2025/26 ALASKA HOLIDAYS AND TOURS

Yes, the experience is noticeably different. Expedition vessels are significantly smaller, allowing them to navigate narrow channels and approach quieter coves where wildlife is more abundant. On board, naturalists and wildlife experts help you understand the landscape, making the journey feel more like an exploration than a traditional cruise.

Not necessarily. Denali is often more visible from Denali State Park or the Talkeetna area, where weather patterns frequently offer clearer skies. The national park is spectacular, with vast tundra, roaming wildlife, and dramatic scenery, but views of the mountain itself are never guaranteed. Many itineraries include a mix of both areas to balance scenery with practicality. If you’re certain you want to see the mountain on your trip to Alaska, we recommend planning a visit there, especially to avoid disappointment. 

Talkeetna is closer to the mountain and is the main departure point for flightseeing tours, which give you the greatest chance of seeing Denali up close. Denali National Park offers a deeper wilderness experience, but long distances and frequent cloud cover can make mountain views unpredictable. The choice you make depends on whether scenic viewing or immersive nature is your priority.

Absolutely. Alaska’s wildlife is spread across the state, and many travellers experience exceptional sightings without ever entering the national park. Whale watching is excellent from Seward and Homer; moose are often seen around Anchorage; bears gather at salmon rivers throughout the summer; and eagles are ever-present along the coastline…just remember to look up!

Several glaciers are accessible without flying. Matanuska Glacier allows for guided walks on the ice, Exit Glacier can be visited on foot from Seward, and day cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park bring you close to calving tidewater glaciers. Coastal itineraries often include a mix of boat-based and land-based glacier viewing.

Distances between destinations are often longer than they appear on the map. For example, the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks takes around six to seven hours without stops. For most travellers, a more enjoyable approach is to keep driving days to a manageable length (ideally two to three hours maximum) and spend more time exploring each area in depth rather than rushing between them. And with a Journeyscape Travel Expert on hand, your itinerary will be carefully designed with well-paced travel days, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience throughout your trip.

Yes, salmon fishing along rivers such as the Russian and the Kenai is accessible with minimal gear, and local guides can enhance the experience without the need for a full-day charter. For halibut, charter boats from Homer or Seward are the best option, and passengers enjoy them for both the scenery and the potential catch. If you don’t have much fishing experience, we recommend booking a guide or charter to get the most out of the experience. 

Seward and Cooper Landing are excellent bases for travellers who want variety without long travel days. From Seward, you can visit Exit Glacier, take a wildlife and glacier cruise, and enjoy coastal hikes. Cooper Landing provides easy access to fishing, river activities and scenic trails within the Kenai Peninsula. 

Yes, absolutely! Hatcher Pass offers high-alpine scenery and beautifully maintained trails; Hope has a relaxed, artistic feel with a strong sense of community; Valdez combines dramatic fjords with impressive glacier landscapes; and Girdwood is a charming base known for good food, forest walks and a laid-back atmosphere. These places reward slow, curious exploration. When you book a tailor-made holiday to Alaska with Journeyscape, our experts can help you incorporate lesser-known destinations into your itinerary. 

Layers are essential in Alaska, even during summer. Temperatures can shift quickly between regions, especially when travelling between the coast and the interior. A light insulating layer, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes will cover most situations. Coastal excursions can feel cooler on the water, so a warm hat or fleece is helpful. Formal clothing typically isn’t necessary – practical, comfortable layers make every day easier. If you’re joining a glacier or wildlife cruise, specialist gear such as boots or waterproof trousers is usually provided, but double-check with the operator or your Journeyscape Travel Expert before travelling.

A tailor-made holiday begins with your interests, not a fixed itinerary. You share the places, wildlife, experiences and pace you’re drawn to, and your specialist designs a route that brings those elements together. Every detail, from accommodation and travel days to excursions and local guides, is shaped around your preferences. Once you’re happy with the plan, everything is confirmed in advance, so your holiday feels smooth and effortless from the moment you leave home. 

Yes, although the experience depends on your family’s travel style. Alaska’s wildlife, glaciers, and coastal landscapes can be magical for children, and many day tours are family-friendly. Travel days can be long, so itineraries work best when designed with shorter distances, hands-on activities, and ample downtime. Coastal towns such as Seward and Homer, and areas around Anchorage, provide a good mix of scenery and accessible experiences without long journeys. Ask our Travel Experts for advice when planning a trip to Alaska with children if you’re unsure.