Alaskan Services Links

In my travels throughout this amazing state, I have had the privilege to meet many extraordinary people who are living their dreams and running an Alaskan-based business. I’ll add more as discovered. The links that you find below all meet the four defining standards that set them apart from the competition.

#1 – I trust them.

#2 – They offer an amazing service & have passion.

#3 – They are good people.

#4 – Your experience is their paramount concern.

Enough said.

Don’t see your business listed here? Send me an invite. If you match my 4 criteria, I’ll be happy to add you!

Are you a photographer with travel experience in Alaska? Do you have a service that you’d like to recommend? Shoot me an email!

There and Back Again (Guides)

Just Fly Fish – Based in Talkeetna, this “catch & release” fly-fishing guide works solely with small groups in locations that will take your breath away – like a fish out of water.

Emerald Air Service – Based in Homer. Ken & Chris Day offer day trips to Katmai National Park & Preserve – the amazing home of the Katmai Brown Bear. Speaking of taking your breath away:) Their service is unparalled, their knowledge unrivaled, your experience? Well – you’ll be talking about your journey and walking with the bears for the rest of your life. People may not believe the stories (it’s happened to me…). Just show them your photos and erase their doubts, then give THEM the number to Emerald Air so they can get their own stories no one else will believe… and so on, and so on…

MICA Guides – MICA offers professionally guided hikes on the Matanuska Glacier plus more advanced ice climbing. Those with fear of depths NEED apply!

St. Elias Alpine Guides – Professional guiding service for adventure seekers seeking adventure in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Magnificent views, magnificent times.

Kenai Fjord’s “Mariah Tours” – Quite possibly the most fun you can have with your clothes on… well ok, I’ve been single too long:) Seriously though: whales, calving glaciers, puffins, orca – and some of the best customer service you’ll find. Anywhere. Perfect for photographers. Their captains are quite simply the best, and the deck hand is a wealth of knowledge and always strives to help each traveler. If you want a full day of whales, orca, eagles, puffins, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, glaciers, mountains, and soooo much more – you won’t find a better business to work with.

Talkeetna Air Taxi – So, you’ve “seen” Denali have you? There are beautiful views of “The Great One” from all over southcentral Alaska. You’ve seen it from Anchorage, you’ve seen it from the Parks Highway, Willow, Talkeetna, Wonder Lake. But have you seen it up close and personal? Have you stood near Base Camp? Have you felt the cold breath from the glaciers surrounding it? Then you haven’t seen anything yet. Talkeetna Air Taxi is a small plane air service operating out of… yep, you guessed it. Talkeetna! Great pilots, great staff, and a thousand amazing/jaw dropping/shirt and camera slobbering experiences in one flight. Quite simply, you haven’t seen Alaska – unless you’ve seen it with Talkeetna Air Taxi. NOTE: We are working on a discount for anyone doing a flight-seeing trip with Talkeetna Air Taxi. Once I have all the info, I’ll post it here. But for now – be sure to tell them that Dave Taylor @ Sixtyone North referred you.

Mako’s Water Taxi – A Homer fixture for water taxi services. Mako’s is an excellent resource to photographers, they know the waters of Kachemak Bay better than anyone else. If it’s there (hidden or not), they know about it & how to best get you there so you can take care of the photographic end. Water taxi services to Seldovia and all along the rugged Kachemak Bay shoreline and into Kachemak Bay State Park, along with wildlife watching (you did bring your camera, didn’t you?). What wildlife? Well, this is Alaska! Humpback whales, bald eagles, otters, various sea birds, tide pools filled with sea anemones and star fish. You really are running out of reasons to not visit Alaska, aren’t you?

Alpine Air – Based in Girdwood (near Alyeska Ski Resort), this tour/flight-seeing helicopter company has two basic offerings. Amazing views and amazing service. They have several package options for flight-seeing, or you can charter a helo or two for your own uses. They have extensive experience with cinematographers and have worked with The Discovery Channel on multiple occasions. The Alaskan landscape is very impressive from the ground, but with Alpine Air’s help – the aerial views may bring you to tears. The pilots are excellent and if you have a “like-minded” group, consider asking Alpine Air to fly with the doors off for unrestricted views and absolutely gorgeous photo ops! Easily one of the premier services this side of the north pole! Tell them Dave at Sixtyone North sent you.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (Lodging)

Susitna River Lodging – In Talkeetna, right on the river. Amazing views of the Alaska Range and Denali from cozy cabins. Near historic Talkeetna where you can try dog sledding, sightseeing, flightseeing, hiking, or a glacier landing in the Alaska Range. The owners (Howard & Darlene) are top notch people – no better way to describe them. Beware the “attack” dog, Tiger:) He’ll bare his fangs as he rolls over to let you scratch his belly – but he’s just smiling. Great place.

