Posts Tagged ‘Denali’

Nobody can dismiss the Rondy frivolity of the Running of the Reindeer here in Anchorage. But up north in Fairbanks, ice carvers from around the world are chipping away at the famous “Black Diamond” ice. It’s renowned for its clarity–and the finished products are a wonder to behold. It’s a Fairbanks tradition at the Ice Alaska park each March. Make plans to attend.

Stay at the Princess Lodge on the banks of the now-frozen Chena River, just about a mile from the airport. They’ve got a free shuttle to the hotel, but you may want to rent a car to cruise around town.

Special rates now are available for as little as $69 per night. Or, spend $89 per night and get up to two $15 breakfast vouchers per day at “Trackers”, in the lobby. That’s a great deal. There’s free high-speed internet, a great restaurant in the lobby–and a big fireplace, too!  Stay at least two nights and you’ll get DOUBLE Alaska Airlines miles. Use this special discount code when you’re booking online: AKADMF.

More info: CLICK HERE.

Look, I would be remiss if I did not recommend a couple of other KILLER attractions in Fairbanks–open year-round. First, the antique car museum at Wedgewood Resort. The “Fountainhead Antique Car Museum” is the brainchild of Tim Cerny. And it’s fantastic. Go see it.

The second is the Museum of the North on the campus of the University of Alaska. It’s got a fantastic permanent collection of Alaskan artifacts and art. But the rotating exhibits are incredible, including lots of modern art from around the state. Don’t miss “The Place Where You Go To Listen.” Think “Multimedia”. It can be overwhelming. Calming. Dreamlike. GO!

After the jump–summer specials. (more…)

Photo: Tight shot of the giant Stikine River Delta on final approach to Wrangell, Alaska (Alaska #65 from Ketchikan). Explore Tours can arrange an adventure all the way up this river to Telegraph Creek, BC. Incredible. Do it! Heard over coffee: “Can I tell Henry you’ll make all of his Alaska arrangements?” Mm-hmm, here we are mid-winter and my wife is booking our guest room for July. And guess who gets to make the plans? That would be me. It’s an awesome responsibility. Luckily, my friends at Explore Tours have the answer.

Think about it: Isabelle, Crystal and the gang spend their days custom-designing adventures for travelers from around the world: tours, cruises, sightseeing, adventures. The works.

So, when I have friends who need a helping hand with their Alaska arrangements, I call Explore Tours. They have the buying power to get exclusive, low rates on Alaska Airlines and all the best lodges and activities around the state.

For example:

a. Check out the very best of Denali National Park with a visit to Kantishna, near the shores of Wonder Lake. V-e-r-y few visitors every go ALL the way to the end of the road. Fishing, flightseeing, gold-panning, exploring. It’s an incredible experience–without the crowds. Stay at Camp Denali from 4-8 days.

b. Knik River Lodge is close-up against the Knik Glacier in the Matanuska Valley. It’s a wild place–that you can drive to from Anchorage. Jet-boat rides, horseback tours, hiking. It’s WILD out there (but there’s free wi-fi).

c. Tutka Bay Lodge. Nestled along the shores of Kachemak Bay, you can count on some great meals featuring Alaska seafood, as well as some incredible adventures in the surrounding parklands.

Remember: Alaska is a big place. So let the professionals at Explore Tours take care of everything from Ketchikan to Nome–and everywhere in between! They have the knowledge, the expertise and the inspiration to put together the right trip for you–or your visiting friends and relatives!

Call them: (800)523-7405 or check the website for more details. www.exploretours.com

Only the Great Alaskan TourSaver offers 2-for-1 savings to Denali National Park!

Check out the deals. Remember–everything is 2-for-1:

a. 2-for-1 McKinley Explorer Train ride from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park.

b. 2-for-1 Accommodations at Denali Bluffs or Grande Denali

c. 2-for-1 Rail/lodging combination from Anchorage at Denali Princess Lodge

d. 2-for-1 helicopter flightseeing with Era Helicopters

e. 2-for-1 Nenana River rafting with Denali Park Resorts

f. 2-for-1 Denali Jeep Adventure from Alaska Travel Adventures

g. 2-for-1 Guided ATV adventure from Black Diamond Resort

h. 2-for-1 Covered Wagon ride from Black Diamond Resort

i. 2-for-1 golf from Black Diamond Resort

j. 2-for-1 Alaska Cabin Nite dinner theater from Denali Park Resorts

You’ll save hundreds of dollars on your Denali adventure–plus there are more than 130 2-for-1 coupons for travel all around the state. But if you’re looking for real savings at Denali National Park this summer, then the Great Alaskan TourSaver really is “The Great One“!

Time to get on board the Alaska Railroad and ride to Denali this summer from Anchorage or Fairbanks. Spend two nights--that gives you time to take the LONG tour (Tundra Wildlife Tour) into the park, plus a raft trip on the Nenana River.

Gray Line of Alaska features private rail cars (the McKinley Explorer). Full-dome viewing on top, with a nice restaurant on the lower level. GREAT way to ride on the Alaska Railroad. Your accommodations are near to the park entrance and all the activities: river rafting, flightseeing, guided hikes and more.

From Fairbanks, the cost is just $299 per person for three days/two nights. From Anchorage, it’s a little longer–so the cost is $399 per person–and that includes your rail and two nights’ accommodations.

Space is limited. Call (888)452-1737 today or check online for more details.