Canada Or Anchorage Alaska for wedding anniversary

We are signed up for an Alaskan cruise in August - taking my inlaws for their 60th anniversary. I know that one of the "excursions" offered is dog sledding.

In Canada - I've only been to the Rockies - Banff, Jasper and the Icefields parkway which was spectacular! If you are up for a bit of a splurge I would consider the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It's an incredible setting!

ETA - we also went to Vancouver and Vancouver Island which we also really enjoyed! I want to repeat that trip and spend at least a week on Vancouver Island.

That is too early for either Anchorage or Banff. And the only snow left for dog mushing in Alaska will be high on a glacier, requiring a pricy helicopter flight to access. Here is one at Alyeska resort, available in May for $519 per person.

https://www.alyeskaresort.com/events-activities/summer-glacier-dog-sledding

There are well-priced Alaska cruises in May but they take more than four days.

I would pick Vancouver, or Victoria/Vancouver Island as best weather-wise in May. Butchart Gardens near Victoria are nice in May.

Sasha - I looked up the excursions and you are correct - out of Juneau the mushing does require a helicopter, but out of Skagway it does not. It's a short drive, however it isn't offered in Anchorage so it's a mute point.

I would think doing a lot of hiking in the rockies at the end of may is not a realistic expectation, but do you think the lakes would still be covered with snow / ice? The color of the water is what's really unusual, but the scenery is amazing 365 days a year. My daughter went to Banff in early December to ski and I told her she HAD to see Lake Louise, well lol - it was completely covered. She did enjoy a nice lunch at the Fairmont though:)

Google mentioned that May is bear watching season. Hikes are also popular in Alaska.

Banff I would maybe consider saving for winter, But what about Quebec or Montreal ? Are those good to visit in May?

I've been to both Quebec and Montreal at that time and the weather was quite iffy. I got very lucky in Montreal (except for one cold, rainy day) but it was too cold/unpleasant in Quebec overall (given the expense of getting there, I would not go at that time again). Both are too far north and it just doesn't get consistently "nice" in either place until summer. I would pick Vancouver instead. I went there last year at that time and loved it!

Wow sorry to hear about the bad weather in Quebec and Montreal!

I’ll defintely have to look into Vancouver vs Alaska then

Google said best weather for Alaska was May. But I am bummed I won’t get to do snow-activities! At least I won’t be terribly cold/ freezing

I think you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose. Our Northwest (around Seattle), Vancouver Island, Alaska, Banff, Jasper, Montreal, Quebec City - all of it world class locations.

I am afraid "Google" is wrong about May in Alaska. Since Google simply links you to various websites based on your search terms, which website did you see that said this?

It is a huge state with many climate zones. There might be somewhere in the southern regions where you could hike in May, but for most of the state that is still early spring, with melting snow, mud, no green leaves, and no wildflowers. It might not rain as much, but that is small comfort when the ground is still soggy, muddy, and/or snowy.

The weather does tend to be good in June, when summer starts all at once. It is probably the month with lowest rainfall, but the most mosquitoes. I had lovely weather and wildflowers the last time I was there, mid-June.

I lived there for seven years when I was younger, and have returned to visit and hike three times in the last five summers. I love it there. And I would not go to the mainland, especially Interior or Southcentral, in May. If I thought I would enjoy a cruise, I might consider a May cruise up the Inside Passage (Southeast Alaska) to Juneau and/or Glacier Bay because the scenery is still spectacular. But I would not plan on hiking.

Bear viewing is best where there are salmon runs. That means July at famous bear-viewing places places like Brooks Falls, Anan Bear Reserve, etc. There is a good salmon run up the Copper River in May, but I know of no bear-watching spots anywhere near there. That river is too high and fast for the bears to fish.

Bears can be seen anytime in the summer in Denali National Park, but they are not fishing.

Dogsledding in summer is either on bare ground on a wheeled "sled", or on real snow at higher elevations, usually accessed by helicopter. I was not aware of any on snow near Skagway in August, but maybe Jill will be driven up high enough somewhere? Mushing on a real sled on snow is lots of fun, but I would not bother with the "summer sled" experience on bare ground.

