Last Minute Itinerary Check + Should I Stay Another Week?

Question

It's my first time going to Alaska, would appreciate any comments or advice on my itinerary. There are 2 of us for the first week, early 30s, fit, enjoy hiking and animals, no kids. I'm on my own for the second week.

I prefer not to drive, but I booked a Turo car just in case in Whittier. I will likely cancel and just do trains and buses instead.

First week is the Northbound cruise on Holland America from June 1-7, we haven't booked any excursions yet so that's totally open.

first week (cruise):

Vancouver, B.C., CA

Ketchikan, Alaska, US - here until 3pm

Juneau, Alaska, US - here until 9pm

Skagway, Alaska, US - here until 9pm

From here I am solo!

June 8-9 overnight in Whittier, Alaska, US, 8hr kayaking trip for the day in Blackstone Bay (booked)

June 9: take bus from Whittier to Seward, stay in town

June 10: Seward Kenai Cruise + go around town (not booked yet)

June 11: Seward take the helicopter flight to see the iditarod training dogs (not booked yet)

June 12: Seward no plan

June 13: Seward salmon fishing, take train from Seward to Anchorage (planning on booking tonight)

June 14: ??? Potentially fly home

Here's the thing... I could stay longer, I haven't booked my return trip yet and my work schedule is flexible. So hypothetically I could stay in anchorage and maybe head up to Denali. But I am tempted to end the trip there and save Denali for the next trip when I can camp with a friend or someone else. I'm bad at planning trips (thus why I am doing this one month out!!!) and would like to give myself more time to plan a Denali leg.

However, if you think I should go for it, I could stay another week, maybe do Anchorage for 1-2 nights, go to Talkeetna, then up to Denali. Or stick around Seward area, like Homer, happy to take suggestions, that's part of the point of this post!

Answer

Your Alaska itinerary looks exciting and packed with iconic experiences, from the cruise up the Inside Passage to kayaking, helicopter rides, and potential salmon fishing. Overall, the plan is very feasible without a car, especially since you’re relying on buses, trains, and tours for most segments. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions:

Cruise Week (June 1-7):

Vancouver is a great start; even a short day allows for exploring Gastown or Canada Place before boarding.
Ketchikan and Juneau excursions are limited by time, so consider shorter tours like a walking tour or a quick wildlife excursion (museums, Totem Bight State Park in Ketchikan, or Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau).
In Skagway, the historic town center is walkable. You could take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a half-day adventure if you like scenic trains.

Seward / Whittier Week (solo)

Kayaking in Blackstone Bay is perfect, and the bus transfer is convenient.
In Seward, the Kenai Fjords Cruise is a must; book early to secure a morning departure to maximize wildlife sightings.
Helicopter tour to see Iditarod sled dogs is unique and memorable. Consider early bookings for best availability.
For June 12 (free day), you can explore Seward town, take a short hike (Exit Glacier Trail is easy and scenic), or rent a bike to ride along the coastal paths.
Salmon fishing and train ride to Anchorage on June 13 is well timed. Trains are scenic and a highlight of Alaska travel.

Options for extending your trip:

Option 1 – Stick with current plan: Head back home after Anchorage. This is lower stress, and you avoid last-minute planning for Denali.
Option 2 – Add 3-4 more days in Anchorage + Denali:
- Spend 1-2 nights in Anchorage: visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or the Anchorage Museum.
- Continue to Talkeetna for 1 night. Great views of Denali on clear days, quaint town, and local dining.
- Move on to Denali National Park for 1-2 nights: take a guided bus tour into the park, and maybe a short easy hike. Even for solo travel, the park is manageable and scenic.
Option 3 – Extend Seward area:
- Spend extra time in Seward to explore nearby Homer (long drive, but worth it for the scenic Kenai Peninsula experience) or more kayaking/fishing adventures.
- This avoids the Denali leg entirely, but allows you to deeply explore one region and relax.

Given that it’s your first Alaska trip and you’re traveling solo for the second week, a reasonable approach is:

Do your planned Seward activities and train to Anchorage.
Spend 1-2 nights in Anchorage to enjoy local sights.
Decide on Denali based on energy and interest—if weather is good and you want a taste of interior Alaska, a short bus tour from Anchorage or Talkeetna to Denali can be a great experience without requiring camping or long hikes.

Additional tips:

Book excursions and train rides as early as possible—they sell out in June.
Weather is variable; be prepared for chilly days even in June, especially for kayaking or helicopter tours.
Use shuttles and tours rather than renting a car if you prefer not to drive—this keeps logistics simpler and stress-free.

In summary, your current itinerary is solid and well-paced. Extending to Denali is tempting but optional; it’s okay to save it for a future trip if you prefer a more relaxed solo week. Either way, you’ll experience some of Alaska’s highlights with minimal stress.

Last Minute Itinerary Check + Should I Stay Another Week?

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