Valdez

My 5 Most Loved Places in Alaska

July 24, 2025 by Everyday Alaska

How could someone pick their favorite place in a state filled with so much beauty, adventure, excitement, and exploration? You can’t! That’s why I’ve picked my five most loved places in Alaska, since I can’t narrow it down to just one. So, without further ado, let’s explore my favorite places in my home state of Alaska.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

A brown bear near Cooper Landing. — Read along to find the location of this photo!

How do you pick your favorite spots in Alaska?

That’s a great question! I don’t have any technical point system, a list of specific criteria, or any type of special way to pick my favorite spots. The places listed below I have picked for their beauty, not only in the landscape but in the people and wildlife, the adventure, the sense of community, nostalgia, good food (because who doesn’t love to eat!), and more. The following places aren’t in any particular order since it would be difficult to rank such wonderful spots, but I love them all for different reasons. Check out the list below of my most loved places in Alaska.

Cantwell

You might not think of a village in the middle of Alaska as one of my top destinations, but family ties, stunning scenery, the road trip there from any direction, and wildlife make this one of my favorite spots in the state. Although it isn’t a top tourist destination, with activities that will fill day’s worth of your itinerary, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Alaska, and is also a starting/ending point to the scenic Denali Highway (not to be confused with the Denali Park Road), and a great jumping off point to experience Denali National Park.

The boys and I off of the Denali Highway near Cantwell.

Cooper Landing

Is Cooper Landing my favorite spot on the Kenai Peninsula? Probably so, although it was in close competition with Seward! With Kenai Lake and the beautiful Kenai River, tons of good wildlife spotting (the first photo in this post was just south of Cooper Landing along the river), and great fishing opportunities, what’s not to love! The mountainous views alone make me feel at home (see the final place on our list to find out where that is!), and the small community feel and good food make us want to do frequent day trips to Cooper Landing. Check out my Kenai Peninsula Itinerary for more details on what to do in this picturesque destination!

Palmer

If I could pick a spot to live in Alaska that has the conveniences of a city, the feel of a small town, and the scenic Alaska views, it would be Palmer. It is a quite a bit busier than it used to be and it’s definitely windy, but I still love to visit there and enjoy the small shops, eateries, and the community feel.

Skagway

If you’re taking an Alaskan cruise, this spot may be on your itinerary. It’s been decades since I’ve visited Skagway, but I have such good memories of our trip there that I had to add it to the list. The history, buildings, and views are worth the trip. This is truly the most “touristy” destination on my list, but I love it!

Valdez

Home sweet home! My favorite place: Valdez, Alaska! Glaciers, mountains, wildlife, fishing, waterfalls, sightseeing, kayaking, and great people; what more could you ask for? If you want the true Alaskan small town experience without so much traffic and all the hubbub of a major tourist hot spot, check out Valdez. It’s worth the drive! Learn more from our Valdez Itinerary and our Guide to Valdez’s Sights and Wildlife.

Okay, folks, there you have it, my list of most loved places in Alaska! Although I can’t say I’ve traveled all over our massive state, I have seen a lot, and these spots take the cake (or baked Alaska 😉 ). My question to you is what’s your favorite town in Alaska, or where would you most like to travel in the Last Frontier?

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or 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, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!

Valdez, Alaska Itinerary: The Best Things to Do and See

August 28, 2024 by Everyday Alaska

If you’re looking for the best way to plan a trip to Valdez, Alaska, look no further than this guide. After being born and raised in Valdez, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best things to do and see. This itinerary will be a little different than most you’ve probably seen, however, so let me explain below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Valdez, Alaska welcome sign — Welcome to beautiful Valdez, Alaska!

What’s the best way to plan a Valdez vacation?

There are a ton of variables when traveling, especially when traveling anywhere in Alaska. Your Valdez, Alaska itinerary will greatly depend on weather, the time of year you’re visiting, how long you’ll be there, your budget, and other factors. These factors will determine what places and activities are open, what you can see, and what types of activities you’ll be able to fit into your time frame and budget. Which leads me to the explain how I’ve organized this itinerary.

