A MORE THOUGHTFUL WAY INTO ALASKA
Experience Alaska differently.
Firsthand guides to the places, experiences and wild corners of Alaska worth going farther for.
THE CURRENT EDIT
What to book & What to explore independently
Some Alaska experiences are worth planning your trip around. Others are better without a reservation. A firsthand guide to where I would spend, where I would explore independently, and how I would balance the two.
Experience Alaska More Deeply
Brown Bear Viewing
Fly into the wilds of Chichagof Island to watch coastal brown bears during the salmon run.
Glacier Bay by Private Boat
Six days exploring one of Alaska's wildest national parks from the water.
Deeper in Denali
Go beyond the obvious stops and understand how to experience Denali more fully.
Fishing in Southeast
Salmon, rockfish and a firsthand look at what fishing in Southeast Alaska is really like.
Start with Mary’s destination edits
Not everything. Just the places and experience I would begin with.
Juneau Edit
Mendenhall Glacier, Berner’s Bay, Auke Lake and coastal calm.
Denali Edit
Grand landscapes, wide-open wonder, and the Big 5 Wildlife.
Skagway Edit
Historic charm, Gold Rush, Waterfalls, and Soapie Smith.
Ketchikan Edit
Wild rainforests, Misty Fjords, Totem Poles, and Native Culture.
Choose by what matters to you
From the Field
Firsthand notes, seasonal observations and the small details that make Alaska feel alive beyond the itinerary.
Summer solstice brings the longest day of the year. A time when lupine & bears share the spotlight.
Gray skies and wet trails - it’s that time of year! Blueberry flowers adorn the trails.
Plan Alaska Well
Practical guidance, kept clear and useful.
A First-Timer’s Guide to Juneau
From waterfront hikes and glacier views to whale watching and local favorites, this guide is designed to help you experience Juneau in a way that feels both practical and memorable.
Edited From Experience
I’m Mary Jacquel. I live in Alaska and have spent years exploring its ports, lodges, landscapes and visitor experiences.
The Alaska Edit is where I share what I would prioritize, what I would do differently and what is worth leaving room for. Alaska is a very special place to me, and I hope these guides help you experience it with greater confidence, curiosity and care.
Continue Exploring the Alaska Edit
Browse all of our guides, field notes and local recommendations.