Hello
I'm looking for recommendations on a car rental company that would be open or available when we get off the train from Denali in Anchorage. I used to work on the train, and I understand it's "train time" and there can be delays to arrival.
My hope is to grab a car when we get off. I just need help with the logistics.
This is for next summer.
Thanks!
Hello
I'm looking for recommendations on a car rental company that would be open or available when we get off the train from Denali in Anchorage. I used to work on the train, and I understand it's "train time" and there can be delays to arrival.
My hope is to grab a car when we get off. I just need help with the logistics.
This is for next summer.
Thanks!
Thank you to the feedback I received yesterday! I have updated my itinerary a bit and have decided to add some days in Homer. I also changed the bus tour in Denali to the transit option. And added bike rentals to our Anchorage day.
Here is the update with our transportation plans and our excursions. The train section is very important still, so we will not be removing that.
Day 1
Fairbanks
Arrive check-in to Pike's Waterfront Lodge
grab groceries for Denali time
Day 2
Train to Denali
4:30 PM or 6pm do the Husky Homestead tour
Day 3
9:00 AM Transit bus
get off for the Savage River stop and do the hike trail
Keep in mind the road closure due to the landslide
Day 4
9:00 AM Whitewater rafting
Afternoon if up to it: visitor center and/or sled dog kennels (might be redundant)
Day 5
Denali to Anchorage by train
Arrive in Anchorage check in to Captain Cook hotel. Pick up rental car tonight or tomorrow morning.
Day 6
Anchorage
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail - look into bike rentals to do this.
Day 7
Drive to Homer try to leave around 8am
stops on journey: Turnagain Arm and Kenai Lake stops
Lunch in Soldotna possibly
Arrive in Homer - still not settled on a lodging
Day 8
Homer day - flexible for weather - maybe to a kayak tour? Not sure.
Day 9
Bear Viewing Tour (Lake Clark/Katmai) (I REALLY NEED HELP PICKING A GREAT TOUR COMPANY)
Day 10
Drive to Seward
Check into Harbor 360
Day 11
Glacier cruise (Major Marine)
Day 12,
Exit Glacier and other hikes/exploring. Maybe kayak here if we didn't in Homer.
Day 13
Wildlife Conservation Center
Day 14
Seward to Anchorage with stops along the way taking our time and not arriving in Anchorage until late. Making the best of our last day. Wildlife center, Girdwood possibly riding the tram in Alyeska, Beluga Point...etc. Yes, a lot, but it's our last day.
Check into a hotel...have not picked one yet.
Day 15
Turn in rental car and fly home from Anchorage.
Again, we like lots of excursions. The bear trip will be the trip of a lifetime. We were going to do a halibut charter, but I think between a fishing charter or a bear experience, the bear experience is the better option.
We are not avid hikers. But we do enjoy nice walks with views and easy hikes.
What do you think of this plan? And what bear experience places to you recommend? We would want to do more than stand on the platform at the waterfall. Please share your thoughts. Yes, I know it's expensive.
Thank you to the feedback I received yesterday! I have updated my itinerary a bit and have decided to add some days in Homer. I also changed the bus tour in Denali to the transit option. And added bike rentals to our Anchorage day.
Here is the update with our transportation plans and our excursions. The train section is very important still, so we will not be removing that.
Day 1
Fairbanks
Arrive check-in to Pike's Waterfront Lodge
grab groceries for Denali time
Day 2
Train to Denali
4:30 PM or 6pm do the Husky Homestead tour
Day 3
9:00 AM Transit bus
get off for the Savage River stop and do the hike trail
Keep in mind the road closure due to the landslide
Day 4
9:00 AM Whitewater rafting
Afternoon if up to it: visitor center and/or sled dog kennels (might be redundant)
Day 5
Denali to Anchorage by train
Arrive in Anchorage check in to Captain Cook hotel. Pick up rental car tonight or tomorrow morning.
Day 6
Anchorage
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail - look into bike rentals to do this.
Day 7
Drive to Homer try to leave around 8am
stops on journey: Turnagain Arm and Kenai Lake stops
Lunch in Soldotna possibly
Arrive in Homer - still not settled on a lodging
Day 8
Homer day - flexible for weather - maybe to a kayak tour? Not sure.
Day 9
Bear Viewing Tour (Lake Clark/Katmai) (I REALLY NEED HELP PICKING A GREAT TOUR COMPANY)
Day 10
Drive to Seward
Check into Harbor 360
Day 11
Glacier cruise (Major Marine)
Day 12,
Exit Glacier and other hikes/exploring. Maybe kayak here if we didn't in Homer.
Day 13
Wildlife Conservation Center
Day 14
Seward to Anchorage with stops along the way taking our time and not arriving in Anchorage until late. Making the best of our last day. Wildlife center, Girdwood possibly riding the tram in Alyeska, Beluga Point...etc. Yes, a lot, but it's our last day.
Check into a hotel...have not picked one yet.
Day 15
Turn in rental car and fly home from Anchorage.
Again, we like lots of excursions. The bear trip will be the trip of a lifetime. We were going to do a halibut charter, but I think between a fishing charter or a bear experience, the bear experience is the better option.
We are not avid hikers. But we do enjoy nice walks with views and easy hikes.
What do you think of this plan? And what bear experience places to you recommend? We would want to do more than stand on the platform at the waterfall. Please share your thoughts.
I have been trying to plan a trip for my husband's 50th, and have found our perfect trip.
I used to work in Alaska during college summers on the Holland America train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. It was a wonderful experience and that means the train portion i have in this itinerary is important and I would like to keep it.
Here is what we have:
Day 1,
Fairbanks,Arrive evening,Pike's Waterfront Lodge,
Day 2,
Fairbanks,
Museum of the North
Head to get some groceries
Chena Hot Springs
Day 3,
Train Fairbanks to Denali
Husky Homestead (4pm)
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Day 4,
Denali
Denali Bus Tour (Tundra Wilderness)
Day 5,
Denali
Rafting
Day 6
Train Denali to Anchorage
Pick up rental car
Hotel Captain Cook
Day 7,
Anchorage
Floatplane
Coastal Trail walk
Day 8,
Drive w/ stops at:
Beluga Point
Wildlife Center
Girdwood
Portage
Harbor 360 Hotel
Day 9,
Seward
Glacier Cruise (recommendations welcome)
Day 10,
Seward
Fishing charter (recommendations welcome)
Day 11,
Seward
kayak trip
Day 12,
Seward,
Relax Day
Day 13,
Drive back to Anchorage
Hotel Captain Cook
Day 14,
Fly home
We like to have lots of activities so this is not over packed for us. We aren't avid or experienced hikers.
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. We are planning for July of 2027.
Thank you.