How is this Valdez, Alaska itinerary organized?

The seasonality, unpredictable weather, costs, and more of traveling around Alaska can make travel planning a bit difficult. This is why I’ve left this itinerary with no specific schedule, and it’s more of a pick-your-own-adventure type of guide. This will help you be flexible to changes in weather, what fits your budget, what’s open at the time, and more. You can mix and match to fit your needs. For example, maybe it’s too foggy to explore Thompson Pass (pretty common), so you decide to stay in town. Why not check out the museums? Did you want to go on a fishing charter, but they’re all booked up? (To avoid that, check out this post!) Maybe look into fishing at Allison Point depending on the season. Those are just a couple situations you might encounter.

So, without further ado, let’s get to planning! I’ve broken the travel planning up into a few different categories. As you’ll be able to tell, some may overlap. The hatchery is educational and you’ll likely see wildlife. Going on a kayaking adventure is both a great activity and scenic. Fishing is a great activity and you’ll likely see wildlife. Anyway, you get the point, so let’s jump into the ultimate Valdez, Alaska itinerary!

Black bear in Valdez, Alaska at Solomon Gulch Hatchery — A black bear at the Solomon Gulch Hatchery.

Activities and Adventure

There are never ending adventures and activities all across Alaska. Here are a few of my favorite Valdez adventures to add to your travel plans.

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Are you looking for one of the most epic activities do to while in Valdez? Check out a glacier and wildlife cruise with Stan Stephen’s Glacier and Wildlife Cruises. Explore beautiful Prince William Sound and get the opportunity to see majestic glaciers and wildlife such as whales, puffins, otters, seals, and more. These cruises are full day excursions, so when planning your itinerary know that this will take up a large portion of your day, and it’s well worth it!

Tip: Are you wondering what to wear and bring with on a glacier and wildlife cruise? Check out our post here!

Prince William Sound on Stan Stephen’s Cruise — Beautiful views from Stan Stephen’s Cruise.

Fishing

Fishing is what many people visit Valdez to do. You can go fishing from the rocks at Allison Point, or drop a line while on a charter. Your fishing experience could last a few hours from the shore, be a half or full day trip on a charter, or you could even overnight on a charter!

The first thing to do when fitting fishing into your plans is to see what species will be available to catch during your visit, determine your budget, and pick the best option that will fit your schedule. Maybe you’re traveling with a large party and a charter is out of your budget? Try out a few hours of fishing at Allison Point. Is catching a halibut a must do on your Alaska bucket list? Splurge on a charter for a chance to get hooked up on the fish of your dreams!

Tip: Don’t go fishing without a derby ticket! Learn all about tickets and what you could win here!

Kayaking

Experience a once in a lifetime paddle around glaciers with guided kayaking tours in Valdez. You can plan your itinerary for this similarly to planning a glacier and wildlife cruise since they both excursions take up a good portion of the day.

Valdez, Alaska harbor — Hop in a kayak for a beautiful paddle.

Hiking

If you want to add exercise with a view to your schedule, check out some local hikes. Whether you want a short little jaunt after lunch, or an afternoon adventure, there’s something for everyone. Check out local hikes here, and don’t forget to be bear aware!

Walking in Thompson Pass near Valdez, Alaska — Walking around picturesque Thompson Pass.

Sights and Wildlife

Wherever you look in Valdez you’ll have spectacular views (as long as it’s not too foggy!). Below is a list of some specific places to see the most beautiful sights Valdez has to offer, along with some great wildlife spotting areas! You can also check out my detailed guide to the sights and wildlife of Valdez here.

Valdez Boat Harbor

The boat harbor is one of my favorite places to wander around in Valdez. It’s so peaceful and the perfect spot to walk around with a warm drink on a chilly morning, or check out the views on a sunny day. I love to see the creative names on the boats, and you might also see an otter or two if you’re lucky!

