Travel Alaska: Your Ultimate Guide to the Last Frontier

Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a land of breathtaking wilderness, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and unparalleled natural phenomena like the Northern Lights. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing colossal glaciers, exploring vast national parks, or immersing yourself in unique local traditions, Alaska offers an adventure for every traveler. This guide provides essential information to plan your unforgettable journey to the 49th state.

Why Travel Alaska?

Alaska’s allure is undeniable, drawing visitors from around the globe with its promises of untamed beauty and unique experiences. Here are just a few compelling reasons to travel to Alaska:

Unparalleled Wilderness: Spanning millions of acres, Alaska’s wilderness is a dazzling tapestry of towering mountains, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife. From the rugged peaks of Denali to the icy expanse of glaciers, nature reigns supreme here.
Rich Indigenous Cultures: Alaska is home to diverse Indigenous cultures with deep roots in the land. In Anchorage, on Dena’ina land, and throughout the state, you can encounter and learn about these vibrant traditions, enriching your travel experience with cultural depth.
The Magical Northern Lights: Fairbanks, nestled in Interior Alaska, is renowned as one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis. Imagine gazing up at the night sky as it dances with ethereal colors – a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Unique Alaskan Experiences: From participating in the exhilarating blanket toss, a tradition rooted in Indigenous celebrations, to the thrill of fishing for king salmon, Alaska offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. These authentic encounters provide a deeper connection to the Alaskan way of life.

Best Time to Travel Alaska

Alaska’s seasons are distinct and each offers a unique travel experience. Choosing the best time to visit depends on your interests and what you want to see and do.

Alaska Travel in Summer: The Season of Endless Sunlight

Summer in Alaska, from June to August, is characterized by long days, sometimes with up to 24 hours of sunlight. This extended daylight allows you to maximize your exploration and activities.

Activities Abound: Summer is peak season for a wide array of Alaskan adventures.
- Salmon Runs: Witness the incredible sockeye salmon runs in rivers like those in Bristol Bay, a prime opportunity for fishing enthusiasts.
- Hiking and Backpacking: Explore trails in the Chugach Mountains or embark on a guided glacier traverse in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States.
- Wildlife Viewing: Summer brings an abundance of wildlife activity. Bears are active, wildflowers bloom across the landscapes, and berries ripen, creating picturesque scenes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Cruises and RVs: Cruises along the Inside Passage and RV road trips become popular choices for exploring the vastness of Alaska.
- Birdwatching: For birders, a trip to Utqiaġvik, the northernmost community in the U.S., offers the chance to spot unique Arctic bird species.
- Bush Plane Adventures: Bush plane companies are in full swing, providing access to remote areas and stunning aerial views.
Things to Consider: Be prepared for mosquitoes, which are prevalent during the summer months, and book accommodations and tours well in advance as summer is the busiest tourist season.

Alaska Travel in Winter: Aurora and Winter Wonders

Winter in Alaska, from November to March, transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland and offers a different kind of magic.

Northern Lights Viewing: Winter is the prime time to witness the Aurora Borealis. Fairbanks and other Interior locations offer optimal viewing conditions with dark skies and clear nights.
Winter Sports: Embrace the snowy landscapes with various winter activities:
- Fat Tire Biking: Explore Anchorage’s extensive trail system on fat tire bikes for a unique winter adventure.
- Skiing: From cross-country skiing on trails around Fairbanks to exhilarating heli-skiing in the mountains near Valdez, Alaska caters to all skill levels.
- Snow Festivals: Experience the excitement of the Iditarod, a world-famous sled dog race, and local winter festivals celebrating the solstice and the season.
Cultural Experiences: Visit the Sealaska Heritage Center in Juneau to learn about the history and art of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous communities and warm up indoors while exploring rich cultural heritage.

Fall and Spring: Shoulder Seasons in Alaska

Fall and spring are considered shoulder seasons in Alaska, each with its own character, though they are generally less recommended for visiting compared to summer and winter.

Fall: Fall brings vibrant colors to forests and tundra, but it’s a short season as Alaskans prepare for winter.
Spring (Breakup): Spring, known as “breakup,” is characterized by melting ice and snow, leading to muddy conditions.

