The 17 best Alaska activities: from glaciers, Northern Lights and wildlife to cultural attractions.
9min
Have you ever dreamt of standing under the swirling colors of the Northern Lights? Or maybe catching a salmon that weighs more than your dog? The allure of Alaska's wild frontier is very captivating. That’s why we decide to write a guide about the best Alaska activities, from spotting bears and whales in their natural habitats to exploring museums rich with history.
Every day in Alaska unfolds with fresh surprises, as you engage with fascinating wildlife, cruise along stunning coastlines, delve into the mysteries of native culture or brave treks across magnificent glaciers.
These diverse Alaska activities promise to fill your visit with stories that will last a lifetime. So grab your coat and let's head north - it’s going to be epic!
You might also like to read: Is Alaska expensive?
One of the most breathtaking experiences in Alaska is, of course, watching the Northern Lights. The celestial dance of green, purple, and red hues across the sky is truly a spectacle.
This magical display of shifting colors lighting up the sky, which happens especially between September and April, isborn from solar particles colliding with atmospheric gases.
When it comes to viewing locations, Fairbanks stands out due its proximity to the Auroral Oval. This area offers prime visibility conditions as it lies under what scientists call "auroral oval," a ring-shaped zone over each magnetic pole where auroras occur most frequently.
Bundling up warmly before heading out on your nighttime adventure is crucial because winter temperatures can dip drastically. Make sure you've got thermal layers, gloves, hats, scarves — the works.
To capture those beautiful swirls of light on camera, a tripod will help stabilize long exposures while allowing adjustments without shaking things around too much.
As a region of unrivaled grandeur and wildness, Alaska offers one of the most stunning cruising experiences in North America. The coastline stretches over 6,640 miles - longer than all other U.S states combined. This means there's plenty to explore on an Alaskan cruise.
A day out on the water will let you take in coastal Alaska’s dramatic landscapes that transition from icy fjords to lush forests. But what truly sets these day cruises apart is their potential for wildlife encounters.
You're likely to spot sea otters playfully frolicking or seals sunbathing lazily on ice floes. Majestic whales often make an appearance too – seeing them breach is something that stays with you forever.
The glacial vistas are another highlight. Imagine sailing past towering cliffs of ancient ice shimmering under the summer sun or witnessing a glacier calving – it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. Plus, thanks to expert guides onboard who share fascinating insights about these icy behemoths, your appreciation for this chilly landscape deepens.
So if you're looking for unique Alaska activities, remember that there's no better way to explore this beautiful state than by taking a leisurely cruise along its picturesque coastline.
Speaking of wildlife, here's another favorite of ours. Bear viewing tours let you safely watch these magnificent creatures fishing for salmon or playing with their cubs. In Alaska, the abundance of bears makes it quite easy to witness them in action, especially when the salmon are running.
Guided tours by small plane or boat strategically land you and your experienced guides near a remote camp. Strict control of human behavior in these bear viewing camps is maintained to seamlessly integrate you into the environment, ensuring that the animals aren’t disrupted. Don't leave this experience out of your bucket list of Alaska activities!
Alaska's kayaking tours cater to a wide range of participants, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Whether you're gliding through icy waters past glaciers or paddling along the coastline observing marine life, this activity makes for an unforgettable adventure.
No matter what season it is, there’s always something biting in Alaskan waters. So get your gear ready for some thrilling catch-and-release action at one of many fishing charters.
Charters may take you onto the open ocean or a river, each offering a unique experience. No prior experience or equipment is necessary, as guides provide all the tackle and instruction needed.
A glacier tour is another must for your bucket list of Alaska activities. Whether you choose a helicopter ride or hiking adventure, the view of ancient blue ice will leave you in awe.
One of the iconic destinations for glacier tours is Kenai Fjords National Park. There you can go on boat tours, kayaking, hiking, ice climbing, paddleboarding and more. Another renowned location for glacier tours is Prince William Sound. Tours in this area often include cruising through calm waters surrounded by towering glaciers and stunning fjords.
Riding on a sled pulled by Alaskan huskies gives you a taste of local culture. Plus, dog sledding adventures treats visitors to panoramic mountain views that are simply unforgettable. This is one of the most iconic Alaska activities, connecting the past with the present as sleds traverse the state’s beautiful landscape from October to March.
Beyond traditional sightseeing options of Alaska activities lie thrilling adventures like exploring ice caves beneath massive glaciers. You'll feel as though you've entered another world altogether — one dominated by sparkling crystal caverns and shimmering walls bathed in ethereal blue light.
Safety always comes first during such explorations, so make sure to book guided tours led by seasoned professionals who know every twist and turn inside out. Never go into an ice cave without a trusted guide.
The adrenaline rush from navigating Alaskan rapids is an experience like no other. From gentle floats for beginners to challenging rapids for seasoned rafters, Alaska's rivers cater to a variety of skill levels and preferences.
One of the popular destinations for rafting tours is the Nenana River, which flows near Denali National Park. Rafting here combines breathtaking views of the Alaska Range with the thrill of navigating exciting rapids. The Matanuska River, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, is another sought-after rafting location.
The majesty of humpback whales is best experienced firsthand on whale watching tours. You'll get to see these giants breaching the surface in spectacular displays that will leave you awestruck. These tours also provide invaluable insight into the behaviors and habitats of these magnificent creatures.
The humpback whale is one of the largest of the baleen whales and the only one that vocalizes. They may be seen in spring, summer, and fall in the Alaskan waters of the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay and throughout the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska.
