Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Seward

Alaska’s Best Bites: 15+ Foods to Try on Your Alaska Vacation

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Are you coming to visit Alaska or making the move here? Check out all the foods to try and the wide variety Alaska has to offer by using the Alaska food bucket list 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.

Alaskan Foods to Try

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood are two of the foods that Alaska is most known for. Many people come up here to fish for their own catch of these delicacies, while others enjoy it at restaurants during vacation. Whether you’re catching it yourself or having it served up for you at dinner, here are some of Alaska’s most famous fish and seafood bites below.

  • Salmon-Most Alaskan restaurants you visit will likely have some variety of salmon on the menu for you to try. While many people prefer red (sockeye) salmon, most all varieties of salmon are delicious. You can enjoy it many different ways such as blackened, canned, smoked, or in a dip.
  • Crab–Deadliest Catch, anyone? You’ll pay a hefty price for this famous Alaskan food, but many say it’s well worth it.
  • Halibut-Halibut is my absolute favorite fish. Even if you don’t usually enjoy fish, you should give it a try. It’s mild, flakey, light, and delicious. Halibut tacos, burgers, and probably one of the most popular, deep fried halibut, are top on my list of favorite Alaskan foods.
  • Chowders-Seafood and clam chowders are popular at many Alaskan restaurants.
Deep fried halibut at Captain Patties in Homer, Alaska.
Deep fried halibut at Captain Patties in Homer, Alaska.

Meat

Many of us Alaskans hunt for our own meat, so we’re often enjoying moose, caribou, bear and more. If you’re visiting friends and relatives here, you may get a chance to have some of their harvest. If not, there are options to enjoy while dining out as well. Also, local meat processors are often a great place to find different Alaskan meats to try.

  • Reindeer-If you visit Alaska, you’ll see reindeer sausage as a side with many breakfast options, and even as a reindeer dog at hotdog stands.
  • Beef and Pork-I know these are not unique to Alaska, but you may find places that have Alaska raised meats such as these.

Traditional and Indigenous Foods

If you are lucky enough to try some traditional Alaska Native foods, give them a taste! I’m not too sure if we have an official state food, but if we did it would likely be some of these. Muktuk (whale), “Eskimo ice cream”, fry bread, dried fish, fish eggs, moose tongue, and more are some traditional foods you may come across if you attend an Alaska Native cultural event or stay with a friend or relative who is Alaska Native or makes traditional foods.

Alaska Grown

According to the USDA there are almost 1,000 farms in Alaska. They grow and raise a variety of animals and crops from barley (such as the Alaska Flour Company) to berries, and chickens to goats. According to this article “Alaska depends on shipments for about 95 percent of its food”, so it’s vital to support local food growers so they can continue enriching our local food supply. Check for the “Alaska Grown” sticker in grocery stores such as Safeway and Three Bears to find some great Alaskan foods to try, and support local farmers.

Local made Alaskan foods to try in our local Safeway store.
A display of some of the many Alaska made food options at our local grocery store.

Foraged Alaskan Foods to Try

Mushrooms, and berries, and plants; yay! There are so many tasty, edible goodies out in nature. Grab a berry book, download the Seek app, and grab some friends to go forage with. Just be 100% sure what you pick is edible.

A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries and baked in a purple pottery pie dish. Berries are one of the best Alaskan foods to try.
A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries. The berries made up for my lack of a beautiful crust!

Sides and Snacks

There are a few sides and snacks that you should try while in Alaska.

  • Sourdough-If you come visit Alaska, many local restaurants will offer sourdough as an option for sandwich bread, toast, and rolls. Honestly, some sourdough is a little too sour for me, but others is quite delicious. Give it a try and decide for yourself!
  • Kenai Cheese Dip-This dip is incredibly addictive. You can purchase this popular local favorite at grocery stores, at Echo Lake Meats in Soldotna, or find a recipe to mix it up yourself!
  • Pilot Bread-If you haven’t tried the well-known Alaskan staple, it’s a thick, dense, shelf-stable cracker that is mostly used as a transport system to bring tasty food to your mouth. Top it with PB&J, salmon spread, or whatever you’d like.

Desserts and Sweets

These unique delights would pair well with any popular Alaskan foods.

  • Alaska Wild Berry Products-Alaska Wild Berry Products has some must-eat Alaskan treats. Jams, jellies, syrups and chocolates filled with with Alaska’s bountiful berries, fireweed and more are a great treat and the perfect gift to bring back to friends or family.
  • Baked Alaska-Ironically enough, I’ve never tried this dessert, but I’d say if you can find it at a local Alaskan restaurant, give it a try, and share in the comments where you had it. It’s harder to find than you’d think in it’s namesake state!

