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.

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.

Are you searching for the ultimate adventure? Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for a new kind of challenge or an experienced camper ready to check winter camping off your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about winter car camping in Alaska.

As a team made up of adventurers, outdoorsy types, and adrenaline junkies alike, we are uniquely qualified to show you the ropes from a local’s perspective. Before you embark on your next (or first!) winter camping adventure, read on for all of our expert tips, tricks, and more.

Why Winter Camping?

If you’ve never been camping during the winter season, it may not sound all that appealing. After all, it’s cold and miserable, right? Actually, not if you plan well. There are plenty of reasons why you should consider winter car camping in Alaska, including:

Kiss the Crowds Goodbye

Once Labor Day hits, the crowds quickly start to clear out of Alaska’s coolest (pun intended) camping spots. Winter is an ideal time to go if you don’t want your scenic camping trip to be diminished by someone else’s crying baby or campfire stories. Of course, there will also be significantly more parking options for your home away from home.

Take in Unique Views

Sure, wildflowers are beautiful. But, have you ever gone leaf-peeping in the Alaskan wilderness? If you plan your camping trip towards the end of fall or early winter, you can catch the tail end of Alaska’s natural fireworks show. And if you’re too late for the changing leaves? Our snow-capped mountains are a pretty phenomenal sight as well.

Go Backcountry Skiing

Take it from us, there’s no better winter camping activity than backcountry skiing or snowboarding. Depending on your campsite location, you can hike, snowshoe, skin, or even helicopter to those coveted untouched slopes and cruise down.

Of course, you will have to take certain precautions beforehand, like getting avalanche certified and investing in backcountry gear.

What You Need

If you want your camping experience to be enjoyable, you’ll need to pack the proper gear. Here is everything you need to go winter car camping in Alaska:

Good Sleeping Gear

Sleeping in the cold is brutal if you aren’t prepared, so your sleeping equipment is your best friend. Therefore, you shouldn’t skimp on it! I recommend getting a mummy-style sleeping bag (meaning it covers your head) that is rated to -20°F.

If you need some inspiration, Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost sleeping bag or Western Mountaineering’s Lynx sleeping bag are some of our favorites.

Additionally, we recommend packing a comfortable sleeping pad to place below your bag. Not only will this make your slumber a tad comfier, but it can act as another barrier against the cold. Another thing to consider is a sleeping bag liner, as it can increase the interior temperature of your bag by 10°F or so.

Means of Condensation Management

If you aren’t already familiar, tent condensation manifests as a thin layer of frost covering the inside of your tent. It also consists of moisture droplets that transfer onto your clothing and gear. As you can imagine, this is less than ideal for winter camping in Alaska.

The best way to prevent tent condensation is to help it escape by venting your tent. To do this, opt for a tent that has both a front door and an interior bug screen. You can completely unzip the outer door (which allows condensation to escape) while keeping the bug screen closed (which prevents snow from entering).

Ways to Generate Heat

The final way to stay warm during your winter car camping trip is to generate your own heat. Stuffing hand or foot warmers into your sleeping bag is a good start. However, if you don’t have any on hand (pun intended), heating a plastic water bottle will do the trick.

Since you are car camping (as opposed to backpacking), you have the luxury of packing heavier items for the trek. Therefore, bringing a propane heater or electric space heater might be worth the investment. You can also invest in candle lanterns, which provide both light and warmth.

Best Alaskan Car Rentals for Winter Camping

Planning to go winter car camping in Alaska this year? The most important thing you’ll need is a vehicle that has been prepped for driving in snow and ice. Because most people travel to Alaska by plane, renting a car from a reputable agency is your best bet.

Avis Alaska is the only statewide car rental agency, and we boast some of the best options for car camping. Not only does our team know which cars are best suited for Alaska’s varying terrain, but our flexible drop-off/pick-up policy makes trip planning a breeze.  Give us a call to make your car camping dreams a reality this winter season!

April in Alaska is a beautiful time of year when the landscape comes back to life after a long and dark winter. The weather begins to warm up, the days start getting longer, and travelers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery without all the crowds of peak season.

If you’re considering visiting Alaska in April, aka “break-up season” if you’re chatting with a local, allow us to break down everything you’ll need to know. In this guide to April in Alaska, our travel experts are sharing insights on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your next great Alaskan adventure. 

What is the Break-Up Season in Alaska? 

