunter or a hiker, a biker or a road tripper, living off grid, camping, or just traveling where there is poor cell service, having an inReach as part of your gear is a necessity. Why would I say it’s a necessity? Read ahead to find out.

The inReach is great for roadtrips where you may not have cell service.

Why should I purchase an inReach?

It could save your life. Truly, I’m not exaggerating. Whether you run into a life threatening emergency while out in the woods, or have a medical emergency on a stretch of road with no cell service, the SOS button on your inReach will connect you with the Garmin Response Team who will contact the necessary emergency services, pinpoint your location, and stay in contact with you via two way texting during your emergency until emergency and rescue services arrive.

Not only is having an inReach a safety feature, it also gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. My husband brought our inReach Explorer on a sheep hunt, which ended up lasting seventeen days. It gave me peace of mind getting updates from him, he had peace of mind knowing they could contact someone in an emergency, and they could contact their transport service to arrange for a pick up as well. My parents also have an inReach. When they’re heading out on longer adventures they turn on tracking, and I can receive a tracking link to make sure they’ve made it to their destination, along with receiving text messages from them on via their inReach as well.

Garmin inReach communication. — Tracking and updates from sheep camp.

Where does the inReach work?

As you probably know, there are many parts of Alaska that are quite remote. Considering that’s where we live, it’s a pretty good place to test out a communication device like this. So far, we’ve had great luck with it. It really works everywhere, but some messages may take a little more time to send depending on where you’re at.

When can I use this device?

Anytime. There are monthly, no contract plans for short term use, and annual service plans as well.

What are the pros and cons of the Garmin inReach?

Okay, let’s get into it. Clearly, there are pros and cons to anything you’ll purchase. From what you’ve already read, I’m sure you can tell that I do think the Garmin inReach is really worth it, but below I’ll list the positives and negatives of this communication device so you can decide for yourself.

Cons

Cost
None of the inReach devices are cheap, but can you really put a price on safety and peace of mind? The investment you’ll make into an inReach is well worth it. If you want to save a bit of money, you can compare the different versions and see which is best for you, as prices vary depending on which device you choose. Also, there are monthly service plans, and prices vary depending on use, just like cell phone plans. But, you can activate plans for just a month at a time, and pause service when you don’t need it.

Learning Curve
As with all new gear you’ll be using outdoors, test it at home before you take it out with you. Depending on how tech savvy you are, there may be a bit of a learning curve. Plus, you can get it paired with your phone while you’re home so you’re ready to head out in the field or road trip through with wilderness.

Take it with you anywhere, from walks in the woods with your pup to hiking up mountains.

Pros

Safety and Peace of Mind
As I mentioned above, one of the times we relied most on our inReach was during my husband’s Dall sheep hunt. He had over two weeks of strenuous hunting in the mountains of Alaska. Needless to say, without the inReach I would have been a wreck worrying about him. Thankfully, I was able to get updates from him and his hunting partner via the inReach. I also got to track parts of their trek, and received check in messages as well. “Check-in messages are messages with predefined text and recipients”, as explained by Garmin, and work great to let loved ones know things such as “made it to the campsite”, “heading back down the mountain”, or “flying out tomorrow” easily and quickly. Not only will the inReach give that peace of mind, but, as you read earlier, it can save your life, and/or the lives of those you’re with.

SOS Button
In the event of an extreme emergency, there is an SOS button on the inReach. It’s covered by a cap so you won’t accidentally press it. If there is an instance where you do have to use the SOS, the Garmin Response Team will coordinate with the appropriate agencies to assist in a solution to the emergency, all while keeping in touch with you via your inReach. To get more details on the inReach SOS, check out this article here.

Battery Life
Obviously, battery life will depend on how much you use it, and how you use it. Will you use it for tracking? How many messages will you send? This varies depending on which of the inReach devices you get as well. We have had our inReach for years now, and I really feel like it has great battery life. There are statistics on the Garmin website for usage versus batter life that will give you a good idea of how often you’ll need to charge it.

