There’s never been a better time to get up close and personal with Alaska. The northernmost state boasts unprecedented vistas, seas, and valleys teeming with wildlife, and no shortage of cruises or private tours to ferry you from natural wonder to natural wonder. Here are some of our favorite sights:
Denali National Park
A long-time destination for backcountry skiers and snowboarding, Denali National Park offers some of the most impressive peaks in the U.S. But even if you’re not a mountaineer, the park offers plenty of activities for recreation. Wildlife enthusiasts can snap pictures of moose, bear, and wolves, while families with children can schedule a meeting with the park’s working sled dogs!
Kenai Fjords
From kayaking to secluded cabins to whale watching, Kenai Fjords National Park boasts a host of activities. But the park’s biggest draw is the beautiful views that serve as the backdrop for your adventures. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that travelers can choose to explore on skis, by boat, or via hike.
Kodiak Island
The largest island in the Kodiak archipelago and home of the Sugpiaq people, Kodiak Island is a must-visit for adventurous travelers. That’s because a majority of the island falls within the Kodiak Wildlife Refuge and has no road access. It’s also a great place to see the largest subspecies of brown bear—the Kodiak bear—in its natural element.
Ketchikan
Along with the famous Totem Bight State Historical Park, home to 14 of the beautiful, handcrafted indigenous structures that give the park its name, Ketchikan also offers visitors breathtaking beach and ocean scenes. It also happens to be a great location to book a fishing charter.
Tour Indigenous Villages
Visitors will find many Alaska Native Heritage centers dotted throughout the state. These educational outposts explore the history of Alaska’s five major cultural groups while offering a variety of activities such as films and looks inside historical dwellings. Travelers can also visit indigenous villages directly, on their own or by tour. A few to mention are Barrow, villages near Nome, and villages around Fairbanks.
Panning for Gold
Available in Juneau near Gold Creek, this is a fun activity that gives you a glimmer of hope to hit it big. For an afternoon, tourists have the chance to see how the pioneers worked to seek their fortune during the Gold Rush.
Alyeska Aerial Tram
Located 40 miles from Anchorage, the tram provides miles of beautiful panorama in all directions. Sights include views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and endless peaks deep in the Chugach Mountain range. In the summer months, moose and bear sightings are common. An observation deck also provides 360° views while you enjoy a relaxed lunch or a beautiful evening sunset.
Private Tour or Major Cruise?
While the above regions offer a variety of experiences, you may find yourself torn as to what’s the best way to visit them.
With a private tour, each experience can be flexible. If the fish are biting in one spot, you can stay longer. If you are not seeing any wildlife in one area, you can move to another.
On the other hand, commercial cruises are easy, with meals and entertainment completely taken care of. Expect to visit 2 to 3 coastal towns, partake in 1 to 2 glacier experiences, enjoy 24-hour dining, and have at your disposal all the amenities of a floating resort.
The Best Time to Visit
Alaska days are long and temperatures are comfortable anytime from May to September. And while it does get rainier as the season progresses, summer is truly the best time to see the magnificent wildlife the state is known for.
Why You Should Book Now
Due to its short touring season, Alaska has always been a destination to book a year in advance. Add to that the clamor to rebook cruises and tours that were cancelled due to the pandemic, and Alaska is poised to fill up faster than ever.
If you don’t lock reservations in now—especially if you have your heart set on a certain cruise or tour—you may be shut out.
Why Choose The Travel Team
For over 30 years, The Travel Team has been helping travelers get the most out of their Alaskan getaways. In addition to offering helpful recommendations that build on top of our clients’ interests, we can compare Alaskan cruise itineraries and explain the differences. We can also provide insight on matters such as which cabins offer the best views and must-see towns and ports of calls.
