Alaska, the ultimate frontier of journey journey is on the prime of many bucket lists. The most important state in the US is a vacation spot that provides guests an unparalleled alternative to expertise the pure magnificence and rugged wilderness of the Arctic. Alaska is a spot that captures the creativeness and the spirit of journey. From the bustling metropolis of Anchorage to the distant wilderness of Denali Nationwide Park, there isn’t a scarcity of locations to go to in Alaska. And we’ve seen most of them.
Prime Locations to Go to in Alaska
Alaska’s panorama is various, starting from snow-capped mountains to glaciers, fjords, and an expanse of forests. We fell in love with Alaska the primary time we visited in 2011 and when taking my dad and mom on a Holland American Cruise final summer season, we had been thrilled to have the ability to share its magnificence and introduce them.
When selecting your cruise or land tour by means of Alaska, it may be tough to resolve the place to cease or what to see, so we’re rounding up among the greatest locations to go to in Alaska that we’ve been that will help you plan your journey.
1. Denali Nationwide Park and Protect
There are 17 nationwide parks in Alaska, and Denali Nationwide Park and Protect is definitely the preferred of all of them. It can’t be seen from a cruise and must be added as a land tour or you possibly can journey to it independently. This huge wilderness space is positioned in central Alaska and is house to North America’s highest peak, Denali (Mount McKinley) which stands at 6190 meters (20,310 ft),
One of many first issues guests normally do at this nationwide park is to hop aboard transformed faculty buses to get pleasure from a guided scenic tour in quest of grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.
We took this ATV journey which was a hoot driving alongside trails. The journey contains 360° overlook views of the Alaska Vary, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley.
One of the crucial fashionable actions in Denali Nationwide Park is mountaineering. The park has a community of mountaineering trails that vary from brief walks to multi-day backpacking journeys. It has 6 campgrounds which do get busy in the summertime months so it’s a good suggestion to make a reservation. Make sure you verify in with the Denali Customer Middle earlier than venturing out into the park.
McKinley Chalet Resort
We stayed at McKinley Chalet Resort which was superior. Situated lower than 2 miles from the nationwide park entrance, we felt proper in the course of the wilderness. The newly renovated suites in our wing had been stylish and fashionable with that rustic mountain lodge really feel.
Our balcony regarded over the mountains. The property is massive with completely different areas indifferent from the primary lodge. We loved a enjoyable night right here watching The Music of Denali as we our servers carried out on stage whereas feeding us recent Alaskan salmon, ribs, and mashed potatoes, household type.
2. Denali – Mt. McKinely
If you’re fortunate whereas visiting the park, you could possibly spy the majestic mountain, Denali. It’s normally overcast, however we’ve been fortunate sufficient to see it from our land tour and by a scenic flight.
A scenic flight was a completely beautiful strategy to expertise North America’s tallest peak. Seeing the glaciers and ice fields from above was an intimidating sight. At occasions it felt as if we might attain out and contact it. E book this scenic flight over Denali the place you’ll fly near the summit of Denali, get pleasure from views of the Alaska Vary and witness the Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Avid climbers can try to overcome Denali. However not like Mount Kilimanjaro, it requires critical climbing expertise and winter tenting. If you’re new to mountaineering, it’s higher to stay to taking in scenic views.
3. Glacier Bay Nationwide Park
Glacier Bay Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most unusual locations on this planet. It’s designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and rightly so with historical past packed in each single molecule of its historical glacier historical past.Â
The Grand Pacific Glacier was greater than 4000 ft thick simply two centuries in the past however has shrunk considerably. As we speak the glacier has been divided into many small ones and lots of of them are calving to at the present time. Meaning at any second an enormous block of ice might fall off of them, which additionally means lots of the glaciers should be loved from a distance.
The park is made up of greater than 3 million acres and may solely be reached by ship or float airplane. Alaska’s inside passage in Glacier Bay takes you from forest to ice and is breathtaking to expertise as you float the fjord. Once you’re within the inside passage it’s nearly as if nothing else exists.
Throughout our Holland America Cruise, we circled the bay having fun with panoramic views of the glaciers from the entrance deck. By having a balcony suite, we then retired to our room to benefit from the views with a glass of champagne as we relaxed in privateness taking on this surprise of the world.
4. Ketchikan
Considered one of our favourite locations to go to in Alaska is Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the world and Alaska’s first metropolis, this can be a city the place most cruises cease both first or final. Situated on the Inside Passage in southern Alaska, this frontier city was as soon as a thriving settlement for the gold rush and as you stroll alongside the boardwalks of historic Creek Avenue, you possibly can see historic buildings from the crimson gentle district courting again to the 1800s.
