The icy waters of Alaska cradle eight species of whales, including humpbacks, grays, orcas, minkes, and belugas, making whale watching a must-do activity when visiting Alaska. You can take a whale watching cruise aboard a mammal-friendly jet boat in the capital Juneau and observe the whales in their natural habitat. Alternatively, you can board a sailboat in places like Resurrection Bay, where you can have a more intimate experience with the animals that change your perspective.
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 mountainous 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 activity not to be missed in a land that collaborates with them.
To see even more of the natural gifts of Alaska, you can also take a seaplane ride 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 wilderness area spanning 2 million acres, while also providing the opportunity to observe bears and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
It is not every day that you experience a land very similar to how it was in the 1800s. Flying over Misty Fjords gives you an unforgettable experience.
While going on a land excursion is an excellent way to admire the many wonders of Alaska, it is nowhere near as immersive as kayaking, which brings the surroundings up to eye level. Kayaking takes you right 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 about $65 USD. Most coastal towns offer kayaking tours, making it a readily available option whenever you want to admire Alaska outdoors.
Dog sledding is another activity that immerses you in the wilderness of Alaska, making it perfect for outdoor pet lovers. Most helicopter tours combine dog sledding with their packages, allowing you to enjoy dog sledding on 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 Alaska’s hinterland. 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 indulge in the luxury of staying overnight 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 singletrack in the forest to ridge hikes on 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 ample 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 the accessibility of attractions and services.
With over 12,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, Alaska has more than 40% of the country’s surface freshwater. Furthermore, the pristine condition of these waters makes Alaska one of the top fishing destinations in the United States. You can book fishing trips for salmon, halibut, and trophy trout in Alaska, depending on the fish you are seeking. Additionally, there are 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 dive deeper into. 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 better understand Alaska’s formative and past traditions.
- Ketchikan – These tours include a flight-seeing tour over 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. You can also take a rafting trip along the Chilkat River, riding through the preserve with the largest concentration of bald eagles in North America.
The best tour operators allow you to customize your cruise, letting you design your Alaska adventure based on your preferences. For example, you can create a more activity-focused tour that combines hiking, biking, kayaking, and zip-lining.
Final considerations
If you are planning a trip to Alaska, you already know what awaits. But more than any other destination, seeing, hearing, and breathing in the vastness and majesty of Alaska live is an experience that no 8K cinematic video can do justice to.
Alaska promises a once-in-a-lifetime trip for anyone daring enough to venture into the last American frontier. However, it cannot promise that it won’t make you wish for a return trip.
