Charter Services in Alaska and Canada

Alaska and the Yukon territory of Canada have become popular tourist destinations in recent years due to their gorgeous natural sights and interesting history. The Alaskan Interior is a top tourist destination for those looking to witness auroras and explore natural parks, while neighboring Yukon is a tourist draw as well for its gold rush history and splendid vistas. Because of this, many tourists wonder about how they can travel to different points in Alaska and Yukon with a minimum of hassle.

The answer is through a charter service. Many charter companies offer flights and buses connecting the major cities of Alaska and Yukon, as well as many smaller places that are off the beaten trail. Here’s a guide to charter services in Alaska and Canada and what they can offer you.

Charter Services in Alaska and Canada

Alaska and northern Canada are famously difficult to get around due to the extreme climate and underdeveloped transportation links. Treacherous winters and rugged terrain make building large highways of the type used in the continental U.S. impractical, which is why many major roads in the region are narrow and oftentimes gravel instead of paved. The small population of the region relative to southern locations also means that building large highways is not cost-effective. For the same reason, rail transport in the area is also underdeveloped, with the only major rail link being the Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Seward.

Because of this, the dominant form of transportation in Alaska and Yukon is air. Many smaller communities lack road connections entirely, making private pilots and charter companies the only link these towns have to the wider world. Traveling many roads in these areas is also dangerous for unprepared motorists due to poor weather conditions and a lack of amenities in most places. As such, many tourists choose to rely on charter services to get them around the region safely.

Air charter services differ from traditional air carriers in that they offer customized flight packages based around your schedule. Instead of departing and arriving at set times, charter carriers will pick you up and bring you to your destination at a time of your choosing. Charter services also offer a number of different features, such as car rentals, guided tours, and other amenities that will ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Another option for traveling across Alaska and Canada is chartered tour buses. These buses offer customized departure and arrival times, as well as travel itineraries where you will be allowed to see some of the most important destinations along your journey. If you want to travel Alaska by road and hit all the important tourist stops along the way as well as soak in gorgeous mountains, valleys, and glaciers, a charter bus is a strong choice.

Many charter bus services offer services that go above and beyond typical bus transportation companies. For example, many charter buses have a tour operator on board who will explain Alaskan history and culture while you ride in comfort. Charter bus services can also aid you in visiting important destinations, such as Denali National Park or the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

There are a number of different tour operators offering charter bus service between major cities in Alaska and Yukon. A common charter route will take you from Anchorage to Seward or Whittier, departure points for Alaskan cruises. These chartered tours will get you to your cruise ship on time as well as allow you to partake in many sights and sounds along the way.

There are also numerous chartered bus companies offering service between Anchorage and Fairbanks as well as between Fairbanks and Dawson City and Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. Many tourists opt for a chartered bus in these regions due to the more extreme climate and remoteness of the roads connecting these cities. For example, the Taylor and Top of the World Highways connecting Fairbanks and Dawson City are closed in the winter due to inclement weather, while the Dalton Highway between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay is considered risky for unprepared motorists due to climate, the gravel road, and the lack of settlements across much of the highway.

Conclusion

If you are looking to visit Alaska or northern Canada, a charter service is a great option. If you are planning to visit more remote areas of the region, a charter air service may be your only option for getting in and out. When it comes to general travel between major destinations such as Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Dawson City, a charter bus service can not only get you there safely, but make it easier for you to experience tourist attractions along the way. If you’re curious about charter travel in Alaska and Canada, explore your options to see what type of charter service can fit your budget and meet your needs.