My Alaska Cabin – One cabin, one amazing view. From the bluff right in front of your cabin you will be able to see a huge chunk of the Alaska Range. From Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) in the South West to past Denali in the North East. 180 degree views. It’ll make your head spin. Your hosts also include Christian, the guide for the aforementioned “Just Fly Fish” in the links above (guides).

Fire & Ice Lodging – I really hesitate to put this place on here. Not because they don’t meet the criteria, I’m just afraid to let too many people find out about my little hide away in Homer. A fully equipped apartment on the hill overlooking Kachemak Bay. A word of caution, don’t sleep in the bed… you may never want to leave. And then where would I stay?

Land’s End Resort – Great food and great views right at the end of the Homer Spit, jutting 4 miles out into Kachemak Bay. Sleep with the windows open and hear the ocean waves just beyond your balcony. Get a “Bay” side room. They also operate a few luxury condos next door – if you can afford ‘em, you can’t afford NOT to get one. Beautiful views on the beach and a very relaxing stay.

Denali Highway Cabins – Owned and operated by Audie & Jenny at the beginning of the Denali Highway in Paxson (or end, if you are starting in Cantwell). Great people with great knowledge of the area. Oh, and did I mention that they have DOGS? Say hi to Aurora and Borealis, two Malamutes. Furry and friendly personalities. From The Cabins, you can join Audie and Jenny on an evening float trip down the river, looking for bird(s), bear(s), and moose(s). Both of your guests are very avid wildlife and conservation experts, you’ll learn a ton, and be a better person for it! The Denali Highway is one of my favorite spots on this planet, don’t miss it.

Holiday Inn Express (Seward Harbor Hotel) – Ok, not exactly an Alaskan-based business… But, the rooms are very comfortable and offer great views of the Seward Harbor. I recommend a harbor view room with a balcony. Not that you’ll be spending much time in your room anyways – there is sooo much beauty and variety right outside your door. But when you do return to your room for a nights sleep/recovery, you’ll sleep very well.

Feed me Seymour, Feed Me (Food)

(reviews coming – but really, if I listed them – they’re good! You know why? ‘Cause I loves me some good food!)

Humpy’s (Anchorage) Pub & seafood. Great seafood – especially the halibut. Great burgers & a great local beer selection.

Glacier Brew House (Anchorage) American, pub food & seafood. One of my absolute favorites. Great ambiance, great food, and a micro-brewery on site. I don’t drink, as a rule – but even I have one when I eat at GBH.

Yamato Ya (Anchorage) Sushi & Japanese. Great food (I’m a big sushi fan) and VERY fresh fish.

Seven Glaciers (Girdwood/Alyeska) Continental Cuisine. One simple word. Amazing. That includes everything here: the food, the service, and the views. Pricey, but you only live once. Treat yourself, you’ve earned it!

Exit Glacier Salmon Bake (Seward) Seafood. Their sign says, “Lousy food and cheap beer”. Don’t be deterred! It’s actually great food (you know because the locals eat there!), and great service with very reasonable prices. A short drive from Exit Glacier and downtown Seward.

Smoke Shack (Seward) American. Part of “the Train Wreck” just before you get to the Holiday Inn Express. Great filling meals. Their pulled pork is to die for, and don’t forget to water it down with great root bear! Recommended by locals. Heck, recommended by ME!

Bakery at the Harbor (Seward) Bakery. Great pastries, coffees, and breakfasts. Stop here before doing your boat trip on the Misty or Mariah. Love the smell of the bakery!

Fat Olives (Homer) Pizza & Mediterranean. Very good food, a worldly flair with local ingredients. Like pizza? You can’t go wrong here! Very nice staff.

Two Sister’s Bakery (Homer) Bakery. A warm welcome every time. Fresh baked breads & pastries daily. Again, really great hosts.

Wasabi’s (Homer) Japanese, seafood, sushi. One place I haven’t gotten to eat at yet, I keep messing my schedule up. But I’ve heard so many rave reviews from trusted locals and friends, that I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it. I’ll update this listing once I finally have a meal there.

Long Rifle Lodge (near Matanuska Glacier) American diner. Simple diner food with an amazing view of the Matanuska Glacier & surrounding mountains. I love their BLT’s, but everything has been good that I’ve tried. Good service.

The Snow Goose (Anchorage) Seafood, American restaurant and micro-brewery. Great food and service with a nice deck and views of the Cook Inlet and Fire Island. Fresh catch seafood and a great microbrewery. I’m not a big fan of alcohol, but even I tilt back a “49′er” when I eat there. I really like their Blackened Halibut with Fruit Salsa, mmm mmm good!