Alaskan Adventure Planner

Glacier Bay National Park

The Last Frontier, Seward’s Folly, The Great Land; Alaska has been known by many names over the years. Our largest state and home to some of the most incredible nature on the continent offers a lifetime worth of adventure and experiences. From unique experiences such as glacial hiking and dogsledding to the more universal hiking and kayaking, Alaska has plenty available, all set against America’s most impressive scenery.

Alaska is best known for its winter adventures, especially the iconic Iditarod dog sled race. However, outside the race, and in any season, many sled dog kennels offer tours and experiences to visitors. Meet the dogs, see where they live, and then head out on the trails. Although movies like Balto may have put the image of racing through snowdrifts in the minds of many, summer guests will find themselves in a wheeled cart while racing though forests. Either way, experiencing the trails from a sled offers a new perspective of the nature around you. From the thunderous barking as the dogs are harnessed, to the pounding of their paws as they race through the trails, a day at the kennels will give you a new appreciation for working dogs and what they are capable of.

Those looking to ski and hunt for Auroras can stay close to Anchorage, where the famous Alyeska ski resort is just a short drive away. Ski the slopes during the day and spend your evenings out in the wilds, searching for the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Those looking to stay closer to Juneau can take advantage of the Eaglecrest Ski area. Backcountry skiing for the brave can be found in some of Alaska’s further regions such as Palmer or the Kenai Peninsula. Those regions can also be better for aurora hunting, as the lower light pollution brings clearer skies.

Those looking for a less conventional winter experience can try fat biking, dog sledding or visiting an outdoor hot spring. Fat biking is exactly what it sounds like; a bike with fat tires which can pass more easily over snow. Join a guided tour through the wilderness and over glaciers, or stick to somewhere like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where clearly marked trails can prevent you from getting lost in the wilds. Winter dog sled visits can include mushing through the snow, or visitors to the north can time their visit with the famous Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race, and cheer on the mushers as they race from Anchorage towards Nome. Follow your adventure with some time relaxing in outdoor hot springs, such as the Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks or Alyeska Nordic Spa near the ski resort. Let the soothing mineral waters ease your troubles and rejuvenate your skin.

Of course, summer adventures can be found here in spades as well. From hiking to boating to road trips exploring the small communities that dot the state, there are unending possibilities. With eight national parks, some of which count as the largest parks in the nation, Alaska is a hikers paradise. Expansive trail networks lead through tundra, boreal forests, and dozens of other landscapes, where travelers can catch a glimpse of wildlife such as caribou, bears, lynx, and the innumerable species of birds that call Alaska home. Some refuges and parks are so remote that they can only be accessed by plane, so advanced planning is necessary. However, these parks are some of the most beautiful and unspoiled natural sights in the world, making them well worth the added hassle.

Summer is also the best time to see Alaska from the water. Cruising is a great way to see Alaska, taking in new views and taking in sights that can only be appreciated from the water. Although the large ships that most think of when they think of a cruise, there are an ever-increasing amount of small ship cruises which are able to visit smaller ports and unique destinations that the larger ships cannot reach.  Places such as the Glacier Bay National Park, or The Pribilof Islands are best seen from the water where one can take in the glaciers, whales pods, and seabirds. Others such as Kachemak Bay State Park State Wilderness Park are only accessible by water or air, making it a stop unique to certain small cruises or local sailors.

The warmer months are also the best for road tripping. From Seward Highway to the isolated Haul Road featured on Ice Road Truckers, the roads are much more accessible in the Summer, when the ice had melted. The Kenai Fjords National Park is also accessible by road in summer, and offers views into the unique northern rainforest, icefield and fjord ecosystems of the area and a vast number of wildlife. Road trips offer the freedom to plan your own itinerary and change plans as you discover new and exciting parks and landscapes. Stay at wilderness lodges and take advantage of the guided hikes, wildlife safaris, and other activities offered. Visit small indigenous communities and learn about their culture or sample traditional cuisine.

No matter what you want to see in Alaska, we are able to help you plan your dream vacation.