Autumn in Alaska may be brief, but this magical time offers an Alaska experience like no other. Trees with yellow and orange leaves pop against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. The tundra transforms into a colorful quilt of deep burgundy, orange, and fiery red. Fall is the sweet spot when you can experience all the must-do Alaska summer activities while also having the chance to catch Alaska’…, TIMING YOUR TRIP TO CAPTURE THE COLORS, Fall colors begin to emerge mid-August in Alaska’s Arctic and Interior regions and late August/early September as you move further south, with peak hues usually lasting 2-4 weeks. Denali National Park is renowned for vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows across its vast tundra landscapes from late August to mid to late September. In Hatcher Pass , a top spot to catch fall foliage in Southcentral…, AUTUMN ADVENTURES, Most summer tour operators continue operations through mid-September or early October, so you’ll still be able to enjoy Alaska’s top summer activities like hiking , fishing , wildlife viewing , day cruises , rafting , and more . In autumn, Alaska’s wildlife is still on full display, with bears fattening up before their long winter hibernation and whales, birds, and other migratory wildlife just…, SHOULDER SEASON SOLITUDE (AND SAVINGS), Peak travel season in Alaska is June – August, where you’ll find the longest days, warmest temperatures, and most options for tours and activities. This also means that Alaska welcomes the highest number of visitors during these months. Visiting Alaska in the fall is ideal if you’re looking for a little more solitude on the trails, more availability at accommodations , and more space on cruises…
Type: Editorial
Get the latest scoop on all things North to Alaska! Explore our Travel Articles for information on routes, trip ideas, destination highlights, and more!
Type: Landing Page
British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, bordered by the Alaskan Panhandle and the Yukon and Northwest Territories to the north, and by Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south. Alberta lies to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ten mountain ranges push west from the Canadian Rockies, and ancient temperate rainforests hug the coast. In between are rolling grasslands, lush…
Type: Landing Page
Have you ever imagined yourself looking up into a dark sky awash in ribbons of green, purple, and blue light? When you drive from western Canada to Alaska, you will be travelling through some of the best places to see the magical aurora borealis. From Alberta’s official dark sky preserves to Interior Alaska’s location under an “auroral oval,” this region is a hub of aurora activity in fall,…, Alaska, The Gold Rush route makes its way into Fairbanks , a vibrant city in Interior Alaska positioned under an “auroral oval” – a ring shaped region where aurora activity is concentrated. As Alaska’s go-to destination for northern lights viewing, there is no end of late-night tours and overnight lodges that specialize in the aurora here. It’s possible to see the aurora while ice fishing or dog mushing…, Yukon, The Yukon stands out for its accessibility to escape light pollution, even from cities like Dawson City or Whitehorse , for optimal viewing experiences . All three Alaska Highway routes run through the Whitehorse area, and travelers can simply take the scenic route toward Fish Lake or Chadburn Lake Road in the evening to find their seats for Mother Nature’s light show. Guided tours also offer…, British Columbia, Whether driving the Gold Rush or Rockies route, northern British Columbia is a prime area for catching a celestial light show . As the roads head north and east away from the coast, there’s less cloud cover and light pollution. Liard River Hot Springs is Canada’s second largest natural thermal pools — and also a steamy spot to stay warm while waiting for the aurora to appear. Just follow the…, Alberta, Many travelers heading to Alberta for northern lights viewing are familiar with Fort McMurray, but some outstanding viewing opportunities lie just off the Alaska Highway routes too. Along the Rockies route, Jasper National Park is the second largest official dark sky preserve in the world, and offers a chance to view the northern lights while snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies. Or find a spot…
Type: Editorial
Type: Landing Page
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
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
Did a road trip even happen if you don’t have a camera roll full of photos ready to post on social media at the end? One of the best parts of driving to Alaska through Canada on the Alaska Highway is the plethora of photo opportunities. The variety of landscapes, from coastline to rugged mountains and glaciers to rock formations in the Canadian Badlands, beckon to be captured. Add in scene-…, Alberta, The Canadian Rockies steal the show on the Alaska Highway through Alberta. You’ve most likely marveled over photos of Banff and Jasper national parks in magazines or online, but this is your chance to capture your own National Geographic-style images. Start in Calgary, the province’s largest city, for a panoramic view of downtown from Crescent Heights Lookout Point. Plan to spend at least a full…, British Columbia, Almost all roads through this west coast province lead north to Alaska, but the historic Alaska Highway cuts across its northeast corner through the Rockies. Towering mountains, lazy rivers and massive parks dominate the landscape here, demanding frequent photo breaks. No matter where you started driving, be sure to document a stop at the official Alaska Highway “Mile 0” signpost in Dawson Creek…, Yukon, In the Yukon, the Alaska Highway promises a chance to see plentiful wildlife, varied landscapes (including the smallest desert in the world) and a sense of the region’s history. The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake is a must for everyone. The collection of more than 80,000 signs pointing the way to various destinations started with just one left by a homesick American soldier in 1942. If you’re…, Alaska, Just crossing the Alaska border from Canada feels like an achievement, but the real reward lies ahead in the breathtaking mountains, massive glaciers and cultural opportunities. If you head south from Tok, start looking for an epic view of Mount Drum as you near Glennallen. After Denali, this might be the most iconic shot of a mountain in Alaska. If you didn’t take a flightseeing tour over Kluane…
Type: Editorial
With 229 federally recognized tribes, 20 distinct cultures, and 300 different dialects, Alaska Native culture is interwoven in endless ways through the fabric of Alaska’s history and culture. The artistic traditions of these cultures are diverse, from beautiful beadwork to basketry to carvings both large and small. With traditions and skills passed down for thousands of years, contemporary Alaska…, MURALS, Alaska’s largest cities are home to a growing number of monumental works of mural art by Alaska Native artists. The Alaska Mural Project , a collaborative community organization hosted by the Anchorage Museum , has overseen the installation of 9 murals in downtown Anchorage since 2020, many of which feature artwork by Indigenous artists. Not to be missed on your next visit to downtown Anchorage…, INDIGENOUS PLACE NAMES PROJECT, The Anchorage Park Foundation recently launched the collaborative Indigenous Place Names Project to honor traditional Dena’ina Athabascan placenames throughout Anchorage . Sculpture, Dena’ina language, and explanations of the area’s cultural significance are combined on these public art installations. The metal artwork encircling the signs was designed by Athabascan and Paiute artist Melissa…, MUSEUMS, Visiting museums is likely the first activity that comes to mind when thinking about experiencing local art. Alaska is home to fantastic museums statewide that house not only Alaska Native artifacts and historical displays but also feature works and demonstration by contemporary artists. Two of the best museums in Alaska for viewing artwork by contemporary Indigenous artists are the Anchorage…, SUPPORTING ALASKA NATIVE ARISTS, Purchasing artwork by Alaska Native artists allows you to bring a piece of Alaska Native culture home with you, helps support Indigenous artists, and perpetuates cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. Alaska Native artwork, including jewelry, carvings, paintings, masks, clothing, and so much more can be purchased throughout the state at local shops and galleries,…
Type: Editorial