Alaska
Alaska is truly one of the world's natural wonders where vistas and wildlife abound. Anchorage is a great place to begin your adventure. To the south, Prince William Sound has more than 150 spectacular glaciers, icebergs, and a variety of sea life. To the north, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to not only North America's highest peak, Mt. McKinley, but also to wildlife including the bald eagle. Outdoor enthusiasts will never be at a loss for excitement in Alaska. Enjoy a whale-watching expedition, fish for salmon and trout, or take a kayak to explore the glaciers close-up.
Overview
From the icy blue waters of Glacier Bay to the lush rainforests of the Inside Passage, Alaska is made up of diverse regions that each offer their own kind of magic. This vast state invites you to discover charming coastal towns, awe-inspiring national parks, and native cultures that have thrived for centuries in harmony with nature.
Inside Passage – A favorite for cruises, this region is home to glacier-carved fjords, quiet islands, and historic ports like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau. Look for bald eagles overhead, orcas in the water, and rich cultural heritage from Alaska Native communities.
Southcentral Alaska – Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, blends urban life with untamed wilderness. Nearby, the Kenai Peninsula is a haven for salmon fishing, hiking, and spotting brown bears in the wild.
Denali & Interior – Head inland to find Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak. The scenic Alaska Railroad takes you deep into the heart of the state where moose, caribou, and vast tundras await. This area is perfect for those seeking wide-open spaces and iconic Alaskan adventure.
Arctic & Northern Alaska – For the truly bold traveler, venture north of the Arctic Circle. Visit remote communities like Utqiaġvik and experience the land of the midnight sun or the magical dance of the northern lights in winter.
Whether you want to cruise past tidewater glaciers, hike alpine trails, meet sled dogs, or just watch the sun linger on the horizon for hours, Alaska delivers wonder at every turn. Let us help you navigate the wild beauty of this unforgettable place.
Things To Do
Alaska offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences perfect for every kind of traveler. Begin your adventure with a scenic cruise through Glacier Bay National Park where towering glaciers calve into icy waters and humpback whales breach nearby. In Juneau, take a thrilling helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefield and land on a glacier for an unforgettable walk on the ice.
Explore the colorful streets of Ketchikan, known for its vibrant totem poles and rich Native Alaskan heritage, or head to Sitka for a mix of Russian history and coastal charm.
For wildlife lovers, Denali National Park is a must-visit as you might spot grizzly bears, moose, and caribou while traveling toward North America’s tallest peak. The park’s vast wilderness is perfect for hiking, photography, and soaking in sweeping mountain views.
In Seward, embark on a wildlife cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park where sea lions, puffins, and orcas roam beneath towering cliffs and glaciers. Adventure seekers can try dog sledding on real snow, even in summer, on a glacier from Girdwood or enjoy kayaking among icebergs in Valdez. Ride the historic Alaska Railroad for a scenic journey through mountains, forests, and rivers or visit Fairbanks to experience the midnight sun or chase the Northern Lights during winter months.
Don’t miss sampling fresh Alaskan seafood like salmon, halibut, and king crab from local eateries. Learn about Alaska Native cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage or explore gold rush history in Skagway with a ride on the vintage White Pass and Yukon Route railway.
Whether you’re chasing epic landscapes, hoping for a close encounter with wildlife, or diving into rich cultural stories, Alaska delivers unforgettable moments every step of the way.
Best Time To Visit
Alaska’s travel season runs primarily from mid-May through mid-September, and the best time to visit depends on your ideal experience. For the warmest weather and longest days, June through August is peak season. This is when you’ll find the best chances for wildlife sightings, vibrant festivals, and access to a full range of tours and activities. The sun can stay up for nearly 20 hours in some regions, giving you more time to explore glaciers, hike mountain trails, and enjoy scenic cruises.
