Alaska is one of the most beautiful and fascinating states in America. It’s a must-visit and an ideal location for people who appreciate beautiful scenery and love outdoor activities.
You might wonder “What is Alaska best known for?” Well, Alaska is known for its wide-open places, Alaskan native culture, and its outdoor experiences. It is truly a photographer’s dream.
If you ask me, “Why is Alaska popular with Tourists?” I won’t be lying when I say, Alaska is a wonder of nature that needs to be experienced in order to understand its charm.
Even though visitation records differ from year to year, according to some sources, about 2.7 million visitors visited Alaska between April 2022 and April 2023.
In a world that’s been mapped almost entirely, Alaska, the largest state in America, still offers places that seem to be left untouched by humans.
Only some get a chance to visit Alaska, so when one does, they should properly plan their trip, and that’s exactly what I did. I planned a trip to Alaska in April of last year.
April is considered the driest and clearest month of the year, with daylight lasting almost until the middle of the night.
Planning my trip properly allowed me to visit multiple places in a short time, as the roads and routes were not blocked by the snow, unlike most of the year.
In this article, I will be listing all the places I visited during my tour of Alaska last year. And I can guarantee that visiting these places will definitely give you an unforgettable experience.
1) Explore The Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights is one of the most incredible spectacles in the world. The sight of this wonder of nature left me utterly speechless.
These colorful bands of light seem to dance across the night sky in Alaska and many other parts of the world between September and April.
Although these lights can be seen anywhere in Alaska, they are most visible in the interior, Arctic, and south-central regions.
People from all over the world come to witness these wonders of nature in Alaska every year. Last year, I went to Fairbanks and finally got the opportunity to watch this incredible spectacle.
After watching the northern lights, we spent the rest of the night stargazing, sitting under the mesmerizing sky full of stars. This entire experience felt magical.
You can use the help of tour guides to guide you to a better place for viewing, otherwise some hotels also offer northern-light wakeup calls.
Address:
Northern lights can be seen anywhere in Alaska but one of the most popular places to witness them is Fairbanks due to its location.
2) Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park that is considered a glacial wonderland consisting of overflowing glaciers, Harding Icefield, islands, incredible wildlife, and coastal fjords.
This is the most incredible glacially carved landscape in Alaska. Isn’t it fascinating that 50% of the national park is covered with snow and ice?
Kenai Fjords National Park, being one of the most popular national parks in Alaska offers adventurous activities like camping, kayaking, boat tours, fishing, dog-sledding, and much more.
There are various modes one can adopt to make the most of this national park’s adventure such as helicopter rides over the fjords, kayaking in front of the glaciers, spotting humpback whales or orcas on a wildlife cruise, going ice climbing or glacier hiking.
What are you waiting for? Hurry up and plan your tour to Kenai Fjords National Park now!
Address:
Seward, AK 99664, United States
3) Explore The Alaskan Culture At Saxman Native Village
Saxman Native Village is located near Ketchikan. The small town has a total population of 400 most of whom are Alaskan Natives.
After getting invited to Beaver Clan House, I experienced a private performance by Cape Fox Dancers who portrayed Alaskan cultural stories and history.
Then I learned about the significance of canoeing in Canoe Canopy. Later, I visited the Carving Center and the famous Totem Park. This entire experience educated me on the Alaskan culture, lifestyle, and history.
Now it is time for you to book a trip to this small but mystical village and learn about the true Alaskan culture up close!
Address:
Near Ketchikan, Alaska.
4) A Trip To Chena Hot Springs Resort
Last year I went to Chena Hot Springs Resort which is located in the Chena Hot Springs. It is an eco-friendly resort in the wilderness of Alaska.
What makes it a popular tourist attraction is its woodsy cabins, family routes, and rustic lodges.
For me, the most fascinating aspects of the Chena Hot Springs Resort are the geometric hot springs lake, heated indoor pools, and indoor and outdoor hot Tubs.
Since we visited the resort in the Summer, I also experienced ATV tours and horseback riding. Trying different modes of transportation is the key to having the utmost fun here.
During the winter season, activities like ice fishing, snowmobile tours, and exclusive Northern Lights viewing tours are guaranteed to make your visit worthwhile.
Address:
17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States
5) Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a famous American national park that is filled with nature’s fascinating spectacles.
During my visit there, I got to witness ice-sculpted fjords, massive tidewater glaciers, sky-high mountain peaks as well as plants of marine life.
