10 Best Places to Visit in Alaska
One of the most scenic and fascinating parts of the country, Alaska is the only state that is physically separate from the rest of the United States. Known for its vast, uninhabited wilderness, Alaska is abode to the largest state and national parks in the country. Travelers here look forward to hiking, paddling, fishing, and whale spotting are just few activities to name to enjoy the wilderness of Alaska. While you’re in the cities of Alaska, the unique cultural appeal is amazing and you can also checkout certain museums and other tourist attractions.
Explore the excellent places to visit in the ruggedly beautiful state of Alaska with Fareferry’s list of top attractions in Alaska.
- Denali National Park
It’s the third largest National Park of United States and rooted in the heart of the Alaskan Range, Denali National Park is famed for its colossal 20,320-foot high Mount McKinley, North America’s highest peak. The challenge of climbing Denali has lured the experienced explorers for years now and if you wish to discover the National Park, you can do it by taking the narrated bus-tour. Many trained naturalists can give lessons on history of the park along with an opportunity to spot the ‘big five’ of the Denali National Park – moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves.
- Kenai Fjords National Park
Tendering some of the best sightseeing in Alaska, the Kenai Fjords National Park tops the list of most Alaskan itineraries. Choose to take the full-day guided tour from Seward, and we’re sure the panoramic landscapes, blended with Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and humpback whales will make a memory of a lifetime. For tourists seeking some adventurous options, set forth to the only part of the park that can be reached by car, Exit Glacier, and hike the mile-long Glacier View Loop Trail for peerless views of this natural wonder up close.
- Anchorage
Cardinal city of Alaska with population of almost 300,000 residents, it’s the starting point for those flying into Alaska. With vast collection of hotel rooms and visitor resources, it’s the address for Anchorage International Airport. The city plays host to skiers, hikers, fisherman, and wildlife watchers and has plethora of attractions including museums, shops, nightlife venues and a fantastic zoo. Anchorage has all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city along with snow-capped mountain ranges or vast wilderness that lies beyond. Holiday in the summer season to experience the City of Lights and Flowers in full bloom and during the other seasons to be amazed by the sparkling northern lights.
- Alaska Highway
Popularly known as the Alcan Highway, Alaska Highway commences from British Columbia (Canada) through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction near Fairbanks. Very popular with recreational vehicle travelers, the adventurous highway passes through Whitehorse, Canada and enters Alaska with end in Delta Junction. Travelers can find motels, shops, and gas station at regular intervals but you need to pack accordingly as the route traverses through remote landscapes.
- Mendenhall Glacier
Located just twelve miles northwest of Anchorage, the Mendenhall Glacier drops down from the 1500-square mile Juneau Ice field. Visitors can enjoy the rafting and kayaking activities at the glacier. Plan your travel during the May and October, where the sunshine is more likely to be on the forecast. Plenty of wildlife such as black bears, porcupines, and beavers can be spotted here easily while exploring this beautiful blue landscape.
- Iditarod National Historic Trail
Supposedly, Alaska’s only National Scenic Trail, it comprises of a network of trails exceeding more than 2300 miles between Nome and Seward. The famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race takes place annually and is attended by lot many people from the Canada and the United States of America. Travelers here find extensive landscapes all over the route getting amazing views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
- Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is famous for the grizzly brown bears, as Brooks River has been attracting the spawning salmon in the months of June and July. Brook Falls have lot many pics for brown bears and as high as 25 brown bears can be seen at the falls to feast on the salmons. Many elevated platforms exist around the falls to get the best wildlife viewings in the country. Visitors can reach the national park by plane or by boat and even some aviation companies have shuttle services to the Katmai National Park.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Maintained by National Park Service, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has been set up to commemorate the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. The 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail that begins at Taiya River Bridge is an acclaimed trail that pays homage to the path and struggles of past gold seekers. Travelers can also check out the on-site museum and visitor center and there are national historic sites Whitehorse and Dawson City, Yukon.
- Seward, Alaska
A must-visit on any Alaskan itinerary, Seward has several cultural attractions like Alaska Sea Life Center, its Alaska’s only permanent rescue and rehabilitation facility for marine animals. The Seward’s Waterfront park and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge have plenty of entertainment in store for the kids and the family. It also acts as a home base for exploring the Kenai Peninsula and nearby landscapes like Exit Glacier. If you’re visiting in the month of July, check out the acclaimed Mount Marathon Race, a yearly event where runners from around the globe attempt a grueling climb up Seward’s iconic mountain, which is then followed by a daring downhill descent.
- Sitka
Perched in the ray of dormant volcano Mount Edgecombe and covered in both Russian heritage and native Tlingit culture, Sitka is an opulent destination for people who enjoy fishing, nature and history. Click selfies with the historic St. Michael’s Cathedral and checkout the totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park. If you’re yearning to discover the great outdoors, Sitka’s location within the Tongass National Forest makes it an ideal destination for hiking and camping.
