10 Fun Summer Activities in Skagway, Alaska

Downtown Skagway

Hello from AVIS Alaska! We are excited to share our top ten picks for things to do in Skagway, Alaska, during the summer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this historic gold rush town.

  1. Take a scenic drive on the Klondike Highway: This iconic highway is a must-see for anyone visiting Skagway. The road winds through the mountains and offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Estimated time: 4-6 hours for the entire drive.
  2. Visit the Skagway Museum and Archives: This museum preserves the history of Skagway and the surrounding area. You can learn about the gold rush, the native Tlingit people, and the town’s role in World War II. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.r
  3. Go on a whale-watching tour: Skagway has several companies that offer guided tours. You’ll be able to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. Estimated time: 3-4 hours.
  4. Take a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route: This historic railroad takes you through the mountains and offers stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness. You can choose from several different tours and packages. Estimated time: 2-4 hours.
  5. Hike the Chilkoot Trail: This historic trail was once a major route for gold rush prospectors. Today, it’s a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys. You can choose from several different hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. Estimated time: 3-8 hours.
  6. Visit the Red Onion Saloon: This historic saloon was once famous for gold rush miners. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that offers guided tours and live entertainment. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.
  7. Explore the Dyea Historic Site: Dyea was once a bustling town during the gold rush. Today, it’s a historic site that offers guided tours and hiking trails. You can learn about the town’s history and see remnants of the gold rush era. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  8. Go kayaking in the Taiya Inlet: The Taiya Inlet offers calm waters and stunning views of the mountains and wildlife. You can rent kayaks or book a guided tour. Estimated time: 2-4 hours.
  9. Visit the Jewell Gardens: These beautiful gardens offer stunning views of the mountains and glaciers. You can also take a glassblowing class and create your souvenir to take home. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.
  10. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place for many of Skagway’s gold rush pioneers. You can take a self-guided tour and learn about the lives and stories of those buried there. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

We hope you enjoy your time in Skagway and make the most of all that this beautiful town has to offer. And remember to rent a car from AVIS Alaska to make getting around a breeze.

downtown fairbanks

10 Fun Summer Activities in Fairbanks, Alaska

downtown fairbanks

Greetings from AVIS Alaska! We are the premier car rental company in Alaska, and we are excited to help you explore all our beautiful state offers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy during the summer. Here are ten of our top picks:

  1. Visit Pioneer Park: Pioneer Park is a historic park with exhibits and buildings showcasing the history of Fairbanks and the surrounding area. You can also catch live performances and events throughout the summer. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  2. Take a scenic drive on the Steese Highway: This scenic drive takes you through the heart of the Alaskan wilderness and offers breathtaking views of the state’s natural beauty. You can stop at several scenic pullouts to take in the scenery. Estimated time: 4-6 hours for the whole drive.
  3. Go rafting on the Chena River: The Chena River is a popular spot for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. You can choose from various guided tours or rent equipment to go alone. Estimated time: 2-4 hours.
  4. Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: This center showcases the culture and heritage of Alaska’s indigenous peoples. You can learn about the state’s rich history and see authentic native artifacts. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  5. Take a scenic flightseeing tour: See Alaska’s stunning landscapes from above, and several companies offer flightseeing tours of the state. You’ll get breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife you can’t see from the ground. Estimated time: 1-3 hours.
  6. Explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North: This world-class museum is home to various exhibits showcasing Alaska’s natural and cultural history, as well as contemporary art and science. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Fairbanks. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  7. Go gold panning: Fairbanks is the heart of the Alaskan gold rush, and several companies offer gold panning tours. You’ll get to try your hand at finding gold and learn about the history of the state’s gold rush. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  8. Visit the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: This nature preserve is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers and is home to various migratory waterfowl. You can take a guided tour or go it alone and explore the trails. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  9. Take a scenic drive on the Elliott Highway: This scenic drive takes you through the heart of the Alaskan wilderness and offers breathtaking views of the state’s natural beauty. You can stop at several scenic pullouts to take in the sights. Estimated time: 4-6 hours for the complete drive.
  10. Explore the Fairbanks Ice Museum: This unique museum showcases the art and science of ice carving. You’ll see a variety of ice sculptures and learn about the history of ice carving in Alaska. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

We hope you enjoy your summer in Fairbanks and all it offers! Remember to rent a car from AVIS Alaska to make the most of your trip.

10 Fun Summer Activities in Anchorage, Alaska

Chugach state park

Welcome to AVIS Alaska! We are the premier car rental company in Anchorage, and we are excited to help you explore all that our beautiful city has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy during the summer months. Here are ten of our top picks:

  1. Hike Chugach State Park: Located just a short drive from downtown Anchorage, Chugach State Park is home to over 500 miles of trails, offering something for hikers of all levels. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and get some exercise. Estimated time: 2-6 hours, depending on the trail chosen.
  2. Visit the Anchorage Museum: This world-class museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Anchorage. It features exhibits on Alaska’s natural and cultural history, as well as contemporary art and science. Estimated time: 2-4 hours.
  3. Go salmon fishing: Alaska is known for its abundant salmon populations. So, what better way to experience it than by going fishing? You can choose to go out on a guided tour or rent equipment and go it alone. Either way, it’s a unique and exciting way to spend a summer day. Estimated time: 4-8 hours.
  4. Take a scenic flightseeing tour: Alaska’s stunning landscapes are best seen from above, and there are plenty of companies offering flightseeing tours of the state. You’ll get breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife that you can’t see from the ground. Estimated time: 10-15 hours, depending on the trip chosen.
  5. Check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: This center is home to a variety of Alaskan wildlife, including bears, moose, and bison. It’s a great place to learn about the state’s native animals and see them up close. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  6. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center: This center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples. You can take part in cultural demonstrations, see authentic native crafts, and learn about the rich history of the state. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  7. Go whale watching: The waters around Anchorage are home to a variety of whale species, and several companies offer whale-watching tours. You’ll have the chance to see these majestic creatures up close and learn about their habits and behaviors. Estimated time: 3-4 hours.
  8. Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: This center is home to a variety of Alaskan wildlife, including bears, moose, and bison. It’s a great place to learn about the state’s native animals and see them up close. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
  9. Visit the Alaska Railroad Depot: The Alaska Railroad is an iconic part of the state’s history, and the depot in Anchorage is a must-see for history buffs. You can learn about the railroad’s role in the development of the state and see vintage trains on display. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.
  10. Go dog sledding: Dog sledding is a popular activity in Alaska, and several companies offer guided tours. You’ll get to experience the thrill of riding in a sled pulled by a team of powerful huskies. Estimated time: 3-4 hours.

We hope you enjoy your summer in Anchorage and all that it has to offer! Don’t forget to rent a car from AVIS Alaska to make the most of your trip.