No doubt this national park is one of the most visited places in the entire Alaska. I arrived at the resort on a cruise ship boarded by the National Park Rangers.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve also offer a wide variety of outdoor activities such as wildlife watching, hiking, glacier calving, and many more to make your tour memorable.
This place is truly an unmatchable wonder of nature.
Address:
Alaska, United States
6) Stopping By Skagway
Skagway is one of the most well-known and interesting towns to visit in Alaska. Believe me when I say that this place looks like the set of a Gold Rush movie.
The popularity of this small town is attributed to the beautiful setting, a lot of cruise ships, and a colorful gold rush history. This place used to be a port for the Klondike Gold Rush.
During my visit to Skagway, the seven-block corridor, false-front shops and restaurants, wooden sidewalks, restored buildings, and many other things made me feel like I was taken back to the gold rush days.
This place also offers adventurous activities like Skagway shore excursions, Yukon suspension bridge tours, trail hikes, river float tours, scooter tours, sled dog adventures, etc
In Skagway, I also had the chance to visit places like Broadway Avenue, Skagway Museum, White Pass & Yukon Railroad, and many more. I would suggest everyone visit this small fascinating town.
Address:
Southeast Alaska, United States
7) Ride The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
White Pass and Yukon Route is an American and Canadian narrow-gauge railroad that links Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, which is the capital of Yukon.
Being an isolated system, it has no connection to any other railroads. This railway route is considered an International history Civil Engineering Landmark.
My ride on this railroad was probably one of the most memorable parts of my Alaska trip as I was mesmerized by the panorama view of mountains, tunnels, trestles, and glaciers through the extra-large windows of the antique train car.
I would always recommend everyone to book a ride on this narrow-gauge railroad so that they could witness the breathtaking beauty of Alaska in a true sense.
Address:
201 2nd Ave, Skagway, AK 99840, United States
8) Experience Grand Denali Flightseeing with Optional Glacier Landing
Enjoy an extraordinary view of the Denali National Park’s breathtaking scenery through a sightseeing flight that will land you on a glacier and give you an unforgettable experience!
For this sightseeing flight, I went to the Talkeetna State Airport where I met our captain and got abroad. I also met other people on the plane since it was a small-group flight.
During this 2-hour flight, the captain was educating us on this wondrous place’s geological significance and history. He guided us and showed us all the sightseeing points of the park.
We flew above the Susitna Valley, the Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier, and the mesmerizing snowy peaks of the Alaska Range. And finally, we ended this mind blowing experience with a glacier landing.
If you want to witness all the wonders of the Denali National Park, you cannot miss out on this Flightseeing tour.
Address:
14212 E Second St, Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA
9) Juneau Whale Watching and Salmon Bake
Experience everything that Juneau has to offer on this full-day tour, featuring whale watching and a salmon bake.
As a marine life enthusiast, I was brimming with excitement after booking my cruise tour. These tours guarantee whale sightings and the sight of other marine creatures is always an extra perk.
Our guide drove us through the charming waterfront of the town and entertained us with the stories of history, lifestyle, and culture as we saw the sights.
At Auke Bay, a naturalist on board pointed out Steller sea lions, bald eagles, Dall’s porpoises, and sea birds. Seeing this many sea creatures all at once was not an ordinary experience.
Later, amidst a historic gold rush setting, in an all-you-can-eat buffet, we enjoyed freshly grilled Alaskan salmon. Even roasted some marshmallows while watching the beautiful sunset as well.
Needless to say, this full-day Juneau will leave you relaxed, refreshed, and bubbling over the tales of the frontier adventures. To call this experience the highlight of your trip won’t be wrong.
Address:
490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
10) Do Not Miss Dog Sledding Adventure in Willow, Alaska
Dog sledding is a must-to-do activity in Willow, as Alaska has been long associated with the Iditarod. These dog sledding tours give you a taste of life on the trail, without doing all the hard work.
My friends and I went to a family-owned and operated kennel where we met the huskies and helped harness the team. This ride allowed us to enjoy views of Denali as the musher led the pack along private trails.
During the ride, we learned about the history of dog sledding. We were provided with the raingear as well and food was also available at the end of this 1 and a half hour tour.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages. So what are you waiting for? It’s time for you to book a trip to Willow and experience one of these dog sledding tours!
