Stories & Guides
Blog
Alaska travel guides, event previews, and insider tips.
Valdez Alaska Guide 2026 — Glaciers, Fishing & the Last Frontier's Hidden Gem
Alaska Cruise Port Guide 2026 — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan & More
Glacier Bay National Park Guide 2026 — Cruises, Kayaking & Whale Watching
Kenai Peninsula Road Trip Guide 2026 — From Anchorage to Homer
Seward Alaska Day Trip Guide 2026 — Glaciers, Wildlife & Where to Eat
Homer Alaska Guide 2026 — Halibut Fishing, Art Galleries & the Spit
Talkeetna Alaska Guide 2026 — Denali Views, Breweries & Summer Events
Alaska Wildlife Viewing Guide 2026 — Where to See Bears, Moose, Whales & Eagles
Alaska Northern Lights Guide 2026 — Best Time, Best Spots & How to See the Aurora
Best Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska 2026 — Northern Lights, Hot Springs & Midnight Sun
Denali National Park Day Trip Guide 2026 — Bus Tours, Wildlife & the Mountain
Sitka Alaska Guide 2026 — Russian Heritage, Totems, Whale Watching & Trails
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jul 13 to Jul 19
22 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Jul 13 to Jul 19
13 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jul 13 to Jul 19
13 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — July 13–19
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for July 13–19. 48 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Things to Do in Alaska in October 2026
October is Alaska's threshold month — termination dust on the peaks, long dark nights, prime aurora, and the calendar shifting indoors. Here is what to do.
Silver Salmon Season in Alaska: Where and When to Catch Coho
Silver (coho) salmon are the fall favorite — hard-fighting, great eating, and running late when the other salmon are done. Here is when they run and where to catch them.
Things to Do in Alaska in September 2026
September is the quiet favorite: summer crowds gone, fall colors igniting, the aurora back, and shoulder-season deals. Here is what to do around Alaska this month.
Alaska Fall Foliage 2026: Where and When to See Peak Colors
Alaska's fall color is intense and brief — the tundra flares red and gold and the birch and aspen turn electric yellow. Here is where and when to catch peak in 2026.
Things to Do in Alaska in August 2026
August is Alaska summer at full tilt — silver salmon running, the state fair firing up, blueberries ripening, and the first hints of fall. Here is what to do around the state this month.
Seward Silver Salmon Derby 2026: Dates, How It Works & Tips
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby returns August 8–16, 2026 on Resurrection Bay — one of Alaska oldest and biggest fishing derbies, with cash prizes and tagged-fish jackpots. Here is how it works.
Alaska Fall Events & Fairs 2026: What to Do in September & October
Alaska fall is short and gorgeous — foliage, termination dust, and the return of the aurora. Here are the events, fairs, and reasons to be out and about across September and October 2026.
Alaska State Fair 2026: Dates, Concerts, Parking & Giant Cabbages
The Alaska State Fair runs August 21 to September 7, 2026 in Palmer. Your guide to the dates, concert lineup, parking, fair food, and the famous giant-vegetable weigh-offs.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jul 6 to Jul 12
24 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Jul 6 to Jul 12
14 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jul 6 to Jul 12
15 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — July 6–12
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for July 6–12. 53 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jun 29 to Jul 5
31 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Jun 29 to Jul 5
10 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jun 29 to Jul 5
30 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — June 29 – July 5
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for June 29 – July 5. 71 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Jun 22 to Jun 28
7 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jun 22 to Jun 28
25 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jun 22 to Jun 28
29 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — June 22–28
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for June 22–28. 61 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Iditarod Sled Dogs: The Real Athletes of the Last Great Race
The mushers get the headlines, but the Iditarod is about the dogs. Meet the Alaskan huskies — the team positions, dog care on the trail, and why they're elite endurance athletes.
Why Fairbanks Has 22 Hours of Daylight
Around the solstice, Fairbanks barely gets dark. The simple reason — latitude and Earth's tilt — and how daylight changes across Alaska.
Things to Do in Fairbanks in Summer
Endless daylight makes Fairbanks a summer playground — riverboats, Pioneer Park, gold panning, Chena Hot Springs, and Denali day trips.
How Alaska Celebrates the Summer Solstice
The longest day is a big deal across Alaska. From Fairbanks's Midnight Sun Festival to baseball at midnight, how the state marks the solstice.
Things to Do in Fairbanks in Winter (Beyond the Ice Park)
The ice sculptures are the headliner, but Fairbanks is the heart of Alaska's winter — aurora, hot springs, dog sledding, and more.
Ice Alaska: The Story Behind the World Ice Art Championships
The nonprofit Ice Alaska turned Fairbanks pond ice into a world-famous winter event. A short history of the World Ice Art Championships.
How the World Ice Art Sculptures Are Made
Towering, crystal-clear sculptures start as blocks of Fairbanks pond ice. How the ice is harvested and how carvers turn it into monumental art.
Mount Marathon: History, Legend & Records
One of America's oldest footraces, born of a barroom bet. The history of the Mount Marathon Race and the records set on the 3,022-foot peak.
How to Train for Mount Marathon
Mount Marathon is only ~3 miles, but it climbs and descends 3,022 feet of mountain. How runners prepare for the climb — and the terrifying descent.
Things to Do in Seward Beyond the Race
Seward is one of Alaska's best small-town basecamps. Kenai Fjords cruises, Exit Glacier, the SeaLife Center, and more to pair with race day.
