Top 8 Things to Do in Alaska

Planning your first trip can be overwhelming if you’ve never been to Alaska. Here at Civitatis, we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn all about the best things to do in Alaska: the land of glaciers, the Northern Lights, endless forests, and rugged mountains. Welcome to the Last Frontier!

A Little History

Alaska’s early history is somewhat uncertain, as most historians dispute over who the first settlers were. Some sources propose nomadic groups from Asia. Others claim it was a continuum of contact between the Old and New Worlds.

But if anything has defined the history of Alaska, it’s got to be the eagerness to extract and make the most of its natural resources. Due to the land’s richness, numerous significant changes have taken place over time. Events such as cultural annihilation, migratory movements, and the Gold and Oil Rush, to name a few.

Today, Alaska is one of the 50 states that make up the United States of America. The most populous city is Anchorage, and the capital is Juneau. With a total area of 663,268 square miles (81,717,856 square kilometers), it’s also the largest state in the country. Let’s find out what Alaska has to offer.

Juneau

We’ll start with a visit to Alaska’s capital, the city of Juneau. Located at the foot of the 3,819-foot-high (1164-metre-high) Mount Roberts, it’s a must for cruise ships, as it can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

The city has a cable car that takes you up 1,804 feet (550 meters) to Mount Roberts. At the top, visitors will find an area full of wild flora and different trails. From there, you can admire the impressive Gastineau Channel. To really take a deep dive into the Alaskan capital, check out a tour of Juneau to get your feet wet in the Alaskan capital. Juneau also boasts a rich history and strong cultural heritage of whaling. Make the most of your time in the capital and set sail on a whale-watching adventure.

Denali National Park and Preserve

A must-see while in Alaska is Denali National Park and Preserve. The United States boasts a national park system with over 400 recognized sites, and Denali National Park certainly stands out among the rest. The park offers visitors over 6 million acres (almost 25,000,000 square kilometers) of untouched wilderness. It’s crowned by Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, towering at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters.)

Spruce forests, tundras, glaciers… If you love nature, this is the place for you! In addition, we’ll find several species of wildlife there, such as moose, grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and Dall’s rams.

Fairbanks

When making your list of what to see in Alaska, you’ll also want to jot down Fairbanks. Its long nights and near non-existent light pollution make it a great place to disconnect. This spot is also among the best places to enjoy a tour of the magical Northern Lights!

Fairbanks also offers visitors a wide array of activities to do. While it’s located very inland in Alaska, don’t let its geographic location fool you. In Fairbanks, you can indulge in a Chena River Hot Springs tour for a perfect moment of relaxation surrounded by nature. Or, for those seeking a little more adventure, try your hand at a snow-shoeing tour, a historic practice in the region.

Anchorage

The next stop is Anchorage, Alaska’s largest and most populous city. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end restaurants to museums and theatres. Tucked between the Cook Inlet and the 5,000-foot peaks of the Chugach State Park makes its scenery an absolute delight. Take advantage of your visit and get to know the park on a guided tour of the grounds.

Did you know that Lake Hood is the busiest seaplane base in the world? That makes it an ideal starting point to explore the different national parks in the region. A perfect blend of the city’s hustle and bustle with nature! Come and discover all its attractions on our tour of Anchorage.

Kenai Fjords National Park

The Kenai Fjords National Park is another place you can’t miss while visiting Alaska. Established in 1980, the site is known for protecting the most incredible and remote wilderness areas in this vast territory.

Snow and ice cover 60% of the park’s surface, crowned by the Harding Icefield. Fun fact: it’s one of only four remaining in the United States. From the ice field, countless glaciers shift gradually, carving the valleys to form the fjords that give the park its name.

Sitka

Sitka: another gem in Alaska’s Crown. Located on the west coast of Baranof Island, in the shadow of the towering Mount Edgecumbe, full of life. It’s a dormant volcano with an elegant cone that resembles Japan’s Mount Fuji. 

Did you know that Sitka became the capital of Russian America in 1808? Walking around the town center, you’ll see traces of Russian influence in the architecture. Keep your eyes peeled for things such as domes or gilded crosses of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Michael.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Mountain peaks, ice-carved fjords, marine wildlife, and huge glaciers – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is THE spot you don’t want to miss!

At this National Park, picture natural landscapes but turned up to eleven. It’s one of the most spectacular environments and a definite must-see in Alaska if you’re sailing northbound. 

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Another national park that must be seen in Alaska is Katmai National Park and Preserve. Smoky valleys, ash-covered mountains, and small cracks steaming with gas… This reserve protects an active volcanic landscape and is an environment where salmon thrive. 

Moreover, did you know that the park is famous for its grizzly bear population? There are more than 2,000 of them! If you’re staying in Homer, we highly recommend a grizzly bear-watching activity to get to know its most famous inhabitant more intimately.

Alaska’s gastronomy

When deciding what to see in Alaska, you should also think about what to eat! This state’s most famous dish is wild salmon, which is served grilled, spiced, or marinated in different ways.

Situated in a prime spot and boasting a love for fishing, Alaska serves up more than just a feast for the eyes. Indulge in the delights of oysters, crab, and a mouthwatering fish consommé crafted from grouper, prawns, and clams. Bon appétit – where every bite is a taste of the extraordinary!

It’s safe to say Alaska has plenty of nature to enjoy, with no shortage of adventure for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing thermal experience or a thrilling natural adventure in the elements, check out the best things to do in Alaska with Civitatis!