cloudsurfer

I have the opportunity to attend a conference in Anchorage from April 5-7. I'd like to get to Alaska a few days before the conference begins. Any suggestions on other places to visit, places to stay, method of transporation and how many days to add onto my itinerary?
Thanks!

jaydreb5

I would recommend that you take a day cruise out of either Whittier (Prince William Sound) or Seward (Kenai Fjords). You will see lots of glaciers and remarkable wildlife. This can be a day trip from Anchorage, and you can get to either place by train or by renting a car. The drive (as well as the train ride) from Anchorage to Seward is spectacular. If you had an extra day or two you could further explore the Kenai peninsula and make your way to Homer, which is at the tip. From Homer you can go halibut fishing and/or bear viewing.

If you had several days you could go to Denali Nat'l Park, which is about 5 - 6 hour drive north of Anchorage (also accessible by train from Anchorage, I believe). If your time is limited, however, you could drive (or take train) to Talkeetna and then take a flight-seeing tour and see Denali itself (aka Mt. McKinley).

Wildflower

The Denali road will be closed in April. Also you won't be able to go bear watching (they are still asleep)or halibut fishing but there are so many activities around Anchorge to keep you busy for many days. Alyeska Hotel in Girdwood is a great place for outdoor activities. Do you ski? I agree with jaydreb5 about Kenai Peninsula but you need to remember that in April the road from/to Homer is sometimes closed because of avalanches or floods. When you get to Anchorage go to visitors office and ask for suggestions. They will tell you about conditions for traveling. This April may be completely different in Alaska as there is not much snow especially around Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula.
Have fun

akvisnet

Tourist season begins May 15 according to wishfull thinkers who are going for the bump in rates.

Until then, you might not find many places open for tours, trips, etc.

Exceptions to the rule would be some of the day cruises like Renown and Kenai Fjords that operate year round. And, well worth the $100.00 or so you might spend.

The drive to Seward is always scenic.... unless you're in a whiteout.

Alyeska Ski Resort might be operating in April but I'm not sure. The winter has been very strange thus far.

If the musk ox farm is open, that's worth a visit too...... while driving up to view the Matanuska Glacier.

If the weather is like it is today, you are going to be awestruck by the scenery.

If you are coming from the east coast, plan a week. You are going to endure a 4 hour time change, might as well make it worthwhile. You'll find plenty to do.

Bear watching won't be an option, unless this warm winter drives them from the den early. But, a flightsee of Denali can be made from Anchorage or Talkeetna.

cloudsurfer

Thanks so much for everyone's advice. I assume that the trains, buses and tours from Anchorage to Seward and/or Kenai Peninsula are not running at this time of year and I'll have to rent a car? Are the roads well-maintained on the Seward Highway? I don't have alot of experience driving in snow and ice! How often are there avalanche or whiteout conditions at this time of year???

akvisnet

You'll be fine Cloud. Rent a 4X4. If weather is that bad, stay in town, but so far, it has been an extrordinarily warm winter.

Hiroshi

I had an interesting visit to Nome. You have to fly there. Alaska Airlines has regular air fares and escorted tours. One goes there to see a frontier town and a former gold rush town.

If you rent a truck there, if you make a reservation for some time after the office closes, they will leave the keys (if you ask) with the airline and ask you to come to the rental office in the morning. They don't worry that you will steal the truck. This is how Nome is different from the rest of America!

cloudsurfer

Thanks so much for all your advice- it was REALLY helpful and I had a wonderful time! I ended up going to Seward, Homer and Girdwood for 4 days before returning to Anchorage for the conference.