April in Alaska is not quite spring, but it’s no longer a true winter. During this time of year, many of our frozen lakes and snowfall begin to melt. As you can probably imagine, this causes an abundance of slush and ice that litter the roadways around Alaska. Many of the locals call this time “break-up season” because it’s the time when we slowly break up with the winter season and prepare for the warmer, sunnier springtime. 

So, what does this mean for April tourists? Be ready for anything. We recommend packing plenty of layers and stocking your Alaskan car rental with both a winter emergency kit (temperatures can still drop pretty low at night) and a spring rain jacket. If you plan on hiking, stow a pair of winter-safe shoes with good tread alongside your sneakers and sunglasses. 

When driving in April in Alaska, always exercise caution. It’s easy to become overly confident behind the wheel during the changing seasons (which is true whether you’re renting a car in Alaska or Oklahoma). However, we strongly advise you to remain vigilant, drive slowly, and anticipate slippery sections of roadway. 

Our top piece of advice is to drive with the same caution as you would if the roads were iced over—because they might be! 

April in Alaska Tourism

When you visit Alaska in April, don’t expect a bustling tour scene. Many tourism companies choose to close up shop during the winter months and stay closed until May, which is when many tourists start to return. 

While you might be able to catch the tail-end of winter touring season for some companies, you will have more options for touring if you wait until springtime is in full swing. That being said, there’s still plenty to do and see on an April in Alaska trip that wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding during peak season when all the crowds come in.

Springtime Outdoor Recreation in Alaska

Alaska weather in April is somewhat of a catch-all, which means there are plenty of outdoor recreational activities to explore. While winter activities like ice fishing and skiing are still usually in session, traditional fishing exhibitions are also starting to kick off. April in Alaska is the perfect time to start fishing for halibut and cod—and you won’t have to sit in a warmed-up hut to do it! 

Because the lakes are starting to melt, we recommend staying off the ice for your fishing endeavors (unless you’re accompanied by local professionals). It’s important to remember that just because the ice looks thick, that doesn’t mean it is. Spoiler alert:  breaking through sheet ice is just about as fun as you can imagine.

Sometimes, April tourists make the mistake of assuming that all winter sports are viable options just because many of the ski resorts are still open. While you might get lucky and encounter some fresh powder in April, it likely won’t be enough snow to bring your snow-shoeing dreams to life. Stay open-minded and embrace whichever activities come with the weather that April in Alaska chooses to bring you. 

Traveling to Alaska in April 

Wondering if you should you travel to Alaska in April? Truthfully, it’s all a matter of personal preference. While you might not make a skiing trip out of it, touring Alaska in April is still a worthwhile experience. In addition to the vast array of scenic trails, vibrant cities like Anchorage will offer plenty of shows to see, museums to visit, and local bites to enjoy. 

No matter when you plan on visiting, renting an Alaskan car rental will help you make the most of your experience. Not only will it ensure that you’re able to visit the incredible national parks, hiking trails, and excursions that Alaska has to offer, but you will be prepared to navigate any kind of weather that the Last Frontier throws your way. 
If you’re looking for the best car rentals in Alaska, look no further than Avis Alaska. As the only statewide car rental agency, we have spent the last 60 years helping travelers explore all that this magical state has to offer. Contact our team to book your Alaskan car rental today.

Alaska is known for its rugged mountains, breathtaking natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. Those alone make it a bucket list destination for travelers around the world. As the largest state in the country, navigating the Last Frontier can be tricky for even the most seasoned adventurers. Renting a car is essential for making the most of your trip to Alaska.

In this comprehensive guide to renting a car in Alaska, we explore everything you need to know before your visit. With over 60 years of experience in Alaskan car rentals, we have heard just about every question imaginable. So today, we’re covering it all.

By the time you finish reading, you will have everything you need to explore Alaska by rental car with confidence. We will discuss tips on how to save money renting a car and the best time to visit Anchorage. So, stay tuned to learn all about renting a car in the Last Frontier State. Now, let’s talk logistics.

How to Get Around Anchorage, AK

If it is your first time exploring the Last Frontier state, we recommend starting with Anchorage. Whether you’re traveling to Alaska with family or living it up on a solo adventure, Anchorage offers plenty to do and see for every type of traveler.

