10 Best Things to Do in Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park is undoubtedly one of Alaska's most impressive natural landmarks. Spread across 600,000 acres, this arctic landscape features native wildlife, fascinating archaeological sites and endless untamed scenery.

Boat cruises run along the coastline and offer an up-close look at famous fjords such as Aialik Bay and Northwestern Lagoon. You’ll have several great chances to spot alluring marine species such as whales, sea lions and seals, while hikers can take on the 8-mile-long Harding Icefield Trail and experience outstanding views of the surrounding landscape.

The Mendenhall Glacier has to be close to the top of your Alaskan must-see list, especially for natural beauty. Situated just outside the city of Juneau, this striking 12-mile glacier emerged out of the Little Ice Age around 3,000 years ago. It’s easy to reach compared to many of the region's natural highlights.

Here, you’ll find a myriad of hiking trails ranging in difficulty. The Photo Point Trail is particularly short and easy, plus it culminates in unobstructed views across the glacier. The Nugget Falls Trail is another popular choice, with a towering series of waterfalls providing the ultimate reward as you reach the end.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is the ideal place to learn about the region's indigenous population. Through a series of intimate encounters, you’ll be exposed to traditional stories, dances and artwork, alongside historical recreations that reveal a remarkable way of life.

Overlooking the scenic Lake Tiulana, the centre has 6 outdoor areas faithfully detailing several Alaskan Native dwellings. You’ll move between the structures and speak with different cultural representatives. Providing accurate and respectful insight into the lives of locals, exploring the Alaska Native Heritage Center is an enriching experience. Once you've concluded the tour, head along to the cosy cafe for coffee and local dishes, including reindeer dogs and salmon burgers.

The Totem Bight State Historic Park is where visitors can learn about Alaskan Indigenous culture. It’s situated on the outskirts of Ketchikan along the renowned cruising route of Inside Passage. With Alaskan natives moving to burgeoning communities in the early 1900s, they left behind villages with plenty of distinctive totem poles.

With these iconic totems battered by the region's harsh conditions and eventually overgrown by the surrounding forest, an initiative was put together to restore these figures to their original glory. Produced by the Tlingit and Haida tribes, there are 14 vibrant creations to enjoy throughout this 11-acre nature park.

The Anchorage Museum is the state's largest art institution, with a series of immersive collections that delve into Alaska's long and storied history. Set in the middle of the city, the museum encompasses several different spaces, including the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Centre, a playful science discovery area and multiple themed galleries. 

The ‘Art of the North’ is a permanent exhibition of painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia works detailing a modern perspective on how people connect with the land. The Smithsonian offers 600 objects collected and explained by the region's native population.

The Chugach National Forest is an outstanding place to witness Alaska's stirring natural wonders. As the second-largest forest in the USA, it offers seemingly endless green forests, winding rivers, lakes and mountainous glaciers.

For visitors who want to truly experience the great outdoors, the Chugach National Forest features over 200 miles of open trails that are ideal for both hikers and mountain bikers. Many of these tracks make their way towards stunning points where glaciers pour out of the mountains and into the frozen sea. There are also great opportunities for boating, fishing and kayaking, with the Kenai River and Sixmile Creek providing pristine waters to explore.

The Aurora Ice Museum is the world's largest year-round frozen experience. Located in the Chena Hot Springs Resort, the museum was built from more than 1,000 tons of ice, housing everything from a two-storey snowball fight room and a glacial chapel to an icy cocktail bar.

If you choose to visit this wintery wonderland, you'll be accompanied by an expert guide across a 45-minute tour. As you're provided with all the necessary cold-weather gear, you'll learn incredible details about the impressive ice sculptures on display. Snap some pictures as you make your way through before finishing the trip with a tasty drink served in a glass made of solid ice .

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad was built during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late-1800s, helping an estimated 100,000 prospectors make their way between the communities of Skagway and Whitehorse. Today, the route has been revived as an exceptional historical railway, carrying travellers past glacial rivers, waterfalls and plunging gorges.

Departing from the town of Skagway, the railroad climbs an impressive 3,000 ft along a series of sheer cliffs as the train eventually makes its way to White Pass Summit. As you reach the top, the panoramic views of the Yukon River are unmatched. For a great day trip, take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and experience some of Alaska's most magnificent sights.

The Denali National Park and Preserve runs along the snow-capped Alaska Range, featuring North America's centrepiece peak of Denali soaring over 20,310 ft. The rest of the national park is equally impressive, as more than 400,000 visitors make their way here annually to see the wealth of flora and fauna on display.

Along the lowlands and up into the mountains, there are more than 650 species of flowering plant life, ranging from vibrant lichen and moss to birch and coniferous trees. There's also an array of mammals to spot from a distance – lynx, marmots and arctic squirrels are well-known inhabitants. Lucky visitors will also catch a glimpse of the golden eagles that soar high above the national park.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center serves a vital role in preserving the region's extraordinary wildlife. Set on 200 acres along the shores of Turnagain Arm, it's the ideal place to get an up-close perspective on dozens of awe-inspiring creatures. Home to bears, bison, wolves, moose and reindeer, alongside many other species, the centre educates the public on the importance of conservation, research and respect for the wilderness.

Upon arrival, you’re welcome to walk or drive around the 1.5-mile route, passing through several wide-open animal enclosures. There are also regular keeper chats and encounters, where you can feed your favourite animal and gain insight into the critical role they play in the ecosystem.