May and September are considered shoulder months, offering fewer crowds and often better pricing. In May, the landscape comes alive with blooming wildflowers and awakening wildlife, while September brings the golden hues of fall foliage and a greater chance to glimpse the Northern Lights as the nights grow darker.
Winter, from October through April, offers a completely different Alaskan experience. Though many attractions close for the season, this is when you can witness the magical aurora borealis, go dog sledding, and enjoy snow sports in places like Fairbanks and Anchorage. Keep in mind that winter travel requires more planning due to limited daylight and cold weather, but the reward is a peaceful and enchanting escape.
The best time to go really depends on what kind of adventure you’re after. Whether it’s chasing the midnight sun, exploring glaciers under clear skies, or cozying up under the dancing Northern Lights, Alaska has a season to suit every kind of traveler.
Geography
Alaska is the largest state in the United States, covering over 663,000 square miles, and is located in the far northwest corner of North America. It shares a border with Canada’s Yukon and British Columbia to the east and is separated from Russia by the Bering Strait to the west. Despite its massive size, much of Alaska remains wild and untouched, offering dramatic natural landscapes that range from towering mountain peaks to icy fjords and dense boreal forests.
The state is home to some of North America's most iconic natural features, including Denali, the highest peak on the continent at approximately 20,308 feet, located within Denali National Park. Glaciers carve their way through the mountains, especially in areas like Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords National Parks, creating breathtaking scenery and habitats for marine life. Along the coastline, thousands of islands and inlets make up the Alaska Panhandle, while the interior boasts vast tundra and river systems like the Yukon and Tanana.
Alaska’s geography also includes active volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands, rugged coastlines, and permafrost-covered tundra in the north. Its diverse terrain supports a rich variety of ecosystems and wildlife, from grizzly bears and moose to whales, sea otters, and puffins. The geographic diversity is not just a backdrop. It is a central part of the Alaskan experience, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
Money & Currency
Alaska uses the United States dollar (USD) as its currency, and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the state, including in most hotels, restaurants, and stores. ATMs are readily available in larger towns and cities, but if you're venturing into more remote areas, it's a good idea to carry cash with you, especially for smaller purchases, tips, or in case you’re visiting places with limited payment options.
Tipping is customary in Alaska, especially in the service industry. It's common to tip around 15-20% in restaurants, and for taxi rides, around 10-15%. For tours and guides, a tip of $5-10 per person is appreciated. It's always a good idea to have small bills on hand for tipping in more rural or wilderness areas where cash may be the preferred payment method.
While Alaska is generally more affordable than some other U.S. destinations, prices for goods and services can be higher in remote areas due to shipping costs, so plan accordingly if you're traveling outside of major cities. Additionally, sales tax is not applied statewide, but some areas like Anchorage and Juneau do have local sales tax, so it’s worth checking before making purchases.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Alaska is so big, you could fit Texas, California, and Montana inside it... with room left over!
- Alaska has more than 3 million lakes, making it a water lover’s paradise.
- The state bird of Alaska is the Willow Ptarmigan, which changes color with the seasons to blend into its environment.
- The official state flower is the forget-me-not. A bright blue flower that blooms during Alaska’s short summer.
- Alaska’s flag features eight gold stars forming the Big Dipper and the North Star, symbolizing the state’s northern location and its role as a guide.
- Alaska is home to the northernmost, westernmost, and easternmost points in the United States. That’s because the Aleutian Islands stretch so far across the globe!
- The state’s official dog is the Alaskan Malamute, a strong and friendly breed bred for pulling sleds in snowy conditions.
- Alaska became the 49th state of the USA on January 3, 1959 and it remains the youngest state!
Sample Itineraries & Packages
Over the years, we have curated several itineraries. Here is a list of several different itineraries and travel packages to give you an idea of what can be done in Alaska. We are happy to customize any itinerary for you so please contact us to get started!
- Alaska Adventure (by land)
- Alaska Getaway (by cruise)
- Alaska by Train, Fjords, and Denali
