Talkeenta Area Tours (South Denali Park)

This area, without a doubt, offers some of the best flightseeing trips in Alaska. We highly recommend flightseeing trips the operate out of the town of Talkeetna to Mt. McKinley. Many other options, including jetboat trips, fishing and wagon rides, are also available.

Byers Lake Paddle Kayak Trip 11:30 AM: Enjoy a morning kayak trip on Byers Lake within Denali State Park including transfers from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

Byers Lake Paddle Kayak Trip 3:00 PM: Enjoy an afternoon kayak trip on Byers Lake within Denali State Park including transfers from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

Byers Lake Paddle Kayak Trip 6:30 PM: Enjoy an evening kayak trip on Byers Lake within Denali State Park including transfers from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

Denali State Park Wilderness Hike: Explore the Alaskan wilderness on an exhilarating trek in the heart of Denali State Park.

K2 McKinley Experience Flight 10:30 AM: A morning 60-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

K2 McKinley Experience Flight 12:30 PM: An afternoon 60-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

K2 McKinley Experience Flight 2:30 PM: An afternoon 60-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

K2 McKinley Experience Flight 4:30 PM: An afternoon 60-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

K2 McKinley Experience Flight 6:30 PM: An evening 60-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

K2 McKinley Experience Flight 8:30 AM: A morning 60-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

K2 McKinley Glacier Landing Flight 1:00 PM: An afternoon 90-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeenta with a glacier landing.

K2 McKinley Glacier Landing Flight 11:00 AM: A morning 90-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeenta with a glacier landing.

K2 McKinley Glacier Landing Flight 3:00 PM: An afternoon 90-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeenta with a glacier landing.

K2 McKinley Glacier Landing Flight 5:00 PM: An afternoon 90-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeenta with a glacier landing.

K2 McKinley Glacier Landing Flight 7:00 PM: An evening 90-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeenta with a glacier landing.

K2 McKinley Glacier Landing Flight 9:00 AM: A morning 90-minute fixed wing flightseeing tour to Mt. McKinley from Talkeenta with a glacier landing.

McKinley Horse Drawn Wagon Ride 10:00 AM: Enjoy a morning scenic two-hour horse drawn wagon ride from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

McKinley Horse Drawn Wagon Ride 2:00 PM: Enjoy a scenic two-hour horse drawn wagon ride from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

McKinley Horse Drawn Wagon Ride 5:00 PM: Enjoy an afternoon scenic two-hour horse drawn wagon ride from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

Talkeetna Dogsled Kennel Tour 10:00 AM: A one and one-half hour morning tour of Sundog Kennels in Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Dogsled Kennel Tour 8:00 AM: A one and one-half hour early morning tour of Sundog Kennels in Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Fishing Half Day AM: A morning five-hour guided river fishing trip from the town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Fishing Half Day PM: An afternoon five-hour guided river fishing trip from the town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Wilderness Jetboat 12:00 PM: An exciting mid-day two-hour jetboat excursion on the Susitna River from the town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Wilderness Jetboat 2:30 PM: An exciting afternoon two-hour jetboat excursion on the Susitna River from the town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Wilderness Jetboat 6:30 PM: An exciting evening two-hour jetboat excursion on the Susitna River from the town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Wilderness Jetboat 8:45 AM: An exciting morning two-hour jetboat excursion on the Susitna River from the town of Talkeetna..

Tokosha Homestead Boat Tour 11:00 AM: Enjoy a morning rustic tour to an Alaska homestead from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

Tokosha Homestead Boat Tour 2:00 PM: Enjoy an afternoon rustic tour to an Alaska homestead from the McKinley Princess Lodge.

Seward Hotels

A great choice for Seward lodging is the Seward Windsong Lodge. The lodge is one of Seward’s finest full-service hotels and offers first class facilities and great values as well. The Seward Windsong Lodge is located on the edge of town in a forested setting with river and mountain views. There are several very nice hotels in the town of Seward as well. The Hotel Edgewater is located downtown just across the street from the Alaska SeaLife Center. The Holiday Inn Express Seward Harbor Hotel is conveniently located at the Seward Small Boat Harbor near the departure point for Kenai Fjords day cruises. Plan to spend a couple of nights in Seward, and book early for the summer months, particularly mid-June through the end of August.

