For your next family vacation, it's time to think big. As the country's largest state, Alaska serves up some big family-friendly adventures. You'll find activities state-wide that will appeal to folks of all ages, from wildlife viewing to hiking to adventures like ziplining and kayaking. Check out our top 5 family-friendly activities in Alaska:, 1. Wildlife Viewing, Alaska is home to some of the most magnificent wildlife in the world, including brown and black bears, whales, moose, wolves, caribou, and so much more. Kids and parents alike will marvel at seeing Alaska’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitats on a wildlife viewing tour , and be sure to keep an eye out wherever you go, weather you're hiking, on a cruise or motorcoach tour , or just walking…, 2. Hiking, No visit to Alaska is complete without lacing up those hiking boots and exploring on your own two feet. There are endless mountains to climb and miles to cover, and you’ll find a great selection of family-friendly hikes almost anywhere you go. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly hikes that lead to great views and wildlife viewing opportunities without being too long or strenuous:…, 3. Winter Activities, Winter or summer, Alaska offers fun for all ages. There are plenty of outdoor winter activities to keep you busy all day and then snuggle up with hot chocolate and quality family time in the evening. Get active with winter sports, including downhill skiing and snowboarding , cross country skiing , sledding, ice skating , fat tire biking , and snowshoeing. And don’t forget Alaska’s official state…, 4. Museums & Cultural Centers, Alaska is home to some world-class museums and cultural centers that will delight kids and adults with their interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about Alaska’s diverse wildlife, history, and Alaska Native culture . Not to be missed is the Anchorage Museum with its fun and its interactive Discovery Center, full of hands-on exhibits and an impressive planetarium. Other top family-…, 5. Tours (From ATVs to Ziplines), There are enough tours and excursions in Alaska to fill a lifetime of trips, and you’ll find that most tours offer options that the whole clan can enjoy. Here are some of our top family-friendly tours, from A to Z: ATV tours that get you into the Alaska backcountry to view scenery and wildlife. Particularly popular in the Denali area, many operators offer muti-passenger ATVs so the kids can ride…
Type: Editorial
Courtesy of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native People have been in Alaska for more than 10,000 years. Alaska Native Peoples, the First Peoples of the lands we refer to as “Alaska”, all have a set of Values passed down from generation to generation, beliefs we have held since time immemorial. Some have written them down, but many Indigenous groups simply pass down those values by their actions and oral history. They include…, Be Thankful, Please join us in being thankful for this beautiful place we call home. First, think of the clean air your body is absorbing. Stop and take in 3 deep breaths and after each breath - breathe out slowly and forcefully. This is the beginning of your contribution to the water cycle that creates your fresh air by sharing with your plant relatives the CO2 you release. And they share Oxygen with you!…, Respect for self, others, and our environment, Respect for self is taking care of your well-being, getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, not consuming things bad for your mind, body, and spirit and having the self-discipline to think before reacting to a situation or problem. Respect for residents and other visitors, be aware of their presence. Respect the environment by keeping it clean and taking care of it. Most of all, respect those…, Be wise, Make wise choices and think carefully before you act. Think before you speak. Accept responsibility for your actions and words. Learn about all the regions of Alaska. Study and become knowledgeable about the place where others live and the people who live in Alaska. Be sure to ask yourself, "Whose land am I on, and what language do Alaska Native People (or Indigenous People) speak?" , We are responsible for each other and ourselves, To be responsible for each other is to check on each other and help each other. When you take the time to check-in with others, you can make sure all are safe and comfortable. You have the responsibility to work with others to be present and aware of the activities during your visit. To be responsible is to also remember that many of the places you visit are sacred to the Alaska Native Peoples…, Being of good spirit, No matter where you are traveling, always remember to bring a good spirit. One that helps you, and others enjoy your time together. When you come ready to