June 2004, 14 day Trip Help
 

In process of finalizing trip.We would,(grandpa/ma 68,grandson 15) appreciate any help. Took cruise and post land in 1997.Plan to purchase Milepost or Bells Alaska.
Anchorage,(1)(2 days at end)Rent car
Denali,(2)early trip to Eielson, flightsee
Chena Hot Springs,(1)Relax in spring
Dawson City,(1)
Whitehorse,(1)train to Skagway,bus back
Haines Junction,(1)
Tok,(1)
Girdwood,(1)Eat at top of tram
Seward,(2)Kenai Fjord tour+ buffet,Sea Life Center,Exit/Portage/Byron glaciers
Anchorage,(2)Native Heritage Center,
Suggestions: B&B($70/125), Hotels/Inns, etc.(80/150), Where to eat, Tours/Sidetrips,Raft ride CL 2/3,What to book early(+90days),Skip Dawson City/others replace with?, Should we reverse trip Anc, Seward, Whitehorse, Denali, etc? Thanks

The first thing I'd do is cut out Dawson City and Whitehorse. That's one amazing amount of driving to do for no reason. Those are places that are simply stopping points for those making the long driving trip up from the lower 48 or Canada. Whitehorse was one of the biggest dumps I've ever seen, just a hundred strip motels to take care of all the drivers passing through. While Dawson City was kind of fun, I don't consider it worth the effort to get there.

If you want, I guess you could go to Haines and Skagway, but I wouldn't with your limited time. I'd concentrate on Anchorage, Denali, and south to spend a lot more time on the Kenaii peninsula. If you want to cover more, you could go as far as Kennicott, or Palmer areas, or Valdez, but I wouldn't venture any further. You're going to spend a lot more time driving that anything else, and in my opinion once you leave those areas I've mentioned, the driving isn't even very scenic.

I agree with Patrick, you have way to much time in transit rather than at attractions. Whitehorse- Fairbanks is the least scenice portion of driving, and if intent on history- fly to Dawson City from Fairbanks. Unless you plan to add a week this plan is to much travel. Definately get The MILEPOST- it is a necessary reference.

Thanks Patrick & Budget Queen. We have already cut out Dawson City. Wife feels this is last trip to Alaska and wants to take train from Whitehorse to Skagway and return by Bus. I will request more when we decide further. Thanks again.

There is NO train Whitehorse - Skagway. And only a twice a week train Skagway- Lake Bennett.- and you want only the Saturday steam train- if you are going that far.