I visited Alaska in December before I decided to move here 14 years ago in March. It is my opinion that the winters are not the "worst", they're GLORIOUS. Break-up is, however, absolutely disgusting and drawn-out. I wish I had visited THEN. If you like winters, you don't need to visit Alaska then. In most of populated Alaska they're dryer and much more pleasant than the lower 48- they're just really, really LONG. If you don't know how to stay active, then it can be challenging. But if you enjoy winter activities- this is an amazing place to live.😊
The ferry is not going to Whittier this summer. So if you do have to take the ferry, you will have to go to Haines or Skagway and then drive through Canada the rest of the way
I’d say it is if you’re going to small towns. Other larger places that don’t rely so much on tourism won’t be as expensive but it would still probably be cheaper in winter if you’re visiting.
moving from Hawaii to Alaska in January...the shock is real. The rental vehicle's doors were frozen....imagine walking into the freezer and not being able to get out. 😂I used the heater maybe 2 times in my whole life in Hawaii. Alaska it was the opposite. Jamin helped us a lot. Thanks, Jamin! Also, if you're looking for work, check out Corrections State of Alaska. 7 days on 7 days off. GCCC is pretty good! 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Great info! Thanks, Jamin. I especially liked the renting discussion. There are apartment complexes that do short term leases so a person might be able to do that to help make a decision. But every person's situation is unique, so that may not work. About the ferry, I was just looking at the schedule and the Kennecott is making only one run between Bellingham and Whittier and it leaves March 27th, just 11 days from now. The only other open ocean rated ferry is the Tustumena (that is my understanding) and she is busy up around Homer, Kodiak, and out to Dutch Harbor this summer. So, if you are bringing your car, it looks like there is no avoiding going through Canada for 2024. either the ALCAN or from Haines or Skagway. That is, unless there are updates on Kennecott. Folks interested in following that possibility can check out the website for the Alaska Marine Highway System. You can sign up for notifications or just check it regularly, especially the Service Notice tab.
Hi Jamin, I don't know of any issues with the ALCAN for this year. I understand that an alternative to driving ALL of the ALCAN is taking the more frequent ferries to Haines or Skagway to get on a road that will go into Canada and hook up with the ALCAN in the Yukon. It cuts out driving through the bulk of British Columbia. Just an option to explore. If anyone has done this, it would be great to hear how it worked out. Thanks! @@alaska_realtor
Crime has gone up and Alaska human services are maxed out with applicant overflow like no tomorrow. Every town has just as much courts tied up with he said she said BS as lower 48 cities. The state still holds the record for alcohol abuse and sexual assault.
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I'm taking the route of number 4. Staying for awhile in an Airbnb to get the feel of Alaska,. The ferry wouldn't be a choice probably because they allow pets to stay only in your vehicle.
But I really wouldn't want to drive the Alcan. I did before, but now I want a shorter route possible. I may have to ship my dog and take the ferry anyway. Hopefully the ferries will change their policy. They probably wouldn't want to be responsible for cleaning up behind passenger's pets. @@alaska_realtor
A DUI is a felony in Canada. They usually won't let anyone who has one across the border. I've known several people who had their college mistakes get them turned back at the border and they were forced to take the ferry with the whole household in tow. There are legal remedies to this, but they can't be done at the border crossing.
Great, informative videos! Ill be up this summer for 5-6 months for a seasonal position and have been looking into either just booking air bnbs during my off stints or finding a rental. What is the best route to go for finding rentals?