be a part of this great experience you must come ready with a good spirit. A good spirit helps you to enjoy and create good memories of your visit to learn about a new way to see and explore Alaska Native Peoples’ land. A good spirit helps…, Don't take more than what you need, As a visitor to these lands, please only take what you need and don't be wasteful. This goes with all materials and resources of time and energy that our home requires to make people comfortable, safe, and happy to be in our home. Remember, if you are a visitor on these Indigenous lands, it is your responsibility to respect what Alaska Native peoples continue to steward., Humor, Our Alaska Native value of humor connects us to ourselves and to our peers. Do not be afraid to share a joke or funny experience that may have happened in your life or home, for humor is healing. Be mindful of your audience. Keep these values in mind, body, and spirit—practice every-day whether you are at work or in your personal life. When you practice living with these values, life is easier,…
Type: Landing Page
Type: Landing Page
...Where the glaciers meet the sea in Prince William Sound . ...Home to small towns with big character, like Sitka , Ketchikan , Utqiagvik and more , where Alaska Native culture comes to life. ...The only place you can get a front-row seat to bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park . ...Site of Denali , or "the great one"—what other mountains want to be when they grow up. And that's…
Type: Landing Page
There’s something so magical about winter in Alaska – a thick blanket of snow covering the landscape that glitters in the low sunlight, ethereal northern lights dancing overhead, the peaceful silence of snowfall, and the comforting respite of relaxing in front of a warm fire or enjoying a hot drink after a day of outdoor adventures. If you haven’t thought about visiting Alaska in the winter,…, Activities, While the days are shorter than the endless daylight of summer’s Midnight Sun, there’s no shortage of things to do in Alaska in winter – and you’ll get to experience tours and activities that aren’t available to summer visitors. Outdoor recreationalists will rejoice at the endless options for winter recreation opportunities to get the heart pumping: downhill and cross-country skiing , snowshoeing…, Northern Lights viewing, Visitors from all over the world travel to Alaska to see the spectacular northern lights , also called the aurora borealis. Alaska is one of the best places on earth to witness this otherworldly display of dancing bands of light in green, yellow, red, and purple in the night sky. The northern lights can be seen from August to April, and while they are visible throughout the state, your best…, Winter Festivals, Some of Alaska’s top festivals and events can be found in the winter months. Plan your trip around one of these events for a look inside Alaska’s fascinating culture, arts, and history. To view world-class ice sculptures, plan a trip to Fairbanks in mid-February or March to check out the World Ice Art Championships . This event is one of the largest ice art competitions in the world and attracts…, Planning tips, Winter solstice on December 21 is the shortest day of the year. Fairbanks gets about 3 hours and 45 minutes of daylight, Anchorage gets about 4 ½ hours, and Juneau gets about 6 ½ hours. Some communities in the Arctic region don’t get daylight for over two months in winter. Long, dark nights are ideal for northern lights viewing , and we start gaining daylight every day after winter solstice. If…
Type: Editorial
Alaska is home to seventeen of North America’s tallest peaks (including the tallest in North America, , Denali), , 30,000 square miles of glaciers, 60% of the country’s total national park lands (including the largest, , Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, ), and a total area bigger than Texas, California, and Montana - combined! With all of this greatness, it’s easy to see why planning a trip to Alaska is high on many travelers’ lists, and why it can feel a bit overwhelming. The good news is, no matter when or where you go, you are sure to have an incredible Alaska adventure. Our insider’s tips will help you get a head start on planning your next…, When to Go, Your first decision is when to visit Alaska. While most visitors come to Alaska during the summer season, from June – August, every season and month offers its own unique experiences. Summer is best for the warmest temperatures, longest hours of daylight, best wildlife viewing , and the most tours, activities , cruise options , and accommodations available. However, if you’re looking to get…, How long to go, Next, decide how long you can go. You could spend a lifetime exploring this great state, but you can plan a memorable and exciting visit even if you have