The Last Frontier

Alaska stands apart from the continental United States as a realm of untamed wilderness, where nature reigns supreme and adventure awaits around every bend. This vast northern territory—more than twice the size of Texas—encompasses towering mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, pristine fjords, and temperate rainforests teeming with wildlife. The spirit of Alaska is defined by its raw, majestic beauty and the hardy, independent character of those who call it home.

From the indigenous Tlingit, Haida, and Inuit peoples who have thrived here for millennia to the gold rush pioneers and modern-day adventurers, Alaska has always attracted those drawn to frontier living and natural splendor. The state's cultural fabric weaves together Native traditions, Russian heritage, and American pioneering spirit into a unique tapestry that celebrates self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and respect for the land.

Whether you're witnessing the midnight sun in summer, the northern lights in winter, or the spectacular spring wildlife awakening, Alaska offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth. This is a destination that humbles visitors with its scale, captivates with its beauty, and inspires with its wildness—a place where nature writes the rules and humans are grateful guests in a magnificent natural cathedral.

Places to Go

Denali National Park

Home to North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), this six-million-acre wilderness park showcases Alaska at its most spectacular. The 20,310-foot mountain dominates the landscape when weather permits views, while the surrounding tundra and taiga host grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. The park's single road penetrates deep into pristine backcountry accessible only by shuttle bus, ensuring an authentic wilderness experience.

Glacier Bay National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses a dramatic landscape where massive tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into the sea with thunderous roars. Cruise through the bay's icy waters past sixteen active glaciers, watching for humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. The park represents one of the world's best examples of glacier dynamics and ecological succession as life returns to lands recently freed from ice.

Inside Passage

This protected waterway threading through the Alaska Panhandle offers stunning scenery of forested islands, cascading waterfalls, and charming coastal communities. The route connects Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway—historic towns that preserve Gold Rush heritage while serving as gateways to wilderness adventures. Cruise ships and Alaska Marine Highway ferries navigate these waters, providing intimate views of coastal Alaska's beauty.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Where the mountains meet the sea, the Kenai Fjords showcase Alaska's dramatic coastal scenery. The Harding Icefield feeds 38 glaciers that flow to the ocean, creating a dynamic landscape of ice, rock, and water. Wildlife watching here is spectacular—orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, puffins, and eagles thrive in these nutrient-rich waters. Day cruises from Seward offer accessible wilderness encounters.

Juneau

Alaska's capital city is accessible only by boat or plane, creating a remote mountain outpost atmosphere despite its governmental significance. The Mendenhall Glacier flows to within sight of the city, while the downtown area preserves historic buildings from the gold mining era. Juneau serves as both a cultural center and launching point for wilderness adventures, offering museums, restaurants, and outdoor recreation in equal measure.

Anchorage

Alaska's largest city balances urban amenities with wilderness proximity. Downtown Anchorage offers museums, restaurants, and shopping, while moose regularly wander suburban neighborhoods and bears fish for salmon in nearby streams. The city serves as the primary gateway for Alaska visitors and provides easy access to the Chugach Mountains, coastal wildlife viewing, and regional attractions.

Fairbanks

The Golden Heart City sits in Alaska's interior, serving as the best location for northern lights viewing and experiencing Interior Alaska's extreme climate. Winter temperatures plunge far below zero, while summer brings nearly 24-hour daylight. Fairbanks celebrates its pioneer heritage, serves as a center for Alaska Native culture, and offers unique attractions like the Aurora Ice Museum and hot springs bathing under the northern lights.

Things to Do and See

Wildlife Viewing

Alaska is the ultimate wildlife destination. Watch brown bears fishing for salmon at Katmai National Park, observe massive caribou migrations across the tundra, spot Dall sheep on mountain slopes, and encounter moose browsing roadside vegetation. Marine life is equally impressive—humpback whales breach offshore, orcas hunt in pods, sea otters float in kelp forests, and millions of seabirds nest on coastal cliffs.

