Posts Tagged ‘McKinley’

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…)

Gray Line of Alaska is offering travelers a $500 discount on tours six days or longer. This includes self-drive tours to Valdez or Homer, rail tours, escorted tours and more! Call Gray Line at (800)544-2206 for more details on this special program.

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I visited Cooper Landing last week,  the headwaters of the Kenai River. where my son is leading wilderness tours on the Kenai River. Looming over the headwaters is the glorious Kenai Princess Lodge. I’ve stayed here several times–and I love it. Each of the bungalow-style rooms has vaulted ceilings made of naturally finished wood, cozy sitting areas with wood-burning stoves and private porches that look out on the river valley. You can see Kenai Lake from some of them. I remember watching the moon rise one evening. NO–I did not howl at the moon–but I thought about it. (more…)

If you’re visiting Alaska, or even if you live here, you may know the Kenai River shows many faces in its journey from Kenai Lake to the sea. The lower river hosts commercial fishing boats–and it’s a great dip-netting spot for residents to harvest salmon as they enter the river from the ocean.

Between Skilak Lake and the mouth of the river, anglers from around the world come to fish for the mighty King Salmon.

But above Skilak Lake, the fishing picture changes. When the stream pours out from Kenai Lake, it’s more of a trout stream–although salmon abound. You’ll see more fly rods–and more folks floating down the river just to enjoy the scenery.  This is where the Kenai Princess Lodge stands guard.

With its bungalow-style accommodations, guests feel like they’re staying at their own cabin–there are fireplaces and decks. Each unit has a view–and it’s a short journey for activities including fishing, rafting or horseback riding. When you send a couple of days on the Upper Kenai River, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular playground for those of us in Anchorage.

Next week, there’s a great special going on: just $99 per night. In June, the rate goes up to $149 per night.  Soak in the hot tub. Sit out on the deck overlooking the river. Spy mountain goats on the side of the hill, or eagles riding the thermals in the valley. Just don’t let this special get away.

Up at Denali National Park, you’re right in the heart of things when you stay at the Denali Princess. Take the wildlife tour into the park. Choose a flightseeing trip or a raft trip on the Nenana River. There also are guided hikes in and around the park. Bring your camera and learn more about Denali National Park. The Denali Princess also has a great $99 rate in May, jumping to $149 per night in June. Don’t miss out on this deal.

Leave the driving to the pros at the Alaska Railroad when you take advantage of the 2-for-1 specials on Princess Rail Tours. Choose a package at the McKinley Princess Lodge near Talkeetna or the Denali Princess. Both options feature roundtrip train transportation, on-site transfers to/from your hotel and and accommodations. You can’t beat this for an all-inclusive experience. Learn more today when you click here.

Start at the Kenai Princess, which sits on a bluff overlooking the headwaters of the Kenai River in Cooper Landing. Stay during the last week of May for as little as $99 per night. Other dates throughout the summer are available from $149 per night. Don’t stay here without floating the scenic Kenai River. Whether you love to fish or just enjoy watching the wildlife, a trip on the Kenai River is a great adventure!

At the entrance to Denali National Park, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is well-situated for the park enthusiast. Catch a ride into the park on one of the tours. Bears, caribou and other critters abound inside the park! Go whitewater rafting on the Nenana River. Take a flightseeing tour. Rates start at $99 per night in May, or $149 per night on select dates all summer long.

With Princess’ Rail Tours, you can combine a stay at Denali or at the McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge near Talkeetna with a train tour experience. Ride the “Ultra Dome” cars on the Alaska Railroad. Enjoy 2-for-1 savings on these special packages all summer long. Choose from one- or two-night packages. Here’s a shot out the window of the Copper River Princess–you can see the Wrangell Mountains in the distance. Incredible views!

Other special rates are available at Princess’ lodges in Fairbanks and along the Copper River near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Check the website for details.