just a few days. Most visitors spend seven to fourteen days in Alaska. Much of this decision depends on where you want to go and how you’re getting around. Cruising is one of the most popular ways to visit Alaska – especially for first-time…, How to get around, In a state as big as Alaska, figuring out how to get around is just as important as deciding where to go. The main modes of transportation are boat ( cruise or ferry ), plane (commercial jet or bush plane), road ( self-drive or bus/motorcoach ), or train . We recommend mixing and matching your transportation so you can see Alaska from a few different angles. Taking a cruise ? Add on a train or…, When to book, We recommend booking your Alaska vacation around four to six months in advance. If you’re booking a package tour or reserving for a bigger group, it’s best to book at least six months early to ensure availability for the itinerary you’re looking for. Book your hotels as early as possible since those tend to book up quickly, especially in the more popular destinations during summer. While it is…, Ways to Save, Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in spring and fall for cheaper prices on flights and accommodations. Some tour companies, accommodations, and cruise lines offer early booking discounts and cheaper rates for booking early, so it pays to plan ahead and book as early as possible. Visit hotel and tour company websites to look for specials and packages and to book directly for better…, Looking for more planning help?, Read our Travel Tips for answers to your most frequently asked questions. Explore Packages & Tours for customized itineraries and all-inclusive options for all travel types, from backcountry adventure to luxury travel. Learn more about Alaska weather , including temperatures, daylight hours, and packing lists for each region. Browse our Itineraries for travel ideas. Use our interactive map to…
Type: Editorial
Beginning with a ceremonial start in Anchorage the first Saturday in March and, a day later, an official start 70 miles north in Willow , the Iditarod journeys nearly 1,000 miles of unforgiving, rugged, and breathtaking terrain to Nome . An exhilarating experience for mushers, sled dogs, and viewers alike, the race is, as Rob Urbach (president and CEO of the Iditarod Trail Committee) describes…, distant, or, distant place, . It’s not only the name of a trail, but also the name of a former town and a river in the same region. The race spans the Alaska and Kuskokwim Mountain ranges and follows the Yukon River for 150 miles. Mushers endure crossing frozen waterways and pack ice in Norton Sound, often completing the race in as little as 8 days. Musher and dog team on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, History of The Iditarod, In 1925, The Great Race of Mercy gained notoriety for its critical role in delivering medicine via sled dog during the Nome diphtheria epidemic. Sled dogs were brought out of near retirement when all other transportation routes failed to deliver the much-needed serum to Nome’s sick and dying children, including air transport and railway. Mushers and sled dogs endured temperatures circling -80…, The Iditarod Today, Despite a 10,000-year history of sled dogs and mushers working side by side, by the mid 1960’s, the use of sled dogs was almost non-existent. Modern transportation developments like snow machines had negated the need for mushing – even in far reaching Alaska Native villages – leaving the tradition at risk. Inspired by Joe Redington Sr. and Dorothy Page – commonly referred to as the mother and…, Sled Dogs in Alaska, The unique genetic makeup of the sled dogs allows them to cross vast distances with incredible endurance. In fact, scientists estimate that man and sled dog have journeyed side by side for over 10,000 years. Only northern dog breeds are allowed to compete. Living off a diet of rich proteins and healthy fats, sled dogs are able to regulate body heat to levels that other dogs cannot. Additionally,…, The Iditarod Experience, Enjoying the Iditarod couldn’t be easier! Here are some ways you can experience the Iditarod either in person or from home., Volunteer, The Iditarod wouldn’t be possible without its volunteers . There are over 1,500 volunteers that continue to return every year! Most come from out of state and plan each year around their volunteer work. Dog handlers, veterinary team visitors, security, trail breakers, communications, cooks, those helping with logistics, and even support on the trails are all ways to not just experience the…, Put your name in the raffle to ride at the Ceremonial Start, Enter to win a ride at the start of the Iditarod in a musher of your choice’s sled basket! This fundraiser allows several lucky winners to receive an 11-mile ride with a musher at the Ceremonial Start of the race in downtown Anchorage . Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod in Anchorage, Tour the Iditarod, Many tour companies offer Iditarod specific packages, usually by air or snowmachine, so that you can watch your favorite team from up close on their way to Nome ., The Mushers Banquet, The Thursday prior to the start of the race at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage is where the mushers draw their starting order. There’s a plated dinner and all of the mushers are there for you to meet and greet! You can purchase Iditarod merchandise, hear details of the upcoming event, and bid on silent and live auction prizes. These often include musher-signed race bibs!, Take a Dog Sled Tour year-round, Dog sled tours are available throughout the state year-round! Visiting a dog kennel will get you up close to some of the very teams used in the Iditarod. You’ll be able to meet dogs, mushers, and even the next generation of future teams (puppies)! Some tours bring you and the team on glaciers via sled, even in the summer. Others use sleds with wheels as an alternative to snow covered trails.…, Visit the Iditarod headquarters, Located near Wasilla , the Iditarod headquarters is a great chance for you to experience a visual history of the race. , From Home, View the race from home 24/7, as footage from drones, helicopters, and live cams give everyone a glimpse into the epic experience of the Iditarod, even from the comfort of your own home! Whether you’re able to experience this incredible race first-hand as a viewer, volunteer, musher, or as a fan from home, there is no doubt about it: The Iditarod lives up to its name and all the hype that comes…, Social Suggestions:, Follow these accounts for more on the Iditarod: @TheIditarod @IditarodEducation @TravelAlaska
Type: Editorial
Alaska’s largest city is tucked between towering mountains and a bright blue inlet. Travelers might be surprised to see Anchorage ’s multi-story buildings and bustling downtown, but they’ll still get to witness wild Alaska., 1. Experience Alaska Native Culture, Alaska is home to a broad range of Alaska Native cultures, and Anchorage is the perfect place to experience and learn about them all. At the, Alaska Native Heritage Center ,, gain an understanding of the many traditions, languages, and contemporary perspectives from every region of the state. Attend live demonstrations and performances, find crafts, and explore one-of-a-kind works of art. Visitors can experience all 11 of the state’s major Alaska Native cultures and even stroll through six authentic, life-sized dwellings unique to the area’s indigenous cultures. Each…, 2. Hike Urban & Mountain Trails, Hikers of every skill level will find a trail to enjoy in Anchorage. There are 135 miles of paved multi-use trails in the city close enough to be easily accessible but scenic enough to forget that you’re in Alaska’s largest city. Anchorage’s trails are also for more than just walking. In the summer, many people enjoy the trail system for running, biking, and rollerblading. In the winter, trails…, Chugach State Park, . From short walks with incredible views to multi-day treks through the mountains, hikers will find endless opportunities from Anchorage. Hiking trail in Chugach State Park outside of Anchorage, 3. Get A Taste of Alaska, In a place with such bountiful seafood and fresh produce, it’s no surprise that Anchorage draws some great chefs. Many restaurants in Anchorage feature local ingredients—there’s nothing like fresh-caught salmon or tender reindeer sausage. Often, local restaurants will feature special dishes when they have access to seasonal local ingredients, so always ask—it’s the best way to get true, local…, 4. Cast a Line, Good fishing is an arm’s reach away in Anchorage. It’s so close that locals can cast a line or two on their lunch break. Ship Creek is a bustling salmon hot spot in the summer months, located right in the middle of the city. Just steps from downtown’s most popular shopping and dining establishments, the creek sees king and silver salmon runs. In other streams and lakes nearby, there are even…, 5. Explore Alaska by Air, Aviation is big in Alaska, and Anchorage is home to many of the state’s pilots and planes. From Merrill Field, a downtown Anchorage airfield, and Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, sightseeing flights are ideal for a scenic day trip from town. Leave from Anchorage on a flightseeing tour in a small plane or helicopter to circle, Denali National Park and Preserve, , explore glaciers, and head to iconic, bear viewing, spots across Cook Inlet. Flightseeing excursions can help visitors check the most off their Alaska bucket list, and for many people, it’s an exciting way to experience the long history and importance of the aviation industry in Alaska. If time doesn’t