Like Sasha, I live near Vancouver, and would regard either that city or nearby Victoria as a good destination in May. From Vancouver you could drive up to Whistler for some hiking, not on the high slopes where there may still be snow, but lower down it should be OK. We do not hike in the higher elevations of the Cascades ( above 5,000 feet) until July most years. And one summer were still BA kcountry skiing on good snow in July. But at sea level May is snow-free and really nice. (Although 2017 we had record rainfall that month).

http://www.alaska.org/advice/best-time-to-visit-alaska

Literally says mid May to mid sept hahha

Jill, I cannot find a dogsled excustion at Skagway that does not involve a helicopter flight to snow, apart from this one:

https://www.alaskaexcursions.com/sled-dog-adventure/

It is a summer training camp,with a wheeled sled ride. Interesting, it on ground, not snow. Just don't want you to be disappointed.

How would you describe Vancouver? Is it more city-like like Seattle/ NYC?

I think I might enjoy the Victoria BC vibe. I might have to save Montreal Quebec/ Banff for a December visit since May does not seem like a good time to visit.

Is it possible to go from Anchorage to Denali by car? I used Rome2Rio and it says its about 3-4 hrs with a train and "curry"?

From my friends who visit Anchorage they say the food isnt the best because everything is imported/ expensive haha. But the sights are amazing!

Can I see the Northern lights at this time? I also saw some excursions on tripadvisor since we can get a plane to fly us over the Denali area.

How would you describe Vancouver? Is it more city-like like Seattle/
NYC?

Nothing is like NYC (in terms of architecture, density, and diversity, and on and on), but Vancouver is like a very modern (less grey and industrial) version of Seattle...lots of new (and newish) glass high rises, beautiful parks (Stanley) and walking trails, mountains in the distance and surrounded by water, totally walkable and has good public transport (including from airport), best/freshest sushi and seafood, huge Chinese suburb of Richmond with lots of food/shopping options and night markets, very scenic, great Museum of Anthropology at UBC (lots of First Nations history and art)....did I mention beautiful scenery and best/freshest sushi? Victoria has a totally different feel - smaller, more British "feel" and history, still very nice, beautiful parks (Butchart), water everywhere. Victoria Island (especially western coast) is absolutely stunning.

No, you cannot see Northern Lights in late May in Anchorage. It is too close to the solstice, and not dark enough. The aurora is best seen farther north, and at a time when it gets really dark. The best we have seen were in Fairbanks in October and on into the winter. Never saw one as late as May, as it is light most of the night.

I think you need to research conditions in Alaska before commuting to this trip. Alaska.org may say that May-September is the best time to visit, but they are talking about cruise season. In most of Alaska, May is cool, cloudy, and dreary, not to mention the mud. And yes, May have less rainfall but that is not determinative of the whole picture.

Thanks for the info!

From what I read it says May is dryer and only 25% of rain. With chance of rain increasing in the summer

In spite of what one post here says about Montreal weather in May, it actually is one of the best months to visit. Weather is warm but not hot, all the cafes have their outside tables and chairs out on the terraces, the gardens are in bloom , the trees are in leaf, the migrating birds are back. The museums are less crowded and mounting fresh exhibitions for the season. Perfect time for a city visit, if a city visit is what you are looking for. No mushing. Ever.

Thanks for the reply!

Is May a rainy season for Montreal?

I see somewhere 11 rainy days out of 31 days

What if I am visiting for 4 days is that sufficient for Quebec and Montreal?

Of course not.

Where are you traveling from?
Does the 24th to the 28th include travel time?, or are these the 4 days you will actually be in your destination?

In July of 2013 we spent four nights north of Anchorage after cruising from Vancouver to Seward. We took the train to the Anchorage airport and rented a car there. We drove to McKinley Creekside Cabins near Denali and stayed there for two nights. One of the things we did in the park was attend a dogsled demo. We also took the bus tour into the park. I'm not sure how far the bus goes at the end of May.

The last two nights we spent at Talkeetna Chalet. The view of Denali from the chalet was nothing less than magnificent. We took a flightseeing tour with K-2 aviation and landed on a glacier.

