Interesting places to visit in the off-season (Anchorage, Juneau and: hotel, live in)

[lepoisson]

I am considering taking a 3-5 day trip to Alaska soon before the tourist season begins. I've been to Anchorage, Homer, and Seward before, as well as Denali NP so I thought about hopping up to Juneau or Kodiak or maybe even heading west to Nome, Bethel, or Kotzebue. The hot springs in Fairbanks also looks promising.

It appears that Juneau would offer the most in terms of nature and beauty, but I think it would be challenging getting to Glacier Bay NP before the tourist season. Places out west don't appear to have a lot of amenities but it would be interesting to see how people live in such remote places.

Any tips or suggestions for a short trip?

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

I am considering taking a 3-5 day trip to Alaska soon before the tourist season begins. I've been to Anchorage, Homer, and Seward before, as well as Denali NP so I thought about hopping up to Juneau or Kodiak or maybe even heading west to Nome, Bethel, or Kotzebue. The hot springs in Fairbanks also looks promising.

It appears that Juneau would offer the most in terms of nature and beauty, but I think it would be challenging getting to Glacier Bay NP before the tourist season. Places out west don't appear to have a lot of amenities but it would be interesting to see how people live in such remote places.

Any tips or suggestions for a short trip?

Unless you charter a boat or small plane from someone in Gustavus, you won't be going to Glacier Bay at this time of year. You could fly into Juneau and arrange to take the ferry to other SE ports including Ketchikan or Sitka. The Alaska Sealife Center is open year round. The sailing schedules are sparser in winter. It's possible you could take some sort of boat /fishing trip out of Kodiak but I don't know what if any sport fishing seasons are open. The Columbia Glacier cruises out of Valdez (the drive to Valdez is beautiful if the weather's good, a scare fest if it's bad) are very scenic but once again, AFAIK none operate this early in the season.

[Arktikos]

You could do a flight seeing charter trip to Glacier Bay out of JNU.
There is still quite a bit of snow to be found here not too far above sea level.
It’s hit or miss weather wise in SE. Actually this time of year can be one of the better bets for clear conditions. If the ceiling is low due to fog, like today, you’d miss out on mountain scenery. Maybe check the forecast.

[lepoisson]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

Unless you charter a boat or small plane from someone in Gustavus, you won't be going to Glacier Bay at this time of year. You could fly into Juneau and arrange to take the ferry to other SE ports including Ketchikan or Sitka. The Alaska Sealife Center is open year round. The sailing schedules are sparser in winter. It's possible you could take some sort of boat /fishing trip out of Kodiak but I don't know what if any sport fishing seasons are open. The Columbia Glacier cruises out of Valdez (the drive to Valdez is beautiful if the weather's good, a scare fest if it's bad) are very scenic but once again, AFAIK none operate this early in the season.

Going to Kethikan and Sitka sounds like a great idea and with the weather in the 40s, I think that's perfect.

[rntim]

Bring your rain gear if you decide to go to Ketch or Sitka! We get a lot of rain most of the time. And if you figure on Sitka, check as soon as you can about hotel reservations!

[Arktikos]

Sitka and Ketchikan enjoy jet service year 'round, no need for ferry. Besides, the ocean going service will be quite limited at this time of year.

Sitka and Juneau with a side trip to Haines/Skagway via ferry or small plane would be a better plan, IMO.

[SkyLark2019]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

I am considering taking a 3-5 day trip to Alaska soon before the tourist season begins. I've been to Anchorage, Homer, and Seward before, as well as Denali NP so I thought about hopping up to Juneau or Kodiak or maybe even heading west to Nome, Bethel, or Kotzebue. The hot springs in Fairbanks also looks promising.

It appears that Juneau would offer the most in terms of nature and beauty, but I think it would be challenging getting to Glacier Bay NP before the tourist season. Places out west don't appear to have a lot of amenities but it would be interesting to see how people live in such remote places.

Any tips or suggestions for a short trip?

Juneau is structured to give a good tourist experience- my friend worked in various jobs related to tourist season there.

Fairbanks will definitely give you a view into the life of the modern Alaskan's day to day life.

Have fun, feel free to share a trip report.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by SkyLark2019

Juneau is structured to give a good tourist experience- my friend worked in various jobs related to tourist season there.

Fairbanks will definitely give you a view into the life of the modern Alaskan's day to day life.

Have fun, feel free to share a trip report.

Tourist season is right. Operative word being season. Juneau may have tourist activities but many of them focus around cruise ship passengers. When the ships aren't in port they don't operate. Finding some in mid March will be a challenge.

[lepoisson]

Would heading out to Nome be worthwhile? I even thought of doing one of the village mail run flights that operate out of Fairbanks airport. You get to ride in a plane to a village while they drop off the mail.

[terracore]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

Would heading out to Nome be worthwhile? I even thought of doing one of the village mail run flights that operate out of Fairbanks airport. You get to ride in a plane to a village while they drop off the mail.

I only made a few short trips to Nome in the 15 years I lived in Alaska.

It's one of the few places I want to see again, for longer next time.