Alaska

My Father is planning a trip to Alaska. He wrote me asking for suggestions on what boat to take. What side trips to pay for. What cities to visit. As I have never been to Alaska I am requesting any info I could pass along to him.

Thanks in advance.

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I've not been on an Alaska cruise but here are a couple of suggestins.

In Juneau he should see Mendenhall Glacier at the edge of town. There's an interesting visitor's center with a short film and a couple of hiking trails to get you up close. Also in Juneau is the Mt. Robert's tram to the top of Mt. Roberts. It needs to be a clear day though. If it is he will get great views of Juneau. Great visitor's center, restaurant, don't miss the short documentery in the theater, several hiking trails.

When he gets to Anchorage he should take a side trip to Denali to see the wildlife and the mountain.

I know its not much but I hope it helps.

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Randy,
I forwarded your post to my Father. He is now talking about driving to Alaska from Michigan. Keep me in mind if you see anything else about our most northern state.

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Driving would be excellent - IF he has a lot of time. The AlCan hwy is a great road. I would recommend that he carry a cell phone and be a member of AAA. Not that he would break down but it's a long, long road and services are few and far between. There's not much traffic either, although during the summer there's probably lots of motorhome traffic. Joey's father drove this road many, many times.

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If they plan to take the TransCan hwy, and are heading through Calgary, be sure to have him look me up...

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Just talked to my Father. He is firming up his plans and it looks like he will start driving out your way the second week of May. As I get more details I will email you. Hope your email is the same if now send me a message. Mine has not changed since your visit to Pensacola.

Thanks!

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I don't know that it is. How do I send you a private email with this system?

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Mkin,
Check private topics.
Thanks in advance!

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Hello,

Has your father considered doing a land and sea trip to Alaska? The Alaska Marine Highway is an absolutely wonderful way to get to/from the last frontier. In case you don't know, it is a ferry system that runs from Bellingham, WA to Haines, AK (road link to Anchorage), with many port of call options along the way, or other points of entry (including Prince Rupert, BC).

I certainly recommend the Al-Can highway, it is a gorgeous and unique experience, but taking the ferry one way is a once in a lifetime type experience as well.

That's my two bits worth,
G

AK Marine Highway website --
<a href="http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.html</A>

If you are considering driving the Alcan purchase
a Milepost. It is a great aid. Wonderful maps and tells how far to next gas and hours etc.

The Milepost

Trip Planner for Alaska, Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta & Northwest Territories by Kris Valencia Graef (Editor)



Milepost highly useful publication for anyone planning to travel the North no matter what transportation is used. Useful because traveler's services aren't as available at they are in other parts of North America. Furthermore, there's a lot of information about the surrounding country.

There is good coverage for the Alaska Railroad and the White Pass and Yukon Route; as well as the Alaska and BC ferry systems.

The Milepost has information about major attractions like Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Glacier Bay NP, the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, Prince William Sound and Southeast Alaska. The travel planning section covers accommodations, air travel, arctic circle, aurora borealis, bears, bicycling, boating, bus lines, calendar of events, camping, crossing the border, cruise ship travel, daylight hours, ferry travel, fishing, GPS, hiking, holidays, internet, national parts, photography, railroads, renting an RV, shipping, when to go/weather, and wildlife.

Big G and Z06lady,

Thanks for the info. As I get everything I am forwarding it to my Father. Can't seem to get him to use the forum but I know he likes all the good ideas that comes from users such as you two.

Thanks again,

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If he hasn't already your dad should order a copy of "North to Alaska - Following the Highways through Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta" Their free magazine offers 14 unique routes to and through Alaska. www.northtoalaska.com

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