I wish we would have planned a few more days for Alaska. Before the cruise we visited Seattle and one night in Vancouver before boarding the ship.

The Denali shuttle does not go all the way into the park (Eielson Visitor Center) until June 1. Between May 20 and May 31, it only goes as far as Toklat, or less if conditions are not right. You cannot see Denali from there.
The vegetation (tundra and dwarf birch) will not turn green until June, so in May the landscape is predominantly brown and grey, maybe with a blue sky.

McKinley Creekside Cabins is a great place to stay for Denali, as is Talkeetna (we liked the Susitna River Lodge, also with a Denali View). But still not so great in May.

S Jackson!

I found a flight that leaves 1-pm wed May 23 and arrives

4am May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28 fly home

Vancouver BC has a pretty gentle climate moderated by ocean influences. The Pacific Coast climate is April showers, May flowers at the lower elevations and Vancouver is at sea level. Vancouver is definitely not NY City and downtown Vancouver is compact and a bike ride to and from Stanley Park. (We stayed at the Kingston, a budget boutique downtown hotel, rented bikes and rode to Stanley Park then Granville Island and back as a day excursion.) A lot of dining options in walking distance and area is well served by transit.

Flights from MSP to YVR (Vancouver) are under $500US per person RT for a one stop connection and under $600US per person RT for an under 4 hour non stop flight. The Canada Line transit rail is a quick and economical way to get from YVR to downtown Vancouver.

I have to laugh about all the replies regarding Alaska weather. I have lived here (near Anchorage) for 16 years. Every year is different. We have had snow at the end of May before! This year, hardly any snow! You will not be able to dog mush on snow in the summer, unless on a glacier. The weather is mostly awful all summer too. Last summer we had about 9 sunny days total. Don’t come for the weather! Same with Seattle where I lived for 25 years. Mostly rainy and dreary!

diveloonie

would you say it is ok to visit denali in May? Or should I just skip it :(?

I was thinking of
arrival 4am May 24 and picking up rental car Head up to Denali for an overnight stay + hiking?
May 25 head back to anchorage (overnight?) visit Turnagain Arm and Girtwood
May 26 Stay in Seward
May 27 Stay in Seward/ visit Kenai
May 28 leave Anchorage at 11:55pm arrival to LAX 5:45am

I can reduce my stay in Seward to 1 night and stay longer in Denali?
Or skip Denali entirely and maybe decide to do a flightsee but I will miss out on the critters/ wilderness :(

Reality check. Your plane arrives at 4 am, but you cannot pick up a rental car until the desks open at 6 am. It is a minimum 5 hours to drive to Denali, but you will need to stop and eat, etc., so add an hour. And remember you have probably been awake most of the night on the plane, so driving will not be safe or fun.

So you arrive at Denali around noon, but what then? You cannot drive very far into the park in your private car; you must use the shuttles. Or you could drive the first 15 miles to Savage River and hike there, but most likely the only wildlife you would see is a moose. Then turn around the next day and drive south to Girdwood? Another 6-7 hours of driving.

If you are serious about visiting Alaska in that short time in May, you should go on TripAdvisor and let the very helpful experts there help you with a reasonable plan for your short time. It likely will not include Denali. Kenai Peninsula is a better choice in May. Or if Denali is the goal, drive as far as Talkeetna and take a flightseeing trip. But these are weather-dependent and you may not be able to go on the designated day.

I was actually thinking of driving back and staying in anchorage overnight, and maybe the following day check out girtwood or Turnagain Arm.

But Denali but me something I do cut out.

Also we usually sleep on the plane just fine. And the car rental is available at 5am or so. Maybe hang around anchorage to grab food before heading out. If we cut out Denali we would visit Seward, Turnagain, girtwood, etc.

Possibly do the helicopter and sledding activity from anchorage. It is quite expensive $529 per person. If I did that I would probably cut out Denali and not even do a flightsee because they would be another few hundred per person.

