Alaska Travel Questions Answered | ALASKA.ORG - Ask Bob

Glacier Bay Ferry

Q: I’m interested in taking the Glacier Bay Ferry Service from Juneau to Gustavus, and saw that in 2007 there were 2-for-1 specials for certain dates. Do such deals exist today? --Lloyd

A: I can see why you’re not finding answers: The only page I found about this service was for summer 2008. I’ve contacted the Glacier Bay Lodge, and they have apologized for the oversight on their website.

The good news: The Lodge is indeed operating the Glacier Bay Ferry from Gustavus to Juneau, roundtrip, every Friday and Sunday evening. The 2-for-1 deal on ferry passage (about an $80 savings) is available with the purchase of a 2-night stay at the Glacier Bay Lodge. (If you fly into Juneau instead, using Alaska Airlines or a local air taxi service, you can also get a 2-for-1 deal on a whale-watching day cruise when you stay two midweek nights at Glacier Bay Lodge.)

Alaska Family Vacation Advice

Q: Our family is considering Alaska. Where should I start when planning with children?

A: Alaska is very kid-friendly. Wildlife sightings and glacier viewing are as fun for a 5-year-old as it is for a 45-year-old. That said, 5 years old is about the youngest age where a trip to Alaska makes sense, both in terms of making the most of the expenses and the ability to participate. Beyond age, though, consider a few factors as you set your plans.

Denali Hotels, Less Crowds

Q: I want to visit Denali and stay a few days in the area, but I’ve heard that the hotel zone just outside the Park is pretty crowded—and expensive. Where do you recommend I stay if I want to steer clear of the tourist throngs?

A: The area in the immediate vicinity of the Denali National Park entrance—nicknamed "Glitter Gulch"—has plenty going for it, mainly in terms of convenience. You have many lodging and dining options, and you’re in the heart of the action for activities in and around the Park. But not everyone wants to be surrounded by action, as it were. If you think the main areas around Yosemite and the Grand Canyon have too many people milling around, you probably won’t like Glitter Gulch.

So where to stay? To be close, but not too close, to Glitter Gulch, check out McKinley Village Lodge. With 188 rooms, this spruce-surrounded lodge seven miles south of Glitter Gulch isn’t tiny, but it gets you away—the main sound effects here are the Nenana River flowing past—while also offering plenty of convenience. There’s an on-site restaurant and a free shuttle to both the Wilderness Access Center and the larger, Glitter-Gulch-based McKinley Chalet Resort. You’re also close to the free lectures, art shows and programs of the Denali Education Center. Rates start at $175 a night.

Here are some other areas to consider:

Alaska mosquitoes: How can I avoid them?

Q: I heard certain times of the year the mosquitoes are horrible. When is that? --Lynn

A: Lynn, the bugs seem to pick up around the first week in June and decrease the end of July / beginning of August. Bug intensity really depends on a lot of factors, including how wet the season has been. This year, due to the hot, dry weather, the bugs seem to be down a fair amount, at least here in Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage area).

I wrote a detailed page on Alaska.org about how to avoid and protect yourself from mosquitoes: Alaska mosquitoes. I hope this helps.

 

Flights to Ketchikan Alaska: What are my options?

Q: My sister and nephew-in-law want to visit my nephew's brother in Ketchikan, Alaska. We're from Las Vegas, what is the easiest route and cheapest way to go there by air? Thank you and please let me know asap? --Mary

A: Mary, Alaska Airlines is the only carrier that flies into Ketchikan, thus your only choice. Sorry there are no other options! You might investigate flying another carrier from Vegas to Seattle, but once you switch in Seattle to Alaska Airlines, the overall fare may not be much different.

However, the good news is that Alaska Airlines has just announced 25% off on fares into Southeast Alaska for the rest of this summer.

For more information » see Flights to Alaska.

 

Denali Solo Activities

Q: I’m excited to visit Denali this summer but I’m frustrated that every option I find for exploring the park involves some big group tour. I’d rather stay solo as much as I can—what do you suggest?

A: Denali National Park is massive—6 million acres—so it’s no surprise that a lot of people feel overwhelmed and prefer to have a guide (or, in most cases, a bus) take them in and then back out. Still, it’s not hard to chart your own Denali experience without being confined to a bus or a large group. Here are my suggestions:

Denali Guided Hikes

Q: I'm a hiker, and would like to explore Denali on foot—but I'm not sure I want to go completely on my own. Are there hikes I can take with a guide that won't make me feel like I'm part of a huge herd?

A: A guided hike is a great way to walk—or hike—that fine line between being off the beaten path but not being totally left to yourself, either. There are a handful of organizations and operators that can help you explore Denali in an intimate setting—no more than a dozen people, and sometimes as few as two:

Denali Bus Strike

Q: I've heard that some bus workers are on strike at Denali National Park—what will this do to my tour?

A: The work stoppage going on at Denali, as of the first week in July, is related to bus mechanics, not drivers. We’ve checked in with all the major bus tour operators, including Aramark (which does the Denali Natural History Tour and the Tundra Wilderness Tour); the National Park Service, which offers a hop-on, hop-off shuttle; and Kantishna Wilderness Trails; they all confirm that their bus tours are working on schedule, and that they don’t foresee any problems or interruptions. The operators report that they have brought in qualified “contingency” mechanics to see to any mechanical needs. Of course, it’s a reminder that’s it’s always a good idea to call your tour operator a day or so before any big part of your trip, just to confirm.

If you want to see a comparison of the various bus tours through Denali, check out our Denali Park Tours page.

 

Denali Travel – Independent Vacations

Q: I want to visit Denali, but I hate large tour groups and the thought of being on a bus makes me cringe. That said, I’m traveling solo, love hiking, and want a cool trip that allows me to photograph the park’s beauty of the park and wildlife. What would you suggest?

A: Denali is an amazing place, but it poses some challenges. The dirt Park Road that winds through Denali only allows private vehicles up to mile 14. After that, you have to be with an authorized vehicle—as in, a tour. So here’s the bad news: With the exception of a few private lodges in Kantishna, your transportation options are just by bus. The good news, though, is that there are some tours, and variations on tours, that don’t make you feel like you’re in a herd: