Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Travel

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.

The Ultimate Camping Checklist

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It doesn’t matter if you’re a first time camper or a seasoned RVer, it’s always good to have a checklist of things you want to bring with on a camping trip. Once you’re on the open road or tenting it in the wilderness chances are you may not be able to find the items you need. Check out the camping checklist below to be sure you have all you need for your camping adventures!

What type of camping is this camping checklist for?

This list is for any type of camping, but how you’re traveling and what you’re camping in will determine exactly what you need. There may be some things on this list that you might not need, or you may need all of them. Whether you’re camping in a tent, the bed of a truck, in a camper, or cruising in an RV, there are things on this list that you won’t want to go without. There are no photos in this list so you can easily print it out or copy and paste it into a document to use every time you head out on an 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.

Shelter and Sleep

Safety and First Aid

Tools, Gear, and Other Essentials

Camp Comfort

Toiletries

Food, Water, and Cooking Utensils

Fun and Games

Whether you’re glamping or roughing it in the wilderness I hope this list gets you prepared and on your way to your next camping adventure!

Before you shop, check out this link for Rakuten to get money back on your purchases and earn a bonus for joining. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Amazon Prime free trial offer for 30 days of FREE Prime!

Our Trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System

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Valdez Alaska Ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway
Heading out of Valdez on the Ferry

If you are thinking about using the Alaska Marine Highway System (aka the ferry) to travel around Alaska and would like a little more information about what the experience is like, you’ve come to the right place! After being on a few ferry rides myself, I feel like I can give a little insight to what your trip may be like, what is available on the ferry, and what you can expect on your ferry adventure.

[Read more…] about Our Trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System

6 Ways to Save Money on Your Alaskan Vacation

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Homer Alaska fishing mountains town road trip
A pit stop on the outskirts of Homer, Alaska.

Updated March 6, 2023.

For many people, visiting Alaska is a once in a lifetime experience. It takes time to save up and plan for such a big trip, but there are things can help you save money on your Alaskan adventure. The list below will help you get the most out of your vacation, while helping you stay within your travel budget.

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.

1. Northern Lights Coupon Book

The Northen Lights Coupon Book can save you a ton of food, activities, and lodging. There are hundreds of coupons that you can use in places all over the state, and they are organized so you can find them by place and category. You can find coupons for dining, camper parks, museums and more in this money saving book.

2. Peninsula Coupon Club

If you plan on visiting Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, be sure to download the Peninsula Coupon Club app. It offers discounts at a variety of places, including some of the best places to eat in Soldotna.

3. Discounts

Whether you are booking a fishing trip, tour, or planning to use the train or ferry to see all there is of Alaska, be sure to always ask if there is a military, senior, Good Sam, or AAA discount. Even if you don’t see any discounts advertised, it pays to ask since the majority of places offer one of the above discounts. This can really add up to some substantial savings.

Fishing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is one of the many things you may get discounts on.

4. Sharing is Saving

Since everything is bigger in Alaska (we are the largest state after all 🙂 ), you can expect that our meals are large, too. At many restaurants, the portions for entrees are large enough that you can share them between two adults, have an appetizer beforehand, and be full until your next meal. Sharing an entree can really cut down your food budget and leave more money for you to go on a tour, or buy some great souvenirs.

5. The “Off” Season

Summertime in Alaska is busy! The weather is nice, there’s tons to see, and visitors from all over the world flock to our beautiful state. But, have you ever thought about visiting during the “off” season? There’s so much to do in Alaska year round that there really is no “off” season in my opinion, so if you come during fall or winter, you’ll still see many beautiful sights, participate in unique activities (check out my Winter Bucket List here), and maybe even see the Northern Lights! Plus, you’ll be saving money on lodging, flights, and more by traveling during this time.

6. Flights

Using Alaska Airlines miles for your flight to the 49th State is a great way to save money. My husband and I both have the Alaska Airlines credit card, so we received bonus miles for signing up, earn miles for purchases, and each get a discounted companion ticket annually. There is a yearly fee for this card, and you should only use this tip to save money on your Alaskan vacation if you can pay your card off before you get charged interest!

Hopefully these tips help you save money, enjoy your vacation to the fullest, and help you leave some extra cash in your travel budget! Have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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

Valdez, Alaska: A Local’s Guide to the Sights and Wildlife

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Fireweed in Old Town Valdez, Alaska.
Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska in all its glory.

Updated January 15, 2024.

Hi everyone, and welcome to my first blog post. I thought it might be good to tell you all a little bit about myself, and what better way to do that than to share my hometown of Valdez, Alaska with you.

I grew up in beautiful Valdez, a small town located in Southcentral Alaska, neighboring Prince William Sound. Its countless activities, including fishing, kayaking, skiing, and snowmachining, draw people from around the world, but what brings many people to Valdez is the wildlife and amazing scenery.

I’m hoping you’re reading this post because you plan on visiting Valdez (or hopefully you will be after you read this!), to take in some of those activities and snap some shots of the wildlife. If you are, you’re in luck! Below I’ve compiled a list of the best places and ways to see all Valdez has to offer, by land, air, and water.

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.