Beyond Salmonfest: Things to Do in Ninilchik & on the Kenai
Salmonfest sits in the middle of the Kenai Peninsula's best fishing and coastline. Ninilchik's historic church, fishing, clamming, and a Homer run.
A Salmonfest Survival Guide: Tips for the Weekend
Three days of music and camping on the Kenai. Practical tips — weather, hydration, cash, pacing — to make your Salmonfest weekend a great one.
Salmonfest Music: The Stages, the Genres & How the Lineup Works
Dozens of bands across multiple stages over three days. What the Salmonfest music experience is like and how the annual lineup comes together.
The History of Fur Rondy: From 1935 Trappers to Today
How Anchorage's Fur Rendezvous grew from a 1935 midwinter trappers' gathering into one of the biggest winter festivals in the U.S.
Things to Do in Anchorage in Winter (Beyond Fur Rondy)
Fur Rondy is the headliner, but Anchorage is a full winter playground — skiing, aurora, museums, and more to round out a February trip.
Fur Rondy Events: A Day-by-Day Look at What to See
Fur Rondy packs ten days with sled dog sprints, the Running of the Reindeer, a carnival, snow sculptures, and more. How the schedule tends to flow.
The Alaska State Fair With Kids
The Alaska State Fair is a hit with kids. What they'll love, what to pack, and budget tips for a family day in Palmer.
Alaska State Fair Rides & Carnival Guide
The midway is the heart of the Alaska State Fair. The rides, wristbands vs. tickets, and the best time to ride in Palmer.
Getting to the Alaska State Fair: Parking, Tickets & Tips
How to handle the Alaska State Fair in Palmer — driving from Anchorage, parking, gate vs. concert tickets, and the best days to go.
Aurora Tours in Fairbanks: Are They Worth It?
You can see the Northern Lights on your own — so are Fairbanks aurora tours worth it? What a tour gets you, when DIY makes sense, and the middle ground.
What Causes the Northern Lights? The Science, Simply
The aurora feels like magic, but it's predictable space weather. The simple science — solar wind, the colors, the auroral oval, and reading the Kp forecast.
Chena Hot Springs: Soak Under the Northern Lights
Sixty miles from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs lets you watch the aurora from a steaming outdoor spring. The soak, the Ice Museum, and day-trip vs. stay.
The Midnight Sun Festival: Fairbanks' Solstice Street Party
On the Saturday nearest the solstice, downtown Fairbanks throws Alaska's biggest single-day festival — noon to midnight, all in daylight. Here's the rundown.
Summer Solstice in Fairbanks: 22 Hours of Daylight
Around June 21 Fairbanks barely gets dark. How to make the most of the summer solstice — the festival, midnight baseball, and playing through the night.
The Midnight Sun Baseball Game: Fairbanks' Wildest Tradition
Since 1906, Fairbanks has played a baseball game late into the solstice "night" with no artificial lights. The story of the Midnight Sun Game and how to go.
Visiting the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks
Carvers worldwide turn clear Alaskan ice into towering sculptures in Fairbanks each winter. What it is, when to go, and why you should visit after dark.
The World Ice Art Championships With Kids
There's a whole ice park built for kids — giant ice slides and an ice playground. How to do the World Ice Art Championships as a family.
Ice Art by Day, Aurora by Night: A Fairbanks Winter Combo
Late-winter Fairbanks offers a perfect one-two: monumental lit ice sculptures, then the Northern Lights once the sky goes dark. How to do both in one trip.
How to Watch the Mount Marathon Race in Seward
Every July 4th, thousands pack Seward to watch racers sprint up and down a 3,022-foot mountain. Where to watch, when to arrive, and what you'll see.
How to Enter the Mount Marathon Race
Mount Marathon caps its field, so a bib is one of the hardest entries in American racing. How entry works — guaranteed spots, the lottery, and the auction.
Fourth of July in Seward: Mount Marathon & More
The Mount Marathon Race is the centerpiece, but July 4th in Seward is a full celebration. The parade, the crowds, lodging tips, and a Kenai Fjords add-on.
Getting to Salmonfest — and What Else to Do on the Kenai
Salmonfest is ~3.5 hours south of Anchorage, in the middle of Alaska's best fishing and coastline. How to get there and turn it into a full Kenai weekend.
Camping at Salmonfest: What to Know Before You Go
Most people camp Salmonfest. What to know before you pitch a tent at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds — passes, what to pack, and festival etiquette.
Salmonfest: A First-Timer's Guide to the Kenai's Music Weekend
Salmonfest is the Kenai's big summer music weekend in Ninilchik — three days, multiple stages, and a wild-salmon cause. A first-timer's guide to the vibe and how to plan.
Fur Rondy: A First-Timer's Guide to Anchorage's Winter Festival
Anchorage's Fur Rendezvous is one of the biggest winter festivals in the U.S. A first-timer's guide — its history, the can't-miss events, and how to plan.
Fur Rondy + Iditarod: See Both in One Anchorage Trip
Fur Rondy and the Iditarod ceremonial start happen back-to-back in Anchorage. How to catch both bucket-list events in one winter trip, with a sample plan.
The Running of the Reindeer: Fur Rondy's Wildest Tradition
Hundreds of people sprint down a downtown Anchorage street alongside live reindeer. What the Running of the Reindeer is, how the heats work, and how to watch or run.
