Safe for female travelling alone to Alaska in early November?
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:20 AM
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Safe for female travelling alone to Alaska in early November?
Hello!
Im a first-timer here and Im hoping you kind folks can help me out.
Im travelling all the way from Sydney to Fairbanks & Anchorage for about 9 days in early November (its the only time of year I could take off work so ill be spending 12 days in Canada then head up north to Alaska).
My main reason to visit is to view the Northern lights and try dog-sledding and of course take in the beautiful landscapes as its extremely different than Australia.
At first I was super excited about my getaway but now I keep hearing that Alaska "shutdown in winter" - so Im starting to have doubts about my decision..
My questions are:
1) Does everything shut down in Anchorage and Fairbanks? Will it be a ghost town?
2) Are there any tour companies you can suggest that are still operating at that time of year? (I wont be driving and so am hoping to link in to a couple tour groups for day trips)
3) Is it safe for a female to travel alone?
Any tips and advise would be gratefully appreciated!
Thanks heaps,
Laura
Im a first-timer here and Im hoping you kind folks can help me out.
Im travelling all the way from Sydney to Fairbanks & Anchorage for about 9 days in early November (its the only time of year I could take off work so ill be spending 12 days in Canada then head up north to Alaska).
My main reason to visit is to view the Northern lights and try dog-sledding and of course take in the beautiful landscapes as its extremely different than Australia.
At first I was super excited about my getaway but now I keep hearing that Alaska "shutdown in winter" - so Im starting to have doubts about my decision..
My questions are:
1) Does everything shut down in Anchorage and Fairbanks? Will it be a ghost town?
2) Are there any tour companies you can suggest that are still operating at that time of year? (I wont be driving and so am hoping to link in to a couple tour groups for day trips)
3) Is it safe for a female to travel alone?
Any tips and advise would be gratefully appreciated!
Thanks heaps,
Laura
Sep 22nd, 2014, 02:07 AM
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And here is a little more info on the Northern Lights - which my wife did get a glimpse of - one night when it was clear.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weath...n-lights_x.htm
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weath...n-lights_x.htm
Sep 22nd, 2014, 02:20 AM
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I think there are many independent female adventurers in AK. Anchorage is a big city and so is Fairbanks so they won't be shut down but don't expect certain museums and tourist attractions to be open. I tried a quick google and found this which includes a couple of possibilities for you to have a mushing experience
http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/dog-sledding
The good thing about going during cold season is you probably have more opportunities to mush and hopefully on snow.
There does not seem to be any races prior to Jan 1 where you might be able to volunteer. In NH, we have enjoyed being on trail crew for a local race. Not hard, log teams at check points or road crossing guards. Suggest you read Anchorage Daily News on-line for ideas and what is happening during your visit.
http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/dog-sledding
The good thing about going during cold season is you probably have more opportunities to mush and hopefully on snow.
There does not seem to be any races prior to Jan 1 where you might be able to volunteer. In NH, we have enjoyed being on trail crew for a local race. Not hard, log teams at check points or road crossing guards. Suggest you read Anchorage Daily News on-line for ideas and what is happening during your visit.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 10:50 AM
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Anchorage has 250k people. It's too large to shut down.
Fairbanks is not a big city. It's reputedly dull (we skipped it on our trip). And in the offseason, that would be worse.
Plus, it's really cold: average high of 10F (-11C) in November, average low -5F (-20C) and average snowfall over 30cm. There is nothing in an Aussie experience that compares.
Fairbanks is not a big city. It's reputedly dull (we skipped it on our trip). And in the offseason, that would be worse.
Plus, it's really cold: average high of 10F (-11C) in November, average low -5F (-20C) and average snowfall over 30cm. There is nothing in an Aussie experience that compares.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 11:12 AM
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I went to Anchorage and Fairbanks as a solo female in February. While it is very cold and dark by November (I would imagine), it doesn't shut down. If you like skiing, Alyeska might be open by Anchorage. it is a great ski resort and I think you can take some form of public transportation. A friend of mine lives in Anchorage and takes people out on tours in addition to her day job as a lawyer, to Denali and other local sights. I can ask her for recommendations of tour guides.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 11:42 AM
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Let me say that I was in Anchorage for a few days in early April, and I recall feeling all the while that the 250K town played like a town of 50K for all of that time.
Now it won't truly shut down (as might some tourists-only town during the off season) ... but it would be wrong to envision November Anchorage to be the thriving destination of 250K people that you likely envision.
ON the bright side, the wintery weather will make the nearby photography and sights quite impressive, and everywhere you go in Alaska affords you great natural scenery.
Note that Fairbanks is much smaller than Anchorage, and farther north as well, so it could fall victim to whatever the winter weather brings, and might seem inhospitable to a traveler from afar.