Ketchikan can be probably the greatest locations to see whales in Alaska and there are many boat excursions that may take you onto the water. We took a zodiac tour in Ketchikan the place we explored the coast, spied bald eagles and whales from our self-drive boats.
Ketchikan additionally has the world’s largest assortment of standing Native American totem poles. Be certain to look as much as see all of them. If you wish to delve into Indigenous tradition, go to the Totem Heritage Middle and study in regards to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples.
You can even see extra Totem poles on the Saxam Village in Ketchikan and we noticed Totem Bight State Historic Park on one other cruise in Alaska. Situated simply exterior of Ketchikan, it’s listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
5. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Ketchikan can be house to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. It covers 40 acres of protected land and is house to a various vary of wildlife, together with black bears, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and salmon.
We took a float airplane out to Neets Bay to look at bears feast on spawning salmon as they fattened up for winter hibernation. This was probably the greatest experiences we’ve ever had. Be certain to ebook it early as these excursions refill rapidly. If you wish to see brown bears feeding on salmon as a substitute, the place to do this is at Katmai Nationwide Park and Protect.
6. Misty Fjords Nationwide Monument
One of many star points of interest is Misty Fjords Nationwide Monument which is positioned simply 22 miles east of Ketchikan. It’s made up of sheer rock partitions that attain 3000 ft straight out of the ocean. Take a scenic flight right here the place you’ll witness steep sea cliffs, steep fjords, and rainforests.
The place to Keep in Ketchikan
If you’re staying in Ketchikan, take a look at the Inn at Creek Avenue – These restored historic buildings supply distinctive lodging within the coronary heart of downtown. Most rooms have kitchenettes and fridges. Particulars right here.
The Touchdown – The Touchdown Lodge is positioned in downtown Ketchikan. It has The Touchdown Restaurant & Jeremiah’s Pub on web site.
7. Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier
Many cruise ships additionally begin and end their journeys in Juneau, Alaska. I do know we now have! Named after Joe Juneau, a French-Canadian miner, and prospector Juneau is without doubt one of the extra occurring cities in Alaska. Considered one of its primary vacationer points of interest is the big Mendenhall Glacier positioned on the Juneau Ice area.
Juneau is a spot in Alaska that requires no less than a few days to discover. The city itself has a enjoyable old-west vibe full with saloons, boardwalks, and loads of points of interest. It’s additionally one of many premier locations on this planet to identify bald eagles with them being so plentiful there’s a seaside really referred to as Bald Eagle Seashore. Learn extra about all of the 28 Superb Issues to do in Juneau, Alaska
The place to Keep in Juneau
4 Factors by Sheraton – Situated on the waterfront we discovered this to be a really handy resort. It was inside strolling distance to downtown plus it has quick access to the Seadrome Marina.
Ramada Inn by Wyndham – One other nice location in Juneau just a bit farther away from the historic downtown than the Sheraton. However nonetheless inside strolling distance and we cherished their restaurant and bar.
8. Mendenhall Ice Caves
The Mendenhall ice caves are one of many coolest issues to see in Juneau. This pure attraction will make you’re feeling as if you could have been transported to a planet of ice and glass. The Mendenhall ice caves are normally accessible between July and September.
You possibly can take a tour to see the Mendenhall Glacier and benefit from the mountaineering trails across the lake to see its completely different viewpoint.
- E book this highly-rated Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Tour. For the journey of a lifetime, paddle the Mendenhall Lake to the Glacier the place you’ll get to discover the glacier up shut and private.
- Or you possibly can be a part of a canoe journey to the glacier the place you’ll seek for wildlife, paddle round ice flows and eventually step foot on the glacier.
9. Tongass Nationwide Forest
It’s onerous to consider that Alaska has a rainforest however Tongass Nationwide Forest is the most important functioning temperate rainforest on Earth. The dimensions of Tongass is mind-blowing at greater than 16 million acres of land. From each Ketchikan and Juneau, you possibly can go to Tongass Nationwide Forest.