As Alaska’s largest and most populous city, Anchorage combines the otherworldly beauty Alaska is known for with all the comforts of home. With that said, Anchorage is extremely accessible. If you’re traveling to Anchorage by plane, there’s no need to worry about whether you will have transportation options.

From the Anchorage Trolley Tours to the Alaska Railroad to helicopter tours, there are several ways to explore this popular city. However, if you want the freedom to explore Alaska the way you want, traveling by car is the best way to go. Not only are there many must-see destinations that are only accessible by car, but opting for a rental car provides you with the freedom and reliability that other transportation methods do not.

Why Travel Alaska By Car?

Renting a car in Alaska is the easiest and most affordable way to see the full spectrum of beauty that this scenic state holds. The Last Frontier is home to many hidden gems that you can’t access by public transportation, which means your journey would only go as far as the train or People Mover allows.

Rental cars also provide travelers with a level of flexibility that just is not possible with public transit. You will never have to worry about rushing to catch the bus or having to leave a hotspot before you’re ready. With a rental car, you can experience the rugged landscapes at your leisure, with the freedom to linger and soak it all up.

Many of our customers ask us ‘is renting a car in Alaska more expensive than taking the train?’ and every time we are pleased to tell them that no, it is not. Traveling in Alaska by train is not cheap, especially for large groups, and takes significantly longer to reach your destinations. Not only that, but traveling by train also means you would need to find secondary transportation upon arrival—either by taxi, bus, or traveling on foot—making a rental car the easier and more budget-friendly option.

Things To Know About Renting a Car in Anchorage, AK

As you can imagine, driving around Anchorage (or anywhere in Alaska, for that matter), is quite different than driving in the continental United States. To make things easier and prevent a culture shock, here are some tips for exploring Alaska by car:

• Watch for wildlife. Much of the Alaskan landscape is undeveloped and untouched. Therefore, you will likely be sharing the roads with a variety of wildlife. Bears and moose can be found roaming near Alaskan roadways, so stay vigilant as you take in the beauty of your surroundings.
• Take the road less traveled. Alaska is teeming with nooks and crannies that are worth checking out. Therefore, we encourage you to take full advantage of the freedom your rental car provides and travel off the beaten path. Spend a day exploring one of the many must-see small towns that are located just a short distance from the highway. During your adventures, keep in mind that most Alaska car rental agencies require that rental cars be driven only on paved surfaces.
• Take your time. Whenever you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar, it’s important to take your time. The terrain will likely be different from what you’re used to, but highway construction, camping on the sides of the roadway, and fishermen are all commonalities in Alaska.
• Prepare for a long ride. Alaska is a massive state (think: three times the size of Texas) with sights that are incredibly spread out. So, prepare yourself for longer-than-usual car rides and appreciate the journey. We recommend packing snacks, filling up on gas first, and downloading your favorite road tunes.
• Pack a map. Most of the tourists that visit Alaska keep a map with them, and for good reason! While cell phone coverage is fairly dependable throughout major towns and cities, it can become spotty in the more remote areas.

How to Save Money on Your Car Rentals in Alaska

As with anywhere, renting a car for an extended period can become costly if you don’t adequately prepare. Whether you’re renting a car for the long haul or simply looking to cut costs for a day or two of your trip to Alaska, here are some ways to save money on your Alaskan car rental:

• Visit during the off-season. Planning a trip to Alaska in May or September will cost far less than it would in the middle of peak season (summer and/or winter).
• Reserve in advance. Rental car rates tend to increase as you grow closer to your travel date, especially during peak season. Therefore, booking your rentals in advance is much more affordable than booking the week or day of.
• Check back frequently. Most Alaska car rental company prices fluctuate throughout the day. Therefore, if something is out of your price range in the morning, check back later that afternoon—the price very well may have dropped. 
• Don’t rent at the airport. You can often avoid airport surcharge fees by renting directly from the websites of local agencies, so make sure to do your research before the trip.