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Driving the Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, is an iconic and adventurous journey that takes you through some of the most remote landscapes in North America.
The highway spans over 1,300 miles, beginning in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, USA. It was originally built mostly by the U.S. Army as a supply route during World War II.
One of the highlights of the Alaska Highway is the opportunity to witness abundant wildlife. Moose, caribou, bears, and eagles are commonly spotted along the roadside. The highway also passes through remote areas, allowing travelers to experience the solitude and serenity of the northern wilderness.
Driving the Alaska Highway is not just a means of reaching a destination; it's a journey that captures the spirit of exploration and the essence of the North.
Avid bird watchers would find themselves spoilt for choice here too. From bald eagles soaring high above the towering pines to tiny hummingbirds fluttering amidst colorful wildflowers - every sighting feels like nature’s intimate show.
You might even come across Dall sheep gracefully navigating rocky terrains or hear wolves howling under moonlit skies.
Paying respect to our fellow inhabitants doesn't mean simply observing them from afar; it involves actively contributing towards their protection too. Thankfully, several organizations have taken up this cause seriously, working relentlessly for wildlife conservation at various levels right here in Alaska.
You could participate by choosing eco-friendly tour operators who donate part proceeds back into conservation efforts or volunteer at wildlife rescue centers that rehabilitate injured animals.
Alaska is widely known for its impressive nature, but there’s much more to it than wild life and beautiful landscapes. There are several museums and cultural centers where you can learn about ancient civilizations, the gold rush of the late 1800s and the state’s native cultures.
There are notable museums in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks, but also in less visited towns. Some institutions have free admissions, while others charge up to US$ 25.
A few highlights that deserve to be on your list of Alaska activities are the Seward Museum, the historic village Pioneer Park, the UA Museum of the North, the Pratt Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage Museum and the Alaska State Museum.
Alaska also has a brimming arts and culture scene. You can find classic and contemporary plays in theater stages across the state, as well as live music performances. There are also plenty of bars and clubs with live music and dancing for you to enjoy and make your nights full of fun.
Speaking of bars, there are also many places where you can enjoy great local beer made from the purest water and try typical Alaskan dishes. The seafood is a must, from fresh salmon to flaky halibut and monster king crab.
Reindeer sausage, birch syrup, sourdough, wild berries, and other delicacies also deserve a spot in your Alaska bucket list - and in your belly.
When you visit Alaska, take the opportunity to explore its native culture and uncover its vibrant stories and traditions. 11 distinct Alaska Native cultures are spread across the state, each with its own unique story to tell.
You can visit places like Saxman Native Village near Ketchikan and even participate in traditional festivals, always remembering to approach native peoples with an open heart and respect for their traditions.
If you like handicrafts, you'll marvel at exquisite creations made by skilled hands using materials sourced directly from Mother Nature. These are more than souvenirs; they're tangible connections between past and present Alaskan natives’ lives.
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If you're looking to experience something new while immersing yourself in one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, volunteering in Alaska through Worldpackers is your ticket. It’s also a way to discover many Alaska activities that only locals know about, since you’ll be experiencing the destination much deeper than the regular tourist.
Worldpackers gives people an authentic travel experience by allowing them to trade their skills for accommodation. You get the chance to learn about local culture, develop new abilities, save money on lodging and discover attractions off the beaten path.
In exchange for your help at host locations - which might involve helping out at a hostel, assisting with eco-projects or giving a hand at painting and decorating - you'll have free accommodation, sometimes free meals and plenty more benefits that can't be measured monetarily.
This includes friendships forged from shared experiences, knowledge gained from learning different cultures firsthand, and memories made exploring incredible places around Alaska. After all, you’re not just visiting—you become part of everyday life.
Got curious? Read our articles about how Worldpackers works.
To give you a taste, we made a selection of some of the amazing opportunities available for volunteering in Alaska:
Help on this farm varies by season: in the Spring they spend the time prepping the field, sowing seeds, growing transplants, cultivating those seeds in the field, weeding, and watering. In summer and fall helpers have the opportunity to harvest and sell the fruits and vegetables at the local farmers’ markets.
This is a small 25-bed community-driven hostel. It's an ideal opportunity for those who love the outdoors and meeting travelers from around the world. Staff are outdoor enthusiasts and happy to share their experiences. The schedule allows plenty of time to explore Alaska. Requirements include cleaning the hostel, changing beds, gardening, helping guests with questions and tours of the hostel.
This experience is on a remote Alaskan Island where there are no roads or towns. The camp is a homestead with modest cabins, a sauna, smoke house, solar system, garden and berry patches, on the beach, beside a salmon stream. It's an amazing opportunity if you want to experience off-the -grid living.
This is family of 4 who lives in an off-grid location (solar power and generator power). They are looking for help to create a new garden,and to put some stain and paint on log cabins and sheds. Talkeetna is a quirky village on the south side of Denali that offers outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking.
Alaska's allure is hard to resist. It beckons with its grand national parks, vibrant Northern Lights, thriving wildlife, and impressive native culture. Every day unfolds a new chapter of adventure as you enjoy the most varied Alaska activities.
And if you want to make the experience even more rich and transformative, immerse yourself fully into local Alaskan life while learning new skills and saving on accommodations by volunteering through Worldpackers.
We hope you enjoyed these travel tips! Venturing into Alaska's wild terrain is an exciting adventure that will remain with you for eternity.
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