Within the forest, you possibly can get pleasure from its mountaineering trails and when you’re in Juneau, you possibly can take a mere 15-minute drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Customer Middle which is positioned inside the forest. We took an exquisite guided hike to the glacier the place we watched salmon spawn and discovered about its wildlife. Moreover Mendenhall, there are quite a few different glaciers and mountaineering trails unfold throughout the park.Â
The park is house to all kinds of wildlife like wolves, black bears, and deer. You possibly can even spot humpback whales and sea lions within the close by waters. Tongass Nationwide Park has the comforts of town inside it in addition to the comforts of the wild all through. Â
10. Fairbanks
The very first place we ever visited in Alaska was Fairbanks, Alaska and this city is superior. When visiting Alaska in the summertime it’s really the land of the Midnight Solar. There are such a lot of issues to do in Fairbanks from studying about Native American Tradition and exploring the Chena River to enjoyable within the Chena Sizzling Springs.
One of many extra attention-grabbing locations to go to is the Yukon Quest Alaska Headquarters. That is the beginning of the Yukon Quest canine sled race the place you possibly can study in regards to the well-known canine mushers and groups who’ve taken half through the years. Together with our pal Hank McCready who ran the prettiest group in Alaska. One other cease is the fountainhead vintage auto museum the place classic vehicles are on show. It’s persistently ranked as probably the greatest auto museums on this planet.
The place to Keep in Fairbanks
For Aurora viewing take a look at Aurora Villa. This contemporary retreat is a boutique resort providing views of the northern lights nestled within the mountains above Fairbanks.
11. Anchorage
A go to to Alaska wouldn’t be full with out seeing Anchorage. It’s the largest metropolis in Alaska and a global hub with entry to Alaska’s inside and coast. It’s right here that you may hop on the Alaska Railroad to discover the nice frontier.
Anchorage was the beginning of our cruise. After disembarking from the railway, we loved two nights in downtown Anchorage. With cafés and eating places, it has all of the facilities of a giant metropolis. A spotlight to go to is the ultra-modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Middle and The Alaska Native Heritage Middle exploring the life and tradition of Alaska’s indigenous individuals.
12. Skagway
Skagway is a bustling city the place almost each ship stops. It may be overwhelming spending only a day in Skagway. This outdated wild west city is stuffed with power. On the town, you possibly can go to the Klondike Customer’s Middle to study all in regards to the Gold Rush that attracted individuals to this a part of the world.
Take a step again in time and go to the Skagway Nationwide Historic District. It’s positioned within the city of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush Nationwide Historic Park has managed to make sure that historical buildings from the Gold Rush days are nonetheless intact. Simply strolling by means of Skagway downtown will make you’re feeling such as you your self have traveled again in time to when trying to find gold and grabbing a pint after was all in a day’s work.  Â
13. White Move Railway and Yukon Route Railroad
The classic locomotive takes you alongside the Chilcoot Path the place prospectors risked their lives in quest of gold. If you’re strolling round city, make your strategy to Pullen Creek Stream Stroll to see the salmon run.
We took the very best of all of Skagway by taking a helicopter flight over the glaciers out to the nationwide forest in quest of wildlife earlier than hopping on the historic White Move and Yukon Railroad. Now we have finished the railroad tour by itself, however extremely suggest the flight, hike, and railway tour as a substitute. You solely have to experience the railway a technique and this gave us the very best of all worlds.
14. Dalton Freeway
If you wish to go much more distant, proceed on from Fairbanks to Deadhorse alongside the Dalton Freeway close to the Prudhoe Bay Oil fields and the Arctic Ocean. We haven’t finished this drive, however we now have been as much as the Arctic Ocean within the neighboring Northwest Territories in Canada and the surroundings right here is really magnificent.
The Dalton Freeway is taken into account one of the vital remoted roads in the US. It crossed the Arctic Circle and we did this on the same Dempster Freeway. it’s the coolest factor to drive proper throughout the Arctic Circle. It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Get pleasure from studying our 15 Nice Highway Journeys in America
15. Seward
Seward is a small city positioned on the Kenai Peninsula and presents many actions for outside lovers. There are many issues you are able to do in Seward together with boat excursions to Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, or the Alaska SeaLife Middle which is a good place to study marine life in Alaska and see sea lions, puffins, and different animals up shut.
The encompassing mountains have loads of mountaineering trails together with the Harding Icefield Path and the Exit Glacier Path.
16. Alaska Freeway
If you wish to attempt a really genuine expertise, make certain to drive the Alaska Freeway from Dawson’s Creek in British Columbia. This epic street journey crosses by means of southeast Alaska letting you see a unique facet of the sate. We made the same journey alongside the Dempster Freeway within the Yukon and let me let you know, there’s nothing prefer it on Earth.
