The icy waters of Alaska cradle eight species of whales, including humpbacks, grays, orcas, minkes, and belugas, making whale watching an activity not to be missed when visiting Alaska. You can take a whale watching cruise aboard a whale-friendly jet boat in the capital Juneau and observe whales in their natural habitat. Alternatively, you can board a sailing boat in places like Resurrection Bay, where you can have a more intimate experience with these perspective-shifting animals.
While popular glaciers like the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau are more accessible to tourists, the most thrilling way to admire the surrealism of these ice masses is through helicopter tours. The Skagway helicopter tour, for example, takes tourists on a breathtaking flight over rugged mountain regions, along cascading waterfalls, before landing on a glacier to experience the vastness of these ice formations.
Helicopter glacier tours usually include a walking tour, so tourists can explore the different shades, crevasses, and ice rivers. This is another must-do activity in a land that collaborates with them.
To see even more of the natural wonders of Alaska, you can also take a seaplane tour and fly over the calm lakes, lush mountain ranges, and sheer cliffs of the Misty Fjords National Monument. These tours offer you a bird’s-eye view of the protected 2-million-acre wilderness area, while also providing the opportunity to observe bears and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
It’s not every day you get to experience a land very much like it was in the 1800s. Flying over Misty Fjords gives you an unforgettable experience.
While going on a shore excursion is an excellent way to admire the many wonders of Alaska, nothing is as immersive as kayaking, which brings the surroundings up to eye level. Kayaking takes you into the heart of what makes Alaska such a phenomenal destination and allows you to explore places that cruise ships cannot reach.
It is also much more affordable, with half-day tours costing around $65 USD. Most coastal towns offer kayaking tours, making it a readily available option whenever you feel like admiring Alaska outdoors.
Dog sledding is another activity that immerses you in the wild nature of Alaska, making it perfect for outdoor pet lovers. Most helicopter tours bundle dog sledding with their packages, allowing you to enjoy dog sledding over various terrains, including forests, glaciers, and mountains.
Additionally, tour operators take time to introduce you to each dog, making the adventure a more personal experience.
If you can afford it, enjoy the mystical experience of watching the last symbol of the Alaskan wilderness. The majestic power and primal nature of bears as they spend their day in the wild are truly a sight to behold.
Most seaplane and helicopter tours include bear watching. Alternatively, you can opt for walk-in tours or treat yourself to the luxury of staying in a bear watching lodge.
The diversity of Alaska’s topography means there is a trail for everyone, regardless of age and skill level. From relaxing paved nature trails and singletracks in the forest to ridge hikes in the mountains, you have many options to explore Alaska outdoors on foot.
Additionally, places like Resurrection Pass and its multi-day hiking trails combine the joys of trekking and camping.
By the way, Alaska also has abundant camping opportunities for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts. You can find a remote camping experience for a total immersion in Alaska’s wilderness while searching for the elusive northern lights or camp near major urban centers like Anchorage to seamlessly combine accessibility to attractions and services.
With over 12,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, Alaska has more than 40% of the country’s surface water. Additionally, the pristine condition of these waters makes Alaska one of the top fishing destinations in the United States. You can book fishing trips for Alaska salmon, halibut, and trophy trout, depending on the fish you are seeking. There are also fly fishing, spin fishing, and fly-in fishing trips that combine sightseeing with a rewarding fishing experience.
As mentioned earlier, cruise excursions allow you to taste the best of Alaska’s offerings, letting you experience the highlights before choosing specific activities to explore further. Popular cruise packages depart from the following locations:
- Juneau – These trips take you to the famous Mendenhall Glacier, the magical 2.5-mile-wide formation near the capital. Excursions from Juneau usually include historical tours, allowing guests to gain a better understanding of Alaska’s past and formative traditions.
- Ketchikan – These tours include a flightseeing tour of the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument and its buffet of natural wonders.
- Skagway – The town is a famous starting point for helicopter dog sledding adventures. Also, you can take a rafting trip along the Chilkat River, riding through the reserve with the highest concentration of bald eagles in North America.
The best tour operators allow you to customize your cruise, letting you design your Alaska adventure according to your preferences. For example, you can create a tour more focused on activities that combine hiking, biking, kayaking, and zip-lining.
Final thoughts
If you are planning an Alaska trip, you already know what lies ahead. But more than any other destination, seeing, feeling, and breathing the scope and majesty of Alaska in person is an experience no 8K cinematic video can do justice to.
Alaska promises an unrepeatable journey for anyone who dares venture into the last American frontier. However, it cannot promise that it won’t make you yearn for a return trip.