Glacier Experiences

Get up close to these rivers of ice through helicopter tours landing on glaciers, kayaking among icebergs in glacial lakes, or hiking to glacier viewpoints. The Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords offers walking trails to glacier overlooks, while more adventurous souls can try ice climbing or glacier trekking with experienced guides. Watching glacier calving—massive ice chunks breaking off and crashing into the sea—is an unforgettable spectacle.

Cruise Adventures

Experience Alaska's Inside Passage aboard cruise ships or smaller expedition vessels. These voyages combine comfort with wilderness access, sailing past glacier-carved fjords, stopping in historic ports, and offering wildlife viewing from ship decks. Multi-day cruises typically include shore excursions ranging from kayaking and fishing to cultural tours and flightseeing.

Fishing

Alaska offers world-class fishing for salmon, halibut, and trout. Five species of Pacific salmon return to Alaska's rivers each summer in massive spawning runs, creating exceptional opportunities for both guided and independent fishing. Charter boats pursue halibut and salmon in coastal waters, while fly-fishing enthusiasts wade crystal-clear streams for rainbow trout and Arctic char.

Hiking & Camping

Alaska's trail system ranges from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes. Day hikes around Anchorage and other communities provide accessible wilderness encounters, while multi-day backpacking trips venture into true remoteness. Camping options include developed campgrounds and dispersed wilderness camping, with the midnight sun enabling extended hiking hours during summer months.

Native Culture Experiences

Learn about Alaska's indigenous peoples through cultural centers, museums, and community visits. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage showcases traditional dwellings, art, and customs of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups. Totem poles throughout Southeast Alaska tell stories through carved symbols, while native-owned businesses offer authentic crafts and cultural tours.

Northern Lights Viewing

Fairbanks ranks among the world's best locations for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. These dancing lights appear on dark winter nights from September through April, painting the sky in greens, purples, and reds. Clear, cold nights far from city lights provide optimal viewing, with many lodges and tour operators specializing in aurora experiences.

Native Dining Musts

Wild Alaska Salmon

No Alaska visit is complete without fresh wild salmon. Five species—King, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chum—return to Alaska waters each year, offering distinct flavors and textures. Try it grilled, smoked, or prepared as lox. The rich, clean taste of Alaska salmon reflects the pristine waters where it's harvested. Local restaurants serve it prepared traditionally or with contemporary twists.

King Crab & Seafood

Alaska's cold waters produce exceptional seafood, with King Crab leading the premium offerings. These massive crustaceans provide sweet, tender meat best enjoyed steamed with butter. Dungeness crab, halibut, black cod, and spot prawns round out Alaska's seafood bounty. Waterfront restaurants in coastal towns serve the freshest catches, often harvested the same day.

Reindeer Sausage

A uniquely Alaskan street food, reindeer sausage links are sold from carts in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and tourist areas. The lean, flavorful meat (actually caribou despite the "reindeer" name) is seasoned and grilled, then served in a bun with your choice of toppings. It's the perfect grab-and-go meal while exploring downtown areas.

Sourdough Bread & Pancakes

Sourdough starter has sustained Alaska pioneers for generations, passed down and cultivated continuously for decades. This tangy fermented bread became an Alaska staple because it required no commercial yeast. Today, sourdough pancakes remain a breakfast favorite, while artisan bakeries produce crusty loaves perfect for mopping up salmon chowder.

Akutaq (Eskimo Ice Cream)

This traditional Inuit dessert blends whipped fat with berries and sometimes fish. While authentic versions use seal oil or caribou fat, modern variations use vegetable shortening. The result is a unique frozen treat found at cultural centers and special events. Cloudberries, salmonberries, and blueberries provide fruity flavors in this cultural delicacy.

Where to Dine

• Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill (Anchorage): Waterfront dining with spectacular views and fresh Alaska seafood
• Tracy's King Crab Shack (Juneau): No-frills outdoor dining serving massive crab legs steps from cruise ship docks
• Salmon Bake (Fairbanks): Traditional outdoor salmon grilling in a pioneer-themed setting
• The Cookery (Seward): Farm-to-table cuisine showcasing local ingredients and sustainable practices