The first part of the road trip to Chena Hot Springs (near Fairbanks) involved a ferry ride on the Alaskan Marine Highway system. If you visit Alaska, you will spend some time on the ferries, and have access to incredible sights and views. On the way to the Haines, I saw a lighthouse, glaciers, mountains, and rainbows.
The water was also two different shades of blue, which I had never seen before. Due to some connections, I also got to sit in the captain’s chair, and spend some time with the crew. According to a member of the crew, the water looks like that due to the interaction of sea and river water, which affects the how the sediment interacts with it. If I am wrong, feel free to correct me. The crew was nice and even gave me some coffee, which was much better than what I could get in the ship’s cafe. Knowing people in the right places has its perks.
After we arrived, we had lunch in Haines, and then set off for our road trip to the Alaskan interior on the beautiful Alaska Highway. In order to get to the interior, we had to go through Canada, so it’s a good thing I brought my passport. The Yukon Territory, the westernmost of Canada’s three federal territories, is breathtaking. It is the smallest of the Canadian territories, and only contains one city, Whitehorse, which is also the capital.
The journey took my sister and I through Kluane National Park, which contains Mount Logan, Canada’s highest mountain. In the park I got to see a grizzly bear, but from the safety of my car, of course. The bear was walking on the grass, oblivious to us observing. The great thing about driving is you can stop wherever you want, and take in some amazing sites and views. I had never seen a bear in the wild so that was quite an experience. The park has many sites, and people spend days there exploring the tundra landscape.
We ended up spending the night in Beaver Creek, which didn’t have too many culinary choices, but I did get to try some beer from the Yukon. I had Yukon Red ale and my sister had the Chilkoo, which were alright. I aim to try the beer wherever I go. The next day we were up at the crack of dawn, and on the road again. After what felt like forever, we made it to the North Pole!
I love holidays so I had to stop at the North Pole and visit Santa’s House. This is the city that gets the letters to Santa, and I got to see some of the ones children have sent since a few were on display. The Wayfaring Gals also got a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The gift shop is full of fun souvenirs; I could have bought way more than I did. Outside there is a giant fiber glass statue of Santa, and a red sled you can take silly photos in. You can also go on a sleigh ride, which would have been great to do if there was snow.
At the North Pole, the street lights are candy cane colored, and the streets have great names like Santa Claus Lane. We also found a really fun house, Screaming Weasel’s, which is a gift shop selling goods from local Alaskan artists. The North Pole was a fun detour, but not much more to do there. I recommend they build a gingerbread house, and keep going with the Christmas theme! Maybe I should run for mayor?
We made it to Chena Hot Springs in the evening, so after dinner we went for a soak. The warmth of the water felt amazing since the weather was pretty cold for August (compared to what I am used to in Chicago). The springs are said to contain minerals that have medicinal value (that is the popular folklore). There might be something to this since I felt better after immersing myself for a couple hours; quite rejuvenated after the long drive. There are indoor pools that pump the spring water into them as well. After some time in the spring water, it felt great to take a break in the jets of the hot tub. Make sure you take water to drink with you, and just sit back and enjoy. At night the sky is full of stars so you can continue enjoying the scenery into the evening hours.
The next day we visited the Aurora Ice Museum, which showcases ice sculptures created by Heather and Steve Brice. The work created by the artists is amazing! There are a knights on a horses, a bar you can drink an Appletini at, and even rooms that contain beds (my favorite was the polar bear bed). I got to go into an igloo, which I have always wanted to do. The globes with objects and beautiful colored lights were a highlight for me (the one with the rose in it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast). There were even musical instruments created with ice. The museum is a fun experience, but it’s so cold you can only spend around 45 minutes in there. Good thing they have thick coats you can put on. I also made sure I put on boots and wore gloves. The warmer you are, the more you will enjoy your experience at the museum! The heat of the springs felt quite well after the ice from the museum.
There are still more Alaskan adventures to come. As always, thank you for reading, and feel free to message me any feedback. Follow me on Instagram (Wayfaringgal) and like my Facebook page for future updates.