Alaska State Fair Giant Vegetables: How Cabbages Top 100 Pounds
The Alaska State Fair in Palmer is famous for monster vegetables. Why the Mat-Su Valley grows 100+ pound cabbages — and where to catch the weigh-offs.
What to Eat at the Alaska State Fair
Half the reason to go is the food. The Alaska State Fair eats to hunt down — from the legendary Palmer cream puffs to reindeer sausage and deep-fried everything.
Alaska State Fair Concerts: How to Find the Lineup and Get Tickets
The Alaska State Fair pulls national headliners to Palmer each summer. When the lineup drops, how tickets work, and what to expect from the concert series.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights: A Beginner's Guide
A camera captures far more aurora than your eyes. The beginner setup — gear, exact settings (aperture, ISO, shutter, focus), and field tips for shooting the Northern Lights.
The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Near Fairbanks
Fairbanks sits under the auroral oval — but you need dark skies. The best aurora-viewing spots near town: Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome, Chena Hot Springs, and more.
When to See the Northern Lights in Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
Aurora is active year-round, but you can only see it in the dark. Here is Alaska aurora season month by month — and why September and March are the sweet spots.
Legendary Iditarod Champions: The Mushers Who Defined the Race
Rick Swenson, Libby Riddles, Susan Butcher, Lance Mackey, Dallas Seavey — the champions who defined the Iditarod, and the records they set.
A Short History of the Iditarod: The 1925 Serum Run
From the 1925 serum run that saved Nome to the first race in 1973 — a short history of the Iditarod, Togo, Balto, and the trail itself.
The Iditarod, Explained: A First-Timer's Guide
What the Iditarod is, the two starts, how many days it takes, the rules, and the northern vs. southern route — a first-timer's guide to the Last Great Race.
Where to Stay in Nome for the Iditarod Finish
Nome becomes the Iditarod finish line each March — and its few hotels book a year ahead. Where to stay, how to get there, and what finish week is like.
Where to Watch the Iditarod Start: Anchorage & Willow
Two starts and a finish line a thousand miles apart. Where to watch the Iditarod ceremonial start in Anchorage, the Willow restart, and the finish in Nome.
This Week in Western Alaska — Jun 15 to Jun 21
2 events happening in Western Alaska this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jun 15 to Jun 21
33 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Arctic Alaska — Jun 15 to Jun 21
4 events happening in Arctic & North this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Jun 15 to Jun 21
15 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jun 15 to Jun 21
29 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — June 15–21
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for June 15–21. 83 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jun 8 to Jun 14
16 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jun 8 to Jun 14
14 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — June 8–14
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for June 8–14. 30 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Alaska Travel Mistakes: What Not to Do on Your First Trip
First-time visitors to Alaska make the same mistakes repeatedly. Here's the list — so you don't have to learn them on the ground.
Alaska vs Yukon Canada Road Trip: A Comparison
Many visitors fly into Anchorage and never cross into Canada. Here's what the Yukon adds to a driving trip — and when Alaska alone is enough.
Best Alaska Souvenirs: Authentic vs Tourist Trap
Alaska souvenir shops are full of items made in China with Alaska printed on them. Here's what to buy instead and where to find it.
What to Eat in Alaska: A Food Guide for Visitors
Alaska has a food identity that's worth seeking out — wild salmon, king crab, reindeer sausage, and a handful of regional specialties. Here's where to find them.
Alaska Wildlife Safety Guide: Bears, Moose, and Encounters
Alaska has real wildlife that can hurt you. Most incidents are preventable. Here's the practical guide to encounters with bears and moose.
Alaska Tipping Guide: What's Expected
Tipping culture in Alaska tracks with the broader US but has some Alaska-specific wrinkles for guides, charters, and remote lodge staff.
Alaska Cell Service and Internet: What to Expect
Alaska has real gaps in cell coverage and internet infrastructure. Knowing where they are saves real headaches.
Best Alaska Instagram Spots (Without Ruining Them)
Alaska has no shortage of photogenic places. Here's a list of the ones worth the trip, with honest notes on access and crowd conditions.
Alaska Arts Scene: Galleries, Live Music, and Theater
Alaska's arts scene is smaller than Seattle's but more surprising than people expect. Here's what's happening and where.
Best Bookstores and Local Shops in Anchorage
Anchorage has a real independent retail scene that most visitors walk past on the way to the chain options. Here's what's worth seeking out.
Alaska History for Visitors: Key Moments and Where to Learn Them
Alaska's recorded history — from Russian colonization through the Gold Rush, statehood, and the pipeline — is compressed and dramatic. Here's where to engage with it in person.
Best Alaska Museums and Cultural Sites 2026
Alaska's museums punch above their weight given the state's size. Here are the ones worth building time into your itinerary for.
Alaska Native Culture Guide: How to Respectfully Engage
Alaska has 20 distinct Indigenous language groups and a living culture that predates statehood by thousands of years. Here's how to engage thoughtfully as a visitor.
Moving to Alaska: What People Don't Tell You
Alaska is a real place where real people live, work, and stay on purpose. The things that catch newcomers off guard are specific and fixable — if you know about them.
Alaska Winter Travel Guide: What's Actually Open and Good
Alaska in winter is not just for aurora chasers. If you go knowing what to expect, it's one of the more memorable trips you can take in North America.
Alaska Shoulder Season Travel: May and September
May and September are the best-kept secrets in Alaska travel. Fewer crowds, better prices, and — especially in September — conditions that summer visitors never see.