Drinks

I’m sure you’re anticipating a brewery review here, but I don’t drink beer, so I guess I wouldn’t be much of a help there. But, there are a couple local beverages that you should know about.

  • Frontier Soda-Root Beer, Cola, Wild Blueberry, and Spruce Tip (my favorite) are the soda choices from Frontier Soda. These uniquely Alaskan sodas are great, and can be found at Three Bears and a other stores around the state.
  • Teas-There are a few different local companies, such as Felicity Loft, that create teas in Alaska. Give them a try. They make great gifts as well!
Frontier Soda’s root beer made in Alaska.
Enjoying some Frontier Soda with a view.

The above list has some of the best foods you’ll find in Alaska. Halibut, berry filled chocolates, cheese dip, fry bread, moose, local veggies, and more are some Alaskan foods you can try on your vacation. Comment below if you have a favorite, or let us know who one you’re most excited to try!

The Best Ways to See Glaciers in Alaska

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Seeing glaciers in Alaska is on the bucket list of many. That glacier blue, the massive calving chunks of ice, and the surrounding scenery lure many to the ice cold beauty of glaciers. But where, exactly, do you go to see them? After spending my whole life in Alaska, I’ve got the inside scoop on information you need to view glaciers by air, water, and land.

Viewing Glaciers by Air

Unless you count flying in, out, and around Alaska on commercial flights, I’ve never actually been on a glacier flight. Glacier sightseeing flights will fly you around these massive mountains of ice, and even land on them for you to explore! There are many companies that fly to a variety of different glaciers in Alaska. Since I’ve never gone on one of these flights I can’t give you any reviews, but a quick Google or Tripadvisor search will be able to show you tour options and reviews.

Viewing Glaciers by Water

Glacier cruises are a perfect way to view many glaciers in Alaska from the water. I’ve gone out on these cruises in Valdez and Seward, and have really enjoyed them. These full or half-day tours will not only give you great views of the glaciers, but you may see a variety of wildlife, too. And since you’ll be right where the glacier and water meet, chances are you’ll see some glacial calving.

Other great ways to view glaciers by water are with kayaks or jet skis. As for kayaking, two of the spots are at Portage Glacier and Valdez Glacier. Jet skiing can be done out of Whittier. Always be sure to wear your lifejacket, don’t get too close to the glaciers or icebergs, and watch out for other boats and paddlers while you’re out in the water. And if you’re not familiar with these areas and activities, I’d highly suggest getting a guide.

A large iceberg floating near the edge of portage lake.

Viewing Glaciers by Land

If you’re thinking you’ll miss out on viewing beautiful glaciers in Alaska because you won’t be able to take a glacier cruise or go on a glacier viewing flight, think again! You can view glaciers right from the road! Two of the best places to do this are Worthington Glacier on your way to Valdez, Alaska, and the Matanuska Glacier along the Glenn Highway.

Worthington Glacier can be viewed from the Richardson Highway on your way to Valdez, or, if you want a closer look, you can pull on into the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Here, you’ll find trails to great viewing areas (some of which are wheelchair accessible), informative signs, ample parking, and restrooms (hooray!). It’s really a must-stop if you’re passing through.

Matanuska Glacier is visible from the Glenn Highway. As you take this highway from Anchorage to Glennallen you’ll see many large pull-offs for you to stop and take photos of the glacier. It’s a beautiful sight, especially in September when leaves are turning. The contrast between them and the glacier is fantastic. There are ways you can get a very close look at this glacier as well, which are well explained here.

Another glacier that you can get to is the Knik Glacier. In the winter, when the river is frozen, people take bikes, four wheelers, side by sides, and even vehicles over the ice to see the glacier. I have yet to do this, but if you attempt this glacier adventure as always make a plan, go with others, use caution, bring safety equipment, and don’t go out on thin ice!

A way to view Knik glacier in the summer is by taking a four wheeler or side by side. I’ve never done this, but after following Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, I’d definitely like to try. I’ve never taken any tours with them, but they look like a fun group and have fantastic reviews!

The Matanuska Glacier with fall yellow and orange leafs and snow topped mountains.
The majestic Matanuska Glacier in Alaska.

Things to Note

Safety

Safety first. Glaciers can be very dangerous. Crevasses, calving, icebergs and more can turn a fun viewing experience into a dangerous one. View them from a safe distance, and if you don’t know your way around glaciers, please find a knowledgeable and seasoned guide. Or use a guide even if you are comfortable around glaciers since they might help you learn more!

