August Itinerary

Question

Hello Fellow Travelers,

Need your opinion on this 7 to 8 day land itinerary in August. We are in our late 60's but very active and in good shape.

We arrive in Whittier from Vancouver on a 7 day north bound cruise.

Then:

1.Day 1:Whittier to Talkeetna (AlaskaLodge) for 1 night.

2. Day 2-3:Talkeetna Denali Experience flight in am and then transit to Denali Bluffs Hotel for 2 nights. Take the Denali Tundra wilderness tour.

3.Day4:Back to Anchorage by rail(fairfield inn.. anything better?)

4. Day5: Bear viewing flight to Lake Clark from Anchorage

5. Day 6:Rent a car and travel down to Homer or Seward or both for 2 to 3 nights.

Go kayaking/hiking (ultimate kayak and hiking tour) + halibut fishing).

Then drive back to Anchorage for flight back.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!!

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for Alaska in August is ambitious but feasible, especially considering your active lifestyle. It covers a great mix of wildlife viewing, scenic flights, rail travel, and outdoor activities, which are highlights of the region. Here’s a detailed look at your plan with some suggestions:

Day 1: Whittier to Talkeetna

Driving from Whittier to Talkeetna is about 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. The Alaska Lodge in Talkeetna is a solid choice; it has a rustic charm and convenient location. You could consider:

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – classic lodge with mountain views.
Denali View Lodge – slightly closer to Denali, but more basic.
Mountainview Inn or local B&Bs – smaller, cozy, and often less expensive.

Make sure to enjoy the small town vibe of Talkeetna, with local shops and great views of Denali.

Day 2–3: Talkeetna to Denali

The flightseeing experience in the morning is a perfect way to see Denali. Afterward, traveling to Denali Bluffs Hotel is convenient for access to the park. Your plan to do the Tundra Wilderness Tour is excellent—it’s one of the best ways to see wildlife and the vast landscape.

Consider booking the Tundra Wilderness Tour early in the morning for better wildlife spotting.
If you like hiking, a short hike along the Savage River Trail can complement the tour.
Other accommodations: Grande Denali Lodge is closer to the park entrance and offers more modern amenities.

Day 4: Denali to Anchorage by Rail

The Alaska Railroad ride from Denali to Anchorage is scenic and relaxing, giving you a break from driving. The Fairfield Inn in Anchorage is decent, but if you prefer something more central or with views, consider:

Hotel Captain Cook – downtown, historic, high-end.
Anchorage Marriott Downtown – modern, great amenities.
Glacier Brewhouse area hotels – fun dining nearby and central location.

Day 5: Bear Viewing Flight to Lake Clark

Flying to Lake Clark for bear viewing is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. August is great timing, as bears are actively feeding in preparation for winter. Ensure your flight company is experienced and has good safety records. Options include:

Lake Clark Wilderness Lodge – known for excellent bear viewing.
Katmai or Lake Clark floatplane tours – guided by experienced naturalists.

Plan for a full day; flights are early, and you may be returning late afternoon.

Day 6–8: Homer or Seward

Renting a car and traveling south allows you flexibility. Homer offers excellent kayaking, halibut fishing, and charming small-town atmosphere. Seward gives you access to Kenai Fjords National Park for glacier and wildlife tours. Consider your priorities:

Homer: Kayaking, hiking, halibut fishing, and Kachemak Bay exploration.
Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park cruise, Exit Glacier hikes, sea kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Optionally, split your time between both towns if you want maximum activity diversity, but be mindful of drive times (Anchorage–Homer ≈ 4–5 hours, Anchorage–Seward ≈ 2.5 hours).

Return to Anchorage for your departure flight.

Overall Thoughts:

Your itinerary is well-paced for active travelers. Key points to keep in mind:

Book flights and wilderness tours well in advance, as August is peak season.
Plan flexible days; weather can affect flights and tours.
Consider adding one more day in either Denali or the Kenai Peninsula if possible for a more relaxed pace.
Driving distances are manageable but check road conditions, especially for trips to Homer.

In summary, this itinerary offers a balanced combination of scenic travel, wildlife experiences, and adventure activities. With careful planning and reservations, it will be a memorable Alaska land trip following your cruise.

August Itinerary

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