Best Time to Visit Denali 2026: Crowds, Weather, and Permits
Denali is the most visited park in Alaska, and most people arrive in a three-week window. Here's how to time your trip to see the mountain and actually get on a bus.
Driving the Alaska Highway (Alcan) in 2026: Complete Guide
The Alaska Highway is 1,387 miles of paved road through some of the most remote country in North America. Here's what actually matters for planning the drive.
Getting to Alaska: Flights, Ferry, and Driving the Alcan
There are three ways into Alaska from the Lower 48. Each one is a different trip in itself. Here's what to know before you decide.
Alaska on a Budget 2026: An Honest Cost Guide
Alaska is expensive, but there's a real difference between how much you have to spend and how much the tourist industry wants you to spend. Here's the honest breakdown.
Alaska with a Dog: A Pet-Friendly Travel Guide
Alaska is one of the better states for traveling with dogs, but the national parks and ferry rules catch people off guard. Here's what to know before you go.
Interior Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanks and Back
The Parks Highway through Denali is the backbone of an Interior Alaska road trip. Here's what to stop for and what to skip.
Alaska for Cruise Passengers: What to Do on Port Days Independently
Skip the ship's excursion markup. Here's how to spend port days in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway on your own terms.
Alaska 3-Day Itinerary: Anchorage Long Weekend
Three days in Anchorage goes farther than people expect. Here's a realistic plan that gets you out of the city and into what makes Alaska feel like Alaska.
Alaska 10-Day Itinerary: The Classic Summer Trip
Ten days is enough to hit Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula without feeling rushed. Here's how locals would plan it.
Alaska Summer Bucket List 2026 — 25 Things to Do
Alaska's summer season is short and specific. Here are 25 things worth doing between June and August 2026, organized by what makes Alaska different from anywhere else.
Alaska Skiing and Snowboarding in Summer — Alyeska and Glacier Skiing
Alaska's ski season doesn't end in April. Alyeska runs chairs through spring, and high-elevation glacier skiing exists into July. Here's where to ski when it's warm everywhere else.
Best Alaska Salmon Runs 2026 — Where and When to See Them
Alaska has five species of Pacific salmon and runs that span May through October. Here's where and when each species peaks, and the best spots to watch or catch them.
Halibut Fishing in Alaska — Charter vs. Independent and What to Expect
Alaska halibut are caught in deep water across Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. Here's the difference between a guided charter and fishing independently, and which ports give you the best access.
Alaska Fishing License Guide 2026 — What You Need, Costs, and Rules
Fishing in Alaska requires a state license and often a king salmon stamp. Here's exactly what to buy, what it costs, and what the rules are for the most popular species.
Best Alaska Day Hikes for Beginners 2026
Not every Alaska hike requires technical skills or a bush plane. Here are the best accessible day hikes with real payoff — views, wildlife, glaciers — for visitors who haven't hiked Alaska before.
Lake Clark National Park — Alaska's Secret Park
Lake Clark has brown bears on the coast, Alaska Range peaks, two wild rivers, and no roads connecting it to the highway system. It's one of the least-visited and most rewarding parks in the country.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Guide — The Biggest and Most Remote
Wrangell-St. Elias is larger than Switzerland, nearly roadless, and still largely unknown outside Alaska. Here's how to actually visit the biggest national park in the U.S.
Best National Parks in Alaska Beyond Denali
Alaska has eight national parks and Denali gets most of the attention. Here's what the others offer and why several of them deserve to be on your list.
Best Alaska State Parks for Camping 2026
Alaska's state park system covers 3.3 million acres and includes some of the most beautiful and accessible camping in the state. Here are the parks worth planning a trip around.
Alaska Midnight Sun — How to Deal With It and Actually Enjoy It
Summer in Alaska means 20-plus hours of daylight and a sun that never fully sets. Here's what that actually feels like, how to sleep, and how to take advantage of it.
Alaska Aurora Hunting Guide — Best Spots, Best Months, How to Plan
Alaska sits under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights. Here's where to go, when the season peaks, and what actually improves your odds.
Gold Panning in Alaska 2026 — Where and How to Actually Do It
Alaska produced over 40 million ounces of gold and active placer deposits still exist. Here's where visitors can legally pan for gold and what realistic expectations look like.
Best ATV and Off-Road Riding in Alaska 2026
Alaska has some of the best off-road riding terrain in North America — mining roads, tundra tracks, and river bars that go on for miles. Here's where to ride and how to access it.
Best Dog Sledding Experiences in Alaska Summer 2026
You don't need winter to sled in Alaska. Summer dog sledding on glaciers and wheeled sleds is a real thing, and the dogs run year-round. Here's where to go.
Alaska Flightseeing Guide — Which Tours Are Worth It
Flightseeing puts you above glaciers, inside mountain ranges, and over landscapes that have no roads. Here's how to pick the right flight for what you actually want to see.
Best Mountain Biking in Alaska 2026
Alaska's mountain biking scene is smaller than the Lower 48 but genuinely excellent. Anchorage's trail network rivals cities twice its size, and Juneau and Fairbanks both have strong local scenes.
Best Backpacking Trails in Alaska 2026
Alaska's best backpacking is mostly off-trail through open tundra and river drainages. Here are the best routes — from accessible weekend trips to serious multi-week expeditions.
