However, the one thing that surprised me in cost, was food at restaurants. And that I credit to the fact that I originally had it my mind that I was going to eat fresh "King Crab", "Halibut", and "Salmon" at discount prices as compared to the lower 48. In reality, it was as much or more in cost. However, the Alaska food was fresher and tastier, and in the long run worth the price.
The main things I went to Alaska for was the scenery and fishing. We did tours and chartered fishing trips. I thought all was priced reasonable. I buy souvenirs at gift shops, and found them to be priced fairly.
It is the "Ultimate RVing Adventure". I can't wait to do it again.
My wife, 14 year old grandson, and I headed for Alaska on 1 June and spent until 13 July in one rv park on the Kenai peninsula. My experience with Alaska began when I was in the AF around 1966 - spent the summer and fall there flying in and out of small remote AF sites. I returned as a retired person in 2004, and have been going back every year since and stay for at least a month. This was our first year to pull a brand new 2012 37 foot Coachmen Chaparral 5 th wheel trailer up. What an experience!! We had driven the roads before so knew what to expect. Our first day out of Edmonton we saw so many bears we lost track. I have a 2012 Dodge 2500 crew cab with the new highoutput diesel motor. Had a 75 gal automatic feed fuel tank put in the truck bed. Filled up very few times and didnt have to pay the high prices at Watson Lake or Dawsen Creek. Fishing this year for King salmon was bad. Reds were good. We spent time in Homer and Seward, as we do every year and took the wildlife cruise out for a day - fantastic! We actually got to see hump backs doing the bubble feeding thing. Amazing...saw lots of other wildlife. Stayed away from most of the tourist traps some ref here. Eating at Starving Marvins pizza at Homer was good! Now, for the comments I've been reading re a tourist trap and expensive prices.
Right on about things costing more, but mainly because of the short season and transportation of products either by air, sea or land, and none of em is cheap!
The rv parks are a mix of good and bad, depending on where you are in Alaska. If one does an investigation of whats there and what one really wants for the time there I'd think you could find a fit. I did and so have thousands of others.
Canada is a very big and beautiful country. Driving thru the Yukon is an experience all by its self. We did have cause to say a few curse words about their roads when a rear spring shackle weld busted and we were left in the middle of nowhere going 20 mph with real wheels going sideways. But, to the canadians I say, THANK YOU!! We found a road construction summer camp and their mechanic had our trailer welded up and on the road in 45 minutes. He and his foreman were very nice and helped us. He asked for $80, but we gave him a $100 tip as well. The rig held together all the way home to Utah. I dont think I will ever purchase a Coachmen, Forest River, product again as we've had nothing but trouble with it, model is a 330 FBH, and some of the issues were life threatening. So bad Ive sent letters to both firms CEOs and there head guy Warren Buffett (like he would read or even care). Alaska is not a tourist trap in my opinion. The rv parks along the Canadian highway were also pretty good, considering where they are located and what they have to do to make it work. We stayed in Whitecourt, Watson lake, Dawsen Creek had to be the Wal-mart parking lot as all others were full up. Also did a night in a pull off next to a beautiful relaxing river. On the trip back we saw several brown bears with cubs, lots of black bears, bison, mountain sheep and goats, caribou, foxes, moose and I think even a wolverine.
We took a freezer full of meat, chicken and pork, bacon etc so all we had to buy at Fred Meyers and Wal-mart were veggies and dairy. We also stocked the trailer with canned food and other staples. Didnt spend much on food while there. Already planning next years trip and may stay all summer. I am glad not everyone likes to do this trip.
We got back from a trip to AK a couple of weeks ago. I bought a liter of very nice Kirkland bourbon at the Costco in Anchorage for $19.99 (out the door). The very same bottle I didn't buy at the Gig Harbor Costco was $39.99 + 8.7% sales tax. Things in AK are not always more expensive.
I have been following this thread with a combination of amusement, interest, and a little sadness. We have flown to Alaska and explored parts of the interior, flown in to fish, cruised to alaska, driven our Rv twice (2005 &2010) including Prudhoe Bay. We were scheduled to depart again this August when a freak accident severed the tendon in my left leg. I would gladly pay for the " tourist trap" rather than a "rehab trap" and am looking forward to next Summer in Alaska!
