Alaska offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the country, thanks to its scale: over 3 million lakes, thousands of miles of coastline, and vast stretches of protected wilderness. The activities below are the most popular ways visitors experience the state, from wildlife viewing to dog sledding.
Here are some popular activities to enjoy in Alaska:
- Wildlife Viewing: Alaska is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, bald eagles, and humpback whales. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on guided tours or explore national parks like Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
- Hiking and Backpacking: With over 3 million lakes, countless rivers, and miles of trails, hiking and backpacking opportunities in Alaska are virtually limitless. Whether you’re a novice or experienced hiker, you can explore trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and pristine wilderness.
- Fishing: Alaska is a paradise for anglers, offering some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities in the world. Whether it’s salmon, halibut, trout, or Arctic char, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy both guided excursions and self-guided adventures in rivers, lakes, and the deep blue waters of the ocean.
- Glacier Tours: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s glaciers up close on guided glacier tours. Visitors can take boat tours or kayak excursions to witness massive tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, or opt for helicopter tours to explore remote glaciers and even land on them for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Dog Sledding: Embrace Alaska’s rich cultural heritage by experiencing the thrill of dog sledding, a traditional mode of transportation for Alaska Natives for centuries. Visitors can embark on guided dog sled tours through snowy landscapes, learning about the history of mushing and bonding with friendly sled dogs along the way.
- Northern Lights Viewing: Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Travelers can head to remote locations away from city lights during the fall and winter months for a chance to witness this natural phenomenon painting the night sky with vibrant colors.
- Whale Watching: Alaska’s coastal waters are teeming with marine life, including majestic humpback whales, orcas, and beluga whales. Whale watching tours offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness these gentle giants breaching, feeding, and playing in their natural habitat against the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
- Photography: Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur with a smartphone, Alaska offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena. From towering mountains and glaciers to colorful sunsets and wildlife encounters, every corner of Alaska is a photographer’s paradise.
Most of these activities are seasonal: wildlife viewing, hiking, and glacier tours are best from late May through September, while Northern Lights viewing runs roughly from late August through April. Many tours can be booked directly through operators in gateway towns like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Seward.