Lola is right. It would not be a prudent way to use your valuable vacation time to drive 4-5 hours to Denali and then not have time to do bus into the park. I would say you would at least want the 6 hour bus minimum. Also, May is just the very beginning of tourist season......especially for Denali. The earliest I have been to Denali is June 12, which is still very early. It poured buckets the entire time and the window of the bus were fogged up , which made it hard to view wildlife.
My advice-skip Denali

We spend a mid-June week in Alaska a number of years ago with a rented RV. We were lucky to see a blue sky view of Denali on our drive north to Fairbanks and also had a blue sky day on our Denali Wonder Lake bus trip. I use the word "luck" because the guide books suggested that visitors have a one in three chance of actually seeing the mountain in that Denali is usually cloud obscured.

I see recommendations to skip Denali because the weather is such a big factor! And I completely understand! that makes sense.

I guess for my Airbnb I would NOT consider booking an Airbnb near Healy or Denali since it might be a hit or miss

May 24 arrive 4am to anchorage car rental at 5am or 5:30am
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28 leave Anchorage airport to lax 11pm arrive may 29 5:30am

If I do this trip this is the only nonstop flight time/ option that would work for me! Giving me just a little under 5 days!

I could stay in anchorage for an overnight to visit Turnagain Arm/ Girtwood
from Anchorage IF it is worth it I can do a $529 helicopter ride to dog sled up on the mountain only about 1.5 hours? or 2 miles worth of sledding but I would get to see the views !

OR I could flight see in Denali which is 200-300 a person but no sledding!

I could stay in Seward 1-2 nights and visit Kenai Pennisula or do a glacier tour/ whale watching/ fishing
-some suggestions were to visit Homer?

With a car rental of course!

This is a wedding anniversary trip, so there are two of you, right?

For the relative costs, I would choose a flight around Denali ( without Glacier landing) over the dog sledding on a glacier by helicopter. If the weather looks promising, you could contact Talkeetna Air Taxi when they open on the day you land ( maybe get breakfast while you wait).

http://www.talkeetnaair.com

Ask if they can accommodate you on a flight at a suitable time that day. I would choose the Grand Denali which goes clear around the mountain. I did that years ago (when I worked in .Denali) and it was amazing.

It is only about two hours up to Talkeetna so you could easily get there. Or if that doesn't work out, ask to book a flight for the following morning again depending on weather, but they will know what is expected). Either way you would spend the first night in Talkeetna. It is much more "Alaskan" in feel than the city of Anchorage.

Then spend the remaining three nights divided between Girdwood ( for the dog mushing if you didn't get a flightsee trip around Denali) and Seward ( for the glacier cruise).

Homer is very nice but it is a very long drive across a barren-looking area once you pass Kenai Lake. Even when you get near the coast the road is not all that close for views, although there are a few viewpoints you can stop at.

Homer is known for better weather, the Homer Spit, art galleries, nice restaurants, and general friendliness, it there are no boat trips like the glacier and wildlife cruises you can take from Seward. You can take a boat across Kachemak Bay and go sea kayaking, or go the the Saltery Restaurant at Halibut Cove. And you "might" be able to take a bear-viewing flight trip from there, but somehow I think May is not the right time to see the bears.

All in all I would say Seward, or Seward plus Girdwood, is a better choice for the last three days of such a short trip. If the Alyeska tram is running you can ride up for great views. We have hiked up several times, and every time we have been to Alayeska we have seen moose (usually near Virgin Creek Falls, not near the tram).

It all depends on what you hope to see, and how well the weather cooperates.

Thanks for the advice!

I thought of that flightseeing from Talkneeta too but then I figured if I was going to spend that much money might as well go dog sledding at the same time! haha

but i could be wrong. Maybe the sightseeing of Denali is better than Dog sledding/ helicopter on a mountain top?

Some travelers warned me that in May Denali was all brown and not worth seeing. Not sure if a flight around the area would not be as fantastic then if it's all brown as someone previously mentioned.

I cannot believe how expensive the flight tours are for only like 1-2 hours :(. I don't mind the splurge if it was a bit longer!

also for your suggestion of spending the remaining three nights divided between Girdwood ( for the dog mushing if you didn't get a flightsee trip around Denali) and Seward ( for the glacier cruise).

Girdwood for dog mushing would be without snow obviously? So it would be the wilderness version?

I am told for May there is not snow most likely and the Northern lights will not be available.