Breeze Inn Seward - Deluxe Room: A deluxe room in a comfortable inn located at the Small Boat Harbor.

Breeze Inn Seward - Standard Room: A good value room in a comfortable inn located at the Small Boat Harbor.

Holiday Inn Express Seward Harbor Hotel - Ocean View: Enjoy an ocean view room at the small boat harbor with a pool and free continental breakfast.

Holiday Inn Express Seward Harbor Hotel - Standard: A newer hotel at the small boat harbor with a pool and free continental breakfast.

Hotel Edgewater Seward: A nice bay front hotel located across the street from the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Kenai Princess Lodge: Located in Cooper Landing on the Kenai River, the Lodge is in the center of the Kenai Peninsula about 40 miles north of Seward.

Seward Windsong Lodge: Nestled in a peaceful glacial river valley on the edge of the Kenai Fjords National Park and only minutes away from downtown Seward.

Seward Windsong Lodge Suite: Nestled in a peaceful glacial river valley on the edge of the Kenai Fjords National Park and only minutes away from downtown Seward.

Denali Park Hotels

The Denali Park area offers a wide selection of hotels, lodges and cabin properties just outside the Park entrance, as well as several wilderness lodges deep inside Denali Park. Alaska Tour & Travel is pleased to offer reservations at every major hotel near the Denali Park entrance area. This allows us to recommend a property that is just right for your travel preferences and budget. The Denali Bluffs Hotel is a good value choice for a mid-sized Denali property. With just over a hundred rooms, the Denali Bluffs Hotel is large enough to have all the amenities you would expect. At the same time it is small enough so you will not get lost in the crowds. The Denali Princess Lodge is one of the nicest hotels in the Denali Park entrance area. It is also the largest hotel in the state and is owned by Princess Cruises so just be prepared to encounter large tour groups throughout your stay. Make sure to plan a minimum of two consecutive nights in the Denali Park area. Looking for a real Alaskan Adventure? Consider traveling deep into the Park for a stay at the fabulous Kantishna Roadhouse. Please note: Lodging near Denali National Park is already becoming quite limited on many dates. We strongly encourage you to book as soon as possbile. Be sure to check out our new Denali Park Lodging page for our current availability.

Denali Bluffs Hotel - Canyon View: A nice mountainside property with spectacular views of the park located only one mile from the Denali Park entrance.

Denali Bluffs Hotel - Standard: A nice mountainside property located only one mile from the Denali Park entrance. Our most popular Denali Hotel.

Denali Cedars Lodge: Comfortable hotel-style rooms located seven miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park.

Denali Crow’s Nest Log Cabins: Private log cabins with a great view near the entrance to Denali National Park.

Denali Grizzly Bear Cedar Hotel: Newer cedar hotel on Nenana River.

Denali Grizzly Bear Premium Cabins: Private cabins with private decks and nice views.

Denali Princess Lodge: A lodge overlooking the Nenana River with panoramic views of Denali National Park.

Denali River Cabins - off river: Affordable individual cedar cabins located seven miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park. (off river)

Denali River Cabins - riverfront: Affordable individual cedar cabins located seven miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park. (riverfront)

Grande Denali Lodge: A mountainside property with spectacular views of the park located near the Denali Park entrance.

Kantishna Roadhouse: Experience real Alaskan wilderness at a lodge at the end of the Denali Park Road.

McKinley Chalet Resort: Located along the Nenana River, minutes from the entrance to Denali National Park.

McKinley Village Lodge: A riverfront resort located just south of the entrance to Denali National Park.

Fairbanks Hotels

Our favorite Fairbanks hotel is located on the Chena River, which runs through Fairbanks and offers some beautiful Alaskan scenery. The River’s Edge Resort is a nice family-run hotel offering beautiful private cottages in a riverside setting. Another good choice is Sophie Station Hotel, where every room is a well-appointed true suite. Both hotels are close to the Fairbanks airport as well as major attractions and shopping areas. In you have the time, a night or two in Fairbanks makes a great addition to your Alaska vacation. Check out our Fairbanks Hotels page for a complete list.Fairbanks Princess Lodge: A nice riverside lodge located on the banks of the Chena River. Awesome weekend rates.

