Alaska’s icy waters are home to eight different whale species, including humpbacks, grays, orcas, minkes, and belugas. Whale watching here is a can’t-miss experience. Join a whale-watching cruise from Juneau on a jet boat designed for marine mammals and spot these majestic creatures in their natural element. For a more personal experience, choose a sailing trip in places like Resurrection Bay, where the closeness to wildlife is truly unforgettable.
Popular glaciers like Mendenhall near Juneau are easily accessible, but nothing compares to a helicopter tour above these breathtaking ice fields. A helicopter flight from Skagway, for example, takes you above dramatic mountain landscapes and waterfalls, then lands you on a glacier to truly take in the scale and beauty of these frozen formations.
Most glacier helicopter tours include a guided walk, letting visitors discover the shimmering blue hues, crevasses, and icy rivers up-close. This is a must for anyone visiting Alaska’s wild frontiers.
To truly appreciate Alaska’s natural wonders, try a seaplane flight. You’ll soar over serene lakes, lush mountains, and the sheer cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument. These excursions offer a spectacular bird’s-eye view of this two-million-acre wilderness, with a chance to spot bears and bald eagles from above.
It’s an experience that transports you to a landscape untouched since the 1800s—flying over Misty Fjords is unlike anything else.
Exploring Alaska on foot is rewarding, but for a more immersive adventure, nothing beats kayaking. Paddle through pure nature at eye level, reaching secluded spots unreachable by cruise ships. Kayaking tours are also a budget-friendly choice, with half-day trips typically around $65 USD. Most coastal towns offer guided tours, so it’s easy to dive into Alaska’s wild beauty.
Dog sledding is an icon of Alaskan adventure—perfect for animal-loving outdoor enthusiasts. Many helicopter tours bundle in dog sled rides, so you can enjoy the thrill across forests, glaciers, and mountains. Tour operators usually include time to meet the dogs, making the outing truly memorable.
If it fits your budget, don’t miss the awe of watching Alaska’s iconic interior bears in the wild—their sheer power and primal presence are truly extraordinary.
Many seaplane and helicopter tours include bear spotting. Alternatively, you can join a walking tour or spend the night at a specialized bear-viewing lodge.
Alaska’s diverse terrain means there’s a trail for everyone—whether you prefer easy forest paths or steep mountain hikes. Destinations like Resurrection Pass offer multi-day adventures that blend trekking with camping.
Both beginners and experienced campers will find endless camping opportunities in Alaska. Pitch your tent in remote wilderness for incredible stargazing and maybe even the Northern Lights, or stay near cities like Anchorage for easy access to local attractions and amenities.
With over 12,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, Alaska boasts more than 40% of the country’s surface water. Its pristine rivers and lakes make it one of the top fishing destinations in the U.S., with popular trips for salmon, halibut, and trophy trout. There are also fly-fishing, spin, and fly-in fishing tours that mix sightseeing with rewarding angling.
Cruise excursions are a fantastic way to experience the best of Alaska. Popular cruise packages set off from:
- Juneau – Visit the renowned Mendenhall Glacier and explore Alaska’s rich history.
- Ketchikan – Opt for sightseeing flights over the dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument.
- Skagway – Known for its dog sledding helicopter tours and river rafting on the Chilkat, home to North America’s largest concentration of bald eagles.
Top operators let you personalize your cruise with hiking, biking, kayaking, and ziplining adventures tailored to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning an Alaska adventure, you know what incredible experiences await. No film or photo can truly capture the scale and majesty of Alaska—you have to see, feel, and breathe it yourself.
Alaska promises the trip of a lifetime for anyone bold enough to explore America’s Last Frontier. Just beware: you may find yourself longing to return.