I know of no particular reasons why a woman couldn't/shouldn't travel alone to those places, but, if you're not going to be driving, you'd better hinge the whole plan on whether or not you can indeed secure tour buses to take you various places.
For example... Anchorage to the town of Seward is a brilliant small day trip for anybody, be it by car or by tour group. The scenic drive is great, and the area around Seward is picturesque.
But... I just... don't know how to really communicate that when you combine the strong probability of cold weather with the fact that you aren't intending to be driving, and the fact that Anchorage's 250K population will play like 50K or less... you might have cause to reconsider.
Now of course you have to reason that when (and where) ELSE will you have a chance to see the Northern Lights??
But just... look around your own world, and envision a city of 50,000 people... and then imagine yourself going there, during very cold winter months, and trying to enjoy it without driving. Of course you have to consider that town as if you'd never seen it before - which may prove challenging.
The population of Fairbanks is said to be 32,312, and it could so easily play like a town of 6000.
The average high temp for Fairbanks on November 1 is about MINUS 7 Celcius.
NOW IF you told me you would be able/willing to rent a car in the Anchorage area, and take your own side trips to Seward and other spots, then I would feel more confident about your gaining a lot from such a trip. (the self-guided scenic tours are everywhere, and you don't even have to study-up to find great natural scenery)
I can see your winging-it in Fairbanks, perhaps only with some organized dog-sledding activity, and some organized Northern Lights viewing. But if in Fairbanks, and not driving... you wake up in your hotel, and some random museum or other such thing you heard of is but "6 blocks away"... and the weather outside is like few experiences you've ever had... then just how much are you likely to gain from such a trip?
Now it won't truly shut down (as might some tourists-only town during the off season) ... but it would be wrong to envision November Anchorage to be the thriving destination of 250K people that you likely envision.
ON the bright side, the wintery weather will make the nearby photography and sights quite impressive, and everywhere you go in Alaska affords you great natural scenery.
Note that Fairbanks is much smaller than Anchorage, and farther north as well, so it could fall victim to whatever the winter weather brings, and might seem inhospitable to a traveler from afar.
I know of no particular reasons why a woman couldn't/shouldn't travel alone to those places, but, if you're not going to be driving, you'd better hinge the whole plan on whether or not you can indeed secure tour buses to take you various places.
For example... Anchorage to the town of Seward is a brilliant small day trip for anybody, be it by car or by tour group. The scenic drive is great, and the area around Seward is picturesque.
But... I just... don't know how to really communicate that when you combine the strong probability of cold weather with the fact that you aren't intending to be driving, and the fact that Anchorage's 250K population will play like 50K or less... you might have cause to reconsider.
Now of course you have to reason that when (and where) ELSE will you have a chance to see the Northern Lights??
But just... look around your own world, and envision a city of 50,000 people... and then imagine yourself going there, during very cold winter months, and trying to enjoy it without driving. Of course you have to consider that town as if you'd never seen it before - which may prove challenging.
The population of Fairbanks is said to be 32,312, and it could so easily play like a town of 6000.
The average high temp for Fairbanks on November 1 is about MINUS 7 Celcius.
NOW IF you told me you would be able/willing to rent a car in the Anchorage area, and take your own side trips to Seward and other spots, then I would feel more confident about your gaining a lot from such a trip. (the self-guided scenic tours are everywhere, and you don't even have to study-up to find great natural scenery)
I can see your winging-it in Fairbanks, perhaps only with some organized dog-sledding activity, and some organized Northern Lights viewing. But if in Fairbanks, and not driving... you wake up in your hotel, and some random museum or other such thing you heard of is but "6 blocks away"... and the weather outside is like few experiences you've ever had... then just how much are you likely to gain from such a trip?
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:01 PM
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If you google winter tours Alaska, you will find that there are some tours. Not sure about all the envisioning a town of 50,000. There are lots of things to do even in towns smaller than that. It will be cold, no doubt about that.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:27 PM
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Anchorage is between 250,000 and 300,000 and there's always 250,000 people here. It is far from crowded, thus I don't consider it a big city. It feels like a big town to me (I've lived in Boston, Tampa area, Vancouver, etc.) It does have all of the amenities of a big city though. It won't be shut down. Fairbanks is a little over 30,000. It has a great university there. It will be cold there and there will likely be snow. It also won't be a ghost town. It is also far more likely to see NLs outside of Fairbanks than Anchorage (due to ANC having so much ambient lighting and far cloudier skies).
"shutdown"...
Most tour operators do close down (e.g. no glacier cruises &/or expeditions, very limited Denali access, etc.)
In early November we may not have snow in ANC (though I suspect this year we will). "Elevation" will have snow (including any mountain passes that must be driven through). Unless you are in an active storm, these passes are well kept.
All cities and towns in AK have crime (like anywhere else in the world). My wife has never been unsafe or felt unsafe anywhere in AK.