River’s Edge Resort Cottages: Private cottages nestled along the banks of the Chena River located near the airport, shopping and attractions.

Sophie Station Hotel Fairbanks: A striking all-suite hotel located just a mile from the Fairbanks airport.

Anchorage Hotels

 

Anchorage offers a nice selection of hotels to choose from. Most hotels are concentrated near the airport or the downtown area, separated by a distance of roughly six miles. Many people choose an airport hotel for their first or last night in Alaska for the convenience, while others prefer to stay at a downtown hotel. For an airport hotel we recommend the Holiday Inn Express. Near downtown there are a number of great choices like the Inlet Tower Hotel and the Comfort Inn which is conveniently located near the Alaska Railroad depot. The Ramada Downtown is a great value property while the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel is one of Anchorage’s finest Hotels. If you are looking for a nice all suite property, we highly recommend the Anchorage Hawthorn Suites. We usually recommend staying two nights in Anchorage, preferably at the beginning or end of your trip. During the summer months, hotel rooms book up quickly, so make your reservations well in advance.

Clarion Suites Hotel Anchorage: A nice all suite hotel downtown near the museum.

Comfort Inn Anchorage: A nice hotel near the railroad depot and downtown.

Hawthorn Suites Anchorage: A great all suite hotel downtown with free deluxe buffet breakfast.

Holiday Inn Express Anchorage Deluxe: A well appointed hotel near the airport with a pool, hot tub and free continental breakfast.

Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites: A newly remodeled hotel downtown with spectacular views.

Ramada Anchorage Downtown Hotel: A nicely renovated well managed downtown hotel at a great price.

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel: A luxury downtown Anchorage hotel.

Skagway

Skagway Alaska is located on the Alaska Panhandle. Its port is a popular stopping point for cruise ships. Possessing 455 land miles, the City of Skagway Alaska is geographically the largest city in Alaska. Skagway Alaska was the gateway to the Gold Rush of 1898. As such, it plays an important role in Alaska’s history. Skagway was incorporated in 1900.
Aside from the excellent Alaska fishing opportunities in Skagway, many people enjoy taking Skagway tours. An organized Skagway Alaska tour might include stops at the Trail of ‘98 Museum or the Gold Rush Cemetery. A Skagway Alaska tour of the areas natural wonders might involve viewing the city from a lookout on top of a mountain. Some visitors enjoy taking a comfortable motor coach Skagway Alaska tour to the Yukon community of Carcross. Whatever your preference, there are many forms of Skagway transportation to help you make the most of your trip to this glorious city.
If you want to get a panoramic view of Skagway Alaska, consider flightseeing as a mode of Skagway transportation. L.A.B. provides fantastic aerial tours of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Many of the largest of Glacier Bay’s 16 tidewater glaciers that you will see on this Skagway Alaska tour originate in the Mt. Fairweather / St. Elias Range. With peaks over 15,000 feet, this is the highest coastal range in the world.
If you prefer to be out on the water consider the Alaska Marine Highway System for your mode of Skagway transportation. There are a number of impressive vessels in their fleet.
Peterson Shipbuilders in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin built the M/V Aurora. It began service in 1977. The Aurora is 235 feet long, and is capable of transporting 250 passengers and 34 vehicles at a speed of 14.5 knots. Since the Aurora is used for short runs, staterooms are not available. However, food service and a solarium are provided.
The M/V Chenega is one of the newest Alaska Marine Highway Fast Vehicle Ferries. Derecktor Shipyards of Bridgeport, Connecticut built it at a cost of $34.5 million. The ship began its service in the summer of 2005. The Chenega’s designer is Nigel Gee & Associates. This British naval architecture firm has many years of high-speed ship design and building experience. Four diesel engines and four water jets power the Chenega. The hull form is a 235-foot catamaran that is famous for providing the highest transport efficiency of any high-speed ferry of its size. This ship operates in Southeast Alaska during the winter months and in Prince William Sound during the summer.
Whether you tour Skagway Alaska by land, sea or air, you will be truly impressed by the splendor of this beautiful city.