One thing to note, though, is the battery life of your phone. If you’ll have them paired and will be texting form your phone, it would be best to bring a charging cord and solar charger or small potable charger to keep everything charged up.

Size
The size of your inReach device will depend on which one you get, but they are all convenient and lightweight to carry on any treks.

So, is the Garmin inReach really worth it?

From what you’ve read above, do you think this communication device is worth it? I sure think it is. Any outdoor enthusiast, traveler, or individual living remotely should have an inReach. You really can’t put a price on safety or peace of mind, so check out the inReach here.

17 Amazing Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska

April 13, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

There is such an amazing array of day trips you can venture out on from Anchorage, Alaska. If you’re an animal lover, adventure seeker, avid fisherman, or just wanting to explore, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re vacationing in Alaska or a long-time resident, you’re sure to enjoy these amazing day trips from Anchorage.

How long do “day trips” in Alaska really take?

Being the largest state in the U.S.A., with over 650,000 square miles of breathtaking terrain, you could say there’s a bit of ground to cover. So, is there really such thing as a day trip from Anchorage, or is everything else too far away? Surprisingly, there are many day trips from Anchorage, Alaska. Just be prepared that some may take all day, while others can be done in an afternoon.

Of course, this varies on distance, but a lot of it also depends on traffic, weather, road conditions, daylight hours, and construction. A great way to see how long it will take you during the season you’ll be visiting is by checking your maps and looking on local Facebook road condition groups. One of my favorite resources is Alaska 511, which has road cameras, construction notices, weather reports, and more. All of these will give you a very good idea of how long to expect drives to be at specific times, since there are many factors that may add a bit of time onto your day trip.

What are the best day trips from Anchorage, Alaska?

Anchorage is a great central location for many day trips. Check out the variety of options below!

Talkeetna Flighseeing Tour

Head north for a once in a lifetime flight over glaciers and around the famous Denali. Then, take a little stroll through the unique community of Talkeetna, learn about its history, grab a bite to eat, and head back to the city. This will be an experience you won’t forget!

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Take the short drive down to Girdwood and experience Alaska’s wildlife up close. You can even take a tour and feed the animals! I think this is a must-stop for all visitors and locals alike. Check it out here!

Brown bears AWCC Alaska — You’ll have a beary great time viewing wildlife at AWCC.

The Alyeska Tram

Speaking of Girdwood, why not pop on over to The Hotel Alyeska and Alyeska Resort for a tram ride? The tram will give you magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, and you can end your day trip with a meal in the unique town of Girdwood.

The Alyeska Resort tram in Girdwood, Alaska. — The Alyeska Resort tram on it’s way up to the mountain.

Thunderbird Falls

A close distance to the big city of Anchorage is the scenic trail to Thunderbird Falls. This easy hike will lead you to the serene falls that you wound’t expect to be just outside of the city.

The Musk Ox Farm

About an hour away from Anchorage is a farm full of animals you likely haven’t seen before. Head to Palmer to visit the Musk Ox Farm and learn all about these unique, shaggy mammals. While you’re there check out the qiviut (musk ox wool) items at the gift shop; they’re beautiful, warm, and incredibly soft!

Seward Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Head south out of Anchorage to Seward for this excursion. Hop aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise, and spend the day on the water. Not only will you get to see glaciers, but if you’re lucky you’ll see a myriad of animals from otters to puffins and orcas to seals. It’s such a fun experience!

Alaska glacier and wildlife cruise landscape — Some of the beautiful landscape you’ll view on your cruise out of Seward.

Alaska SeaLife Center

Another great reason to day trip to Seward is the SeaLife Center. This is a really fun and educational spot to visit. You can see a variety of marine wildlife, do behind the scenes tours, and check out the touch pool. Wanting more information about the Alaska SeaLife Center experience? Read more here!

Salmon identification and cycle display. — Learn all about the varieties of salmon in Alaska.

Jet Skiing

Head to Whittier for an epic jet ski adventure into Prince William Sound. See glacier, waterfalls, and icebergs in a unique and exhilarating way that you’ll remember for years to come. Just keep in mind that there is a tunnel to get into Whittier, so check the schedule to time it right.

