*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!
My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State. For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
The best tour to see bears up close :
- Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park Don't BYOBS [Bring Your Own Bear Spray]
Before you "prepare" and purchase bear spray before your trip to Alaska - don't. Bear spray isn't allowed in your carry on, and is only allowed in a checked bag if it is less than 4 ounces and has less than 2% of the active CS or CN ingredient. Similar to airlines, certain boat companies like ferries and tours also don't allow bear spray onto the vessel or require that you have it safely tucked away in a backpack or storage container, so make sure to keep that in mind. The best way to make sure you're prepared and have bear spray on you is to purchase or rent a can once you land in Alaska. I also want to point out that because we've always purchased our own bear spray to have on us anytime we're camping or hiking, my husband and I have never personally rented from these companies, but we hope that this list gives you peace of mind and makes your visit to Alaska a bit easier! Based on our research, most bear spray rentals cost about $10-$20 per can, and purchasing bear spray costs around $40-$50.
Where to Rent Bear Spray in Anchorage and Beyond
Below you'll find my list of 15 places that rent bear spray in Alaska, organized by the town they're in/closest to. If you don't have any luck with these, try checking out this Facebook Group where locals and travelers buy/sell/exchange bear sprays for pretty cheap or even sometimes for free!
Anchorage
Cooper Landing
Denali
Fairbanks
Homer
Kodiak
Seward
Talkeetna
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 11 Best Waterfalls in Anchorage and Beyond -> 15 Easiest Glaciers to Visit in Alaska -> 7 Best Tours in Alaska
Pin this Bear Spray list for later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living there for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. My favorite travel & outdoor gear is available right here! Use this link to shop all my favorite Alaska necessities! This blog and all content is free to you, however, when you purchase through referral or affiliate links on our site I may earn a small commission with no extra cost to you! --- Learn more here about our affiliates and privacy policy. --- Links look like this, and are tours and products I only personally recommend! --- Join Travel Payouts or Rock Porch to earn affiliates on your own sites! Planning a trip outside Alaska? Check out our blog Raarup Adventures for international vacation ideas or Deborah in Korea for adventures in South Korea! |