Look at a map (it's big and sparsely populated). Get an idea of what towns you want to visit and search them to see what activities are available.
Good luck
"shutdown"...
Most tour operators do close down (e.g. no glacier cruises &/or expeditions, very limited Denali access, etc.)
In early November we may not have snow in ANC (though I suspect this year we will). "Elevation" will have snow (including any mountain passes that must be driven through). Unless you are in an active storm, these passes are well kept.
All cities and towns in AK have crime (like anywhere else in the world). My wife has never been unsafe or felt unsafe anywhere in AK.
Look at a map (it's big and sparsely populated). Get an idea of what towns you want to visit and search them to see what activities are available.
Good luck
Sep 22nd, 2014, 03:02 PM
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>
And unlike Anchorage, Fairbanks is on a plain in the middle of the state. As its name suggests, Anchorage is on the coast, which means currents that keep the temperatures from sucking too much.
As for the car issue, there's no da-n way I'd go anywhere outside a major city in the Northeast in the US (DC, Philly, NYC, Boston) without a car - you cannot get anywhere or do anything with even a modicum of convenience unless you have your own wheels (whether purchased or rented).
And unlike Anchorage, Fairbanks is on a plain in the middle of the state. As its name suggests, Anchorage is on the coast, which means currents that keep the temperatures from sucking too much.
As for the car issue, there's no da-n way I'd go anywhere outside a major city in the Northeast in the US (DC, Philly, NYC, Boston) without a car - you cannot get anywhere or do anything with even a modicum of convenience unless you have your own wheels (whether purchased or rented).
Sep 22nd, 2014, 03:24 PM
#12
Here's the winter schedule for the Alaska Railroad:
http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel...8/Default.aspx
I think the railroad is the best way to get from city to city without worrying about a storm blowing in and getting stranded in your rental car.
http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel...8/Default.aspx
I think the railroad is the best way to get from city to city without worrying about a storm blowing in and getting stranded in your rental car.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 05:41 PM
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I did this trip as a solo female for exactly the same reasons the OP states. I accomplished both = going dog sledding and seeing the aurora (and some other interesting thing).
However, I have written this TWO times tonight only to lose it before it could be posted. I don't feel like doing it again. If the OP returns and asks for details, I will share, but otherwise, I'm not going through this again. I will say that of the 20 to 30 trips I have taken since, this is the most adventure and excitement I've ever experienced.
However, I have written this TWO times tonight only to lose it before it could be posted. I don't feel like doing it again. If the OP returns and asks for details, I will share, but otherwise, I'm not going through this again. I will say that of the 20 to 30 trips I have taken since, this is the most adventure and excitement I've ever experienced.
Sep 23rd, 2014, 04:30 AM
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Yes please Wintersp! Id love to hear your holiday details, especially if you travelled during winter.
Thanks to you all above Ive tracked down a pretty cool website that has a section dedicated to winter tours. Im really impressed with it: http://www.alaskatours.com
Thank you all again
Thanks to you all above Ive tracked down a pretty cool website that has a section dedicated to winter tours. Im really impressed with it: http://www.alaskatours.com
Thank you all again
Sep 23rd, 2014, 09:36 AM
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Here's a great trip report from a traveler to AK back in Dec/2011:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...11-Alaska.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...11-Alaska.html
Sep 25th, 2014, 07:39 AM
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Anchorage on the ocean...
Don't make the mistake of thinking that Anchorage has fantastic ocean views (though when the tide is in the H2O is pretty impressive looking with the mountains). It's not the Pacific that you see along the coasts of Western US/Canada. It's really tucked in between two tidal arms (Knik and Turnagain). Yes there's salt water from the Pacific; but you half the day the water that you can see from the city is mud flats. There's virtually no pleasure boating in Anchorage and the commercial ships coming into our port are limited by a narrow channel and tides. We get the rare cruise ship (3 visits this summer I think); but all of the other cruise ships that list Anchorage as a port are busing travelers from Whittier &/or Seward.
- see google map: http://goo.gl/maps/XItWc
Anchorage = largest city...
Sitka and Juneau are over 50% larger than Anchorage
Don't make the mistake of thinking that Anchorage has fantastic ocean views (though when the tide is in the H2O is pretty impressive looking with the mountains). It's not the Pacific that you see along the coasts of Western US/Canada. It's really tucked in between two tidal arms (Knik and Turnagain). Yes there's salt water from the Pacific; but you half the day the water that you can see from the city is mud flats. There's virtually no pleasure boating in Anchorage and the commercial ships coming into our port are limited by a narrow channel and tides. We get the rare cruise ship (3 visits this summer I think); but all of the other cruise ships that list Anchorage as a port are busing travelers from Whittier &/or Seward.
- see google map: http://goo.gl/maps/XItWc
Anchorage = largest city...
Sitka and Juneau are over 50% larger than Anchorage