Exploring Alaska: Regions and Cities

Alaska is geographically diverse, divided into distinct regions, each offering unique landscapes, attractions, and experiences.

Southeast Alaska: Inside Passage and Coastal Charm

Southeast Alaska, often called the Inside Passage, is a region of islands, forests, and coastal communities.

Juneau: Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, is bustling when the legislature is in session (January to May). Accessible only by boat or plane, it offers a unique urban experience surrounded by wilderness.
Ketchikan: Known for its rich public art scene and totem poles, Ketchikan is a vibrant town showcasing Alaskan culture and history.
Sitka: Steeped in Russian heritage, Sitka offers historical sites and cultural attractions, along with charming spots like Old Harbor Books, one of the coziest bookstores in the U.S.
Inside Passage Cruises: This region is a highlight for cruises, offering stunning views of fjords, glaciers, and coastal wildlife.

Southcentral Alaska: Anchorage and Adventure Hubs

Southcentral Alaska is the most populated region, anchored by Anchorage and offering access to diverse landscapes and activities.

Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, boasts a thriving food scene, a lively arts and culture scene, and serves as a gateway to Alaskan adventures.
Homer: Famous for bear viewing opportunities, Homer is located on the Kenai Peninsula and offers stunning coastal scenery.
Valdez: Known as “Little Switzerland,” Valdez is a gateway to Prince William Sound and offers glacier cruises and outdoor adventures.
Chugach National Forest: Hike in the vast Chugach National Forest, offering trails for all levels amidst stunning mountain landscapes.

Interior Alaska: Denali and the Aurora Zone

Interior Alaska is dominated by vast wilderness, including Denali National Park and Fairbanks, a prime Aurora viewing destination.

Fairbanks: Located in the heart of Interior Alaska, Fairbanks is a hub for Aurora viewing and offers attractions like the Tanana Valley Farmers Market and the iconic UAF outdoor thermometer.
Denali National Park: Home to Denali Mountain, North America’s highest peak, Denali National Park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, hiking, and stunning scenery.
Denali Highway: Drive the Denali Highway for breathtaking views and access to the rugged landscapes and historical sites.

Arctic Alaska: Beyond the Arctic Circle

Arctic Alaska is a remote and unique region, offering a glimpse into a different way of life and starkly beautiful landscapes.

Dalton Highway: Take a guided tour or drive the Dalton Highway, crossing the Arctic Circle and venturing into the remote Arctic wilderness.
Utqiagvik (Barrow): Experience the northernmost community in the United States and learn about Inupiat culture in this unique Arctic town.
Arctic Circle Tours: Guided tours provide easier and safer access to the Arctic Circle, showcasing the unique environment and culture of this region.

Southwest Alaska: Remote Wilderness and Wildlife Hotspots

Southwest Alaska is characterized by remote communities and vast tracts of wilderness, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking solitude.

Bristol Bay: Famous for its massive sockeye salmon runs, Bristol Bay is a haven for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Adak and Pribilof Islands: These islands are birdwatcher’s paradises, attracting rare species and offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Getting Around Alaska: Transportation Options

Navigating Alaska requires careful planning due to its vast size and limited road network. Here’s an overview of transportation options:

By Plane: Connecting Communities

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines serves numerous destinations within the state, making air travel a primary mode of transportation between major cities and towns.
Smaller Commuter Airlines and Charters: For reaching remote communities and smaller villages, smaller commuter airlines and bush plane charters are essential.

By Train: Scenic Rail Journeys

Alaska Railroad: The Alaska Railroad offers scenic train journeys, primarily during summer, connecting destinations from Fairbanks to Seward. The Aurora Winter Train provides limited winter service.

By Car & Ferry: Road Trips and Coastal Routes

Rental Cars: Rental cars are available in major cities and some Southeast towns, allowing for flexible exploration of accessible areas.
Alaska Marine Highway System (Ferries): The Alaska Marine Highway is crucial for connecting coastal communities and traveling with vehicles where roads are limited. Be prepared for potential delays, especially during summer road construction season.