Land

Driving

If you plan on driving to Valdez, the first major landmarks you’ll see as you get closer to town are Worthington Glacier and Thompson Pass. If you turn off to head up to the glacier, you’ll end up in a large parking area. Once in the parking lot you’ll be met with restrooms (whew, you made it to one!) and paths that meander around by the glacier where you can get amazing pictures and even dip your feet in the chilly glacier runoff. This is a great chance to get out, stretch your legs, and take in the majestic views of Worthington.

Worthington Glacier near Valdez, Alaska.
Worthington Glacier.

Chances are if you ski, snowboard, or snowmachine you’ve heard of Thompson Pass before, but if not, you should definitely check it out. There are places for you to turn off and take pictures, and you will get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains on clear days. There’s even a campground by a lake in the pass if you want to stay awhile and enjoy the view, which I recommend so you can see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

A sunset in Thompson pass.
Sunset in Thompson Pass on the way to Valdez, Alaska.

As you get further on, you’ll come to Keystone Canyon. You’ll have some great photo opportunities here as well. Waterfalls line both sides of the road, and there are turnouts here too, which are large enough to fit any vehicle or rv, so be sure to stop and enjoy the view.

Making a stop with our Fuzion 416 in Keystone Canyon near Valdez, Alaska.
Make time to stop in Keystone Canyon.

The next spot to check out is down Dayville Road. If anyone recommends that you go “across the bay” to see sea life, bears, or go fishing, this is what they’re talking about. This road is to your left as you are coming into Valdez, right after the weigh station. It will take you to the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal if you go all the way down the road, but you’ll want to stop before that. There is a large parking lot along the way where you can stop and check out the sea life or go fishing, and there are also spots to camp further down the road. You will often times see seals and sea lions out there feeding and can get some great pictures of them enjoying their catch. With so many fish, though, there are usually bears near by, so please be cautious.

A brown bear in Valdez, Alaska near the hatchery.
A bear hanging out after dinner across the bay.

Once you leave your new seal friends, you’ll probably be heading into town. When you get very close you’ll end up on the “duck flats”. You’ll know you’re there when you can see town, and there’s mountain on one side and water on the other. You can sometimes see bears at the base of the mountain when you’re cruising by.

Last, but not least, I suggest heading to the Valdez Small Boat Harbor. As you pull into Valdez, signs will guide you to it, and once you’re close you can’t miss it. It’s a beautiful spot to take some photos of the boats and sea otters, and just relax after your journey to Valdez.

The Valdez Harbor.
Peaceful day at the Valdez Harbor.

Air

Plane

If you end up flying into Valdez you can get some great pictures as well. During the short 45-minute flight from Anchorage to Valdez, you’ll fly over some impressive scenery and even get a glimpse at the whole town as you prepare to land.

A view of Valdez, Alaska via plane.
Taking in the town from high above.

Helicopter

Another amazing viewing opportunity is by helicopter. With Vertical Solutions Helicopters you can get aerial views of waterfalls, glaciers, sea life and more. You can even land on a glacier, get some glacier water to drink, and walk around a bit. If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity, this would be it!

Water

Kayak

Another way to experience the beauty of Valdez is by water. One way to do this is by kayak. If you’re feeling a little stiff after sitting awhile on your way to town, this is a good way to work your muscles and shake off the jet lag (or driving lag). Even if you have no experience kayaking this is a perfect opportunity to learn and enjoy some of the sights at the same time.

Cruise

If you’re looking for a bit more of a leisurely tour of Prince William Sound, a glacier and wildlife cruise might be right up your alley. You’ll have the opportunity to see whales, glaciers, otters, and more.

View from Stan Stephen’s Cruise out of Valdez, Alaska.
Beautiful views on a glacier and wildlife cruise out of Valdez.

Ferry

One more way to get around the Sound is with the Alaska Marine Highway System, aka the ferry. If you plan on driving to Valdez and want to take a different way back to Anchorage, or visa versa, this is the perfect way to do it and see something a little different on the way there. You can just load up your vehicle on the ferry and be on your way to or from Whitter. From there, it’s a fairly short drive into Anchorage.

On the way to or from Valdez on the ferry, you can often see many otters, seals, and other wildlife. This is a good way to continue your trip and still get to see Prince William Sound if you’re short on time. You can even take the short jaunts over to Tatitlek or Cordova from Valdez if you want to explore some more. Another bonus of the Marine Highway System’s fleet is that they’re all fairly large and have bathrooms on board, so if you have children or just need to walk around to stretch your legs, this might be a perfect option for you.

This is just a short list of spots to check out, but there are so many more. You’ll never stop somewhere without having a beautiful view, so have your camera ready at all times. Feel free to comment or email me with any questions, or let me know about your Valdez experience. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tip, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have.

P.S. Just a heads up, be sure to bring extra SD cards, and have your battery charged because you’ll be snapping shots like paparazzi!

Please note that many of these places, businesses, activities, and views may vary greatly with the seasons. For any activities that require booking, I would highly recommend doing it ASAP since they tend to fill up quickly. Also, as with anything in Alaska, or any state, please be cautious of the wildlife and be sure to obey all Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules and regulations if you plan on hunting or fishing during your visit.

Fireweed blooming at Allison Point in Valdez, Alaska.
A beautiful day across the bay.