Full-Day Adventures
Anchorage: There are a number of activities within reach of this main city, including opportunities to see wildlife; to explore glaciers, mountains, and lakes; and even to go out on an ocean cruise alongside Portage Glacier.
Fairbanks: Going north, you can explore the Arctic Circle with a number of tours by plane or land. See landmarks including the Trans-Alaska Pipeline or the Yukon River. Stop in the town of Joy to wait for the appearance of the aurora borealis.
Seward: Consider going on the Bear Glacier Kayaking, Jet Boat, and Helicopter Tour. A jet boat speeds you to Bear Glacier––the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. From there, you’ll paddle a kayak around massive icebergs and return by helicopter while admiring amazing aerial views of backcountry Alaska and seeing wildlife.
Northern Lights (Vincent Guth, cropped)
Half-Day Tours
White Pass Deluxe Tour out of Skagway: A three-hour guided tour winds through Skagway’s downtown area and takes you to the Gold Rush Cemetery. You’ll cruise along the summit and admire the Tormented Valley and other landmarks like the Trail of ‘98, Bridal Veil Falls, Frazier Valley, and Moore Bridge.
Flightseeing Wilderness Bear Viewing Tour: Take a flight in a bush plane to the best locations in the world for bear viewing and photography. After the flight, you will touch down in the peaceful wilderness of Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park, where you can hike to different vantage points to observe bears in their natural habitat.
Whitewater Rafting: Choose the level of difficulty you are comfortable with as you float along Six Mile Creek around the foot of the glacier.
Alaskan sled dogs (Markus Trienke, cropped)
Winter Tours
Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks: A night trip from Fairbanks takes you to Chena Hot Springs Resort for an exciting but relaxing array of activities. Be sure to see the eye-popping sculptures at the on-site Aurora Ice Museum and to enjoy the mineral water baths. When the conditions are just right, your guide will take you to the best locations to watch the northern lights.
Northern Lights Viewing: Treat yourself to a truly Alaskan experience. A team of happy hounds speeds you through snowy scenery before you are whisked off to a cabin for a home-cooked meal. After dinner, you can face the cabin’s large north-facing windows and experience the wonder of the aurora borealis.
Northern Lights Murphy Dome Viewing in Fairbanks: Learn about the science behind the northern lights while touring the former United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar Station. Located on one of the tallest peaks in the region, Murphy Dome provides one of the best vantage points to witness the aurora borealis.
When it is time to head home, you will leave with an appreciation of Alaska’s beauty, wonder, and adventure, along with the desire to return again soon.
Kenai Fjords National Park (Jim Pfeiffenberger, cropped)
Written by Amy Johnson