Discover the wonders of Alaska, a captivating destination offering a myriad of experiences for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Known as America’s “Last Frontier,” Alaska boasts vast landscapes, glaciers, rich history, and a wealth of outdoor activities.
Whether your interests lie in hiking, wildlife observation, fishing, history, or photography, Alaska caters to every passion. Witness the majestic Kenai fjords and catch a glimpse of whales, experience the thrill of dog sledding through the wild Alaskan backcountry, or marvel at the mesmerizing northern lights later in the season.
From the renowned Denali National Park to exploring the state’s stunning waterfalls and embarking on scenic railway rides through valleys and mountains, Alaska promises an array of exciting activities.
Connect with the great outdoors, create lasting memories, and explore some of the top things to do in Alaska.
Dog Sledding Adventure
Immerse yourself in Alaska’s cultural heritage with the exhilarating experience of dog sledding. Learn about the history rooted in the challenging Iditarod race, a 1,150-mile journey held annually in March. Whether racing through the wilderness on a traditional sled or opting for a summer ride on wheels in Alyeska, the thrill of dog sledding is available year-round.
Take it a step further by boarding a helicopter in Alyeska, landing on a glacier, and enjoying a dog sled ride across the icy expanse. Explore a 19th-century replica of an Iditarod Outpost near Juneau and engage with husky puppies before embarking on a sled ride, all against the backdrop of Denali’s towering presence.
Bear Viewing Extravaganza
Alaska’s abundant grizzly and brown bear population offers a captivating spectacle during the June to August bear viewing season. Join guided tours to locations like Lake Clark National Park, Katmai National Park, Ketchikan, or Icy Strait Point for a chance to witness bears fishing for salmon in their natural habitat. Traverse the “Trail of the Bears” in Icy Strait Point’s Spasski River Valley or take a scenic flight to the edge of Lake Clark National Park for an immersive wilderness experience. Visit the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, a sanctuary for orphaned cubs, providing a safe vantage point to observe and learn about these majestic creatures.
Glacial Trekking Adventure
Alaska’s vast expanse hosts the largest concentration of glaciers in North America, providing a thrilling opportunity for guided hikes on these colossal ice sheets. Board a helicopter in Juneau to explore Mendenhall Glacier’s surface and ice caves, or embark on a guided trek on the renowned Exit Glacier near Seward. Marvel at deep crevices, caves, and cascading waterfalls while trekking on these slow-moving glacial rivers of ice.
Zipline Through the Forest
Experience an adrenaline rush as you soar through southeastern Alaska’s forest landscape on the world’s longest zipline, located around Icy Strait Point. With speeds reaching up to 60 miles per hour, the zipline offers a bird’s eye perspective of the Alaskan rainforest, Icy Strait, and the village of Hoonah. Catch glimpses of wildlife like deer, bears, eagles, and even whales in the distance, with the potential to see the mountains of Glacier Bay National Park on clear days.
Fishing Expedition
Alaska’s diverse aquatic ecosystems, comprising lakes, rivers, streams, and ocean waters, make it a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. Cast a line for salmon, trout, halibut, arctic char, and pike in the pristine waters of the 49th state. Join a deep-sea fishing adventure in the Bering Sea to learn long-line fishing techniques for halibut, or explore the rivers and streams of Kenai Peninsula during the summer salmon runs.
Denali National Park also offers a fly-fishing haven with its spectacular backdrop, providing a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Denali National Park: Wildlife Haven
Explore the breathtaking Denali National Park, a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. Its expansive tundra terrain provides a stunning backdrop for spotting a diverse array of wildlife. Boasting nearly 70 mammal species and 169 bird species, Denali is a haven for nature lovers.
Keep an eye out for Alaska’s “Big Five” – caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep – all indigenous to the park. Beyond these iconic creatures, you may encounter wolverines, snowshoe hares, foxes, arctic ground squirrels, and marmots. Whether hiking the park’s trails or opting for a guided bus tour, witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat is a thrilling Alaskan experience.
Whale Watching Extravaganza
Embark on a whale-watching adventure in Alaska, renowned as one of the world’s best locations for spotting gray, humpback, and orca whales. Witness the annual migration of these majestic marine creatures to Alaska’s coastal regions.
The peak whale-watching season runs from May to September, with gray whales appearing in April. Cruise out of Seward through Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords for optimal chances of observing these graceful giants. Homer, Juneau, and Sitka are also prime destinations, especially for humpbacks frequenting the Inside Passage. Keep an eye out for other marine life, including dolphins, otters, seals, and the iconic eagles soaring above.
Hiking Adventures in Alaska
Immerse yourself in Alaska’s diverse landscapes through exhilarating hikes offering magnificent views. Explore Sawtooth Mountain near Skagway, a 3.5-mile nature trail providing glimpses of the Tongass National Forest, Sawtooth Mountains, and potential wildlife encounters like bears and moose.
Discover urban hiking on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage, an 11-mile trail offering impressive coastal views from Kincaid Park to downtown Anchorage. Waterfall enthusiasts can venture to Virgin River Falls in Girdwood, just 45 minutes from Anchorage, with two trails through the temperate rainforest leading to breathtaking cascades.
Native Alaskan Culture Exploration
Delve into Alaska’s rich cultural tapestry by learning about the diverse Alaskan Native Cultures. With eleven distinct cultures, explore historical sites paying homage to Indigenous peoples and their contributions to history, sports, and the arts.
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center near Anchorage for an immersive experience, showcasing cultures like Tlingit, Eyak, and Haida. Explore recreated Native dwellings near Lake Tiulana and witness theatrical performances in the Hall of Cultures. In Ketchikan, discover the “silent storytellers” at Totem Bight State Historical Park and Totem Heritage Center, celebrating the totem pole art of the Tlingit and Haida people.
Flightseeing: Aerial Marvels
Elevate your Alaska experience with a mesmerizing flightseeing adventure, offering unparalleled views of mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and fjords. Depart from Fairbanks for a journey across the Arctic Circle, where the sun grazes the horizon during the summer solstice.
Marvel at the endless Alaskan landscapes, mountains, and valleys before landing in Coldfoot, set against the Brooks Mountain Range. In the southern coastal region, take a scenic flight from Homer for breathtaking vistas of mountains, glaciers, and sea over Kachemak Bay State Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. Experience the wild beauty of Alaska from a unique aerial perspective.
In conclusion,
In the heart of America’s “Last Frontier,” Alaska unfolds as a captivating tapestry of wilderness and culture. From the thrill of dog sledding on icy expanses to the majesty of grizzlies in their natural habitat, every experience beckons you into a world where nature reigns supreme. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or casting a line in pristine waters, Alaska’s wonders are boundless. So, embrace the call of the wild, make lasting memories, and let Alaska’s grandeur leave you breathless. Adventure awaits in the untamed beauty of the 49th state. Alaska: where nature meets awe.