The spirit of adventure is what drives most pet friendly trips to Alaska ... and the 49th state doesn't disappoint! With untamed frontiers to explore and amazing wildlife viewing, Alaska simply can't be beat. Bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou, and moose all thrive in Denali National Park, as well as other parts of the state. You might even see the occasional moose trotting down the street in Anchorage, Alaska's biggest city. But when you combine the natural beauty with the vivid cultures of the Alaskan Native communities, you're in for a truly unforgettable experience. Pet travelers can fly, drive, or take a ferry to Alaska, and each option has its advantages. Whatever you choose, determine which documents your pet will need to ensure the trip goes smoothly.
Best Time To Visit
Most people travel to Alaska from June through mid-August, when the days are long and the temperatures are warm. Of course, the prices are highest then, too! To cut your cost and avoid the crowds, plan your pet friendly trip during the shoulder seasons: mid-May to mid-June, and mid-August through mid-September. Visiting in late summer and early fall means blueberry picking and turning leaves, but can be rainy. Also, keep in mind that some businesses close up after Labor Day. In winter, you'll typically have plenty of snow for winter sports and a better chance of seeing the northern lights.
Things Not To Miss
Leaving downtown Anchorage, the 135-mile Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway transports you to amazing mountain views, glaciers, waterfalls, and rivers.
Admire the Tlingit and Haida totem poles along the coastal trail and learn about invading Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit at Sitka National Historical Park.
Explore Kennicott, a bustling mining town established in 1903, and now one of the most picturesque pet friendly ghost towns you’ll find.
Get a bite at 49th State Brewing Company in Denali. Their outdoor seating is pet friendly and they serve award-winning craft beer and burgers as big as your head.
Enjoy the outdoors in Fairbanks where pets can join you on the Creamers Field and Murphy Dome trails.
Denali National Park has just one road, and private vehicles can only drive a short portion of it in the summer. Since pets aren't allowed on the park's busses or on most trails, the best experience you and your pet can have together at Denali is to walk the 1.8-mile Roadside Trail and the 1.7-mile Bike Path, both located near the entrance to the park.