The Alaska Freeway is a 1400-mile journey that ends in Fairbanks, Alaska. Alongside the drive, you’ll encounter glaciers and mountains and grizzly bears, and extra and it’ll undoubtedly be a visit you gained’t overlook. In fact, you don’t should take the freeway, you possibly can merely take a airplane and land your self in one in all Alaska’s large cities.
17. Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park
The Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park within the Kenai Peninsula is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Alaska with glaciers, an icefield, and bears and seals lolling about. The easiest way to see this distant vacation spot is to get out on a cruise the place you will get out on kayaks to discover the fjords.
Be certain to go to the Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Customer Centre in Seward earlier than you head out to study path situations and the Kenai Peninsula earlier than you head into the park. And don’t miss seeing Exit Glacier positioned simply 10 minutes from Seward, it’s one in all Alaska’s most accessible roadside glaciers.
Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park was a nationwide monument after which grew to become a Nationwide park designed to guard the misty fjords, rainforest, and wildlife that make up the realm. As we speak, the Kenai Peninsula is a beloved a part of the native Anchorage group because it’s only a two-hour drive exterior of town.Â
18. Wrangell Elias Nationwide Park
It’s bigger than Yellowstone Nationwide Park, in actual fact, it’s bigger than all North American nationwide parks, Wrangell St. Elias Nationwide Park is America’s largest nationwide park at a whopping 13.2 million acres. It’s a nationwide treasure that few individuals get to see. Try America’s first nationwide park: Greatest issues to do in Yellowstone NP.
The park is filled with volcanoes and glaciers and the distinctive panorama attracts all kinds of wildlife like mountain goats and brown bears (identical as grizzly bears) Wrangell St Elias Nationwide Park is a component tundra and temperate rainforest. It’s also house to moose, Dall sheep, bison, goats, and caribou.
One of the crucial attention-grabbing belongings you would possibly see is ice worms. From the identify, you’d assume they need to be see-through or white, however ice worms are literally black and you’ll see them by means of frozen surfaces. In case you’re a chook watcher, you’ll love the Copper River Basin Space which is a part of the migratory route of quite a few chook species. Moreover, you’ll probably see bald eagles, swans, ravens, and owls too.Â
19. Northern Lights
Whereas summertime in Alaska offers guests the possibility to expertise the midnight solar with almost 24 hours of daylight, when the cooler temperatures arrive you can also make a visit to Alaska to see the Northern Lights.
One of the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is in winter or late autumn and early spring. Gentle air pollution will probably be your enemy so if you wish to get the actual Aurora expertise, the very best locations to go to will probably be exterior of Alaska’s large cities. You possibly can ask the resort that you just’re staying at to wake you when the lights are out as fairly a lot of accommodations in Alaska supply this service.
To view the Aurora Borealis keep on the Northern Sky Lodge in Fairbanks. The lodge is nestled amongst 21 acres, solely half-hour from Fairbanks Worldwide Airport and 90 minutes from Denali Nationwide Park. It makes for a terrific base to discover the inside of Alaska.
20. Alaska Native Heritage Middle
To actually recognize the Alaskan local weather and way of life it’s undoubtedly a good suggestion to study in regards to the indigenous historical past of the state. Your go to to the Alaska Native Heritage Middle gives you a glimpse into the lives of 11 Alaska cultures together with the Haida and Tsimshian First Nations whose territory goes proper into Canada and down into British Columbia.
You’ll get to look at conventional dancing, meet Indigenous artists, and even go to dwellings that offer you an opportunity to expertise how the Indigenous individuals lived within the winter in Alaska earlier than there was electrical energy.
21. Iditarod Nationwide Historic Path
The historic Iditarod Path is greatest identified as of late for the Iditarod Canine Sledding Race however previous to the race, it was a route utilized by Native People previous to the introduction of different automobiles.
This path took of us 50 miles north of Seward all the best way to Nome. They weren’t simply going for a leisurely mush nevertheless, these of us carried heavy provides to distant communities. Canine sleds performed an necessary half in Native transportation and Europeans that got here after additionally adopted this environment friendly transportation technique within the harsh northern local weather.
As of late you can also make your personal reminiscences on the path by strolling it or utilizing a tour operator that may take you on a standard canine sled on the path. The Iditarod Canine Sledd Race takes place in March and attracts a whole lot of consideration. In case you occur to be there throughout that point it’s undoubtedly one thing you shouldn’t miss.
22. Alaska Railroad
In case you’re a little bit of a romantic then the thought of taking a railroad throughout the wilderness will get you excited. The Alaska Railroad was established in 1903 and nonetheless runs in the present day. It traverses nearly 500 miles from Seward as much as Fairbanks with stops alongside the best way.