The only place that is less expensive is camping in your own backyard. Don't leave home unless you expect to spend $$$ on your trip. There might be cheaper places to visit but nothing compares to the sights in Alaska.
We have driven the Alcan 5 times. Taken the ferry twice. I'm ready to go next year if someone will pay the diesel. Anyone need a guide to and back from Alaska? Ha, ha
grldst wrote: I did NOT feel Alaska was a tourist trap.
However, the one thing that surprised me in cost, was food at restaurants. And that I credit to the fact that I originally had it my mind that I was going to eat fresh "King Crab", "Halibut", and "Salmon" at discount prices as compared to the lower 48. In reality, it was as much or more in cost. However, the Alaska food was fresher and tastier, and in the long run worth the price.
The main things I went to Alaska for was the scenery and fishing. We did tours and chartered fishing trips. I thought all was priced reasonable. I buy souvenirs at gift shops, and found them to be priced fairly.
It is the "Ultimate RVing Adventure". I can't wait to do it again.
This part for me was a surprise also, Halibut at 18 to 20 dollars a poung, 38 to 50 dollars for King Crab, WOW. But you know, in the word "Tourist Trap", there is a "Tourist" and a "Trap", just do not get Trapped. I did not buy any of the things that I tought was overpriced, period.
I've lived on the Kenai Peninsula for over 50 years and perhaps you think Alaska is a tourist trap because you don't know where to camp for free. Longtime locals know where to go, you should ask questions and do a lot of research before you travel.
Here is a list of free campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula, the only ones that are pay campgrounds in this list are the Skilak Lake campgrounds and Hidden Lake, but they are very nice and developed and only ten bucks a night. ALL of these are on a lake or a river.
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kenai/visit/visitor_activities/camping/campgrounds.html
For the next FIVE Alaska campgrounds, take Skilak Lake Road from the Sterling Highway, which is 21.25 miles (34.2km) from Seward Highway junction. All have boat ramps and great fishing!
•Hidden Lake USFWS Campgrouds - has 44 campsites, some with NO size limit on RVs. Has water, latrines, boat ramp and dump station. FEE - $8 to $10/night with a 7 night limit. Mile 4, Skilak Lake Road.
•Lower Ohmer Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 3 campsites with RV size limit of 21' (6.4m). NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has latrines and boat ramp. Mile 8, Skilak Lake Road.
•Upper Skilak Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 25 campsites, with RV size limit of 35' (10.67m). FEE - $8 to $10/night with a 7 night limit. Has water, latrines, boat ramp and dump station. Mile 9, Skilak Lake Road.
•Engineer Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 8 campsites with RV size limit of 21' (6.4m). NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has water, latrines and boat ramp. Mile 9.5, Skilak Lake Road.
•Lower Skilak Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 14 campsites, with RV size limit of of 21' (6.4m). FEE - $8 to $10/night with a 14 night limit. Has water, latrines and boat ramp. Mile 15, Skilak Lake Road.
Alaska Campgrounds on the Sterling Highway, past Skilak Lake Road:
•Kelly Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 3 campsites, some with NO size limit on RVs. NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has water, latrines and boat ramp. Milepost 68.5, Sterling Highway.
•Petersen Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 3 campsites, some with NO size limit on RVs. NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has water, latrines and boat ramp. Milepost 68.5, Sterling Highway.
•Watson Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 3 campsites, some with NO size limit on RVs. NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has latrines and boat ramp. Milepost 70.8, Sterling Highway.
For the next THREE Alaska campgrounds, take Swanson River Road, from Sterling Highway.
•Dolly Varden Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 10 campsites, with RV size limit of of 21' (6.4m). NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has water, latrines and boat ramp. Mile 15, Swanson River Road.
•Rainbow Lake USFWS Campgrounds - has 3 campsites, with RV size limit of 35' (10.67m). NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has water, latrines and boat ramp. Mile 16, Swanson River Road.
•Swanson River USFWS Campgrounds - has 4 campsites, with RV size limit of 35' (10.67m). NO FEE with 14 night limit. Has latrines and boat ramp. Mile 18, Swanson River Road.
Offline
