Do you dream of visiting Alaska, its wilderness and remote territories? Here, in our opinion, are the 10 must-do things to do in Alaska.
Originally inhabited in its northern part by various tribes, Alaska was a Russian possession until 1867. Although it was bought by the United States at that time, it wasn’t until 1959 that it joined the Star-Spangled Banner. A close neighbor of Russia, with which it shares the Bering Strait, it is separated from the rest of the United States by over a thousand kilometers of Canadian territory. It is the largest state in the Union, but one of the least populated. Bordered by four seas, it boasts a great diversity of landscapes. Islands, beaches, tundra, high mountain ranges, volcanoes and glaciers are home to an abundance of original wildlife. Many places remain deserted, and life is essentially concentrated on the arc of the Gulf of Alaska.
Juneau, the capital, is only accessible by plane or boat. Nestled at the foot of two mountains and surrounded by water, it is the starting point for superb hiking trails. With over 400,000 inhabitants, the urban area of Anchorage is home to more than half the state’s population. Fairbanks, 600 kilometers to the north, is the only major city in the interior. Native communities live mainly in the Arctic zone.
What to do in Alaska? Here are 10 ideas for things to do when visiting Alaska.
1. Hiking in a national park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lukas Bischoff Photograph
A land of unspoiled wilderness, Alaska has eight national parks. Most are in the south, except for the Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley. Among the most spectacular are:
Denali Park
Also known as McKinley Park, it covers an area of almost 25,000 km². However, only one road crosses it: the George Parks Highway. Motorists can only use it for the first twenty kilometers. Buses take you to its most mythical sites: Mount McKinley, the highest peak in the United States (6,194 m), Wonder Lake, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are few marked hiking trails, so get a good map to explore them.
Kenai Peninsula
Above all, it’s a marine park, with some forty glaciers, fjords, jagged bays and a highly diverse fauna: penguins, puffins, seals… and even gray and humpback whales.
Wrangell Saint-Elie
At 53,321 km², it is the largest park in the USA. It boasts many high peaks and the largest glacial zone after the poles, spread over some one hundred glaciers.
Glacier Bay
Accessible only by boat, this park is located 150 kilometers from the capital, Juneau. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, both terrestrial (grizzly bears, caribou, bighorn sheep, etc.) and marine.
Gates to the Arctic
America’s most northerly park, it can only be reached on a trek or by river. Tundra, boreal forest and arctic desert are home to numerous bird species.
2. Explore the fjords
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Jiri Vondrous
Dreaming of fjords? Alaska has plenty to offer. While there are many in the Kenai Park, they can be found all over the country, and can be visited in a variety of ways:
- College fjord, not far from Anchorage, is mainly accessible by cruise ship. A dozen glaciers stand alongside the forest.
- Tracy Arms, near Juneau, can be visited on a day cruise. This very narrow channel offers a close-up view of the waterfalls flowing down the granite mountains. Icebergs, whales and seals can also be seen.
- At Monument Misty fjord, near Ketchikan, we offer a seaplane flight.
- In Kenai, try exploring by kayak, to get up close and personal with the glaciers. Or opt for a half-day boat trip.
3. Measuring glaciers
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Maridav
Located on either side of the Arctic Circle, Alaska’s climate is conducive to the formation of glaciers. It receives more snow in winter than it loses in summer, leading to its accumulation. Over hundreds of years, the result is these ever-impressive formations. Half of the world’s glaciers are concentrated here. If you dream of contemplating these ever-changing masses and witnessing them calving, you’re spoilt for choice when you visit Alaska, particularly in the southern region. The most spectacular are :
- Matanuska. It’s one of the few accessible by car. 160 kilometers northeast of Anchorage, you can walk on the ice or take a sleigh ride.
- Knick. Located 80 kilometers east of Anchorage, this large glacier was the setting for a scene in Star Trek VI. Take a helicopter out for a view from above.