Yes, the tundra of Denali is all brown in May. I told you that last night. But flightseeing around Denali is different. You are in the world of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and ice. It is amazing. You can view photos on the website to see what it looks like and decide if that appeals to you.

As for the Girdwood dog-sledding, it can be on a glacier, in snow, with a helicopter. Like this:

https://www.alyeskaresort.com/events-activities/summer-glacier-dog-sledding

It is very expensive and in my view not worth it. But perhaps it is important to you, so would be worth it.

As for Northern Lights, no you will not see them in May. I told you that earlier too. It does not get dark enough to see them in late spring through summer. If that is what draws you to Alaska, you need to go now through mid-March, to Fairbanks, IF the solar wind conditions are producing good auroras. Or go in early September, when tourist activities are still going on, and there is a (very slight) chance of an Aurora as well.

So far my plan is

May 23 fly at 11pm arrive
May 24 4am plus get car rental and stay in talkneeta
May 25 anchorage and do Girdwood and Turnagain Arm / explore (possibly do anchorage dog sled ) OR skip anchorage entirely and head straight to seward
May 26 seward
May 27 seward
May 28 fly back LAX at 11pm so be at airport in anchorage by 9pm ish

So my option in Seward I am considering is this
https://www.vrbo.com/927257

However it is by water taxi $65 RT

It would be very secluded and amazing I could do 2 days there and 1 day in regular Seward Airbnb to do other activities

Does anyone think I’ll be missing out on seward activities if I do this?

Whales / wildlife available sometimes if kayaking at the vrbo so I don’t have to maybe do whale watching

Glacier tour? Dog wilderness sledding if I don’t do the helicopter version?

Your plan is realistic in terms of driving time and number of stops. And that VRBO cabin does look amazing.

With the two nights there, you should plan on a third night in Seward so you can do a glacier/wildlife cruise. For many these cruises are the main reason to visit Seward. That cabin is on Resurrection Bay where you will not see tidewater glaciers. And depending where on Resurrection Bay, you may or may not see orcas from the kayak. Your late May dates are probably past the grey whale migration dates.

In late May this 6-hour cruise runs:

https://majormarine.com/tour/6-hour-kenai-fjords-national-park-cruise/

It leaves Resurrection Bay to visit Holgate Glacier, and passes a sea lion area ( rocks) and orca feeding grounds (where we saw a pod feeding) on the way. But of course the orcas may be somewhere else that day, so no guarantees. Still, the glacier will stay put and you would see that.

I strongly urge you to try the TripAdvisor Alaska forum for advice. There are several experts there who are very good at helping with Itineraries. And they are very friendly. I am certainly not an expert on Alaska, especially the Seward area, and our travel style and goals are very different from yours. It would be well worth your time to register and ask for opinions/advice there. Or at least read through and look for similar Itineraries.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28923-i349-Alaska.html

Hi I did try your advice and posted on TripAdvisor not sure if they will be as helpful

:)

Ok, I see your post. Do not be discouraged. AKStafford is not one of the helpful ones. I think livingnin Wasilla might make him grumpy.

Hopefully sdpryde or Maple-Marshmallow will be along soon. She is particularly good with Seward area activities.

Maybe I will post there to say I was the one who suggested Talkeetna, for flightseeing. (It also happens to be an interesting town, kind of "old Alaska." Would you mind? It would bring your post back to the top where it will be seen more.

Yea please! I would love the help!

Especially before bookings actually charge me a cancellation fee :)

I can still cancel the talkneeta the booking by tomorrow for free.

Did you see the Airbnb link I sent?

I consider myself an expert on Alaska. Ask away! I’ve lived and travelled and worked in tourism in this state for 16 years.

Diveloonie!

I would love your help!

I am thinking of starting at talkneeta overnight stay

Do you think it’s worth it to go there and drive to Denali ? Or skip it?

Then I will either stay once anchorage a night or go straight to seward

I am also thinking of doing 2 nights here

https://www.vrbo.com/927257

DiveLoonie,

Do you think going to Talkneeta for a stay overnight / exploring / hiking/ possible Denali mountains viewing (Or flightsee tour if i decide not to do the helicopter dog sled glacier tour because I can’t only afford one! ) would still be worth it?

