BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Alaska Travelling Alaska

I plan on doing some travelling later this year and Alaska is top of my list. What is the best time to come there and the best way to see this beautiful place. I really want to see the lights.

Sikpiksie

Hi Sikpicksie,

The best time to visit Alaska has a lot to do with what you want to see and do. If seeing the aurora is at the top of your list, October is usually a good month to visit. I notice you are from Australia - I would imagine you get some good displays of the southern lights (aurora australis)? For more specific tips on viewing the aurora, you might want to review my article on the topic: Ten Tips for Viewing the Aurora at

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Even though they are called the Aurora Australis we don't actually get to see them here. We'd get a good showing if we went to Antartica. Every 11 years or so when the sun's solar energy cycle reaches its peak, there's the chance that we will be able to see them from Southern-most Australia, but never from where I am.

Thinking about Alaska, I have decided to travel Alaska and Canada on their own rather than as a part of this years travels. I am thinking that I will leave travelling there until next year, so that I can leave here in your spring and spend until the late summer travelling around.

My daughter and my two grandaughters have decided to come with me, so leaving it until next year will allow me more time to organise things and check out all the things that we want to do!

Sikpiksie

Sikpiksie,

Thanks for the info on the Aurora Australis. I guess observing those would be a real privilege!

Sounds like you have a great plan for traveling to Alaska - allowing that much time for Alaska and Canada will really provide great opportunities for seeing a lot of the state. It's such a big place, with so much variety. The more time you have to explore, the better. Keep in touch as you organize and plan!

Kimi

Thanks for the great replies. I've heard that some cruises for Alaska actually stop by a great view of the glaciers for breakfast. Then a helicopter picks you up for the rest of the trip.

My husband and I went to Alaska in May-June for two weeks. Our first week we spent in Denali National Park. The views are breath taking and the wildlife amazing. I got some of the best shot of grizzles, a wolf and a fox with fresh kill in its mouth. O.K. that part was not the best but hey its nature.
Our second week we went on a cruise with Holland America with stops to Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan as well as cruising through Glacier National Park. It did have a stop in Victoria BC on its way back to Seattle. Sitka was our favorite port. The town was very quaint and not as touristy as the other two ports.
Just be aware that the weather can be cold. When we were there the last week of May and the cruise the first week of June, the highest temperature was in the upper 50s. COLD!!!

Taking the train to Mt. McKinley is a real joy. Renting an Rv is another option.

Hi Dudes

Thank you all for providing information about Alaska. I was searching for some tips about Alaska and have got some good information.


John


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resorts will be the wonderful experience.