Alaska Mountaineering Intro Guide — Denali vs. Accessible Peaks
Most visitors assume you need years of experience to climb in Alaska. Some peaks do. But several excellent summits are reachable by motivated beginners. Here's how to calibrate your ambitions.
Best Glacier Hikes in Alaska 2026 Beyond Mendenhall
Mendenhall is fine, but Alaska has dozens of glaciers you can walk to or on. Here are the best glacier hikes from Seward to the Wrangells, including guided ice-walking options.
Best Rafting in Alaska 2026 — Rivers Worth Running
Alaska's rivers run from mellow floats through moose habitat to serious whitewater through remote canyons. Here are the best options by difficulty and access.
Best Kayaking in Alaska 2026 — By Location
Alaska has some of the best sea kayaking on earth — glaciers, fjords, wildlife, and near-zero boat traffic on most routes. Here's where to paddle based on what you're after.
Best Bird Watching in Alaska 2026 — Where to Go for Shorebirds, Raptors, and Seabirds
Alaska hosts 500-plus bird species and some of the most spectacular migratory events on earth. From the Copper River Delta to Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, here's where serious birders go.
Best Moose Viewing in Alaska — Where to Go and When
Alaska has more moose than anywhere in North America. Here's where to find them — from the Matanuska Valley to the Kenai Peninsula — and the best times of year to look.
Best Bear Viewing in Alaska 2026 Beyond Katmai — McNeil River, Pack Creek, and More
Alaska has more than Katmai. McNeil River, Pack Creek, and Anan Creek offer world-class brown and black bear viewing with far fewer crowds. Here's where to go and how to get in.
Small Ship vs Big Cruise in Alaska: An Honest Comparison
The gap between a large cruise ship and a small expedition vessel in Alaska isn't just about comfort — it's about what you actually see and what kind of trip you take. Both have real trade-offs.
Alaska Marine Highway Guide: Sailing the Inside Passage in 2026
The Alaska Marine Highway System is a state-operated ferry network covering 3,500 miles of coastline. It's one of the great slow-travel experiences in North America and doesn't require a cruise ship budget.
Best Seafood Shacks on the Alaska Coast 2026
Alaska's best seafood often comes from the least impressive buildings. Counter service, paper plates, and halibut off the boat that morning — here's where to find it.
Seward vs Homer: Which Kenai Peninsula Town Should You Visit?
Seward and Homer are the two destinations on opposite ends of the Kenai Peninsula. They're both worth visiting but they serve different travelers. Here's how to choose.
Cooper Landing Guide: The Hidden Gem of the Kenai
Cooper Landing sits at the junction of the Kenai River and Kenai Lake, surrounded by wilderness. It's small enough to miss on a map and extraordinary enough to anchor a trip.
Best Fishing Spots on the Kenai Peninsula 2026
The Kenai Peninsula has more fishing access per road mile than almost anywhere in Alaska. From the river to the coast to the backcountry lakes, here's where to go and what to target.
Soldotna Alaska Guide: Fishing Capital of the Kenai Peninsula
Soldotna exists because the Kenai River runs through it. The town is built around drift boat fishing, sport fishing lodges, and the infrastructure that supports them. It does that one thing very well.
Kenai Alaska Guide: River Town on the Peninsula
Kenai sits at the mouth of the Kenai River on Cook Inlet, with views of four active volcanoes across the water. It's a working city with deep Alaska Native roots and excellent river access.
Kodiak Island Hiking Guide 2026
Kodiak has a road system of about 50 miles and a wilderness that extends for millions of acres beyond it. The hikes on the road system are accessible and genuine, and the backcountry requires planning.
Best Restaurants in Kodiak 2026
Kodiak is one of the largest fishing ports in the country, and the restaurants reflect it. The king crab, halibut, and salmon here come off boats that were in the water yesterday.
Kodiak Alaska Guide: Alutiiq Culture, Fishing, and Bears
Kodiak is the largest island in Alaska and home to the Alutiiq people, one of the largest Coast Guard bases in the U.S., and a brown bear population dense enough to require real planning.
Haines Alaska Guide: Art, Wilderness, and Eagles
Haines is connected to the Alaska road system by the Haines Highway and sits at the head of a dramatic fjord. The bald eagle concentration in fall is the largest in the world.
Petersburg Alaska Guide: The Little Norway of Alaska
Petersburg was founded by Norwegian fishermen and has kept its Scandinavian identity more stubbornly than most small towns hold onto anything. It's also in one of the best fishing and wildlife positions in Southeast.
Wrangell Alaska Guide: The Underrated Southeast Town
Wrangell is the quietest port in Southeast Alaska and the most authentically itself. It's not a cruise ship destination, which is exactly why it's worth including in your itinerary.
Best Restaurants in Sitka 2026
Sitka has a dining scene that reflects its fishing industry and its isolation. The halibut and salmon are as fresh as anywhere in Alaska, and a few spots have figured out how to cook them well.
Sitka Guide: Best Things to Do Beyond the Basics
Sitka is the most Russian city in Alaska and one of its most beautiful. The ocean-front setting, the Tlingit heritage, and the access to wildlife set it apart from other Southeast ports.
Skagway Guide: Beyond the Cruise Ship Stop
Skagway built its economy around gold rush history and cruise tourism, but the country around it — the Chilkoot Trail, White Pass, Dyea — is worth slowing down for.
Misty Fiords National Monument: How to Visit Independently
Misty Fiords is 2.3 million acres of wilderness outside Ketchikan. You don't need a cruise ship or a package tour to reach it — floatplane and kayak rentals make independent access real.