Keystone Canyon

If you didn’t stop on your drive in, check out Keystone Canyon. Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls are just a couple of the majestic waterfalls you’ll see, and they make for great photo opportunities. This stop is a must add to your Valdez itinerary!

Valdez and Worthington Glaciers

If you’re out viewing the falls in Keystone Canyon, you might as well add a trip up to Worthington Glacier in Thompson Pass to your plans for the day. Not only are there great walking trails with lots of informative signage, but the scenery is stunning! If you want to stay in town though, check out Valdez Glacier via a kayaking tour!

Worthing Glacier, Alaska — Worthington Glacier.

Dayville Road/Allison Point

If you’re looking for wildlife, here’s your spot! Cruise down Dayville Road and keep your eyes peeled for bears! Depending on the time of year, once you get closer to the water around the hatchery and Allison Point you may get the opportunity to see bears, sea lions, otters, seals, and tons of fish, which is what bring all the other animals into the area. Here’s a great pair of binoculars in case you want to get a closer look at them from a safe distance. And, once again, be bear aware.

Tip: As large and in charge as bears are, they are also fantastic at hiding out. If you want to get a photo of one from your vehicle, have your camera out and ready as you drive the road because as soon as you see one, it can disappear into the trees in a flash!

A brown bear in Valdez, Alaska along Dayville Road. — A brown bear along Dayville Road; I didn’t have my camera ready so we only got phone photos!

History and Education

If you’re visiting a new place it’s always nice to hear some of the backstory of how it got to where it is today, right? Well, Valdez has quite the history and many wonderful places to learn about it that I’ll explain more about below. Also, there’s a lot to learn about the area’s wildlife as well, so don’t miss out on that, either!

Valdez Museum

The Valdez Museum has two educational and unique locations. I highly suggest visiting both locations and learning about the gold rush, 1964 earthquake, oil spill, and more. The artifacts, movies, and displays are very well set up, and it’s a great way to learn about the town. Museum visits are great rainy day activities to add to your itinerary and you could spend an afternoon at the two Valdez Museum locations.

Old Town

After learning a bit about Valdez history, head out to Old Town Valdez, the original Valdez townsite. You won’t see a bunch of historical buildings there (you’ll learn about why at the museums), but there are signs posted with information about Valdez before the earthquake and tsunami, and it will give you an idea of what the town was like before it was moved.

Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum

If you want to see one of the biggest and most interesting collections of Alaska Native art and Alaska wildlife mounts, visit the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. The artifacts there are beautiful and fascinating to see. This would be another great rainy day activity that you could spend an hour or so at.

Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery

Visit the hatchery, learn how it runs, and learn about its purpose on a self guided tour. This tour is not only informative, but also has beautiful views and, depending on the time of year, very good chances of seeing a lot of the wildlife in the sections above. Last summer we spent a whole afternoon there walking around and watching wildlife, but you could probably plan for around an hour if you were short on time.

Sea lions in Valdez, Alaska at Solomon Gulch Hatchery. — A sea lion getting salmon at the hatchery.

Crooked Creek

If you’re staying in town and up for a little walk, you could stroll on over to Crooked Creek. There’s a salmon viewing area, waterfall, and a cute cabin that you can visit to learn more about local wildlife, salmon cycles, native plant species, and more.

Tip: Just watch for bears here too, because where there’s fish there’s usually bears.

Crooked Creek information site and cabin in Valdez, Alaska. — Crooked Creek information site.

Okay, now that you’ve got the scoop on some of the best things to do and see in Valdez, Alaska, it’s time to compile your Valdez itinerary! Will you stick with the adventurous activities, spend some time indoors at the museums, go sightseeing in Thompson Pass, or a little combination of everything? Let me know in the comments!

If you have questions about traveling to Alaska, or how best to build your Valdez itinerary, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or 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 and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!

11 Things You Must Have on a Summer Vacation in Alaska

January 25, 2024 by Everyday Alaska

So you’re planning a vacation to Alaska; what an exciting time! Second only to the actual visit, planning is one of my favorite parts of travel. It can be tricky when it comes to planning what to pack, though. One of the things you may be wondering about is what you should bring on your Alaska vacation. Don’t fret, I’ve got a list of eleven must have things you‘ll need on your summer vacation in Alaska!