Guides and Tours

Throughly researching guides, reading reviews, and even just calling them up to see what they’re about is a great way to pick a tour. Since I can only vouch for a couple of tours (linked in the post), Google and Tripadvisor will have to help with that. But, as soon as I get to do any other tours I’ll be sure to post a review!

Viewing Seasons

Obviously, no matter what season you visit Alaska during, the glaciers will be there. It really depends on what you hope the surrounding scenery will be, and how you’d like to view them. Do you want to see glaciers surrounded by colors other than white and blue? Don’t come in winter! Sometimes, it might be hard to decipher what part is glacier and what part is snow covered mountains. Hoping to leisurely paddle a glacial lake? Visit Alaska in summertime and you’ll be able to do just that! Just keep in mind that some of these viewing areas and tours are seasonal, so check ahead for dates.

Budget

If you’re on a budget, seeing glaciers in Alaska from the road or in recreation sites, like the Worthington Glacier site, is probably the best way to go. There are hundreds of glaciers here, so check your maps before you hit the road and see which glaciers you can view on the way.

If you are making the trek to Alaska just to see glaciers, take a guided four wheeler tour, cruise, flight, or whatever you choose. Make sure to save up and budget accordingly though, as many of these are not cheap to do, especially for larger parties. It’s always good to check for military, senior, and group discounts!

I hope this helps you fulfill one of your bucket list items, or if it wasn’t already on your bucket list I hope that you’re now thinking of adding it! Visiting glaciers in Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and I hope you get the opportunity to do it.

A glacier viewed from a Major Marine glacier cruise out of Seward, Alaska.

Our Visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise noted. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items.

What is the Alaska SeaLife Center?

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a marine wildlife aquarium located in Seward, Alaska. It provides an educational and fun experience for visitors, while also conducting research and animal rescue. It’s like the marine version of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

The Wildlife Response Program portion of ASLC rescues marine animals and can occasionally rehabilitate them enough to release them back to their natural habitat, which I got to experience in high school and it is quite impressive and amazing.

This chunky seal was just the cutest to watch!

Where is ASLC located?

The SeaLife Center is located in the quaint Alaskan town of Seward, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula. It is less than a few hours drive south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. You can also travel to Seward by way of the Alaska Railroad.

What will I see there?

Sea lions, seals, octopus, urchins, and more; oh my! There are also a variety of fish and birds to see as well. You can view many of these animals from the first and second story of the building, which gives you a great perspective of the animals from both above and underwater, and is especially neat when watching the sea lion and diving birds.

One of my favorite areas is the touch pool, which has a bunch of critters to see and is much larger than most touch pool areas I’ve seen in other aquariums. There, you can get up close with sea stars, urchins, and more.

Detailed and interactive learning exhibits are located all over the facility, with topics ranging from salmon identification, animal statistics, and conservation. There are educators nearby to answer questions about any of the sealife you see as well. You also have the incredible opportunity to book a behind the scenes experience and even feed an animal as well!

In addition to the marine life and exhibits, there is also great artwork to see as you walk around the two story center, and around Seward itself.

A sea lion making some waves.

Who would enjoy visiting ASLC?

Anyone who enjoys having fun! The Alaska SeaLife Center is obviously a great experience for marine life enthusiasts, but really any animal lover or anyone interested in learning about Alaska’s ecosystem would benefit from a visit to ASLC. There are activities for kids of any age, and it is wheelchair accessible.

Little ones (or adults!) can pilot their own boat.

When should I visit?

Anytime! You can stay inside during your whole visit if you want, so even if the weather is bad you can still enjoy your time at the SeaLife Center. If you have the opportunity to visit from about September through May you’ll probably find that the crowds are less, or maybe will have no crowds like we did when we went in March! During those times you’ll be able to spend as much time as you want at the different exhibits. When it’s a bit more crowed you may not have as much time at each spot, but should still have enough time and space to enjoy everything.

What should I wear and bring?

Layers! If you live in Alaska you know layers are a necessity, and if you’re visiting I highly recommend layering up. No matter what the forecast is, and no matter what the weather is when you leave, always be prepared for any type of weather.

In this case you’ll be inside for most of your time at the Alaska SeaLife Center, so you can just wear what you’d normally wear inside for the season you’re there. But, if you start your visit to the ASLC in the sun, just bring a coat incase it’s raining when you leave.

