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The first thing you should be fully aware of is that Alaska is massive! With a total area of 665,000 sq mi (1.7 million sq km), it is the largest state in the entire United States. In fact, it is almost two and a half times the size of the second-biggest state, Texas.
Bears aren’t the only creatures to be seen across this landscape. Alaska’s diverse ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife, and visitors can see moose, caribou, and even bald eagles.
Alaska’s coastal waters are prime locations for whale watching, with humpback, orca, and gray whales often spotted. The cities of Juneau and Seward offer popular tours, allowing visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close.
During summer, parts of Alaska experience the midnight sun, where daylight lasts nearly 24 hours. This phenomenon allows for extended outdoor activities and unique experiences, such as midnight hikes and even the Midnight Sun Baseball Game that starts at 10:30 pm without artificial lights.
Flightseeing tours offer a bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. It’s also a great way to get around the country, since roads are such a scarcity.
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is accessible only by air or sea. The city offers a mix of historic sites, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions, including the Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum.
Out of all the Alaskan cities, towns, and villages, only a mere 14% are on the road system. Anyone who wishes to access the rest of the state would need to do so by plane or boat.
If you plan on visiting Alaska, be sure to book tours, hotel rooms, and rental cars at least six months in advance. Once the winter or summer season is underway, they are incredibly difficult to come by.
The Alaskan backcountry provides exceptional bear viewing opportunities, particularly in places like Katmai National Park and Kodiak Island. Guided tours and lodges offer safe ways to observe these impressive animals in their natural habitat.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (the largest national park in the US) offers remote wilderness experiences, from glacier hikes to mountaineering. The park’s sheer size and beauty make it a must-visit for adventurous travelers.
The first stop on any visitor’s itinerary would most likely be Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The city has an abundance of museums and cultural sites, but it also serves as the primary gateway to exploring the state’s vast wilderness.
If you venture into Denali National Park, you will assuredly find yourself admiring North America's highest peak, Denali. The area is rich in breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and unparalleled hiking opportunities. Visitors can even explore the park through guided tours or ranger programs, if they so desire.
Mountaineering opportunities are never lacking in Alaska’s rugged terrain. Climbers from around the world come to Alaska to test their skills on its many peaks and glaciers, with Denali being the ultimate challenge.
From late September to early April, Alaska's dark skies come alive with the northern lights. Fairbanks (located just south of the Arctic Circle) is one of the best places to witness this natural phenomenon, and guided tours are sure to enhance the experience.
The Inside Passage is a popular cruise route that features a network of passages woven through islands on Alaska’s southern-most point. The route features stunning coastal scenery, wildlife, and charming towns that truly showcase unique Alaskan experiences.
The Alaska Railroad offers truly breathtaking train journeys through some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes. You would not be disappointed if you climbed on board, as the routes travel along stunning views of mountains, rivers, and wildlife.
Alaska is home to numerous Native cultures, each with unique traditions and histories. Museums like the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage provide insights into these rich cultural legacies through exhibits and storytelling.
If you’re traveling to Alaska for its cuisine, then you are in luck! Fresh seafood (including salmon, halibut, and king crab) and wild game are among the best dishes, paired nicely with local berries and indigenous ingredients.
Dog sledding is a popular Alaskan activity during the wintertime, offering a thrilling way to explore the snowy landscapes. And if you’re a canine lover, then interacting with these magnificent creatures is an added bonus.
If you’re an adventure sports enthusiast, then Alaska is sure to be your playground. The state's diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop to adrenaline-pumping adventures, including activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing.
If camping is your go-to pastime, Alaska’s numerous campgrounds and backcountry sites will provide you with a truly immersive wilderness experience. Whether in national parks or remote areas, camping provides a close connection to Alaska’s natural beauty.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Traveling Igloo) (Travel Alaska) (Earth Trekkers)
Photography tours in Alaska help capture its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Professional guides provide tips and prime locations for photographing glaciers, mountains, and animals, ensuring that avid photographers are left with memorable and high-quality images.
Alaska is a top destination for fishing, and the state offers abundant opportunities to catch halibut and trout. However, the most popular fish is the king salmon, which can grow up to 58 inches (150 cm) in length and weigh up to 130 lbs (59 kg).
Alaska’s geothermal activity creates relaxing hot springs that are perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. While you’re basking in the steam, you might even have the chance to view the northern lights.
Although Ireland may be considered the original “Emerald Isle,” the island of Kodiak in Southwest Alaska is equally as dazzling. If you hike to the top of the island’s North Sister Mountain on a clear summer's day, you'll find yourself sandwiched between beaches and mountains, gazing upon a surreal view.
Rugged mountains and glaciers are only a few of the wild wonders that Alaska has to offer. The 49th state and Last Frontier is home to wilderness that stretches as far as the eye can see, and any traveler would be sure to find their home somewhere in the vast landscape. But if you’re unsure of where that might be, we’re here to help!
Click through the following gallery to uncover the must-see destinations and unforgettable experiences that define this extraordinary state.
The essential guide to visiting Alaska
America’s last great wilderness makes for an incredible travel destination
TRAVEL Destinations
Rugged mountains and glaciers are only a few of the wild wonders that Alaska has to offer. The 49th state and Last Frontier is home to wilderness that stretches as far as the eye can see, and any traveler would be sure to find their home somewhere in the vast landscape. But if you’re unsure of where that might be, we’re here to help!
Click through the following gallery to uncover the must-see destinations and unforgettable experiences that define this extraordinary state.