- Many of the forty or so glaciers that line the Kenai Fjord can be approached on a day cruise.
4. Entering an ice cave
Photo credit: Shutterstock / DCrane
Still on the subject of glaciers, you can enjoy an original experience at the Mendenhall glacier, 20 kilometers from Juneau. This glacier is unique in that its ice caves and tunnels are open to visitors. The glacier, which falls into the lake of the same name, is majestic, but not as majestic as the caves! This excursion must be accompanied by a guide and requires a good level of physical fitness. Inside, the shapes and colors are striking, especially if you go on an overcast day.
5. Visit the Musée du Nord
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kit Leong
What can you do in Alaska to learn more about its history and geography? Visit the Museum of the North in Fairbanks. Alaska’s second-largest city, Fairbanks is home to a university, where you can visit this museum. This modern building houses an extensive collection of objects relating to Alaska’s natural, cultural and artistic heritage. It’s a comprehensive museum, covering archaeology, biology, history and native art.
6. Chasing the northern lights
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Atiketta Sangasaeng
Alaska, a territory in the northern hemisphere, is ideal for observing the aurora borealis. The vast spaces free of human activity offer many opportunities to witness this phenomenon in the best conditions. You’re more likely to see them in winter – between October and April – as the nights are longer. However, it’s quite possible to see them in late summer too, although you’ll have to stay up longer! Of course, you’ll need clear skies and fairly low temperatures. The area around Fairbanks is reputed to be the best place to see the Northern Lights. Don’t hesitate to book an excursion: our professional guides will know when and where to take you to the right spot.
7. Dog sled race
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Andreea Dragomir
You can try your luck at the Iditarod race lottery, for the privilege of traveling 18 kilometers by dog sled in Anchorage. However, you’ll be more sure of the experience if you contact a local provider or agency for a ride. You’ll find them in Fairbanks, Skagway, Anchorage and Juneau.
8. River fishing
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By Amber Walker
You don’t have to spend a week in Alaska, as many fishing enthusiasts do, but you can make a half- to full-day trip out of it. Near Fairbanks, for example, on the Chena River or in Delta Clearwater Creek, you can fish for and taste Arctic grayling. North of Ketchikan, salmon and halibut should be the order of the day.
9. Rejuvenate in a thermal spring
Photo credit: Shutterstock / joojoob27
Ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful hot springs, not least because of the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it, Chena is located some 100 km from Fairbanks. An ideal place to unwind after a hike, you may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from your bath.
10. Cruise along the coast
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Charles E Piper
Another way to visit Alaska is from a cruise ship. All the major cruise lines offer one- to two-week cruises. Most depart from Vancouver or Seattle and sail along the Gulf of Alaska to Juneau or Anchorage. A great way to discover these two cities and their surroundings, as well as fjords, glaciers and marine life.
How do I get to Alaska?
Bear in mind that visiting Alaska means visiting a US state. You’ll need an ESTA valid until the end of your stay. Given the distance, the only way to reach Alaska from France is by plane. Whatever your destination in Alaska, you’ll need to make at least one stopover to reach it. The country is well equipped with airports, which often replace roads to connect one city to another. Your final destination could be Juneau, Anchorage, Ketchikan or Fairbanks, to name just the cheapest routes. You can also stop in Seattle or Vancouver and reach Alaska by train or ferry. This last leg will take you around two days, and you’ll enjoy the scenery of the « Inside Passage ».
Don’t hesitate to use the Ulysse flight comparator to choose the one that suits you best.
Where to stay in Alaska?
Outside the cities, hotel accommodation is fairly limited, but you’ll find the usual big American chains. Bed & Breakfasts are plentiful and a good way to meet the local population. If you’re going on a road-trip, it’s a good idea to rent a campervan or small motorhome.
The country is very well equipped with campsites, often in superb locations. You can view hotel offers via our comparator.
Map of hotels and accommodations – Alaska, US