Maudie

Hi everyone,
We are two Aussie couples just starting to plan our trip to Canada and Alaska, roughly dividing up for 2 weeks in each destination.

Canada would be Vancouver, Vancouver Island and a self drive through Jasper, Banff etc.
For Alaska we are thinking of taking the AMH from Bellingham to Juneau staying for a few days then flying into Anchorage for a week of site seeing which would include Denali.

However before we make any further plans we need to decide on the time of year, do we see Canada first then Alaska or the other way around? We were thinking of last two weeks in Ausgust, first two weeks in Sept but are open to any suggestions. We would really appreciate your guidance. I am also posting this on the Canadian forum.

Many thanks.

Bill_H

We were thinking of last two weeks in Ausgust, first two weeks in Sept but are open to any suggestions

Last week of Aug and first week of Sept is the best time for Denali ... tundra is changing to peak fall colors, the big game animals are more easily seen as bears feed in blueberry patches near the road and moose & caribou are getting ready for the fall rut.

However mid-Sept is also a great time for Banff etc as the elk are nearing the rut.

So basically it's hard to hit the peak time at both areas in a 4 week span (Denali hotels etc begin to shut down soon after the first week of Sept, for example).

If combining these I'd probably hit Alaska for the first two weeks, with Denali the last week in August, then Canada next, saving Banff and Jasper for the last week. This would give you the best wildlife sightings.

If you're not all that wild about viewing wildlife then it wouldn't matter as much and what you have planned is fine.

Maudie

Thank you Bill_H for your advice, it's really appreciated I can assure you!

Denali with the fall colours would be perfect, that's a great suggestion. Also thanks for letting me know about the hotels in Denali shutting down, that is something to keep in mind.

I know it's hard to pick the ideal time for both but I think your idea sounds pretty good, that is more or less what we were thinking too. I have read so much it all starts to go round and round.

Now we can start sorting out an itinerary - I am sure you will be seeing many more posts from me!

Thanks again.

emalloy

Bill has given some good advice and going to Alaska first is a good suggestion.

Have a great trip.

Maudie

Thanks for confirming the timing, emalloy. I am sure we will have a terrific trip but now it's heads down to work on the itinerary.

jnjfraz

Timing advice is great.

Some amazing places in southeast Alaska are:
Glacier Bay and Sitka

Maudie

I have added those to the "must see" list, thanks.

rncheryl

Agree with the recommendations. We have been in Alaska in late August with wonderful weather, and in Alberta in early September.

One suggestion for your excursion in Banff/Jasper. THis is a GPS that plays recorded historical/commentary about the area you are driving thru in real time. The web site explains it better than I can:

http://www.gypsyguide.com/Canada/

Maudie

Thanks so much, rncheryl, what a great idea that guide is.

Fingers crossed that the weather will be kind to us as well.