It's not summertime yet, but it sure feels like spring outside. With the longer days and warmer temperatures, Alaskans are getting anxious to see the sights around the state. In fact, some operators already are showing off the best of Alaska. Others are starting to roll out some early-season deals in May, including the airlines. Plus, there are several travel shows coming up later this month so you can get the latest information for summer adventures.
Down in Seward, two companies are getting ready for the annual migration of gray whales. In spring, the whales swim by the opening of Resurrection Bay. This is an intermediate stop from their winter home in Baja, California, to the Bering Sea.
Major Marine Tours has a "Spring Fever" package, which includes a four-hour cruise on the "Orca Song." Overnight accommodations at the Harbor 360 Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn Express), as well as admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center. The package starts at $99 per person, double occupancy (midweek). The rate goes up to $109 in April and $119 in May. Taxes and fees are additional. The Gray Whale Watch cruises operate between March 18 and May 15, 2016. Call 907-274-7300 for reservations.
You don't have to stay at the hotel to get the cruise. But since the cruise itself is $84 per person ($42 for kids), why not spend the night?
Kenai Fjords Tours also offers a Gray Whale Watch Tour, for as little as $89 per person ($44.50 for kids). Kenai Fjords Tours also includes a lunch on board, as well as a ticket to the Alaska SeaLife Center. The cruises operate Fridays and Saturdays between March 25 and April 16, then daily from April 22 to May 19.
Overnight packages are available with the Hotel Seward, from $129 per person, double. Call 877-777-4051.
Farther south in Homer, Land's End Resort is open year-round and features an overnight "Getaway" package for $139 per couple. The price includes accommodations and dinner for two at the resort's restaurant, "The Chart Room." I can't think of a single reason not to go to Homer on any given day. However, if you want to go during the Winter King Salmon Tournament on March 19, you're out of luck. Those rooms were booked awhile back. This special is available until May 11, which is the day before the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival starts. Call 800-478-0400.
Looking north, have you noticed how many days you're able to see Denali? From Talkeetna, the view is even more striking. Talkeetna Air Taxi offers year-round flightseeing and glacier landings, weather permitting.
K2 Aviation also offers flightseeing tours from Talkeetna in the winter and spring. The rates for two people traveling together start at $220 per person, It's best to call in advance for weather conditions and reservations (907-733-2291).
Up in Fairbanks, it's still winter. There's snow on the ground and the BP World Ice Art Championships are in full swing. If you haven't been to the ice park, it's worth a trip to Fairbanks just to see it. Take the Alaska Railroad's "Aurora Winter Train" northbound on Saturday or Tuesday, returning on Sunday or Wednesday. The extra mid-week departure is available through Wednesday, March 30. Fly back home on either Alaska Airlines or Ravn Alaska. The ice park is open through March 27.
Down at Alyeska Resort, they're celebrating winter, too. That's especially true at the top of the mountain. Mountain marketing manager Ben Napolitano boasted that they've received 703 inches so far this winter. So, after the Spring Break rush finishes on March 20, Alyeska is offering a "Stay and Ski Free Midweek Package" for skiers who arrive Sunday-Thursday in March. During April, the deal is available on any day. Each adult in the room receives a free lift ticket. Room nights start at $159 per night.
If you're looking for early-season specials, check out the five Princess lodges around the state. All of them have much lower room rates in May. A special $99.95 nightly rate is available at the Copper River Princess (near Glennallen), the Mt. McKinley Princess (up the road from the Talkeetna turnoff where the Parks Highway crosses the Chulitna River at Milepost 133) and the Denali Princess, near the entry to Denali National Park. For $119.95, you can book an early-season stay at the Fairbanks Princess or the Kenai Princess in Cooper Landing.
Several weekend shows are scheduled this month for travelers and adventurers to learn more about summer fun around the state.
1. The Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show, March 18-20 at the Curtis Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. The show features more than 175 exhibitors, including many from the Mat-Su area. Admission is $5. There's a gun show, an archery range and seminars by local experts. Boats, campers, RVs and ATVs are on display. Look for lots of fishing charters, outdoor and adventure outfitters.
2. The Alaska Summer Showcase, March 26 at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. (Disclosure: I am the producer of this event.) This one-day event features 29 exhibitors, including travel and adventure companies designed to "Jump-start your summer." There's live music (the Hannah Yoter Band), a Heritage Center dance presentation and a food truck rodeo. There's more than $20,000 in travel prizes including Alaska Air tickets, adventure packages and flightseeing. Admission is $8 in advance on Eventbrite, or $10 at the door.
3. The Great Alaska Sportsman Show, March 31-April 3 at the Sullivan and Ben Boeke arenas. This is the biggest show! There are more than 500 exhibitors offering show-only specials on ATVs, RVs, outdoor equipment and adventure trips. Both of my kids caught their first fish at the Fishing Pond. There's also an archery range and more than 100 free seminars during the four-day show. One-time admission is $11, or $15.50 for multiday admission. There is a free shuttle operated by Premier Alaska Tours from the midtown Wal-Mart and from the Northway Mall.
Early-season airfare specials work both ways: you can bring your friends and relatives north, or you can head south. Here are some of the best deals right now:
Anchorage-Seattle: $156.50 roundtrip on JetBlue and Delta between May 5 and June 30. The best fares are available on red-eye flights.
Anchorage-Portland : $156.50 roundtrip on JetBlue between May 12 and June 27. Delta also is offering nonstop service four days a week, starting May 14. On Delta's nonstops, which operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, the price also is $156.50 through June 26.
Anchorage-Los Angeles/LAX: $257 roundtrip on Delta between May 1 and May 13. But from April 3-May 25, Alaska Air offers a $266 roundtrip fare.
Anchorage-Long Beach: $197 roundtrip nonstop on JetBlue between May 13 and June 8.
Anchorage-Boise: $265 roundtrip on Alaska Air, between May 7 and May 27.
Anchorage-Phoenix: $319 roundtrip nonstop on American Airlines between April 3 and May 5.
Anchorage-Sacramento: $268 roundtrip on Delta between May 5 and June 24.
Anchorage-Denver: $294 roundtrip on Delta between May 5 and May 25.
Anchorage-Las Vegas: $238 roundtrip on Delta between May 5 and June 24.
Anchorage-San Jose, California: $257 roundtrip on Delta between May 7 and May 21.
Juneau-Seattle: $142 roundtrip on either Alaska or Delta, starting March 17.
Fairbanks-Seattle: $258 roundtrip on Delta or Alaska, starting April 2.
Sitka-Seattle: $132 roundtrip on Delta, nonstop, starting May 21.
Ketchikan-Seattle: $142 roundtrip on Alaska Air, starting March 31.
All fares are subject to change without notice. Seats may not be available on every flight. Source: Google's ITA Matrix Airfare Search, Delta.com and AlaskaAir.com.