What are the must have items for a summer vacation in Alaska?

Alrighty, let’s hop into our list of items you’ll want to have on your vacation in Alaska!

Sunscreen

It’s Alaska, the land of glaciers, snow, and freezing temperatures, right? Well, that’s not quite all correct in the summertime. Although we have an immense amount of glaciers, it can get pretty toasty here in the summer, especially with the midnight sun shining down. So, don’t forget to purchase sunscreen, and reapply as directed. You definitely don’t want to get burnt on your vacation, and if you do your friends may think you traveled to Mexico and not Alaska!

Kayaking on the Kenai Peninsula. — Hat, sunscreen, and sunshine!

Sunglasses

While we’re on the topic of sunshine, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses! The sun can be very direct and bright, so protect your eyes with some good sunglasses.

Hat

Continuing on that same topic, make sure you bring or purchase a hat(s) for your vacation. There are plenty of places to purchase them while you’re here, too. This will provide additional protection from the sun, and keep it out of your eyes and off your noggin.

Sleep Mask

Okay, I promise this is the last sun-related item! With the amazing amount of daylight Alaska gets during the summer, it’s sometimes hard to fall asleep if you don’t have the right items. I’d like to think that the places you’ll be staying will have blackout curtains, but on the chance that they don’t, I’d suggest getting a sleep mask. This will help you fall asleep even if there’s daylight still streaming into the room, or if you need a little midday nap after a day of Alaskan adventures.

Summer sunset on the Kenai Peninsula. — A late night sunset on the Kenai Peninsula.

Camera Batteries

Make sure you have enough camera batteries and keep them charged on your travels. The last thing you want to do is come upon a clear view of Denali and have your camera batteries die!

Binoculars

Whether you’ll be RVing through Alaska, taking a cruise, or making a short trip, binoculars are a must have Alaska vacation item. These will help you spot Alaska’s abundant wildlife, and check some wildlife sighting off your bucket list. We use Vortex binoculars for spotting sheep, goats, moose, bears, and more.

Spotting sheep on the mountains along the Seward Highway.

Bug Spray

You may have heard that mosquitos are our state bird, and that’s pretty accurate. They can get pretty vicious in the summertime, so grabbing some bug spray is essential.

Bug Net

It’s definitely not a fashion statement, but a bug net is a game changer! These bug nets, and nets with hats, are my go-to and have saved me from many bites. But, if you do happen to get bit, check out my remedies for mosquito bite relief!

Extra Suitcase

If you’re like me, you’ll be purchasing some souvenirs on your vacation. Take along an extra bag that fits in a bigger suitcase to bring your treasures back in. And, if you’re wondering what the best, authentic Alaskan souvenirs are and where to buy them, check out my post here!

Nomar bags made in Homer, Alaska. — Purchase a souvenir AND a suitcase in one with Alaska made Nomar bags.

Cash

I know the card has really taken over, but cash is still a good thing to have on hand. It’s convenient to have cash for tips on charters, some more remote stops may not accept cards, and on the off chance a system is down and businesses are only taking cash it’s important to have some accessible to you.

Good Attitude

I’m sure you knew I’d mention it, but one of the most important things to have on a summer vacation in Alaska is a good attitude! Be flexible, have some patience, create backup plans for times when rainy weather interrupts your plans, and enjoy your time in the Last Frontier!

Where can I find these must have Alaska travel items?

Lastly, I’ll give a short run down of where you can find these items. Some things you may want to bring with you if you already have them, and others you can purchase online to pack with you. You can also buy some of the less travel friendly items (e.g. sunscreen) when you arrive in Alaska, and yet other things (e.g. patience) will hopefully come with you for your whole vacation. See what suits you and your travel needs best, and purchase when and where it’s most convenient for you.

I hope this Alaska vacation packing list has helped you determine what you’ll need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest! 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!

