Is Alaska on your bucket list? Now is a great time to head to the Last Frontier, America’s vast 49th state. Alaska is like nowhere else, with stunning glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and even charming cities and towns. There is something for everyone at all times of year! Here is our list of top activities for any travel style.
Outdoor adventure. Of course, Alaska is known for its vast outdoors. Take in the scenery and experience Alaska up close with these adventurous activities:
Kayaking and rafting. Paddle along sea cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers on a sea kayaking adventure on the waters of Prince William Sound, south of Anchorage. Rafting tours are also offered across the state; rafting the Chilkat River to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve near Haines is a top favorite. Seeing Alaska from the water, your hard work will be rewarded with views of eagles, sea otters, seals, and the magnificent surroundings.
Fishing. Alaska is an angler’s paradise, with everything from guided day trips, to private fly-in fishing lodges. Ketchikan in southeastern Alaska is one of the best places in the world to fish for salmon, halibut, and rockfish. Enjoy your catch with a chef-made meal or ship your fish back home to enjoy later.
Mountaineering. Backpack, car camp, or day trip on one of Alaska’s many guided mountain excursions. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is America’s largest park where you can test your skills on some of the world’s most challenging mountains.
Skiing. For a unique ski vacation, consider one of Alaska’s ski resorts. Alyeska, located about 45 minutes from Anchorage, receives an astounding 600 inches of snow per year! Because of the shorter days in the winter, it’s also a chance to experience night skiing where the slopes are lit up, all without the heavy crowds seen in the lower 48.
Epic sightseeing. Get a front row seat to Alaska’s gorgeous landscape and wildlife through these photo-ready activities.
Helicopter flightseeing. Alaska’s rugged landscape means that much of the state is accessible only by air. One of the most popular helicopter tours departs Juneau and takes you atop a real-life glacier where you can walk around and see the crevasses. Consider adding this as an excursion to a cruise package, but book early to reserve your space!
Wildlife viewing. Did you know that Alaska has some of the world’s northernmost rainforests? From Ketchikan in southeast Alaska, take a gentle hike through the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary to watch bears feeding on salmon or take a flight to Misty Fjords National Monument where bears graze and dig for clams. From Sitka, the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest cruise sails by whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, brown bears, marine birds, and more.
Denali National Park. Mt. McKinley is the tallest mountain in the U.S. at an astounding 20,310 feet above sea level! Denali is the place to experience Alaska’s interior, with flight tours taking you up close to McKinley, as well as wildlife viewing and hikes on the spongy, high-alpine tundra.
History. Alaska has a unique and storied history going back to Indigenous people, as well as the Russian and Christian Orthodox influence in the culture and architecture. It’s worth spending some time at Alaska’s world-class museums and exhibits. You may be surprised by how charming (and sometimes quirky) Alaska’s cities and towns can be!
Museum of the North. Located on the University of Alaska-Fairbanks campus, the Museum of the North showcases the natural history, culture, and art of Alaska and the polar region. It contains over 2.5 million artifacts including fossils, tools, cultural pieces, and even gold nuggets from the Alaska gold rush. It’s also the premier research museum in the state.
The Anchorage Museum. Located in downtown Anchorage, this museum is world-class by any standard. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center is one of a kind, with in-depth information on the history and culture of Indigenous people from the arctic region. The museum also has unique local and national art and cultural exhibits that rotate regularly.
Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC). In Anchorage, the ANHC is an active and modern cultural center with speakers, events, art fairs, and a permanent collection. The outdoor space has life-scale replicas of various historical dwellings representing different Indigenous Alaskan cultures; guided tours are offered regularly and are fun/fascinating for the whole family.
Nature in luxury. Alaska’s landscape might be rugged, but there are endless ways to see Alaska without “roughing it.” Here are some luxurious experiences to put on the list!
Alaska Railroad. The Alaska Railroad runs year-round and is a must-do for any land tour of the state. Imagine sipping on a cocktail or enjoying a full-service meal aboard the dining car amongst the backdrop of wildlife and the majestic Denali National Park, or head south of Anchorage to see the Cook Inlet up close. The railroad’s GoldStar Service offers premium 360-degree panoramic viewing cars, an outdoor viewing deck, high-end complimentary meal service, a private bar, and more.
White Pass Railway. For a shorter rail tour, take a 3-hour trip aboard this historic, narrow-gauge railway out of Skagway that connects to White Pass Summit in the Yukon, Canada. Note that depending on the trip, a passport may be required. Known as the “Scenic Railroad of the World” you’ll experience steep grades, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views, along with guided commentary.
Small ship tour. For an intimate, guided tour of a tide water glacier, visit Glacier Bay National Park near Juneau. From the comfort of the viewing deck, observe glaciers calving and other wildlife including humpback whales. These tours typically have no more than 150 people (sometimes much smaller) and offer expert commentary along the way.
Alaska offers spectacular beauty, with unique activities year-round for everyone, families included! While Alaska is vast, you’ll find familiarity with being in the U.S., and it’s surprisingly easy to hop on a domestic flight from many “lower 48” cities. If these activities stir up your curiosity, give us a call to start planning!
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