Most tour companies begin the tour from the closest large town which can be reached easily by public transport. Tourists can be picked up in places such as Whittier and Palmer with a door-to-door package, including the journey from your home to the starting point of the tour. These can be arranged through travel agents, which is usually a needless expense as you can book the outward journey yourself. Tour companies usually provide everything you need, including sleeping bags, tents and food, though you must bring your own clothing and washing supplies.
A trip to Alaska in the summer offers long daylight hours, unparalleled scenery and astonishingly varied hiking opportunities, but wilderness camping tours should not be limited to hiking. Combining kayaking and fishing into the tour, which most companies offer, gives you the chance to experience the stillness of Alaskan lakes, the thrill of the rapids and the inestimable pleasure of eating the fire-grilled fish you caught. Avoid Alaska between mid-June and late-July, as mosquitoes are abundant. Even outside of this time frame, it's worth taking repellent and wearing long clothes at dawn and dusk. A seven-day summer trip of canoeing, hiking and adventure activities can start at $800, as of 2011.
Camping during the winter in Alaska is not only possible, but also offers a new range of experiences, from snow shoeing and igloo building, to watching the Northern Lights ripple across the sky. Winter trips do not usually involve trekking long distances, except to those already adequately trained in walking with snowshoes, but travelling by dog sled or snowmobile is a highlight. Winter trips require you to cope with discomfort and demonstrate an added level of preparedness, alertness and resilience. Daylight is limited and, as such, so are views of the landscape. Tours are run by professionals who explain what to expect and prepare you. Most tour operators run winter tours from January to early April. A three-day supervised journey by snowmobile starts at $700 in 2011.
While many people head into the Alaskan wilderness purely for the thrill of the outdoors, a camping tour also offers a unique way to experience the cultural and natural heritage of this part of the world. Hikers can follow the route of the Klondike Goldrush up the Chikoot trail, or journey to see some of Alaska's unique wildlife such as moose and bears, with a tour in the Denali National Park. A 10-day tour with canoeing, hiking, visits to various national parks and historic sights may start at $1500 in 2011.
