Alaska is a major tourist destination that reportedly draws over 3 million visitors annually, according to a report by the Resource Development Council.
Tourists prefer to travel to Alaska during the summer season, which generally lasts from mid-May to mid-September, with June through August serving as the peak tourism window. The tourist destination is also known as America’s “Last Frontier” because of its vast wilderness, lowest population density in the U.S. and rugged geography.
It is by far the largest U.S. state and is more than twice the size of Texas, with only a fraction of the land occupied by cities or towns. Much of the state remains remote, and travel to many communities relies on planes or boats.
When it comes to your bucket list, include Alaska, as it offers raw wilderness and extreme wildlife experiences that are hard to find anywhere else on Earth.
Alaska’s ultimate adventure bucket list
Alaska has become a popular travel destination for adventure-seeking enthusiasts, especially around Christmas. December is considered the peak season for Northern Lights viewing and winter snow sports.
It ranks among the world’s premier destinations for adventure travel, particularly for wildlife lovers and anyone seeking untamed wilderness. Located in the northwestern region of North America, Alaska is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska to the south. Canada is to the east, and the Bering Strait/Russia is to the west.
We prepared a list of key adventures to indulge in while you are in Alaska.
Explore glaciers
Alaska contains more than 100,000 glaciers, many of which remain accessible and dynamic. Guided tours on glaciers like Matanuska Glacier let visitors walk through blue ice caves and climb frozen walls. You can walk on sheets of ice with an experienced guide. You can take a scenic flightseeing tour over Denali and watch massive ice chunks calving into the water at Hubbard Glacier.
Snowmobiling and backcountry skiing
Areas like Hatcher Pass, Turnagain Pass and Alyeska Resort in Girdwood draw skiers and snowboarders. The general snowboarding season in Alaska runs from November through April, with peak powder conditions usually spanning December through February. Don’t forget to gear up with a helmet, waterproof winter layers and goggles.
Backcountry and water sports
If you are visiting Alaska during the winter and spring season, you can explore untracked powder in the Chugach Mountains and St. Elias Range, which are highly popular among skiers and snowboarders.
With over 3 million lakes, 12,000 rivers and 46,000 miles of coastline, Alaska offers world-class opportunities for water sports. These include adventure activities like kayaking (in Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park), whitewater rafting, stand-up paddleboarding and remote river fishing.
Additionally, if you are visiting around Christmas season, take a trip to the North Pole to visit the Santa Claus house and meet Santa. Experience the Northern Lights in Fairbanks (Tip: Stay at least 3 nights for a 90% chance of seeing the lights at least once.) Murphy Dome, Cleary Summit and Chena Lake Recreation Area are popular places to view the aurora.
If you are looking forward to traveling to Alaska, there are four ways to reach your destination. The first option is by air (the fastest and most common mode of transport). Major U.S. carriers like Alaska Airlines, Delta, United and American Airlines operate frequent direct or connecting flights from major U.S. cities.
The second option is by cruise. One-way and round-trip cruises are available, departing from Seattle or Vancouver, sailing through the stunning Inside Passage to ports like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, and ending in Southcentral Alaska. Third is by ferry, arranged through the Alaska Marine Highway, and fourth is by road via the Alaska Highway (Alcan).
