If you’re looking for that once in a lifetime trip, look no further than Alaska.
Whether you’re planning a secluded honeymoon on the glacial coastline or a dream retirement trip to the Denali backcountry, Alaska is a destination worth planning early for. Here are just three breathtaking adventures you could be looking forward to this year.
Surround yourself with untamed Alaska terrain, quiet trails and views of North America’s tallest peak, Denali (Mount McKinley), at Denali Backcountry Lodge.
Located in the historic mining settlement of Kantishna at the end of Denali Park Road, every stay at this remote retreat begins with a 92-mile premium tour through Denali National Park. You’ll be treated to expert commentary, dynamic views and picturesque stops, along with chances to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou and other Alaska wildlife.
Once you arrive at the lodge, you can explore the remote Denali backcountry with naturalist guides and custom wilderness experiences. Your stay includes meals and non-alcoholic drinks — thanks to the lodge’s remote nature, you won’t find any crowded restaurants or café lineups nearby. Activities, guided tours and other perks, like bike and paddle board rentals, are included in the price of your stay, too. Plus, The Nest Wellness Center is open on-site for your post-excursion massage.
Looking to elevate the adventure? Book a Creekside cabin and you’ll depart aboard a classic Alaska bush plane.
Take another leap into the wilderness, but this time by water. Visiting Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island is a completely different style of remote living. This waterfront hideaway consists of only eight cabins from which you can explore the nearby pebble beaches and waters of Halibut Cove. The main lodge includes a guest lounge and dining room for socializing, eating and curling up with a good book.
If you’re happiest on the water, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is the place for you. Included with every stay is a guided kayaking trip. As you explore the rocky coves of the island, you might just be able to spot puffins, sea lions, seals or, if you’re extra lucky, whales.
On arrival and departure, you'll learn a little about the incredible area aboard a Kenai Fjords Tours cruise. Leisurely float into your destination and spot the breathtaking wilderness that surrounds you.
Set just outside of its namesake town, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge boasts many reasons to visit, but none are quite as alluring as the possibility of a northern lights sighting in March or April. The lodge is the perfect spot for viewing the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, because of the dark night skies and the ridge-top view of Denali National Park. When everything lines up just right, the sky couldn’t look any more spectacular.
The aurora borealis is why Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers a special wake-up call service. Guests can request a phone call if the northern lights make a special appearance — and the call can come at any time. While some receive a 3 a.m. alert and roll back to sleep, others head out to the viewing deck to take in the late-night natural wonder.
There’s plenty to do while you wait for a nighttime sighting. Depending on the time of year you visit, biking, hiking and Nordic skiing are all abundant in and around Talkeetna. You can also invest some time into learning about Alaska culture at museums, art galleries and film screenings around town. It’s the quintessential Alaska experience.
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