Talk about an adventure! You don’t see views like these everyday.

Fish the Kenai River

Take a little journey down to Soldotna to fish for salmon from the bank or a boat. Fishing on the Kenai River is on the bucket list of many anglers, so grab your fishing license and head on down to experience it for yourself!

Independence Mine State Historical Park

As I’m sure you know, mining has played a big part in the history of Alaska. See a bit of that history for yourself at the Independence Mine, and explore Alaska’s history first hand. Learn more about it here.

Reindeer Farm

Get an up close experience with reindeer, moose, alpacas, and more at this farm in Palmer. This quick day trip from Anchorage will leave you with life long memories as you enjoy this unique opportunity. There are a variety of tours you can choose from that you can view here.

Cooper Landing Sheep and Goat Spotting

Take a scenic cruise on down to the beautiful community of Cooper Landing. Grab your binoculars and scan the surrounding area for Dall sheep and mountain goats. Grab some ice cream at Wildman’s and stop at Cooper Landing Brewing for a delicious burger on your way back to Anchorage.

Dall sheep on the mountains near Cooper Landing.

Portage Glacier

A quick drive south down to Portage Glacier will lead you through and to some beautiful views. Take a cruise over to the glacier or take a kayak out to enjoy the views. Looking for all the ways you can view glaciers in Alaska? Check out our list here!

ATV Glacier Tour

Take a short drive to Palmer and spend the day on an ATV glacier tour! This real Alaskan experience will have you riding trails to some breathtaking views. P.S. There are winter snowmachine tours, too!

Zipline Alaska

Time to add this to your list, adrenaline junkies! See glaciers, mountains, and rivers as never before on this high-flying zipline adventure out of Glacier View. Book your zipline adventure now!

Visit Homer

If you want to have a very full day trip from Anchorage, you can make the trek down to Homer. While you’d likely have to spend the night to get a chance to go fishing, there are many other things to do in Homer during the summer such as visiting the famous Homer Spit, checking out the little shops, eating delicious halibut, and exploring this colorful little town.

Matanuska Glacier

Make the scenic drive to Matanuska Glacier. There are a variety of ways to view the glacier depending on how adventurous you’d like to be. You can view it from turnouts along the road, or from a helicopter, and you can even take a tour to walk on it. Yes, walking on the glacier! Talk about an exciting day trip!

Now that you’ve got some ideas for day trips from Anchorage, it’s time to start traveling! I’m sure you may have questions, though, so feel free to ask them in the comments, or join the Everyday Alaska Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice and/or New to Alaska Tips, Information and Advice groups to ask any of your questions and learn more about Everday Life in The Last Frontier. Happy travels, friends!

The Alaska Summer Bucket List

April 9, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Are you wondering what to do during summertime in Alaska? Lucky for you, the options are endless and so is the daylight! Below, you’ll find the perfect Alaska Summer Bucket List to get your fun packed summer plans started.

For the sake of keeping it simple, I’m just calling June, July, and August “summer” here. As I said in my winter bucket list, there are an endless amount of things to do during each season in Alaska. You might want to do them all this year, but pacing yourself and spreading them out over time is best. Or, if you’re just visiting Alaska, it’s good to pick a few activities and spread them out over your stay in our beautiful state. On that note, lets grab that sunblock and bug spray and get to enjoying the midnight sun!

Kayaking and Canoeing

One of the most fun things that we’ve started doing recently is kayaking. I wish I would have started long ago, but better now than never! There are many places to rent kayaks or canoes if your visiting, or purchase one yourself if you’re local; they’re well worth getting!

Kayaking in Alaska along the Moose River — Moseying along the Kenai Peninsula’s Moose River.

Zip Lining

There are zip lining adventures in many parts of Alaska. Glacier View, Denali, Juneau, and Seward are just a few of the spots you can visit for these high flying Alaskan experiences.

Flightseeing Tour

Speaking of high flying adventures, flightseeing tours are popular all across Alaska. You can take flights to see Denali, glaciers, wildlife, and more. They will likely be one of the more expensive tours available to you, and very weather dependent, but from what I’ve seen they look pretty impressive. I have yet to check this off my bucket list, but it sure looks exciting!

