Smoked salmon is one of those iconic Alaska foods that both locals and tourists cherish. The smoked salmon from Alaska has a distinctively delicious flavor that sets it apart from salmon smoked elsewhere. When visiting Alaska sampling some locally smoked salmon is a must. The good news is you can also buy top quality smoked salmon online and have it shipped to your door no matter where you live. In this article, I’ll cover the best places to purchase smoked salmon in Alaska.

Why Alaskan Smoked Salmon is Special

Alaska is known globally for its abundant wild salmon runs. Five species of wild Pacific salmon return to Alaska’s pristine waters every year to spawn. The wild salmon feed on the plankton and krill rich waters leading to very high omega-3 levels.

The wild Alaska salmon is then smoked using traditional methods right in Alaska. Alder, cottonwood, and alder wood chips are burned to generate smoke which both cooks and flavors the salmon. Pure salt and sugar brine is added. No preservatives, chemicals, or artificial flavors are used.

This results in a smoked salmon with a pronounced smoky richness paired with the natural ocean-fresh flavor of wild salmon. The texture is also velvety smooth. Truly an amazing tasting treat!

Where to Buy Smoked Salmon in Alaska

If you are visiting Alaska. there are several great options for purchasing smoked salmon to enjoy during your trip or bring home

Local Seafood Shops

In cities like Juneau, Anchorage, and Ketchikan you’ll find some fantastic local seafood shops and smokehouses selling fresh smoked salmon. These small businesses pride themselves on their smoking expertise.

Some top local smoked salmon purveyors I recommend:

• Taku Smokeries – An acclaimed Juneau smokehouse since 1974. Family owned.

• Trident Seafoods – Large processor with smokehouses across Alaska. Quality product.

• Ocean Beauty Seafoods – Major company offering online sales of their smoked salmon.

• Orca Bay Seafoods – Anchorage-based company specializing in smoked salmon.

Fishermen’s Markets

Wandering through an Alaskan fisherman’s wharf market is a fun way to shop for seafood. You’ll often find fishermen themselves selling portions of their catch including freshly smoked salmon.

Some prime locations:

• Ketchikan Harbor – Chartered fishing boats return here with salmon to smoke.

• Haines Harbor – Called the “adventure capital of Alaska” and renowned for salmon.

• Petersburg Harbor – “Little Norway” is famous for salmon fishing and smoking.

• Homer Spit – Iconic harbor with fishing charters and markets.

Grocery Stores

Even regular supermarkets in Alaska have great in-house smoked seafood thanks to the abundant local salmon.

Check the seafood counter or pre-packaged seafood aisle for high quality smoked salmon from Alaska Ocean Seafood, Trident Seafoods, and other regional brands.

Buying Smoked Salmon to Ship

To buy smoked salmon online from Alaska and have it shipped to anywhere in the country, I recommend:

• Great Alaska Seafood – They smoke wild salmon and black cod themselves. Fast 2-day shipping.

• Jerry’s Meats – An acclaimed Juneau smokehouse since 1974. Ships their award-winning smoked salmon nationwide.

• The Smoked Salmon Store – Offers canned smoked salmon, spreads, and monthly smoked salmon box.

• Taku Smokeries – Ships their smoked salmon anywhere in the US from Juneau.

• Angel Seafood – Family-owned company shipping smoked salmon tins and jars.

These merchants all process and smoke the salmon themselves in Alaska and quickly freeze portions to ship. Smoked salmon keeps frozen for 3-6 months.

Smoked Salmon Gift Packs

Smoked salmon makes a fantastic edible Alaskan gift. Many online seafood companies sell pre-made smoked salmon gift packs complete with crackers, cheeses, and other goodies.

Some great smoked salmon gift options:

• Regal Salmon Gift Box – 2 lbs. of smoked salmon, crackers, sauce, and rub.

• Golden Gourmet Gift Tin – Jar of smoked sockeye strips, savory snacks, and more.

• Cedar Plank Gift Pack – Smoked sockeye fillet paired with sauces.

• Angel Seafood Smoked Salmon Trio – Gift set with three canned smoked salmon products.

It’s hard to beat an incredible edible gift straight from Alaska!