allow for a flightseeing tour, visitors can still experience Alaska’s aviation industry. Visit the Alaska Aviation Museum or head to Lake Hood to…, 6. Tour Ancient Glaciers, With many accessible glaciers just outside of Anchorage, it is an excellent place to experience Alaska’s frozen marvels. Experienced guides can help travelers have safe adventures exploring the rivers of ice. Take an afternoon flight to see the glaciers from above—some flights even include glacier landings so you can get out and walk around on the ice. Day cruises to Portage Glacier or around, Prince William Sound, get up close and personal with tidewater glaciers. Lucky visitors may get to experience calving, where giant chunks of glacier ice break off and crash into the water. For a more extreme adventure complete with glacier trekking and ice-cave exploration, visitors can join a guided trip where guides will lead them around nearby glaciers. Guided hikes are designed for a variety of skill levels. Knik…, 7. Hit the Rails, One of the Alaska Railroad’s main passenger depots is located in Anchorage and runs from Seward to Fairbanks. Anchorage has a long history with the railroad; in fact, it is still at the heart of many excursions. In the summer, daily train service links Anchorage to the, Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, Whittier , Seward ,, Talkeetna, ,, Denali National Park and Preserve, and, Fairbanks, . Thanks to many railroad excursions, visitors can set up base in Anchorage and see much of the state without even renting a car. Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad for day excursions or multi-day stays in some of the top destinations in the state. No matter the destination, a ride on the rails is sure to be accompanied by spectacular views to sit back and enjoy without worrying about maps or…, 8. Ski the Day Away, In the winter, Anchorage transforms into a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders. High mountaintops rising from sea level make for not only great snow conditions but also incredible ocean and tidal views. During the spring, increased hours of sunlight allow for more hours of fun. Alpine skiers can choose from at five ski areas within an hour of town (Hilltop Ski Area, Arctic Valley,…, 9. View the Bore Tide, Rising up to 6-feet tall, the bore tide wave rolls down Turnagain Arm south of town. Formed by the area’s unique geography and extreme tides, the Cook Inlet bore tide has the second-largest tidal range in the world. This natural phenomenon draws plenty of onlookers and even a few local surfers who can ride the wave for miles. Checking a tide chart will tell visitors the best days and times to…, Learn more about Anchorage >>
Type: Editorial
Utqiaġvik sits alongside the Arctic Ocean and is the northernmost community in the United States. Formerly known as Barrow, the official name of the village changed to Utqiaġvik in 2016 when village residents voted to change the name back to its traditional Iñupiaq name. It's the largest Iñupiaq settlement in Alaska. If you are visiting May–August, you’ll witness 24-hour daylight, so black-out…, 1. Experience 24 Hours of Daylight, Watch the sun circle low over the horizon without ever setting. Between May 10 and the sunset on August 2, visitors can soak up vitamin D all night long. Due to the earth’s tilt, the Northern Hemisphere faces the sun all summer long, accounting for the extra daylight hours. It’s no surprise that Alaska is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. Oftentimes, people completely lose track of time, and…, 2. Dip Your Toe in the Arctic Ocean, Talk about something for the bucket list: walking the beaches of the Arctic Ocean and even dipping a toe in the chilly waters is a unique experience that not many people have the chance to encounter. In Utqiaġvik , visitors will already find themselves very near to the Arctic beach. After strolling the beach and admiring the views, work up the courage to dip hands or feet into the ocean waters…, 3. Visit the Northernmost, And One of the Oldest, Cities in the U.S., Utqiaġvik is also one of the oldest-inhabited town sites. At the Birnirk National Historic Landmark archaeological site just a few miles from town, evidence of human habitation goes back as far as 1,000 to 1,500 years ago. The Birnirk culture existed from about 500 to 900 A.D. Evidence of the culture can be seen at this site in the form of 16 dwelling mounds. The mounds reach up to 14 feet tall…, 4. Soak Up the History, Being one of the oldest-inhabited places in the States, there is no shortage of history. To get the full tour, visit the area’s places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Start at The Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station in the central section of town, known as Browerville. Built in 1893 as a whaling station, the structure at the site is the oldest frame building in the Arctic…, 5. Commemorate Your Trip with A Picture, Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” the whalebone arch connects the area to its traditional whaling history. Since the early days of human habitation in the area, the people who have called Utqiaġvik home have relied upon whales for almost everything they needed. The meat is still used for food, skin and bones for boats and clothing, baleen for tools and art, and whale blubber is used for oil.