6 Mistakes to Avoid when Visiting Alaska for the First Time

November 18, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

You’ve saved and saved, and now you’re planning your dream trip to the majestic wilderness of Alaska. Road trips through waterfall walled canyons, plentiful moose sightings, and hikes through untouched mountains fill your mind. But, to truly enjoy your time in the breathtaking Last Frontier, there are a few mistakes you’ll want avoid making.

One of the many waterfalls in Keystone Canyon.

What should I avoid when visiting Alaska?

There are a few things you should avoid or account for when visiting Alaska. Don’t worry, though, these aren’t trip ruining mistakes. With the right attitude, no trip to my home state can truly be bad. These are just some suggestions and guidelines to help you enjoy Alaska to the fullest.

I want your dream vacation to become one of your favorite memories. It’s my favorite place to be, and I’m hoping it will become one of your’s, too. So without further ado, here are a list of mistakes to avoid when visiting Alaska.

Underestimating the Size

Don’t underestimate the truly vast size of Alaska. It’s the largest of the United States, coming in at over 2.5 times the size of Texas! This is a very important fact to keep in mind when visiting Alaska, especially if you plan on doing a bit of traveling around the state.

It may sound fun to travel from Anchorage down to the Kenai Peninsula, and then make a quick drive to Denali National Park and Fairbanks during a five day trip. It doesn’t look too bad on the map, right? Well, maps can be a bit deceiving. That would be like driving through multiple states, and when you factor in construction season, weather, road closures, and extra traffic from visitors (learn more about those variables here), it’s quite the trek. Most of that time would be spent viewing Alaska from the inside of a vehicle, and although the drives here are extraordinary that’s not what you want to spend your vacation doing. So, all said and done, consider the size of Alaska and plan accordingly with the amount of time you’ll be visiting.

Mile 123 of the Denali Highway. Plan extra time for more remote roads as they are not usually paved.

Forgetting Layers

As I’m sure you’ve heard, weather in Alaska is unpredictable, so layering is your best friend when packing for your Alaska vacation. Having a variety of layers will help you stay comfortable no matter what weather you encounter or what season you visit during. This will help ensure that you can enjoy the activities you’ve dreamed of without being too hot, cold, or wet.

Downtown Anchorage during the Iditarod Start. Time to put those layers on!

Being Unprepared for the Season

This ties into a couple other points, but it’s important to be prepared for the season you’re visiting in. If you show up in the summer, expect road construction. If you visit during the summer through early fall, be prepared for mosquitoes. If you visit during the winter, know that daylight hours are lean. This goes for clothing as well, as I stated above, and also time on the road.

The time it takes to go from town to town will change per season as well. Things slow down in winter with the snow and ice. Fall is a more normal pace, but still has some construction. Summertime can be a mixed bag. Because of the midnight sun you can travel in the light a majority of the day, but all of the visitor traffic can often make road trips slow going. Those are just a few things to think about for the different periods you may be traveling during.

Expecting Public Transportation

Alaska is not known for its public transportation system. Surprisingly, many people think it’s easy to hop a bus and head to the next town a couple hundred miles away. There are so many other visitors heading in that direction, so of course there’s a bus right? Nope. You won’t be seeing any Graylines here.

Although there may be tour buses and some shuttles, there are no major buses that will take you around the state at scheduled times. There are, however, Ubers, taxis, rental cars and RVs (the most popular options), the ferry, the Alaska Railroad, and some city buses. Not all of those are consistent and reliable options, though, and some are very seasonal so check into schedules when planning your trip.

Not Making Reservations

Skipping over making reservations and not planning early can leave you in the lurch for some of the bucket list activities you may want to enjoy. If you’re set on doing an aurora tour, jet skiing around glaciers, zip lining, going on a fishing charter or day cruise, or mushing with sled dogs, you may want to look into getting a reservation. The same goes for lodging and rental cars/RVs as well.

