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Alaska advice for whale watching and northern lights
Posted on 1/31/24 at 4:09 pm
Posted on 1/31/24 at 4:09 pm
Fiance’ has been dying to see whales and we just missed them in Hawaii last year. We also both have the northern lights on our bucket list and apparently 2024 is supposed to be the most active year to see them in a long time.
After doing some research it seems there’s only 1 month of the year where you have a good shot at seeing both and that’s September. Was thinking of flying into Anchorage and spending a few days to do whale watching and other costal activities, then either taking the train or driving to Fairbanks for Northern lights and summer activities for about 5 days, totaling 7-10 days.
I see that the best spot to see whales is Juneau but it seems like a pain to get to and from. 19 hour drive from anchorage and no train. Is anchorage good for whales? September a good time to visit seasonal wise? And any recs on whether to take a train or drive to Fairbanks? And any other advice would be appreciated. TIA
Also, probably should have said this in the beginning but not interested in taking a cruise.
After doing some research it seems there’s only 1 month of the year where you have a good shot at seeing both and that’s September. Was thinking of flying into Anchorage and spending a few days to do whale watching and other costal activities, then either taking the train or driving to Fairbanks for Northern lights and summer activities for about 5 days, totaling 7-10 days.
I see that the best spot to see whales is Juneau but it seems like a pain to get to and from. 19 hour drive from anchorage and no train. Is anchorage good for whales? September a good time to visit seasonal wise? And any recs on whether to take a train or drive to Fairbanks? And any other advice would be appreciated. TIA
Also, probably should have said this in the beginning but not interested in taking a cruise.
7
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:24 pm to cfish140
quote:Big mistake IMO, the Alaskan panhandle is the best part and there are places you can't get to without getting on a ship.
not interested in taking a cruise.
Whale watching is hit and miss.
This post was edited on 2/1/24 at 9:43 pm
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:26 pm to cfish140
I've seen humpbacks and orcas in Seward in late September before. You can drive there from Anchorage in a few hours or take the train, gorgeous town.
Juneau is one of the best places, but you would have to fly here, no road access without ferrying 80 miles and traveling through Canada.
Juneau is one of the best places, but you would have to fly here, no road access without ferrying 80 miles and traveling through Canada.
This post was edited on 1/31/24 at 6:28 pm
Posted on 2/1/24 at 2:05 pm to cfish140
Leaving tomorrow for North Pole AK, went this year because of the high activity but we split ours in two trips. We went on a cruise during July and now back for February, wanted to go in March but couple traveling with us could not go then. Travel close as you can to the fall or spring equinox for the Northern Lights for the best opportunity and June, July or August for the whales. September would be a really good time to try and see both. Winter months in Cabo is great for Whale watching because the weather is great and you get really close encounters.
Posted on 2/1/24 at 2:07 pm to cfish140
Good Luck!
We're leaving for Europe in a week and heading to Tromso to try and see the northern lights.
We're leaving for Europe in a week and heading to Tromso to try and see the northern lights.
Posted on 2/1/24 at 6:01 pm to cfish140
Take the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Fun trip. We took the Princess Cars in the back.
Posted on 2/13/24 at 11:59 am to Auburn80
We took 13 day Princess Cruise and one of our excursions was to Fjords and saw quite a few whales. It was late July and very cold on that large, very long boat ride.
Posted on 2/13/24 at 3:11 pm to cfish140
Got back 2 weeks ago from seeing the Northern Lights. Was a little nippy. Minus40. Flew into Anchorage, train to Fairbanks (11 hours) thru Denali. Stayed at Borealis Base Camp for 3 nights. Glass topped Igloos. Great views of the lights.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 1:26 pm to cfish140
Haven’t done the train to Fairbanks but I’ve heard it’s nice. You’ll want a car in Fairbanks though and that’s the best town for seeing the lights. UAFs Geophysical Institute is a great resource for auroras and the area. Where Balline Rd crosses goldstream creek is a good spot to see them but there are tons of similar spots.
UAF GI
UAF GI
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