An Alaskan Adventure Is Incomplete Without These 15 Things-To-Do

Alaska is a wild, untamed paradise that feels like stepping into another world. Glaciers sparkle under the Arctic sun, and wildlife roams freely across its stunning landscapes. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Here are 15 experiences that will make your Alaskan journey one you’ll cherish forever.

Witness the Northern Lights

More than just a light show, the Aurora Borealis is a celestial masterpiece. Catch the spectacle in Fairbanks, where long winter nights provide the perfect backdrop. The vivid greens and purples dancing above will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a dream.

Explore Denali National Park

Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, stands at 20,310 feet. The park offers over six million acres of pristine wilderness with wildlife roaming freely. This untouched park is for nature lovers who will appreciate everything from caribou crossings to alpine trails.

Cruise Through Glacier Bay

Glaciers crashing into the sea create a soundtrack like no other. The national park of Glacier Bay can only be accessed by plane or boat and is a natural sanctuary for marine wildlife. A day here promises unforgettable moments etched in icy blues and emerald greens.

Ride the Alaska Railroad

On the Alaska Railroad, you’ll cross bridges above remote valleys and glide past snow-capped peaks. The ride feels less like transportation and more like a front-row seat to Alaska’s untamed wild. Expect landscapes that feel as isolated as they are incredibly stunning.

Go Whale Watching in Juneau

Seeing a humpback whale breach the surface is a memory that sticks. Juneau’s waters are prime for spotting these gentle giants alongside orcas and sea lions. Add a misty backdrop of mountain peaks, and it’s an experience you’ll relive forever.

Visit the Kenai Fjords

Ice, sea, and rock collide spectacularly in the Kenai Fjords. Whether you kayak near tidewater glaciers or sail past puffin colonies, this national park is a feast for the senses. Even the icy air feels like a refreshing reset for your soul.

Dog Sled Across the Snow

Channel your inner adventurer with an iconic dog sledding experience. Being pulled by enthusiastic huskies on the tundra and through imposing glaciers is a pure thrill. You’ll quickly see why this mode of transport is a staple in Alaskan lore. Watching huskies not being divas is also a treat.

Visit Katmai National Park

Did you know Katmai is home to over 2,000 brown bears? At Brooks Falls, these bears gather to hunt salmon, which is a rare chance to observe them up close. With volcanic terrain and untamed wildlife, Katmai promises an unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s wild heart.

Explore Sitka’s Rich History

Once the Russian capital of Alaska, Sitka retains traces of its past. Wander through streets dotted with onion-domed churches and ancient totem poles. This coastal town merges history with stunning natural spectacularness in a way few places can match.

Take a Scenic Flight Over Wrangell-St. Elias

Glaciers spill from towering peaks, with remote valleys reaching endlessly into the horizon. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is vast, and a bird’s-eye view reveals its immense scale. Flying over this untamed wilderness is unlike anything on the ground.

Stroll Through Anchorage’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

This paved trail winds 11 miles along Anchorage’s coast, offering mountain views, moose encounters, and ocean breezes. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk—either way, it’s a perfect slice of Alaskan tranquility without wandering outside the convenience of the city.

Tour the Mendenhall Ice Caves

Just imagine stepping into a world of dream-like glittering blue ice. Beneath the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, these caves hold a surreal experience. They’re accessible via a challenging hike, and the reward is a world that feels plucked from another dimension.

Fish in the Kenai River

For anglers, the Kenai River is a bucket-list destination. Its turquoise waters promise plenty of action as they teem with salmon and trout. Even if you don’t catch anything, the serene surroundings make it time well spent, and the river’s beauty alone will keep you coming back.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Interactive exhibits, traditional performances, and art displays showcase the depth of Native Alaskan history. Located in Anchorage, this center celebrates indigenous cultures with hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people who’ve thrived here for centuries.

Kayak in Prince William Sound

Paddle past silent icebergs in Prince William Sound. Seals and sea otters make unexpected cameos, adding charm to the surreal quiet. This hands-on exploration of Alaska’s coastal wonders feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary, giving you a profound connection to nature.