Possibly cut out my stay in anchorage overnight and go straight from talkneeta to seward
2 night stay at the Lodging by water taxi for a really secluded unique adventure (new to me since we never do secluded things)

And maybe one night Airbnb in seward so we can do some regular seward exploring / activities (this is only If I cut out anchorage and go straight to seward)

Would it still be worth it for me to see Turnagain Arm and Girdwood?

BTW

Does anyone have any experience with Seward's Helicopter Tours or Seavey's Tours ?

So both operate Helicopter dog sledding tours

Seward does it at Godwin's Glacier
Seavey does it at Punchbowl

Is one Glacier better than the other to view? Any input would be great :)

My understanding is that a dog sledding excursion and flightseeing trip are your top priorities. You certainly don't have to go to Seward or Girdwood for those. Check out Knik River Lodge, which is about 20 miles outside of Anchorage. They do dog sledding and helicopter landings on glaciers.

Their glacier landing by helicopter is $359.00 verus the Alyeska one for over $500.

I would probably not go to Denali so early in the season.

Talkeetna is a wonderful, quirky Alaskan town. Would be good for a two night stay. You could do hiking and a flightseeing trip over Denali, which in my opinion, is amazing!
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Oh and I checked out that cabin rental, just be aware, the bathroom may be an outhouse. If you are ok with that great, some people would not be. I was not sure in looking at the site, so I would ask the owner.

Good to know. I will skip the wilderness dog sled!

You are right the Airbnb bathroom is outside since I was only planning to stay a day and hang around the town/ kayak/ hike and possibly drive somewhere that has a nearby view of Denali I didn’t think it would be a big deal :).

I did see the dog sledding tour 20 miles from anchorage but when I checked I remember the pricing was the same. I will have to double check this!

Not sure if there’s an advantage to going to one glacier over the other but punchbowl glacier which is where Seaveys goes and Godwin glacier is where Seward Helicopter tours goes...

I also think my Talkeetna Airbnb has the bathroom out back too lol. I just need a place with a mirror to do makeup and I am good :D

https://abnb.me/EVmg/7VMBhctB3J

Regarding the vrbo rental which is at ressurection bay. Do you have any input on that or maybe something you might want to put into perspective for me? :D

I was worried if I stayed at the Fox Bin for 2 nights on the secluded area we might miss out on some Seward town / Seward activities. But after reading about the activities in seward most people do

Kenai Fjord National Park
exit Glacier hike maybe 90 mins?
Whale watching tours for about $100 pp (no guarantee of seeing a whale!)
Wilderness sledding (won’t do this)
Various other hikes / fishing

When I looked into this and factored in the staying at the VRBO Fox bin I figured I would be able to catch some wildlife and possibly see hump back whales / orcas/ dolphins / sea lions etc as various reviews mentioned they saw them or while kayaking.

Plus the view looks breathtaking and there is a waterfall hike/ fishing etc we can do.

Considering I plan to do the exit glacier hike and maybe visit the Kenai Park on the day I stay in seward city (will book 1 night stay at an Airbnb and NOT STAY overnight once anchorage as originally planned). Will I Be missing on all seward has too offer by secluding myself at Resurrection Bay?

Please suggest any other highlights for a visit in seward I might have overlooked :) please!

Anyone know if anything important thigns to see/ visit in Seward town/ city are closed on Sundays?

Many visitors go to the SeaLife Center. Its true you may see some wildlife from your secluded cabin. But, you will not see tidewater glaciers calving. If you do the exit glacier hike, yes you will see a glacier. That might be good enough for you. Seward is very small and in Alaska, its all about the natural beauty and wildlife. There are very few city amenities. So no, you are not missing out on Seward town activities, unless you love trinket shopping.

Is there any where else you recommend I allocate some time?

I am doing 2 nights Seward ressurection bay
1 night talkneeta
1 night was suppose to be for anchorage or Seward town area

Decided to cut out anchorage
Do seward for the Kenai Park / exit glacier

Homer is a bit far.

Open to any suggestions before I lock in my bookings :)

So you have one more night? I would add on a night in Seward or Talkeetna.