Ways to get to Alaska 

Airline travel is one of the most inexpensive ways to reach Alaska. Alaska Airlines has flights throughout the U.S. The Alaska Highway often referred to as the Alaska Highway or simply the Alcan is another popular method of getting to Alaska. The Alaska Highway provides a great Alaska tour in itself. Opportunities for wildlife viewing abound. If you plan on driving the Alaska Highway, make sure to pick up a copy of the Alaska Milepost magazine. The Milepost offers a comprehensive guide on driving the Alcan. The Marine Highway, otherwise known as the Alaska Inside Passage provides a relaxing Alaska Cruise. There are many cruise ship providers such as Princess Cruises that also provide transportation to Alaska.  

What to wear and bring

As a rule you need to dress in layers when you come to Alaska and don't forget your sunglasses. Even in wintertime, Alaska can have bright sunlight, and compounded with the snow is can be almost blinding. Other items not to be forgotten are a camera and binoculars.

Important Travel Tip Precautions while traveling in the Alaskan wilderness

Be cautious around wildlife. The first thing to remember is that the "wild" in wildlife isn't an arbitrary distinction. These animals are not tame and are not in a zoo. They roam free in their natural habitat and sometimes they roam free in yours. It isn't uncommon for a moose to be strolling down a residential street looking for a tree to prune. Wild animals in Alaska can be dangerous if they are provoked. They are also extremely protective of their young (especially bears), so animals who have calves, cubs or some other kind of young, should be viewed at a good distance and with extreme caution. Most Alaskans would not consider traveling in the bush without carrying a firearm or being with someone who does. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for more details.

Alaska is home to brown bear, black bear and polar bear. Bear viewing opportunities are available almost anywhere in the state. For bear facts and bear viewing information visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center website  and select Bear Facts or Bear Viewing off the menu.

Important Travel Tip Fishing & Hunting Licenses

Non-resident fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased just about anywhere from the corner store to the local supermarket to any outdoor center and, sometimes, right on-board your charter vessel. Or you can purchase your fishing license online.

Important Travel Tip Crossing the Border

U.S. and Canadian residents must carry passports OR a certified copy of their birth certificate with current photo identification issued by a government agency (state I.D. card, driver's license, military I.D.) to travel through Canada and Alaska.

Identification is required for all minors traveling in your party. Minors under the age of 14 are not required to show a government-issued I.D.

Persons under 18 years of age, not accompanied by their parents, should carry a letter from their parents granting permission to travel to Canada.

If you are driving through Canada, be prepared to show proof of liability insurance and your vehicle's registration or rental papers.

You can take your dog or cat through Canada with proof of a current rabies vaccination. Inquire ahead regarding permits for other animals or birds.

Public Transportation

Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan operate public transportation systems.

Important Travel Tip Firearms

You may carry firearms for protection or hunting in Alaska with proper permits.

Airline passengers must declare their firearms and check them as baggage.

Adults (18+) may take non-prohibited firearms into Canada for a lawful purpose. There are more restrictions on handguns than hunting rifles and shotguns.

Visitors must declare their firearms on a special form and pay a fee of $50 Canadian. For more information, visit the Canadian Firearms Centre website or contact them at (800) 731-4000.

Unloaded rifles may be mailed to Alaska - if sent to a federal firearms licensee (be sure to check with the U.S. Postal Service for shipping requirements).

Mailing handguns or ammunition is prohibited. For further information, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms at (907) 271-5701.