Although there are things you can schedule last minute, it’s best to call ahead of time and check. We get an immense amount of visitors here every year who likely want to do the same activities you do and stay at the same places you want to stay. Thus, things book up quickly and reservations are out over a year in advance sometimes.

Fishing trips book up quickly. Book in advance to make sure you get a spot!

But, if your trip is coming up soon and you haven’t made any reservations, or if you’re just winging it day by day, don’t fret! You can sometimes book activities and other reservations on short notice and also check for cancellations. If an activity or place you wanted to experience doesn’t work out, don’t worry! Alaska has a plethora of beautiful places and epic activities to enjoy, so pivot and find a new experience you may not have thought of otherwise!

Thinking You’re the Only Ones

Alaska is a bucket list destination, so naturally there is a large number of people that travel here. But the thing is, as large as our state is it’s just not built for a lot of people. We have a small road system. Our towns aren’t built for populations to double and triple over the summer. We don’t always have the workforce to fill the positions needed to accommodate visitors.

Some visitors get frustrated with long lines and slow food service. Others can’t believe the traffic would be so slow, or that places would run out of food or rooms. And it’s not that we’re not happy you’re here! We really are (most of the time 😉 ) happy to have people come enjoy the beautiful 49th state. Who wouldn’t want to visit Alaska, after all? It’s just hard to prepare for such an influx of people when there really isn’t the infrastructure or workforce to support that. It also takes time for supplies to get here, and things are often late to arrive. Even if business are prepared, other things may be running late. So, if things are slow try your best to go with the flow. That’s what we do. You’ll have a much happier trip overall.

In summertime you’ll see traffic backed up even in “the middle of nowhere”.

These mistakes to avoid when visiting Alaska are suggestions that I feel will help make your dream vacation go as smooth as possible. Many travelers only make it to Alaska once, and I want your trip to be all you hoped it would be. Although no trip is exactly “perfect”, a vacation to Alaska is about as close as you can get, and I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Last Frontier.

How to Prepare for Rainy Days on Your Alaska Vacation

June 22, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

I guess it’s only fitting that I start writing this while it’s pouring rain outside. Today I’ve seen sun, wind, clouds, and pouring rain within the past few hours. Just another average weather day in Alaska! But, what can you do to prepare for these rainy days on your Alaska vacation and continue to enjoy your time in the 49th State? Well, being a born and raised Alaskan has given me some insight into how to best deal with inclement weather, and I’ll share those tips below.

Kayaking the Moose River in Sterling, Alaska. — One minute you’re kayaking in sun, and the next you’re warming up by the fire after a rain.

What is the weather usually like in Alaska?

To sum it up in one word, Alaskan weather is unpredictable. You can start off your day kayaking in shorts. A few hours later you’re bundled up in a sweatshirt, raincoat, and pants trying to warm up by a campfire. It’s a mixed bag and you never know what you’ll be getting. But, that shouldn’t dissuade you from getting out and having an adventure!

A lot of the weather you’ll experience will obviously depend on what season you visit and which part(s) of Alaska you travel to. But, how you prepare for the rain will remain much the same. With the right clothes, attitude, and backup plans you can make a rainy day a bright spot in your trip. As I said in my post about things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation, 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!

A rainbow after some rainy weather in Alaska. — Looking for the sunshine and that pot of gold!

What activities may be cancelled or delayed due to rainy days on my Alaska vacation?

Inclement weather can change some of your planned activities on your Alaska vacation. If you have a flightseeing tour to explore surrounding glaciers and mountains, bad weather could cancel or postpone your flight. Rough seas can occasionally cause glacier and wildlife cruises and fishing charters to be rescheduled, and dangerous weather conditions may have you canceling your hiking plans. Those are a few of the activities that may be cancelled or rescheduled due to poor weather conditions.

When will I know if my activities are cancelled due to weather?

Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing weather, you may not know about your cancelled excursion until last minute. The ever changing weather can also be a positive thing, though. One minute you may find out your flightseeing tour is cancelled, and an hour later the clouds could clear and give you safe flying weather to go on your adventure! But, if the weather doesn’t clear and your plans get changed this is where having a backup plan comes in handy.