If you would like a snug go to whereas testing the Alaskan wilderness, it’s best to ebook a seat on the Alaska Railroad. The ticket worth will differ primarily based on how far you journey and which cabin you resolve to ebook. Moreover, you possibly can get pleasure from breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees in your journey whereas having fun with the great thing about the Pacific Ocean, Alaska glaciers, rivers and mountains.
23. Prince William Sound
It’s really a shocking sight to see so many salmon multi function place. In case you’re in search of a enjoyable day journey then look no additional than Prince William Sound.
The Sound is positioned on the south finish of Alaska with unbelievable surroundings and is without doubt one of the prettiest locations you’ll go to. You possibly can take a ship tour out to go to the sound and in addition get pleasure from a scrumptious meal on the water. The Sound is surrounded by glaciers and the largest tidewater glacier is the Columbia Glacier.
You’ll really feel what a goldfish seems like as the environment appear larger than life. There’s additionally a whole lot of wildlife within the space so preserve your digital camera helpful for epic pics you possibly can take a look at again and again. This may not be one of the vital well-known Alaska locations, however you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring scene when you resolve to be one of many few that go to.
24. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Middle
If you wish to assure to view Alaska’s wildlife then it’s best to take a look at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Middle. The middle goals to guard and protect the wildlife of Alaska by means of training and analysis.
The middle is positioned off the Seward Freeway close to the Portage Valley Glacier on Turnagain Arm. It’s 200 acres of pure surprise as you get an opportunity to see bison, coyotes, bears, and different wildlife up shut. The conservation middle is sectioned off into areas for various wildlife. You possibly can drive by means of, park your automobile after which take a walkthrough.
25. Kodiak Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
First established to guard the nice brown bears that dwell on Kodiak Island, in the present day the Kodiak Nationwide Wildlife Refuge protects an entire lot extra. Sitting near 2,000,000 acres the refuge encompasses Ben Island and elements of Kodiak Island, Uganik Island, the Pink Peaks, and Afognak Island.Â
It is filled with rivers and streams and is a nesting floor for a number of hundred species of birds together with the Bald Eagle. As we speak the mission of the refuge will not be solely simply shield the brown bears, but additionally to preserve all wildlife, sea lions, and fish populations within the space.
It’s a large breeding floor for 5 species of salmon that additionally feed the lots of of birds that dwell on the island. That is palms down probably the greatest locations to go to in Alaska. The world is simply accessible by floatplane or boat so if you wish to go to, you undoubtedly ought to plan forward.Â
Bonus Alaska Journey
If you’re trying to go off the crushed path, you could need to ebook a visit to the Gates of the Arctic Nationwide Park and Protect. It’s positioned in northern Alaska, excessive above the Arctic Circle. It is without doubt one of the most distant and least visited nationwide parks in the US.
The park covers 8.4 million acres and contains each the Brooks Vary mountains and the Arctic tundra. There aren’t any roads or trails within the park, and guests should be self-sufficient and ready for the difficult situations of the Arctic wilderness.
Entry to the park is proscribed to small planes and helicopters, and guests should receive permits earlier than getting into the park. Regardless of its remoteness, Gates of the Arctic Nationwide Park and Protect is a well-liked vacation spot for backpackers, hikers, and outside lovers who’re drawn to the pristine wilderness and beautiful landscapes of the Arctic.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
What are the prettiest locations in Alaska?
In case you go to any of the nationwide parks in Alaska, you can be assured of discovering a reasonably place. Nothing actually beats Glacier Bay Nationwide Park however Katmai Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the prettiest locations round. Katmai Nationwide Park and Protect can be probably the greatest locations to see brown bears within the wild. Many individuals ebook this tour at Brooks Camp.
What do you have to keep away from in Alaska?
If you’re not a seasoned hiker or climber, it’s greatest to steer clear of the glaciers and simply view them from afar or rent a information or tour to see them with an expert. Moreover, it’s best to remain off unmarked trails until you’re very skilled, and don’t enterprise to the backcountry until you could have expertise.
What’s one of the best ways to see Alaska in 10 days?
The easiest way to see Alaska in 10 days is to take a cruise ship down or head to the capital metropolis of Juneau and make your manner up from there.
And these are the very best locations to go to in Alaska. Have you ever been to Alaska? Alaska is one in all our favorite journey locations on Earth and we look ahead to going again quickly. What did we miss and the place ought to we go subsequent?
