Updated 15/09/2025
Alaska, with its huge landscapes, stunning wildlife, and cultural experiences, offers adventure seekers an escape into the heart of wilderness. From towering glaciers and mountains to wildlife and local cultures. This short guide will explore the many activities that make Alaska a destination for exploration and discovery.
Holiday Details
There are a range of places to stay in Alaska to suit every budget and preference. Consider checking out edreams to find your perfect hotel!
Witnessing Glacial Grandeur
Alaska is amazing with glaciers, and no trip is complete without seeing these frozen giants. Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a great display of glaciers, fjords and icebergs. Here you can join a cruise to navigate the icy waters, providing an up-close encounter with tidewater glaciers and the different marine life that live in these freezing seas.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located on the Kenai Peninsula, also boasts an awe-inspiring glacial landscape. Take a trip on a boat tour to see the chunks of ice breaking off the glaciers, spot the wildlife, and take in the lovely scenery of rugged coastlines and towering peaks. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise on Viator
Wildlife Encounters
If you are a wildlife lover then Denali National Park, Mount McKinley, is the place for you. Take a bus tour through the park to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and a variety of bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems offer a chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitats against the backdrop of the stunning Alaska Range.
For a more controlled wildlife encounter, why not pay a visit to one of the many wildlife reserves such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Here is where injured and orphaned animals are rehabilitated and cared for, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to see Alaska’s wildlife up close whilst also supporting conservation efforts. Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup on Viator
Idyllic Outdoor Adventures
In Denali National Park, the Savage River Loop Trail provides an easy hike with fantastic views of the park. For the more experienced hikers, the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park offers a challenging trek with panoramic views. Denali National Park Walking Tour on Viator
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you will love the Alaska’s waters. Whether angling for salmon, halibut, or trout, there are many charter services that cater to both beginners and seasoned fishermen. The experience of reeling in a salmon from the cold Alaskan waters is a memory that will last a lifetime. A popular tour is Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan on Viator.
For a different winter adventure, why not have a go at dog sledding. You can choose a guided tour or take the reins yourself, mushing through the snow-covered landscapes providing an authentic Alaskan experience. Many tours also offer the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of dog sledding in Alaska.
Cultural Immersion
If you are interested in History and culture, then head into Alaska’s Native Heritage Centre’s. These centres offer insights into the traditions, art, and history of Alaska’s native peoples. You can join traditional dance performances, view artistry and engage with local artisans to gain an understanding for Alaska’s cultural diversity.
You can also enjoy a cultural tour that provides a look at how local communities live in harmony with the land. From learning traditional fishing techniques to understanding the significance of totem poles, these experiences offer a meaningful connection to Alaska’s cultural tapestry.
Scenic Railway Journeys
For a more leisurely exploration of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, settle back on a scenic railway journey. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, departing from Skagway, takes you through breathtaking scenery, including mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. The vintage railcars provide a nostalgic experience while offering panoramic views of the surrounding beauty.
Northern Lights Spectacle
A trip to Alaska wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Head to Fairbanks or one of the many viewing areas during the winter months for the best chance to see this natural light display. Consider booking a guided tour for an expert-led experience that will maximize your chance of witnessing this amazing phenomenon. Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza on Viator
Experiences
Experience Alaska’s wilderness like never before with these incredible adventures! The Yukon Double Up from Skagway is perfect for those wanting a mix of scenic beauty and charm. You’ll journey past lush landscapes to the breathtaking Emerald Lake and Pitchfork Falls. Wild Adventure Yukon Tour into Canada + White Pass Summit on Viator
If whales are on the bucket list, the Superior Whale Watching Tour in Juneau offers three hours of close encounters with orcas and humpbacks. Spot these gentle giants with expert guides who ensure no tail flip or breach goes unnoticed! Whale Watching Cruise with Glacier View Stop on Viator
The Arctic Circle Expedition from Fairbanks lets you dive deep into Alaskan wilderness as you travel to the Arctic Circle, marveling at pristine landscapes with expansive skies above. Private Arctic Circle Expedition on Viator
For glacier lovers, the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Tour in Juneau delivers a thrilling paddle across Mendenhall Lake with up-close views of the glacier’s stunning blue ice—a must for adventurers. Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour on Viator
To top it all, the Helicopter Sightseeing with Glacier Landing adds a thrilling birds-eye view. Soar over glaciers and untouched snowy landscapes before touching down on a remote glacier, giving you the ultimate Alaskan experience from above and up close! Alaska Helicopter Tour on Viator
Top Tips
Dress in layers to handle Alaska’s changing weather—temperatures can shift quickly, even in summer.
Book excursions early, especially wildlife tours and cruises, as spots sell out fast during peak season.
Keep binoculars handy for spotting whales, bears, and bald eagles—you’ll see wildlife everywhere in Alaska.
Plan for long daylight hours in summer and very short ones in winter; adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Bring insect repellent—mosquitoes in Alaska’s wilderness are famously persistent, especially near lakes and rivers.
Use the Alaska Railroad or ferries for scenic travel between towns—it’s as much an adventure as flying.
Respect the wilderness: follow bear safety guidelines, stay on trails, and leave no trace behind.
Whether you’re drawn to glacial landscapes, wildlife encounters, outdoor pursuits, cultural immersion, or a blend of all these experiences, Alaska offers it all. When planning your journey, consider the season, the specific activities that you want to do and what each region offers. Alaska is waiting for you to enjoy an extraordinary adventure.