Address:
Willow, Alaska, United States
11) Experience Horse-Drawn Covered Wagon Ride with Backcountry Dining
Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride might sound like a centuries-old thing but imagine experiencing it in today’s age… if this sounds like a good idea, then you should definitely try Horse-Drawn Covered Wagon Ride with Backcountry Dining!
I hopped on the 3-hour horse-drawn covered wagon tour and started my journey through the Alaskan tundra. During the tour, our guide educated us about the history, culture, and environmental features of the area.
Denali National Park provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs therefore I took a lot of snap photos in front of the mountains looming nearby and had the time of my life appreciating the breathtaking scenery.
Finally, we finished our tour with a family-style meal in the heart of the backcountry. This was undoubtedly one of the best meals I ever had in my life.
Address:
Black Diamond Grill
Otto Lake Rd, Healy, AK 99743, USA
12) Pay A Visit To The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a truly fascinating place that leaves not only car enthusiasts in awe but amazes people of all ages.
This place has been named one of the best attractions in Fairbanks, Alaska as well as one of the best auto museums in the world among auto enthusiasts.
Our tour at this museum felt like we were welcomed on a vivid journey through the automotive age, starting from the Victorian times through the Art Deco era and beyond.
The museum’s world-class collection of vintage vehicles and period fashion accompanied by exhibits, accessories, photographs, and videos created an unmatched experience.
If you want to step back into the history of cars and learn about the fashion of that era as well, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is the place for you to go!
Address:
212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
13) Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure
If you want to experience Alaska’s wilderness in a wild and rough way, look no further than the Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure!
My tour started by arriving at the starting point early in the morning and listening to a safety training and information course.
After learning all the functions of my ATV and making sure I was comfortable piloting the vehicle, I took off into the wilderness. I was outfitted with all the safety equipment including a helmet, gloves, goggles, and a raincoat.
During my tour, I traveled through the old coal mining trails of the Dry Creek River Bed, saw an abandoned cabin from the times of the pioneers, explored Black Diamond Peak, and witnessed the mesmerizing sights of the Healy Valley.
Address:
Black Diamond ATV Tours
247 Otto Lake Rd, Healy, AK 99743, USA
14) Hike The Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier valley in the United States this is accessible by car. You can experience this glacier’s mesmerizing sights through helicopter tours or while ice climbing.
My friends and I planned our Alaska trip during the month of April since it is the best time to view the wonders of this spectacular place. And thankfully so, guided tours to Matanuska Glacier are available throughout the year.
Standing in awe of this wonderful creation, I realized why this is one of Alaska’s most beautiful valley glaciers. Passing through the glacier, we encountered towering ice walls, deep crevasses, and fascinating blue ice formations.
Our tour exposed us to valuable knowledge of glaciology and geology which helped us understand the glacier formation and its history.
During our hike, we had a breathtaking view of Matanuska Glacier, the Talkeetna Mountains, and the Chugach Mountains, all at once.
Overall it was truly an unforgettable experience. You should definitely add this glacier hike to your Alaska tour bucket list.
Address:
66500 S. Glacier Park Rd.
Sutton, AK 99674 USA
15) Go On A Fishing and Raft Adventures
An Alaskan tour is incomplete without a fishing and raft experience and for that, what better place to go than Fishing and Raft Adventures?
It is the first choice for local year-round fishing trips and river rafting guide services. They specialize in guided float fishing, fly-fishing tours, winter ice fishing, scenic river trips, and other adventurous activities.
I wanted to see the Fairbanks and interior Alaska’s most beautiful and productive rivers as well as experience fishing for the first time. So, I booked the multi-day fishing cruise tour.
During our tour, we traveled to Delta Clearwater Creek, Minto Flats, Chena, and Chatanika. Our tour guide guided us towards the best fishing stops and was polite and patient throughout the journey.
I really enjoyed fishing for grayling and salmon at Delta Clearwater Creek, as it was my first time. The thrill of catching a fish all by myself was exciting at first which later turned to addicting.
We were given our separate rooms and provided with food twice a day as well as evening tea. Expectedly this 3-day tour turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.
Address:
525 Halvorson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States
In Conclusion:
Alaska is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular destinations to visit in the world. It has the highest mountains, biggest glaciers, rare wildlife, and longest days.
In order to plan a memorable trip to this breathtakingly beautiful wonderland I did a lot of research and took help from local tour guides as well.
So whenever you’re ready, do consider visiting all of the above-mentioned places in Alaska and I can guarantee that it’ll turn out to be a very memorable journey.