…, 6. Spot Unique Wildlife, When spring arrives, Utqiaġvik comes to life with millions of migratory birds and thousands of bowhead and beluga whales. Throughout the spring and summer, ringed and bearded seals, walrus, and more swim in the ocean waters, and foxes and caribou can be seen on land. The road system around town offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Travelers can set off on their own or take a…
Type: Editorial
Ketchikan, , a popular, Inside Passage cruise stop, , is known for its vibrant downtown, historical tours, and Alaska Native roots. It’s also a recreation hotspot, where you can fish Tongass National Forest ’s shimmering fresh-water lakes one day, then kayak past tumbling waterfalls the next. Here are seven ways to love Ketchikan during your stay., 1. Experience Alaska Native Culture, Kichx̱áan was originally a summer fish camp used by Alaska Native peoples , and Tlingit culture remains a major influence in present-day Ketchikan. Perhaps the most noticeable symbols of traditional heritage are the totem poles, which tell stories of people, places, and events. Ketchikan has more totem poles than anywhere else in Alaska, ranging from 19th-century poles from now-abandoned villages…, 2. Wander Historical Creek Street, When you visit Ketchikan, you’ll likely find yourself wandering the shops and historical buildings on Creek Street. This pedestrian boardwalk is built on wooden pilings above Ketchikan Creek. Shops, restaurants, and museums are nestled between Ketchikan’s rocky hillsides and the creek that gave the city its name. Take a self-guided tour of this former red light district, where bootleggers made…, 2. Take a Day Cruise, Day cruises let passengers glide through Ketchikan’s scenic waters with views of nearby glaciers, 3,000-foot vertical cliffs, and abundant wildlife. These quiet, unhurried vessels give you the time to delight in destinations like Rudyerd Bay (a historic cannery), New Eddystone Rock (a volcanic spire that extends above sea level), and the spectacular sights and wildlife of, Misty Fjords National Monument, . This activity is perfect for guests hoping to let someone else do the guiding while they spend time on the water for the chance to spot whales, seals, and other marine wildlife. Misty Fjords National Monument, 3. Go Trout and Salmon Fishing, Visitors looking to reel in a trophy salmon can try their luck at angling in Ketchikan’s backyard, the Tongass National Forest . The forest is home to dozens of freshwater lakes and streams as well as access to saltwater fishing. Travelers are also welcome to fish for salmon off the bridge next to Creek Street. This iconic location is a perfect spot to drop a line right outside of town. Visiting…, 4. Attend the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Travelers will be entertained at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This show is a staple of Ketchikan and brings guests a thrilling competition of skill and strength that highlight Southeast Alaska’s logging history. These world-champion athletes are sure to impress all ages with 7-pound axes, 6-foot razor-sharp saws, tree-climbing gaffs, and more. The one-hour performance is packed with action…, 5. Kayak Fjords and Creeks, Ketchikan is a kayaker’s dream. Home to the picturesque, Misty Fjords National Monument, , the 2.1-million-acre monument leads guests through cascading waterfalls, steep glaciers, and an abundance of opportunities to spot wildlife. A kayaking trip here can range from just a few hours to a multi-day adventure that includes camping in remote locations and exploring hidden treasure. Ketchikan Creek, located beneath the aptly named Creek Street, also offers a unique experience for…, 6. Tour Misty Fjords National Monument, Escape to the temperate rainforest wilderness of, Misty Fjords National Monument, just east of Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest . There are no roads here, so the only ways to explore the area are by sea or by air. Take a day cruise to experience the largest intact coastal rainforest in America or take a water taxi and kayak among glacial ice. Steep hillsides carved by glaciers nearly 17,000 years ago drop into deep, narrow fjords. Look for bears, wolves, and mountain…, Learn more about Ketchikan >>
Type: Editorial