Your Alaska Adventure Calendar: 15 Incredible Things to Do By Season
Planning an Alaska trip without thinking about the season is like showing up to a snowball fight in flip-flops. This is because Alaska isn’t just one wild thing to do; it’s a rotating door of heart-thumping moments that change with the calendar. So, let’s match your adventure mood to the Alaskan moment that gets it just right.
Watching The Northern Lights
Alaska’s Northern Lights season stretches from late August to April, with March offering the most brilliant displays. Fairbanks, located directly beneath the Auroral Oval, stands out as a top destination for aurora viewing. For a truly immersive experience, hot springs combine expert-led tours with the soothing comfort of geothermal pools.
Cruising Through Glacier-Filled Waters
From May to September, Alaska’s cruise season invites travelers into a world carved by ice, with July and August delivering the most dramatic moments. Plus, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier steal the show as towering ice walls crack and crash into the sea. Interestingly, summer’s extended daylight stretches every view just a bit longer.
Hiking Denali’s Scenic Summer Trails
When Denali’s snow finally loosens its grip between mid-June and early September, the park transforms into a hiker’s dreamscape. Early summer often grants the clearest views of the Denali peak, a rare treat for many. Those seeking solitude can secure a backcountry permit and hike on multi-day treks deep into untouched wilderness.
Kayaking Among Icebergs In Kenai Fjords
There’s nothing like paddling past floating icebergs in a kayak, especially when a curious sea otter pops up beside you or puffins swoop overhead. Summer’s the sweet spot for this adventure. From June through August, the waters calm down, making it easier to glide along safely. Plus, the midsummer sun hangs around forever, giving you extra daylight.
Spotting Grizzlies Fishing For Salmon
Brooks Falls in Katmai is the ultimate spot, where bears line up in full view, jaws open and ready. You can also catch this wild show on Kodiak Island or around Lake Clark, all from safe, elevated platforms. The best time to go? Summer’s second act—July through mid-September. After that, the rivers quiet down, and so do the bears.
Taking A Train Ride Through The Wilderness
The Denali Star route takes you deep into the backcountry, where dome cars wrap you in alpine views from every angle. Glaciers, winding rivers, and valleys unfold outside your window, many of them unreachable by car. This journey runs from May through mid-September, and if you ride in early fall, golden leaves blanket the region.
Flying Over Remote Arctic Regions
Strap in and lift off—there’s no better way to grasp Alaska’s vastness than by air. Scenic flights soar over wonders like the Gates of the Arctic and the Brooks Range. Some tours even head toward the icy shores of Kaktovik or Utqiagvik. From May to early October, the skies are open, and air taxis often become the only link to remote native villages.
Photographing Moose In The Wild
If you’re hoping to catch Alaska’s iconic moose on camera, timing makes all the difference. Late May through early June offers fleeting moments with newborn calves. By September, bull moose roam with full antlers during the rut, creating dramatic photo ops. It’s Alaska wildlife photography at its most rewarding.
Dog Sledding Across Snowy Terrain
From late November to early April, places like Fairbanks and Anchorage let you experience this Arctic tradition—even when it’s well below zero. You can learn the commands and even take the reins yourself. In early March, the Iditarod Trail race brings extra excitement. And if you’re visiting in summer, helicopter tours whisk you up to glaciers.
Whale Watching In Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point delivers some of Alaska’s closest whale encounters, with humpbacks arriving between May and September. June and July are the real showstoppers when bubble-net feeding puts their teamwork on full display. Keep your eyes peeled for more than just humpbacks, as gray whales, orcas, and porpoises often join the scene.
Soaking In Natural Hot Springs
Open year-round, the Chena Hot Spring is magical in winter, when the mineral-rich waters meet frigid air and steam curls into the sky. Heated naturally by Alaska’s geothermal energy, the springs offer a true escape. Pair your trip with a walk through the nearby ice museum, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy adventure in the middle of the frozen wild.
Ice Climbing On Matanuska Glacier
Just under two hours from Anchorage, this summer adventure runs from May to early September, when the glacier is stable and accessible. Guided climbs make it beginner-friendly with all the gear. As the glacier melts in summer, it reveals hidden ice caves and surreal textures that make every step feel like a discovery.
Fishing For Giant Halibut In Homer
Reeling in a fish that weighs more than you do? That’s just a typical day in Homer—the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.” Starting in May and peaking between June and August, this is when the big ones bite. Moreover, trophy halibut often tip the scales at over 100 pounds, giving anglers a serious workout and a serious story.
Joining A Midnight Sun Festival
The Midnight Sun Festival (during June’s summer solstice) celebrates the season’s endless light with parades, food trucks, live music, and late-night races. With over 21 hours of daylight, locals and visitors trade sleep for celebration, soaking up every golden minute. The energy is electric, and the whole experience feels like a joyful dream.
Exploring Native Alaskan Cultural Centers
Wandering through a Native Alaskan cultural center in summer feels both enriching and deeply grounded. From May through September, these centers come alive with scheduled tours, making it the best time to visit. Places like the Sealaska Heritage Center or the Alaska Native Heritage Center also host outdoor-friendly experiences perfect for families.
