I Avoided Popular Spots on My First Trip to Alaska; Got Local Tips

My cousin suggested spending time around Homer, a small city on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, about four hours from Anchorage.

He knew a local kayaking guide who lived in the area, and she invited us to a beach bonfire on our first night. Since it was the summer solstice, the sun blazed bright at midnight.

We spent the night listening to stories from year-round Alaska residents and seasonal guides. I felt like a local rather than a tourist.

These conversations proved invaluable throughout the week, opening doors to experiences typical tourists couldn’t access. Later, we hiked the hills overlooking the peninsula at 1 a.m., a surreal and unforgettable experience in broad daylight.

The only thing my cousin and I had booked in advance was a helicopter tour to remote islands for bear viewing, my ultimate Alaska bucket-list experience.

On the morning of the tour, we received a call that it had been canceled — the weather had grounded all flights.

We sat silently in the bus, both a bit gutted. I wasn’t angry, as no one can control the weather, but the disappointment hit hard after months of anticipation.

That’s when my cousin suggested calling the local guide from the bonfire to see if we could still make something of the day.

She and several other guides had the day off and offered an alternate plan: They could take us hiking to Grewingk Glacier Lake.

What started as the worst day of our trip soon became one of our best adventures.

After a 30-minute boat ride and a 45-minute hike carrying inflatable kayaks, we reached the pristine lake.

Paddling among massive blue icebergs made the tough hike worthwhile. Ice chunks cracked loudly around us, creating a beautiful but slightly unnerving sound.

Even the boat ride revealed hidden treasures as we detoured to what appeared to be an abandoned vessel floating in the water.

When we pulled up, we discovered coolers full of fresh oysters and mussels, complete with a price list and a cash jar. It was a floating seafood market that ran on an honor system.

Without our local guides, we would never have known about this gem.

Since we were traveling by bus, we were able to venture off standard routes and follow tips and recommendations from our new friends.

Throughout the trip, we’d pull off the main road onto dusty gravel paths leading to quiet lakes and empty beaches with secluded camping spots far from tourist-heavy trails.

One evening, we parked beside a small lake and watched eagles swoop down, diving for fish. As an Australian, I’d never seen eagles in nature before and was captivated. It was better entertainment than any cruise ship could offer.

Another unexpected highlight came through our new friendships. One of the guides from our glacier adventure mentioned his mother owned a house in the scenic town of Seward and, since she was away, invited us to stay there.

After a three-hour drive from Homer, we found an outdoor sauna waiting for us — this was just one small example of the kind of hospitality we found across Alaska.

After a week of following local recommendations instead of tour itineraries, I returned home with genuine friendships and insider knowledge of a place I’d never visited before.

Alaska has incredible natural beauty and endless adventure opportunities. However, what I will remember most is the locals we met and the time we spent with them.

Our bus didn’t have evening shows or buffets, but it offered something better: the freedom to follow local recommendations and discover Alaska through the eyes of people who actually live there.