Best Restaurants in Ketchikan 2026
Ketchikan has legitimate restaurants beyond the tourist strip. Salmon, Dungeness crab, and halibut caught locally find their way onto menus that range from counter service to proper dining rooms.
Ketchikan Neighborhood Guide: What to Know Before You Arrive
Ketchikan is Alaska's first city coming up from the south, and it's built vertically on a steep hillside. Knowing where things are saves time and confusion.
Mendenhall Glacier: How to Visit Without a Cruise Ship Tour
Mendenhall Glacier is 12 miles from downtown Juneau and completely accessible on your own. Here's how to skip the tour bus and get more out of the visit.
Best Hikes Near Juneau 2026: Mt. Roberts, Perseverance, Mendenhall, and More
Juneau sits inside some of the most accessible backcountry in Alaska. From the tram-accessible ridge on Mt. Roberts to the Perseverance trail through gold mining ruins, the hiking is legitimate.
Best Bars and Breweries in Juneau 2026
Juneau has a strong drinking culture built by fishermen, government workers, and people who live with a lot of rain. The bar scene reflects that honestly.
Best Restaurants in Juneau 2026
Juneau has a better dining scene than its size suggests. Here are the spots worth planning around, from fresh halibut to solid ramen to the burger locals actually eat.
Juneau Neighborhood Guide: What's Where and Where to Stay
Juneau is more spread out than most visitors expect. This guide breaks down Downtown, Douglas Island, the Mendenhall Valley, and the road system so you know where to land.
Best Brunch in Anchorage 2026
Anchorage brunch culture is built around a handful of spots that earn serious loyalty. From the Snow City waits to Spenard Roadhouse's creative menu, here's where to go on a slow morning.
Best Pizza in Anchorage 2026
Anchorage has one of the most famous pizza restaurants in the state and a supporting cast of solid options. Here's where to get a good pie in Alaska's largest city.
Best Grocery Stores in Alaska — What Locals Actually Use
Grocery shopping in Alaska is its own category. From the Fred Meyer culture to the Carrs/Safeway footprint to the surprising Costco devotion, here's how Alaskans actually shop.
Best Farmers Markets in Alaska 2026 — Anchorage, Palmer, and Fairbanks
Alaska's farmers markets are short-seasoned and excellent. From the giant vegetables at Palmer to the downtown Anchorage Saturday Market, here's what to know before you go.
Best Restaurants in the Mat-Su Valley 2026
The Mat-Su Valley has moved past chain restaurants to develop real dining options. From Palmer's farm-to-table scene to Wasilla's surprises, here's where to eat in the Valley.
Wasilla Alaska Guide — What's There and What to Skip
Wasilla is the Mat-Su Valley's largest city and its most sprawling. There's more to it than big-box retail and the Palin references — here's the honest guide.
Palmer Alaska Guide — The Mat-Su Valley's Main Town
Palmer is the agricultural heart of Alaska and the Mat-Su Valley's most charming town. Here's what's actually there — the market, the Colony history, and where to eat.
Fairbanks Neighborhood Guide — What's Where in the Interior's Main City
Fairbanks is more spread out than it looks on a map. Here's how the city actually lays out — from downtown to the university hill to the bedroom communities that make up greater Fairbanks.
Best Coffee Shops in Fairbanks 2026
When winters hit -40F, good coffee isn't optional. Fairbanks has developed a real coffee culture around Kaladi Brothers and a handful of independent spots worth knowing.
Best Bars and Breweries in Fairbanks 2026
Fairbanks doesn't have Anchorage's breadth but it has character. From the northernmost brewery in the U.S. to the university bar corridor, here's where to drink in Interior Alaska.
Best Restaurants in Fairbanks 2026
Fairbanks has a smaller restaurant scene than Anchorage but some genuinely excellent spots. Here's where locals actually eat in Alaska's second city.
Eagle River Neighborhood Guide — Anchorage's Northern Suburb
Eagle River sits 12 miles north of Anchorage proper and has developed its own identity — a small-town feel with city access, surrounded by serious mountain terrain.
Downtown Anchorage Guide — What to Actually Do
Downtown Anchorage is compact, walkable, and better than its reputation. Here's what's worth your time — and what you can skip.
South Anchorage Neighborhood Guide — Dimond, Huffman, and Beyond
South Anchorage is the residential and retail heart of the city — Dimond Center, the big-box corridor, and the quieter hillside neighborhoods climbing toward the mountains.
Spenard Neighborhood Guide — Anchorage's Most Interesting Neighborhood
Spenard has always been the weird, creative, slightly rough-around-the-edges part of Anchorage. It's also where some of the best food, bars, and independent businesses in the city have landed.
Midtown Anchorage Neighborhood Guide
Midtown is the working heart of Anchorage — where the hospitals, the university crowd, and the city's best restaurant corridor all converge. Here's what's actually in it.
Best Happy Hours in Anchorage 2026
Happy hour in Anchorage is a serious institution. From craft beer specials to half-price appetizers, here's where to be between 4 and 7 p.m.
Best Late Night Food in Anchorage
Anchorage isn't a 24-hour city, but there are options after midnight for the determined. Here's what's actually open late and worth eating.