Sitka

The Tlingit Indians were the original settlers of Sitka Alaska. In 1799, Alexandr Baranov who was the governor of Russian America founded Sitka, Alaska. Sitka Alaska was the site of the ceremony that involved the lowering of the Russian flag and the raising of the United States flag after the U.S purchased Alaska.
Sitka Alaska fishing is some of the best in North America. There is an abundance of salmon and halibut in the area, in addition to various other types of fish. Because of this, there are a multitude of Sitka charters that will help you make the most of your Sitka Alaska fishing trip. Let’s visit a few of them.
Sitka Alaska Fishing with Big Blue Charters
Big Blue Charters offers a variety of packages, which include your Sitka charter, room and meals. They have an arrangement with some of the downtown Sitka hotels, which allows you to get the best lodging rates for your Sitka Alaska fishing trip. This Sitka charter offers:

  • Approximately 10 hours guided fishing from 6 AM to 4 PM.
  • Fish cleaned and filleted on boat.
  • The first two 50 lb airport ready boxes of your fish are included.
  • All fishing licenses and king salmon stamps.
  • All meals.

Sitka Charters with Saltwater Sportsman
This Sitka fishing charter company recently purchased two new fishing boats. In 2005, they bought a 32′X11′ custom-built aluminum walk around. It is powered with twin Merc 250 h.p. Verado’s. This boat is capable of fishing up to six people. It has an insulated fish where your fish are iced down in order to ensure the best quality product when you get home.
In 2003, They purchased a custom built 32′ x 11′ wide aluminum walk around that features twin 225hp 4 stroke Mercury engines, stand up head, 15″ flat screen monitor with nobeltec. Additionally, there are two air ride seats and a fiberglass insulated fish hold. Comfortably fishes five people. This boat cruises at 30 knots!
If you plan to take a Sitka Alaska fishing trip, keep in mind that the Alaska Fish and Game Bureau imposes some regulations. These include:

  • King Salmon - 1 per day, 3 in possession
  • Silver Salmon - 6 per day
  • Halibut - 2 per day
  • Ling Cod - 1 per day
  • Yellow Eye - 2 per day

Whether you plan to go fishing, or to simply explore the history and Native American heritage, Sitka, Alaska is a great place to visit.

Seward

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Seward played a major role in Alaska’s history. Settlers first arrived in Seward Alaska in the 1890s. In 1912, the settlement, incorporated It became the supply base of Alaska Railroad construction 1915-23. Tsunamis created by the 9.2 earthquake in March 1964 destroyed part of town and killed several people. Seward Alaska is named William H. Seward, who was the secretary of state that advocated the purchase of Alaska in 1867. Today, over 300,000 cruise ship passengers choose a Seaward Alaska vacation. Additional, thousands of sport fishers enjoy a Seward fishing trip each year.
Seward Alaska is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. This picturesque town, which is located 126 miles south of Anchorage, is sometimes referred to as the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Seaward Alaska is unique in that it resembles both a port city and an alpine resort town. For an Alaska shopping experience, the bustling harbor of Seward Alaska, along with its downtown section is filled with a number of art galleries and quaintly unique shops. You can reach Seaward by Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, by bus, air, or cruise ship.
People who take a Seward Alaska vacation often find that words are not sufficient to describe its beauty. However, we will make a feeble attempt. Picture yourself surrounded by a glistening blue body of water. This is Resurrection Bay. As you look up, you gasp in awe at the towering Mt. Marathon, where the world famous 4th of July race is held. Harding Icefield lies in front of the mountain. Eight tidewater glaciers flow from the Harding Icefields. Exit Glacier, on the north end of the ice field, is accessible by automobile.
Abundant marine life can be found in Seward’s water. Above you, the eagles and seabirds fill the air while mountain goats, bear and moose call the forests around Seward their home. These are the sights you will see on a Seward Alaska vacation.
Some people plan a Seward Alaska vacation in order to visit Kenai Fjords National Park which encompasses 587,000 acres, or 917 square miles, of the mountainous Kenai Peninsula. Some come to see the sea lions, humpback whales, puffins and other wildlife that inhabits the park. Others come to see the glaciers.
Many people take Seward fishing vacations because of the abundance of salmon the area is noted for. Others return from their Seward fishing trips boasting of their excellent halibut catches. Whether you are going on an Alaska fishing trip, an Alaska cruise or are interested in studying Alaska’s history, Seward Alaska is an exciting place to visit.

