A visit to America’s “Last Frontier “ provides visitors unparalleled access to vast landscapes, glaciers, rich history, abundant bit and animal life, plus a plethora of outdoor activities.
Whether your passion is hiking, fishing, photography or wildlife, Alaska has something for every interest. From the world-famous Denali National Park to deep valleys and towering mountains, here are six spots to visit in the country’s 49th state.
Why is a cruise the best way to see Alaska?
A cruise not only allows you to life to the fullest, but also combines the excitement of sailing through Alaskan waters and its awe-inspiring wilderness and the towns in the vast interior.
Moreover, there are a range of cruise itineraries available from Vancouver, Seward and Seattle on thrilling one-way or round trip packages.
Lake Clark National Park
Alaska is well-known for its large population of brown and grizzly bears and the opportunities to see them catching salmon is a popular activity while visiting the state.
The bear viewing season starts from June and ends in August and can be witnessed by taking a scenic flight to the Lake Clark National Park where bears can be seen moving around in their natural habitat.
Denali National Park
One of the most spectacular places in Alaska is the Denali National Park for spotting wildlife in the tundra terrain. The park is home to a staggering 70 species of mammals and 169 birds, which makes it a fantastic place for nature lovers and photographers.
Just like Africa, Denali has its own Big 5 namely grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose and Dall sheep, which are all natives of this park. The park can be explored both on foot or by a guided bus tour for a thrilling Alaskan experience.
Anchorage
The pristine waters of the state have laid the foundation for producing some high-quality brews that are excellent to taste. One of the popular things to do in Anchorage is to join a brewery tour where you can sample some of the top varieties.
Next visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, near Anchorage, for an immersive experience about the Alaskan culture like Eyak, Haida and more.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Located against the background of one of the four major icecaps of the United States, the 669,000 acre Kenai Fjords National Park is a sight to behold.
While humpback whales jump out of the water and seals bask on the rocks, cruising through these unspoilt waters is a nature lover’s dream.
Fairbanks
Called the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks is best explored by kayak on the Chena River. A delightful activity for the family is watching sled dogs in training in Pioneer Park.
Try your hand at disc golf or taste the freshly plucked Alaskan salmon straight out of the water.
Glacier Bay National Park
From sky-high glaciers to snow-capped mountains, the Glacier Bay National Park is a very popular destination in Alaska. Park rangers will come on board and explain about the different animals, like whales and sea otters, found in their natural habitat.
No matter how you choose to experience the park, you can do it without leaving the cruise ship.