Best Things To Do in Anchorage, AK

Now that you have learned more about renting a car in Alaska, it’s time to for the exciting part—planning your Anchorage travel itinerary! Need some help? Here are some of the best things to do in Anchorage for families and solo travelers alike:

1. Visit the glaciers. No trip to Alaska would be complete without seeing these natural wonders for yourself. Portage Glacier, one of Alaska’s most popular attractions, is accessible to all and is located just a short drive away from Anchorage.
2. See the Northern Lights. If you visit between September and April, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Northern Lights. Looking for a place to watch from? Eklutna Tailrace, Girdwood, and the Knik River area are all terrific options just outside of Anchorage.
3. Bask in the midnight sun. From late March to late September, Anchorage has more daylight than anywhere else in the United States. That means plenty of time to hop in the car for an evening hike or bike ride with the kids.
4. Visit national parks. Alaska is home to some of the most iconic national parks in the country. As the gateway to Alaska adventure, Anchorage is just a short drive away from Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park.
5. Browse the local art scene. There’s no denying that Anchorage knows how to put on a show. Alaska’s most populated city is full of art galleries, concert venues, and creative displays that are well worth a visit. While the downtown area is fairly walkable, keep in mind it can get quite chilly during the winter months.
6. Go flightseeing. Anchorage offers tons of flightseeing tours to destinations that will take your breath away. Given that Alaska has the highest aviation rates in the country, it is no surprise there are many commercial flying services ready to fly you to those once-in-a-lifetime places.
7. Try kayaking or paddleboarding. Eklutna Lake is great for exploring via kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, and is located just a short drive from downtown Anchorage. For those who want to stay on land, Eklutna Lake also has fantastic options for biking and hiking.
8. Go dog sledding. Anchorage is the perfect destination for crossing that dog sled adventure off your bucket list. While dog sledding peaks in the winter, summer dog sledding is available for those willing to head north to find snow.
9. Visit the gardens. Anchorage flourishes in the summertime, and we mean that in the most literal sense. The “City of Lights and Flowers” is home to 80,000 flowers in 460 flower beds. To check out some eye-catching flora and fauna, Town Square Park and the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center are two of the local favorites.

Best Time To Visit Anchorage, AK

While there are perks to visiting Anchorage year-round, the best time to visit Anchorage really depends on your personal preference. To decide when to plan your trip, here’s a glimpse of what to expect during each season in Alaska.

• Spring: In Alaska, spotting grey whales is often the first sign of spring. So, if you’re interested in embarking on a whale-watching cruise, spring is the perfect time to visit.
• Summer: Because the sun rarely sets during the summer months, this time of year is ideal for outdoor adventures like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
• Autumn: If you hope to see the Northern lights, then plan to visit Anchorage during the fall months. Hiking and biking are still enjoyable, and you can often find deals on accommodations and airfare.
• Winter: If you’re a ski bum, then winter in Anchorage is your season. Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier ski resort and it’s right outside of Anchorage. The Arctic Valley and Hilltop ski areas are also located nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Still have a few unanswered questions about renting a car in Alaska? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we are asked at Avis Alaska.

Can you Uber in Alaska?

Uber and Lyft recently made their way onto Alaskan roads. However, these rideshare services are not available everywhere. Before embarking on your trip to Alaska, it is always a good idea to research whether rideshares are readily available in the city you plan on traveling to.

Is it difficult to rent a car in Alaska?

Contrary to what some might believe, it is not at all difficult to rent a car in Alaska. Because most tourists arrive by airplane, there are plenty of rental car companies available. All you have to do is choose the one that best suits your travel needs.

Can you rent one-way cars in Alaska?

If you’re planning a one-way road trip in Alaska, you can rent a one-way car from most agencies. Many of the local rental agencies have offices in all major cities. This means you can rent a car in Anchorage and drop it off in Fairbanks (for example). Just keep in mind this is often a more expensive option.

How are the highways in Alaska?

Just like in the lower 48 states, the highways in Alaska are well-maintained and very drivable. However, be mindful that speed limit is typically around 55 miles per hour or less. Similar to other states, highway construction occurs seasonally, but it is manageable as long as you are cautious on the road.

Renting A Car in Anchorage, AK

Anchorage holds a high-ranking spot on the bucket lists of adventurers from all over for many reasons. Whether you’re planning to summit Denali, bask in the midnight sun, or enjoy mouthwatering local cuisine, Anchorage has something for every traveler.

No matter what your trip holds, renting a car is the best way to ensure that it goes smoothly. Experience the icy blue glaciers and arctic plains in all their glory by traveling with a reliable and affordable rental. With all the amazing things to do in Alaska, don’t underestimate having dependable transportation to get you around. For more advice on renting a car in Alaska (including where to go and what to do), contact our team at Avis Alaska. We look forward to welcoming you to the Last Frontier and can’t wait to help make your journey one you will treasure for a lifetime.