By Boat: Cruises and Marine Highways

Alaska Marine Highway: The ferry system extends from Bellingham, Washington, to Southcentral Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, offering a unique way to travel and see the coastline. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for vehicles.
Cruises: Cruises are a popular way to experience the Inside Passage and other coastal regions, offering a comfortable and scenic way to explore.

Visitors in Denali National Park and Preserve ride a non-narrated green transit bus to get from the Denali Bus Depot to points throughout the park..

Essential Alaska Travel Tips: Know Before You Go

Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth and enriching Alaska trip. Here are key things to know before you go:

Cultural Respect & History: Honoring Indigenous Heritage

Alaska’s history and culture are deeply intertwined with its Indigenous peoples.

Alaska Native Cultures: Recognize and respect the 11 distinct cultures that have called Alaska home for millennia, including the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Iñupiat, St. Lawrence Island Yup’ik, Athabascan, Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Alutiiq, and Unangax.
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA): Understand the significance of ANCSA and the role of Alaska Native regional corporations in contemporary Alaska.
Cultural Resources: Explore resources like the Alaska Native Language Archive and cultural centers to learn more about and appreciate Alaska Native heritage.

Booking & Reservations: Plan Ahead

Advance Booking: For summer travel, book tours, accommodations, and rental cars at least six months in advance due to high demand.

Dining & Hours: Seasonal Variations

Restaurant Hours: Be aware that restaurant hours, especially in smaller towns, may be more limited during winter months.

LGBTQ+ Travel in Alaska: Inclusivity and Welcome

LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: While Alaska’s statewide ranking on LGBTQ+ friendliness varies, cities like Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan have local ordinances protecting sexual orientation and gender identity.
Pride Events: Celebrate Pride events throughout Alaska and find welcoming communities and vibrant drag show scenes in major cities.

Sustainable Travel in Alaska: Responsible Tourism

Preserving Alaska’s pristine environment is crucial. Practice sustainable travel to protect this natural wonderland.

Respecting Nature: Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Principles: Adhere to Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment when exploring Alaska’s outdoors.

Supporting Local & Eco-Friendly Businesses

Adventure Green Alaska: Support eco-certified businesses through programs like Adventure Green Alaska, which promotes responsible tourism operators.

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines: Ethical Encounters

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Guidelines: Follow ethical wildlife viewing guidelines from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to ensure respectful and safe encounters.

Shopping Local & Authentic: Made in Alaska

Made in Alaska and Silver Hand Symbols: Look for the “Made in Alaska” and “Silver Hand” symbols to ensure you are purchasing authentic, locally crafted goods and supporting Alaskan artisans.

Dining Sustainably: Local Seafood

Local Ingredients: Support restaurants that prioritize locally sourced seafood and produce, contributing to sustainable food practices.

A kayaker paddles a pristine river in Alaska. The state’s remoteness offers plenty of space for wildlife viewing..

Enhance Your Alaska Trip: What to Read and Watch

To deepen your understanding and appreciation of Alaska, explore these recommended books and shows:

Books about Alaska

Hyperboreal by Joan Naviyuk Kane: Poetry exploring Inupiaq heritage and Alaskan landscapes.
If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name by Heather Lende: A memoir offering insights into small-town Alaskan life in Haines.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade: A children’s book highlighting the importance of subsistence lifestyles for Alaska Native people.

TV Shows about Alaska

Life Below Zero: A National Geographic series documenting the challenges and resilience of people living in remote Alaska.

Nat Geo Resources for Alaska Travel

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps: Utilize these maps for outdoor adventures in Alaska’s parks and wilderness areas.
Nat Geo Expeditions Alaska Itineraries: Consider guided expeditions for wildlife viewing and Inside Passage cruises.

Go with Nat Geo: National Geographic Expeditions offers several Alaska itineraries, from wildlife watching in the national parks to cruising the Inside Passage.

Alaska is a destination unlike any other, offering a vast canvas of natural wonders and cultural richness. Start planning your Travel Alaska adventure today and prepare to be amazed by the Last Frontier.