Alaska is Calling: Five Reasons to Visit the Great Land in 2026

Alaska’s wide-open spaces, glaciers, wildlife and Indigenous cultures have always enticed travelers. This year, new ways to experience those Alaska icons will be the top draws. Here are five reasons to visit Alaska this year:

To Explore Our National Parks

Denali National Park and Preserve’s Park Road has been open only through mile 43 for several years, but the full-length of the road will reopen to travelers in 2027. This will be the last summer that visitors to the park’s backcountry lodges in Kantishna - currently accessible only by plane - will basically have the place to themselves. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience Denali's backcountry with even more solitude before the full Park Road reopens next year. 

Don’t stop there. Alaska is home to over 322 million acres of parks and public lands, including eight national parks. 

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To Ride the Rails

For those in Southeast Alaska, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year. Established in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the railroad remains a visitor attraction, offering historic excursions along the original route between Skagway and the Yukon.

Travelers in the Southcentral and Interior regions should book a ride on the Alaska Railroad, stretching 470 miles from Fairbanks to Seward. The railroad is offering two new packages this year: the 11-day “Glaciers, Rails, & Trails” and the six-day “Active Alaska Adventure,” featuring  ziplining, hiking, glacier treks, and heli-hiking experiences. 

Both trains journey through areas of the state that are inaccessible by road.

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To Experience Alaska Native Culture

Sealaska Heritage Institute will hold its biennial event, Celebration, in Juneau from June 3–6. As one of the largest gatherings of Southeast Alaska Native Peoples, the multi-day event pays tribute to the history and traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. While in Alaska’s capital city, take time to walk along Kootéeyaa Deiyí, the Totem Pole Trail. Or, attend other Alaska Native events across the state.

Indigenous-owned tourism experiences are another immersive way to learn more about Alaska Native culture. Alaska Native-owned businesses can be found across the state. 

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To Get Up Close to a Glacier

With over 27,000 glaciers in Alaska, there are a variety of ways to experience them. Some of the most accessible glaciers can be found in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. Reach them on guided tours by car, boat, helicopter, or on foot. Tour operators are launching new glacier experiences this year including glacier trekking, polar plunges, and unique glacier-viewing accommodations. 

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To See Whales, Bears, Bald Eagles, & Other Wildlife

Alaska is a wildlife lover’s dream and there are a multitude of excursions that can help spot bears, moose, Dall sheep, and more in the wild or watch whales, sea lions, and sea otters frolic in the sea. New wildlife tours are popping up throughout the state to highlight Alaska's incredible birding and wildlife viewing opportunities - whether you're interested in spending a day bear viewing or embarking on a multi-day wildlife viewing package.  

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