Alaska fishing is like nothing else on earth – but it’s not just about the endless salmon and plentiful halibut. If you’re looking for more than fishing, Alaska gives you ample opportunity to satisfy your wanderlust. Here are the top five things you should add on to your trip.
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1. Look for wildlife
Looking for wildlife? Alaska is smack dab in the middle of it! From moose to whales to birds of prey and bears, there is always something to see out your front door.
The best location for bear viewing will depend on your dates. If your trip is between June and September, there’s a good chance you’ll see brown bears in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. In July, you can visit the famous Brooke Falls in Katmai National Park, which is inhabited by about 2,200 brown bears.
Kodiak Island is also one of Alaska’s best whale watching destinations. Several types of whales frequent Kodiak waters – orcas, gray whales, humpback whales, and more all migrate through the surrounding waters. Whale watching is also very good in Juneau, Icy Strait, and Seward. For an up close and personal experience with whales, take a sightseeing or fishing charter.
2. Get on the water
Climbing into a kayak or hopping on a paddle board will take your Alaska water exploration to a whole new level. Sea kayaking around Kodiak Island is a unique way to explore the beautiful coastline while paddling at eye level with sea birds, otters, seals, and sometimes whales!
And have you ever dreamed of paddle boarding? In Alaska, you can do just that. From Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park to Kennicott Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, you can float next to a glacier’s edge and even jump from icebergs into glacial water (while wearing a dry suit, of course!
3. Enjoy the land
Alaska is a vast land. Whether it’s a city, a mountain range, or a beach, there is plenty to see by foot. With well over 750 well-traveled and documented trails in Alaska, there is no end to the adventure you can find. Kodiak is a hiker’s dream, with its mountainous land and easily accessible trails, you will get spectacular views of ocean and alpine valleys.
On top of that, if you don’t immediately think of the beach when you think of Alaska, get ready to have your whole perception changed. With approximately 5,580 miles of coastline, Alaska has stunning beaches with incredible beachcombing. Have a picnic at Mill Bay Beach Park or hunt for fossils at Fossil Beach.
4. Take a flightseeing tour
Alaska is remote. A flightseeing tour will provide you with views of the state that are impossible to get while still on the ground. These excursions are a great way to visit to glaciers and volcanoes, get scenic views of Kodiak and Afognak islands, spot wildlife, and much more!
For many visiting Alaska, catching a glimpse of Denali, the highest peak in North America, is a must. A flightseeing tour of Denali National Park is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Alaska. Make sure you book in advance to secure your seat.
5. See the Northern Lights
If you’re fishing trip is later in the season, there’s a chance you could see the Northern Lights. While the closer you are to the North Pole the better your chance of viewing them is, in some exceptional solar storm years the Northern Lights have been visible as far south as Kodiak Island. If you want to increase your odds of viewing the aurora, however, Fairbanks is a popular location with high odds.
Ready to travel to Alaska and get started on your bucket list? Contact our friendly team and book your stay today.