Our glacier and wildlife cruise boat for the day.

How do I plan for a change in my Alaska vacation plans?

Planning for a hiccup in your travel plans is no different than planning for hiccups in daily life. You either have a backup plan or just wing it! Personally, I would do a little research and have a “plan B”. Let’s say you’ve got a flightseeing tour planned one day and a hike a couple days later. Before you leave for your vacation, check out some other popular activities in the area incase you need an alternate option due to weather. Alaska is full of adventure, so even on those days where the weather isn’t cooperating you can still find a variety of things to do!

What should I wear to enjoy my time outside even on inclement weather days?

Most Alaskan’s get outside in almost all weather conditions. If we didn’t, we’d be stuck inside a lot! To take advantage of all Alaska has to offer, in any type of weather, we wear layers. If your plans get cancelled due to weather, just layer up and give your backup plan a try, or check with locals to find a different activity to do. This summer packing list will give you some ideas of what to pack to enjoy your trip to the fullest, no matter the weather. Having a raincoat, warm socks, waterproof shoes (or a spare pair of shoes incase ones gets wet), a hat, and even HotHands will help keep you warm on those chilly, drizzly days.

Wearing layers on a windy glacier and wildlife cruise kept us warm. — Layering up can keep you enjoying the outdoors on cold and windy days.

What activities are best for rainy days in Alaska?

On rainy days you can layer up and head outside to spot wildlife, fish along lakes and rivers, view glaciers, visit the Reindeer Farm, Muskox Farm, AWCC, and more! Check out Alyeska and its Nordic Spa, or spend some time indoors at local gift shops (Check out our list of the perfect Alaskan souvenirs here!), museums, and educational centers such as the SeaLife Center.

No matter the weather there is always something exciting and adventurous to do in our great state! Just remember, just because the weather may be gloomy doesn’t mean you have to be! Go out, find adventure, and create lasting memories even when the Midnight Sun may not be shining!

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!

Valdez, Seward, or Homer: Which Should You Visit?

June 9, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Should I visit Valdez, Seward, or Homer during my Alaska vacation? I’ve seen this question asked quite a bit in various groups, and the answer is dependent on many factors. How far do you want to travel? How much time do you have? Are you more interested in whale watching or halibut fishing? Do you like a small town feel or the hustle and bustle of a tourist town? Those questions and more will help you determine which costal Alaskan town to visit on your Alaska vacation.

Below, I’ll answer those question and give you local insight that will help you with planning your travel itinerary. If you’ve got limited time on your travels and need to decided between visiting Homer, Valdez, or Seward, this guide is a must read.

How far do you want to travel?

This will be a big factor in determining which town to visit. If you’re basing yourself in Anchorage and don’t want to have a full day of driving to your destination, Homer and Seward will be your options. Seward will be the shortest of the two drives, being less than three hours, so you can even make a day trip there. Homer is about four hours away, so you’ll want to stay at least overnight there.

Valdez is about a six hour drive from Anchorage. If you have the time, this is the most beautiful drive of the three. Obviously, this is my personal opinion (And being born and raised in Valdez I may be a bit biased!), but the views and variety of scenery are breathtaking. If you are able to break the drive up and stay a night somewhere along the way that would be ideal. Also, with the drive being long, you’ll want to stay in Valdez long enough to explore.

Tip: Check out our local’s guide to Valdez to find some great spots to stop along your road trip.

If you’re traveling throughout Alaska and have no particular starting point or home base, but have time constraints that will allow a visit to only Seward, Homer, or Valdez, the next things to consider are activities you’d like to do and sights you want to see.

Tip: Be sure to factor in road construction, traffic, and weather conditions into these travel times. To learn more about things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation check out this article.

What activities would you like to do on your Alaska vacation?

Activities and excursions are somewhat similar in all these beautiful towns, but they vary enough to help narrow your decision down. Below, I’ll list some popular activities and which towns I’d recommend for each.