5 Reasons to Visit Alaska
America’s largest state is home to some of the most impressive scenery, from gliding past icy glaciers and epic mountain peaks, to spotting humpback whales and bears, Alaska is home to some of the world’s wildest landscapes. It’s somewhere you will be reaching for your camera at every turn.
So while Alaska is already firmly rooted on lots of bucket lists, let’s see if you want to add it to yours…
The Landscapes
Alaska is the largest US state by absolutely miles. To put that in context, it’s double the size of Texas (the 2nd largest state) and you could actually fit the 22 smallest states inside it! It’s vast, yet widely inaccessible due to its impenetrable landscapes. It’s raw and rugged, like a vast natural playground. Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America is a highlight. Here you can see icebergs being carved up, then smashing into the freezing waters. At over 20,000 feet, Mount Denali is North America’s highest peak, but over 15 of North America’s tallest mountains are in this state too. Oh and then there’s the fjords too. Kenai and Tracy Arm Fjords look particularly beautiful – great places to get snap happy, and there’s a chance to see plenty of wildlife too.
The Wildlife
Grizzly bears, black bears, polar bears, whales, sea lions, puffins, wolves, reindeer, caribou, sea otters, moose, eagles… I could go on! Alaska is SUCH a rich state for wildlife, and no matter where you head, you’re guaranteed to see something special. To give yourself the best chance of an exciting wildlife encounter, book onto a marine wildlife boat tour. They can’t guarantee you’ll see whales, but the captains know the wild Alaskan waters well. Meanwhile, on land, take a bus tour and you could spot the state’s very own big 5 - wolves, moose, grizzly bears, dall sheep and caribou.
The Activities
This is a state that’s ALL about the great outdoors! One of the most popular things to do in Alaska is to hop on a boat and explore the scenery. Along with spotting all the incredible creatures mentioned above, there are also chances to see Mother Nature in action. You’ll never forget the moment you saw a five-story sheet of ice shave off a glacier and plummet into the sea! Views like these are one of the big reasons to visit Alaska In Alaska, there are small planes and helicopters, which will fly you over the state’s untouched peaks and landscapes, unreachable by any other means. You won’t get a better view! If you love outdoor adventures, try your hand at ice climbing, kayaking, hiking, canoeing or fishing. Or for a dose of adrenalin, head to Ice Strait Point and get strapped into the world’s largest ZipRider. It’s an exhilarating experience, carrying you at 300ft over the forest floor, and reaching speeds of over 50mph!
The Northern Lights
One of the main reasons to visit Alaska is to see the illusive aurora borealis! While you’re most likely to see the northern lights in winter, there’s a chance to spot them from September until mid-April. The best viewing conditions are pure darkness, clear skies and mild weather. There are chances to see them across the state, but Fairbanks has the best track record for viewings.
The Cruises
You’re probably desperate to visit now, but unfortunately Alaska isn’t the easiest place to travel around. I think booking an Alaska cruise might be the best way to cram the best of the state into one trip. You can watch the Northern Lights (or sunrises) over the fjords from your balcony deck, that’s a trip of a lifetime!
You can also top and tail an Alaskan cruise with a trip along the West coast of Canada – why not try the Rocky Mountaineer for some more stunning scenery! Get in touch to find out more about this wonderful destination and let's get it ticked off your bucket list!