Ketchikan

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As a travel destination, Ketchikan Alaska means different things to different people. Some people enjoy Ketchikan Alaska fishing; others come to explore Ketchikan’s Native American culture. If you were to take a Ketchikan tour, you would discover that the arts are also alive and well in this quaint town. Based on the number of festivals throughout the year, Ketchikan Alaska has been referred to as one of the “Top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States.” Inspired by the scenic beauty and preserved history, many artists have made Ketchikan Alaska their home. Unlike the galleries in big cities, the artists themselves own most of the art galleries in Ketchikan Alaska. The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council is the umbrella organization for the Ketchikan arts scene. They promote arts and cultural groups, local artists, art education programs and host performances exhibits throughout the year.
If you are interested in Alaska’s Native American heritage, the Totem Heritage Center’s collection of 19th century totem poles was collected from abandoned native villages. It is listed on the National Historic Register. Today center protects the poles while providing present day native artisans with an opportunity to study the traditional art forms of the Northwest Coast native tribes.
Many people decide on a Ketchikan Alaska fishing trip because of the abundance salmon that migrate from the ocean around Prince of Wales Island, and into the protected waters of the Inside Passage. In fact, it was for this reason that Tlingit natives selected Ketchikan Creek as their summer fish camp, and why the town was established in 1900 as a commercial fishing port. Because of the abundance of fish and the construction of salmon canneries, Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
People enjoy Ketchikan Alaska fishing because of its runs of trophy-size fish, which include king, silver, red, pink and chum salmon. The finest salt-water fishing for giant halibut, red snapper, ling cod and rock cod is also available. Numerous wilderness lakes and streams provide incredible fishing for steelhead, Dolly Varden, grayling, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Ketchikan Alaska is also home to the Waterfalls Resort, which features easy access to quality fishing grounds along with luxury resort amenities.
If you love the water but have no interest in fishing, a misty fjords one-day cruise is a great way to take a Ketchikan tour. Can’t decide whether you want to take a Ketchikan tour by water or air? No problem! Take a seaplane tour, and get the best of both worlds!
Whether your interests lie in Alaska fishing, Alaska cruises, Alaska culture or Alaska hiking, Ketchikan Alaska is a great place to visit.

Juneau

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Juneau Alaska is an adventure lover’s paradise! If you are looking for wildlife, Juneau Alaska has some of the best wildlife viewing in the entire world. Many come to Juneau Alaska to see the magnificent whales, brown bear and eagles. A number Juneau tours can give you an up close and personal encounter with to black bear, Dall porpoise, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, mountain goats and Sitka Black Tail Deer.
For those who want to experience the grandeur of Alaska’s glacier, Juneau is the place to go. Giant bergs and flowing rivers of ice are just begging to be discovered in Juneau, which is home to some of the most spectacular glacier activity in the entire world. Even more exciting is the fact that glaciers such as the Mendenhall Glacier are located just 13 miles form downtown. Additionally, Juneau Alaska is the sending off point to Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Juneau also boasts hundreds of miles of groomed hiking trails as well as a number of protected waterways that offer excellent sea kayaking. You can chart your own course, or take one of the many exciting Juneau tours. Some of the helicopter tours feature glacier landings where you can actually walk on a glacier. How cool is that?
If you are a shutter-bug there are a number of Juneau tours that focus on photography. For those who love the sea, there are a variety of multi-day cruise tours. A tour of the Alaska Brewing Company offers free samples of the local beer. If your thirst is for culture, you will want to visit the Perseverance Theatre, which was founded in 1970. Today, it is considered to be Alaska’s flagship professional theatre. If you are visiting Juneau in the winter, the Eaglecrest Ski area, located just 12 miles form downtown Juneau, is considered to be one of the “best little ski areas in the world.”
In the warmer seasons, much of the Juneau Alaska fishing is done by marine boat. Juneau Alaska fishing is famous for its king salmon, followed closely by halibut and coho salmon. Pink salmon, chum salmon and red salmon are also caught in the area, along with Dolly Varden and trout.  Crab can also be caught on a Juneau Alaska fishing trip. In the months of May and June, as the salmon and halibut begin migrating into the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, there are some great Juneau fishing opportunities in the Cross Sound and Icy Strait.
Whether you want to fish, fly, sail, hike or chill, Juneau offers you a variety of exciting choices.