10 Exciting Things to Do in Alaska

A lot of things are known about Alaska, but there is still so much more to learn. It is a land of vast wilderness and natural wonders. There are plenty of things to see here, whether it be wildlife, glaciers, or the incredible terrain. You can find many exciting things to see and do in Alaska, so if you’re looking for an adventure then this is the perfect destination for you.

Here are 10 things to do in Alaska.

(1) Watch the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska is an unforgettable experience! The ethereal green and blue lights are simply mesmerizing, and there’s nothing quite like them. If you’re lucky, you might also see some of the other Aurora Borealis displays, like pink and purple lights.

You can view the Northern Lights in many places in Alaska, but Denali National Park is one of the best locations. The park is home to some of the most incredible scenery in the state, and it’s a great place to see the Northern Lights. Other great places to watch the lights include Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Valdez.

Book a Northern Lights Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska for an unforgettable experience

(2) Go dog sledding

Getting to know the Alaskan landscape through dog sledding is an exciting experience. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the Alaskan landscape and get a workout at the same time. There are many tour operators who offer dog sledding trips, so you can find one that fits your budget. Alaska’s remote wilderness places are some of the best places for dog sledding.

The best time for dog sledding in Alaska is during the winter. The temperatures are colder, which means the snow is usually firmer and makes for better sledding. It is important to book your dog sledding trip well in advance, as spots tend to fill up quickly.

(3) Visit Kodiak Island

There are no words to describe the beauty of Kodiak Island. The vast forests, pristine lakes, and towering mountains offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure for nature lovers. The Kodiak Island archipelago is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Alaska. It is one of the best places for bear watching in Alaska.

There is nothing like witnessing the majestic Kodiak bears in their natural habitat while on the island. It is home to a large variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, harbor seals, sea otters, and bald eagles. Kodiak Island is renowned for its Sitka Blacktail Deer hunting, which draws outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling hunting experiences. In addition to its untamed allure and abundance of natural wonders, Kodiak Island captivates with its rugged terrain, crystal-clear waters, and serenity of its wilderness.

(4) Take a scenic drive on the Alaska Highway

If you’re planning a road trip in Alaska, make sure you check out some of the interior Alaskan Highways. There are stunning views of glaciers, forests, and lakes along this winding mountain road. For nature lovers, this is a great choice since you’ll see some of the hidden gems of Alaska.

Richardson Highway and Glenn Highway are two of the most scenic routes in Alaska. The Richardson Highway runs from Valdez to Fairbanks, while the Glenn Highway connects Anchorage with Fairbanks. Driving in Alaska requires a special skill, especially if you plan to take remote roads or if you plan to drive during the winter season.

(5) Visit Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve is home to a wide variety of Alaskan wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, red foxes, and Dall sheep. If you’re lucky, you might even see a black bear or a caribou! The park offers several ways to view the animals, including bus tours, hiking, and rafting.

Any nature enthusiast who enjoys the outdoors should not miss the chance to visit Denali National Park. One of the best ways to experience Denali National Park is by going on a variety of tours that are available in the park. A few of the most remote areas of the park can be accessed through these tours. Consider taking a helicopter tour of Denali National Park if you’re looking for a truly unique experience. During these tours, you’ll get fantastic views of the park’s glaciers and mountains, and you might even get to land on some of them.

Check out popular adventure tours in Denali National Park

(6) Take a glacier hike tour

A glacier hike in Alaska might be just the adventure you’re looking for. There is nothing quite like walking on a frozen river of thousands of years old ice! As you navigate through the glacier, you will feel your heart rate rise, and the views will simply take your breath away.

A glacier hike guided tour is a popular way to explore Alaska’s glaciers. These guided hikes allow you to explore the glacier while learning about its history and wildlife. A guided glacier hike on the Matanuska Glacier is one of the most enjoyable. A self-guided glacier trail is also available at Exit Glacier and Portage Glacier.

(7) White Pass & Yukon train ride

A railroad connecting Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon, is known as the White Pass & Yukon Route. As one of Alaska’s most popular tourist attractions, it was completed during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. This route offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and rivers as it travels through some of North America’s most beautiful and rugged terrains.

(8) Take a Glacier cruise from Whittier

If you want to see some of the most breathtaking glaciers in Alaska, a cruise from Whittier is the perfect option! A variety of cruise operators offer trips up close to glaciers, and many include activities such as whale-watching and kayaking.

As you cruise among Alaska’s glaciers, you are also able to see some of the incredible wildlife that resides in the area. Almost all the cruise companies offer onboard naturalists from whom you can learn about the local wildlife, such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, mountain goats, etc.

Check out popular Glacier Cruise in Alaska

(9) Visit the Gold Rush towns

You can learn more about Alaska’s Gold Rush history by visiting one or more of the abandoned gold towns in Fairbanks. Historically, these towns have been thriving centers of activity, but in recent years, most of them have become abandoned. While some of them have been restored and turned into tourist destinations, you may be able to explore the history of them.

You should check out the old gold dredge when you visit a Gold Rush town. This is a large mining machine that was used to extract gold from the ground. Today, many of these dredges offer gold panning opportunities to tourists.

Book Gold Dredge 8 History Train Tour in Fairbanks

(10) Explore Juneau, the state capital

As Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, is a must-see for tourists. This vibrant city offers a lot to explore, from its rich history and culture to its amazing natural scenery. Located between mountains and the sea, Juneau is a nature lover’s paradise. When you’re here, don’t forget to visit Gastineau Channel and Mendenhall Glacier! You can choose from a variety of tours and excursions in Juneau.

Popular tours in Juneau, Alaska

Start planning for Alaska

There are so many things to do in Alaska, and this is just a small sampling. Alaska is the perfect location for those seeking adventure.

Whether backpacking, vacationing, honeymooning, or traveling for fun, make sure you include some of these destinations on your bucket list.

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