Best Sushi in Anchorage 2026
Anchorage has a surprisingly strong sushi scene, helped along by proximity to some of the world's best wild fish. Here's where to go for a serious roll or a clean omakase experience.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Anchorage 2026
Alaska seafood is world-class, and Anchorage has spots that treat it with the respect it deserves. From halibut to king crab to wild salmon, here's where to eat it properly.
Best Burgers in Anchorage 2026
Anchorage has a legit burger culture anchored by a few institutions and some newer spots pushing the format. Here's where to go when you want a real burger.
Best Breakfast Spots in Anchorage 2026
Breakfast is serious business in Anchorage. Whether you're fueling up before a hike or nursing a late morning, these are the spots that earn the lines.
Best Bars and Breweries in Anchorage 2026
Anchorage has a legitimate craft beer scene anchored by Moose's Tooth and 49th State, plus a mix of dive bars and neighborhood spots that give the city its character.
Best Coffee Shops in Anchorage 2026
Anchorage has a strong independent coffee culture built around dark winters and early mornings. These are the spots locals return to — not the airport chains.
Best Restaurants in Anchorage 2026 — By Category
From sushi on the hillside to halibut tacos in Midtown, Anchorage's food scene covers serious ground. Here's where locals actually eat, broken down by what you're craving.
Juneau Jazz & Classics 2026 — A Guide to Southeast's Big Music Weekend
Juneau Jazz & Classics returns. Here's the festival plus what else is happening in the capital this weekend.
Live Music in Alaska This Week — Concerts, Jazz & Local Bands
Our live music picks around Alaska this week — from Juneau Jazz & Classics to Spenard's local stages.
First Friday Across Alaska — Art Walks in Anchorage, Juneau & Sitka
First Friday is Alaska's monthly art night. Here's where to gallery-hop this weekend — Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka and beyond.
This Week in Alaska — Top Events, June 3–9
Your guide to the week ahead in Alaska — First Friday art walks, live music, festivals and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Jun 1 to Jun 7
19 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Jun 1 to Jun 7
9 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — June 1–7
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for June 1–7. 29 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — May 25 to May 31
6 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — May 25 to May 31
5 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — May 25–31
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for May 25–31. 11 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Southwest Alaska — May 18 to May 24
2 events happening in Southwest this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — May 18 to May 24
9 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — May 18 to May 24
2 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — May 18 to May 24
9 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — May 18–24
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for May 18–24. 22 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — May 11 to May 17
8 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — May 11 to May 17
39 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — May 11 to May 17
33 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — May 11–17
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for May 11–17. 80 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Alaska Hot Springs Guide 2026 — Chena, Manley, and the Wild Ones
Six Alaska hot springs ranked from drive-up resort to bushwhack-and-soak. Real costs, access difficulty, and which ones are worth the effort in 2026.
Alaska Whale Watching 2026 — Where, When, and Which Tours Are Worth It
Where to go, when to book, and which tours are worth $200+ per person. Humpback bubble-net feeding, orcas, and gray whale migration — the 2026 season in plain English.
Alaska Fishing Charter Guide 2026 — Salmon, Halibut, Where & When
Real charter prices, target species by month, and which Alaska fishing town to pick. Homer halibut, Kenai king salmon, Sitka silvers — what to know before you book.
Alaska 4th of July 2026 — Best Towns to Celebrate the Holiday
Where to spend July 4th in Alaska — Seward's small-town parade, Anchorage's free events, Talkeetna's odd traditions, plus where to actually see fireworks (yes, really).
Riding the Alaska Railroad 2026 — Routes, Tickets, and What's Worth the Upgrade
The Coastal Classic, Denali Star, and Hurricane Turn — which Alaska Railroad route to take, when to upgrade to GoldStar, and what you'll see.
Alaska Cruise vs. Independent Travel 2026 — A Real Cost Breakdown
We priced the same 7-day Alaska trip two ways — cruise vs. independent — and the cheaper one isn't the one you'd guess. Real 2026 numbers, real tradeoffs.
Renting an RV in Alaska 2026 — Real Costs, Best Routes, What to Skip
RV rental in Alaska runs $200-$450/night plus mileage. We break down the four big rental companies, four best routes, and the eight rookie mistakes that cost the most.
12 Best Alaska Photography Locations 2026 — Beyond the Obvious
Twelve Alaska photography locations most travelers miss — Hatcher Pass at sunset, Eklutna's blue ice, Castner Glacier ice cave, and where the locals actually shoot.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — May 4 to May 10
10 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — May 4 to May 10
17 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — May 4–10
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for May 4–10. 27 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
First-Timer's Alaska Trip 2026 — 7 Days, $2k vs. $5k Itineraries
Two 7-day Alaska itineraries for first-timers — a $2k budget version and a $5k splurge — with day-by-day routes, lodging, and what to skip.
Where to Eat in Anchorage 2026 — Sourdough, Reindeer Dogs, Halibut
Where Anchorage locals actually eat in 2026 — 14 picks across breakfast, halibut, fine dining, food trucks, and the cart that won the reindeer-dog war.
Alaska Packing List by Season 2026 — What I Actually Use
An honest Alaska packing list by season — what locals bring, what to skip, and the five cheap items that solve most weather problems.
Aurora Photography for Beginners 2026 — Camera Settings, Spots, Timing
Aurora photography settings that actually work — exposure starting points, lens picks, where to shoot in Alaska, and the four mistakes that ruin most aurora shots.
