Q: I am looking for good deals for lodging on the Kenai starting the 26th for a few days, including at least a half-day guided fly fishing and a bear/wildlife viewing excursion. Then we are heading to Denali for 2-3 days. We will probably take the tour bus in, but also want a flight around Mt. Mckinley with a glacier landing. We leave for our return trip home no later than Aug. 2. —Les

A: Les, Great choices on your itinerary. It's hard to find significant discounts this time of year. However, you can save money on your bear viewing tour by going with a quality operator located closer to the bears, like Natron Air in Soldotna. Janet there may have thoughts about good fishing charters down there as well. You should be aware that the next week or two are the prime red salmon weeks on the Kenai.

As for Denali flightseeing from the park entrance area, go with Talkeetna Aero, a great fixed wing operator. You'll get a longer tour for less money than a helicopter tour. I believe Talkeetna Aero is the only Denali-based operator with a glacier landing in the park.

Hope this is helpful. One other thought: day tours in Alaska are not cheap, but they're what you'll remember and talk about for years to come—not the hotel you stayed at!