As far as bringing things, I would just keep it minimal and bring the necessities and a good camera. Other than that you should be set!

Why should I visit the Alaska SeaLife Center?

There are many reasons to visit the SeaLife Center. First off, you can see a variety of Alaskan marine life in a very convenient and fun setting. It’s great for all ages, and especially perfect if you have small children, are elderly, or are prone to seasickness, making it harder to enjoy a glacier and wildlife cruise. It’s also a great option if you are looking to save some money by going to the SeaLife Center instead of a cruise, but if it’s at all within your budget I’d recommend doing both! Overall, it’s just a great place to have an up close experience with marine life, including behind the scenes tours where you can feed some of the SeaLife Center’s resident animals!

Learn all about Alaskan fish and marine life.

How to I support ASLC?

You can best support ASLC by visiting the center, seeing what all it has to offer, learning about marine life, and sharing that knowledge and experience with friends and family! You can also donate or even become a member. There’s even an option to “adopt” an animal, which is such a great gift idea for folks back home.

I hope you get the chance to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do! If you’re going to ASLC and have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments. And if you’ve already visited, let me know what you thought of it in the comments below!

Beautiful artwork located across from the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska.

Our Day on an Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

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One of the beautiful glaciers you’ll see on your cruise.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from.

Have you ever wanted to see orcas, calving glaciers, sea lions, and other wildlife? Did you ever think you could do it it just one amazing and awe inspiring trip? Well you can!  Last year we finally made time to go on a wildlife and glacier cruise with Major Marine Tours, and I’m here to give you all the insider info and tips you need to know about this awesome adventure!

[Read more…] about Our Day on an Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise

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It’s your first Alaskan cruise! You’re excited, anxious, and have your clothes picked out weeks before you go.  But what should you really be packing? Is it a snowsuit, rain gear, shorts, or all of the above? Well don’t worry, I’ve been there, done that, and can help you figure it out!

Alaska’s weather can be pretty unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for a little bit of everything, which means dressing in layers. We’ll start from the top and work our way down through all the layers you’ll need to have a comfortable and fun adventure!

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.

Alaska glacier cruise
Glaciers like this are just one of the incredible sights you’ll view on your cruise.

Hats

This Carhartt beanie is great for a variety of Alaskan outings. They come in a variety of colors, are inexpensive, keep your noggin nice and warm, and won’t fly off your head when you’re out on the water.

Gloves

When standing outside to view orcas, puffins, and other amazing wildlife, your hands may get chilled, but the issue is you’re probably wanting to photograph all these critters as well. Don’t fret, you can stay warm and still get those great shots with The North Face Etip gloves.

Alaska glacier wildlife cruise
Cruise passengers viewing wildlife.

Base Layers

Unless you tend to run very cold, or are not used to colder weather, I don’t believe you need to be wearing any baselayers for this excursion. But if you do think you’ll get cold, I suggest something along the lines of this top and even matching pants to keep the chill out.

Mid Layers

Since any shirt you’re comfortable in is good for a base layer, we can skip that and go onto the mid layer. The North Face Denali jacket is a great mid layer for men and women to wear on a cruise. It’s warm, you can wear it with anything, and looks great as well. I also like Mountain Hardware’s half zip, too.

A brisk and beautiful day on a cruise out of Seward. All layered up!

Outer Layers

It gets pretty windy standing outside to watch the animals, so it’s best to have a windbreaker for your outer layer. The North Face makes great ones, and that’s what I brought with on our trip. Nomar is another great option. They make their gear right here in Alaska, so you know it’s made for our wild weather! I have their pullover and it’s incredibly windproof and warm.

Pants

Just wearing regular old jeans, or whatever pants you would normally wear, will work fine for this trip unless you think you may get chilled. In that case I’d suggest looking into light baselayers, as mentioned above, to stay warm.

Humpback whales Alaska glacier and wildlife cruise
Whales showing off right next to the boat.

Socks

To keep your tootsies toasty I’d suggest Fox River socks like these ones, which will be a little heavier and warmer than your everyday socks. Darn Tough is another fantastic brand of socks that will keep you warm and comfortable on the chillier days of your vacation.

Shoes

As for shoes, I wore my everyday sneakers, just make sure whatever you wear won’t be to slick if the deck gets wet while you’re outside viewing wildlife.

Once you have all that, all you have to do is grab your camera (I got a Canon Rebel shortly after our trip, and its amazing), and you can be on your way to more glacier and wildlife viewing you can imagine!

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!

Want to read all about our cruise experience? Click here!

To check out a video of our incredible cruise click here!