Events and Festivals

Summer in Alaska is always jam packed with activities, including festivals, fairs, and more! Some of them you may want to check out are Gold Rush Days in Valdez, the Kenny Lake Fair, Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River, Palmer’s Colony Days and the Alaska State Fair, Progress Days in Soldotna, and the Little Norway Festival in Petersburg. Looking for more local events? Sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruises

There are so many perks to living in Alaska, one being that whenever visitors come you get to tour them around and play tourist a bit. This is the reason I’ve been on probably a dozen glacier and wildlife cruises. I never get tired of them because the things you get to see are so miraculous and amazing! Puffins, orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, otters, porpoise, seals, mountains, glaciers and more; oh my! While there is no guarantee you’ll see all these animals, you are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.

Waterfalls

Time to go chase those waterfalls! My favorite place to view them is Keystone Canyon right outside of Valdez, but there are many other places to see them as well, such as Thunderbird Falls outside of Anchorage. There is a great list of waterfall and how to access them here.

Rafting

While were on the subject of water, why not do some rafting?! Take a guided ride along the rapids for a one of a kind Alaskan experience.

Whale Watching

If you’re lucky, you can see a variety of whales all summer long in the waters of Alaska. Orcas, humpbacks, and grays make their summer home in Alaska’s waters, and can best be viewed on a glacier and wildlife cruise. You can also see belugas, one of the best ways of seeing them being in the waters of the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.

Explore Old Mines

It’s well known that back in the day people rushed up to Alaska in search of gold. Mining is still popular around Alaska, but there are also many mines that have long been out of commission that you can explore. Some of the more visited mines are Kennicott Copper Mine near McCarthy and Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks. Take a visit and learn a bit about Alaska’s mining history.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Taking a scenic trip on the famous Alaska Railroad is one of my top Alaska summer buck list items. There are many packages and tours you can do with this experience, including touring some of Alaska’s National Parks.

Visit Our National Parks

Speaking of National Parks, why not visit some of the eight National Parks around Alaska. There are a few you can visit on the road system, or expand your adventure with fly out trips to the more remote parks.

Jet Skiing

Hop on for an exciting and unique way to experience Alaska! Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and the beauty of Alaska while cruising on a jet ski. My husband and his friends did this for a bachelor party and had a great experience.

Tour the waters of the 49th State with Glacier Jet Ski Adventures.

Check Out Local Farmer’s Markets

Alaska is known for growing some extraordinarily large veggies. You may not guess that with such a short growing season that many things would grow, but that wonderful midnight sun puts growing season into overdrive! Check out local veggies, jams, jellies, and other delicious treats at local farmer’s markets, and if you’re local check into starting a garden of your own!

Fishing

Whether it’s lake fishing, drift boat fishing, casting on the river, or trolling in the ocean, fishing is a very popular summer activity in Alaska. Rainbow trout, varieties of salmon, halibut, and rockfish are just a few of the fish you may come across during summers in Alaska.

Camping

One of my favorite Alaska summer bucket list activities, camping! Tent it, RV, fifth wheel, whatever way you do it, camping is one of the best ways to experience Alaska. View our camping checklist here!

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

To view a vast amount of Alaskan wildlife in one location, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s well worth adding to your list!

Hiking

There are a plethora of hiking trails all around Alaska. This is a great way to get some fresh air, see lesser known and visited places, and some spectacular views. Just be bear aware if you plan on hiking!

Wildflowers

There are so many wildflowers that pop up everywhere around our beautiful state. Take some time to “smell the roses” and check out the local flora and fauna. They make for great photos and photo backdrops as well!

The beauty of fireweed in bloom is unmatched.

See, I told you there were so many amazing things to do during summer in Alaska, and this is only part of them! If you have specific questions about Alaska travel or life in Alaska please sign up for Everyday Alaska emails here, and feel free to send me an email with any questions. Also, join the Everyday Alaska Travel Facebook group for travel tips, advice, and answers to your specific travel questions. Happy travels, friends!

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