Alaska Summer Festivals 2026 — Solstice, Salmon, Fairs & Music
Alaska's biggest summer festivals 2026 — Midnight Sun, Salmonfest, State Fair, Forest Fair, plus 6 small-town picks. Dates, tickets, and the local move.
Katmai & Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Guide 2026 — Floatplanes, Permits, Live Cam
How to see the Brooks Falls bears in 2026 — floatplane operators, day-trip costs, lodge availability, the live cam, and the smart alternative if Brooks is full.
Alaska Marine Highway 2026 — Ferry Routes, Cabins, What It Actually Costs
The Alaska Marine Highway demystified — routes, ferry types, cabin choices, walk-on vs. vehicle costs, and the trips locals actually take in 2026.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Apr 27 to May 3
11 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Apr 27 to May 3
22 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — April 27 – May 3
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for April 27 – May 3. 34 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Apr 20 to Apr 26
16 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Apr 20 to Apr 26
14 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — April 20–26
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for April 20–26. 31 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Apr 13 to Apr 19
3 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Apr 13 to Apr 19
23 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Apr 13 to Apr 19
26 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — April 13–19
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for April 13–19. 52 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Apr 6 to Apr 12
4 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Apr 6 to Apr 12
33 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Apr 6 to Apr 12
11 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — April 6–12
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for April 6–12. 48 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Best Things to Do in Anchorage This Spring 2026
Anchorage comes alive in spring with live music, outdoor adventures, and cultural events. Here's your guide to the best things to do.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Mar 30 to Apr 5
3 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Mar 30 to Apr 5
18 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Mar 30 to Apr 5
13 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — March 30 – April 5
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for March 30 – April 5. 35 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Hope, Alaska: The Tiny Town With the Biggest Summer Music Calendar
Population 192, but Hope punches way above its weight. Creekbend Company is turning this historic mining town into one of Alaska's best live music destinations for summer 2026.
Alaska Fishing Season 2026: When to Go, Where to Go, What to Catch
Salmon, halibut, trout, and grayling -- Alaska has it all. Here is your month-by-month breakdown of what is running, where to find it, and the fishing events worth planning around.
This Week in Juneau & Southeast — Mar 27 to Apr 2
25 events happening in Southeast this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Mar 27 to Apr 2
3 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Mar 27 to Apr 2
24 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — March 27 – April 2
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for March 27 – April 2. 53 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Alaska Spring Breakup 2026: What It Is, When It Happens, and Why Alaskans Celebrate
Breakup is not a relationship status -- it is a season. When the ice goes out, the rivers flood, and Alaskans emerge from five months of darkness, the whole state throws a party.
5 Alaska Road Trips You Can Do This Summer (With Events Along the Way)
Alaska has some of the most dramatic driving in North America. Here are 5 road trips you can do this summer, with the events and festivals happening along each route.
The Alaska Live Music Scene Is Better Than You Think
From Anchorage dive bars to backcountry festival stages, Alaska has a live music scene that punches way above its weight. Here is where to find it.
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2026: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
The answer depends on what you want to do. Northern lights? September. Salmon? July. Midnight sun? June. Here is the real breakdown, month by month.
Best Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska 2026
The Golden Heart City is more than a northern lights stopover. Here is everything worth doing in Fairbanks, from the Chena River to the midnight sun.
Alaska Cruise Port Guide 2026: What to Do at Every Stop
Over a million cruise passengers visit Alaska every summer. Here is what to do at each port -- and what most cruise ship excursion desks will not tell you.
Alaska With Kids: 20 Things Your Family Will Actually Love
Alaska is not just for rugged adventurers. Here are 20 family-tested activities, events, and destinations that kids go wild for.
Where to See Wildlife in Alaska: Bears, Whales, Moose, Eagles, and More
Alaska has more wildlife per square mile than anywhere in the US. Here is where and when to see bears, whales, moose, eagles, caribou, and puffins.
Alaska Spring Events 2026 — Your Complete Guide
From the Alyeska Slush Cup to Pink Martini at Atwood Concert Hall, here's everything happening in Alaska this spring.
This Week in Fairbanks & the Interior — Mar 16 to Mar 22
3 events happening in Interior this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
This Week in Anchorage & Southcentral — Mar 16 to Mar 22
4 events happening in Southcentral this week. Concerts, festivals, family activities, and more.
Top Events This Week in Alaska — March 16–22
Your weekly guide to the best events across Alaska for March 16–22. 9 events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Best Summer Events in Alaska 2026: Your Complete Guide
From the Midnight Sun Festival to the Alaska State Fair, here is everything worth planning your summer around in the Last Frontier.
Iditarod 2026: Complete Spectator Guide to Alaska's Greatest Race
Everything you need to know about watching the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, from the ceremonial start in Anchorage to the finish in Nome.
Best Things to Do in Anchorage Alaska 2026
Your ultimate guide to Anchorage in 2026 — seasonal activities, top restaurants, outdoor adventures, museums, nightlife, and the best local events.
Top 10 Alaska Festivals You Can't Miss in 2026
The ten Alaska festivals that belong on every bucket list this year, from ancient traditions to all-night summer parties.
Alaska Midnight Sun 2026: When, Where & How to Experience It
Everything you need to know about Alaska's midnight sun — when it happens, the best places to experience it, the Midnight Sun Festival, and tips for enjoying 24 hours of daylight.
Northern Lights Events and Viewing in Alaska 2026-2027
Everything you need to know about seeing the aurora borealis in Alaska, from the best viewing spots to northern lights events and tours.