Alaska is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States but with its massive size of over 663,000 square miles, it can be difficult to know which places and activities are the best, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the small towns that make up a majority of the state.
So, what is the best way to see Alaska? Well, it’ll depend on what you’re interested in seeing and doing on your Alaska trip, of course, but many previous visitors from around the world have routinely chosen a few specific activities and locations as the highlight of their visits to Alaska.
A tour we think you'll love
Let’s look at five must-do adventures in the State of Alaska that you won’t want to miss. All of these are open to both Alaska cruise passengers (on small ships or bigger vessels) and independent travelers alike, so no matter how you choose to arrive, you can be sure to have an amazing time in our great state.
1) Experience The Best Of Southeast With Icy Strait Shore Excursions
Icy Strait Excursions is one of the premier sea and land tour providers in Southeast Alaska. If you want to view wildlife, take in a whale watching tour, go kayaking, and more, our tours have got you covered!
All of our water-based tours are operated by experienced local captains who have sailed these waters for decades. Land tours are similarly led by knowledgeable local guides who know the best places to find local wildlife and observe them from a safe distance.
Adventures that await you with our diverse range of tours:
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The Saltwater Fishing Adventure takes you to some of the best fishing spots near Hoonah. Salmon, halibut, and more can be caught and Captain Billy, a local Tlingit who has lived and fished here for many years, knows the best places around The Port of Icy Strait for you to catch the fish of your dreams.
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Our new Whales, Wildlife, and Drones Tour takes you on a whale watching tour around Point Adolphus near Hoonah. Additionally, a certified drone pilot takes video during your voyage, allowing you to see even more marine wildlife in its natural habitat. After your tour ends, you will receive a digital copy of the drone footage, allowing you to remember and cherish this experience for many years to come.
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If you prefer land tours a little off the beaten path, you’ll love our Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search, which takes place near the village of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. You’ll see many species of local wildlife (including bald eagles if you’re lucky!), sea birds, some marine wildlife, and much more with one of our knowledgeable guides.
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…and more!
Our tours are perfect for cruise ship passengers, those traveling independently, Alaska locals, and everyone else. We also guarantee that you’ll make it back to your Alaskan cruise ship well before departure!
These tours do fill up fast, though, so don’t miss out – join us for an unforgettable adventure in Southeast Alaska! Book your tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
2) Take An Amazing Train Ride On The Alaska Railroad
When you think about Alaska, your mind may not immediately go to train rides. However, there are several amazing opportunities to see amazing sights throughout the state’s interior on the Alaska Railroad.
There are four lines that operate between the Anchorage area (Southcentral Alaska) and Fairbanks from mid-May to mid-September, allowing you to see Alaska’s beauty without having to rent a car. All trips can be completed in one day or, if you’d like a longer trip, you can book return tickets on separate days.
As you relax in your comfy seat, get ready for amazing views of tall mountains, green forests, and shiny rivers. Don’t forget your camera – you might see moose, bears, and eagles during the ride! The friendly staff on board love to share stories about the beautiful sights, making your trip even more fun.
Good To Know: If you prefer a shorter adventure, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway in Skagway travels from the city into Canada, allowing you to see beautiful nature and historic sites from the time of the Great Alaskan Gold Rush.
3) See Glaciers In Gorgeous Kenai Fjords National Park
A short drive from Anchorage, the Kenai Fjords are breathtaking inlets created by glaciers receding over thousands of years.
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Nearly 40 glaciers make up the Harding Icefield, which gave the fjords their distinctive shape.
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There are multiple trails throughout the park that provide incredible views of the surrounding areas, including the Glacier View Loop Trail.
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At the end of the park’s only road, you’ll find Exit Glacier, which provides a great opportunity for ice climbing if you’re so inclined.
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In the summer, National Park Rangers provide guided walks to Exit Glacier (usually about an hour or two, as well as a guided hike over the Harding Icefield Trail that lasts three or four hours.
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Kayaking and flightseeing tours are also available in the park, allowing you to get an even better view of the area.
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Fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden trout is permitted in rivers and streams throughout the park. Just remember to get your Alaska fishing license first!
Fun Fact: The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield located entirely in the United States and 51% of this National Park is covered in ice!
4) View The Majestic Tidewater Glaciers In Gorgeous Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay is the sixth-largest National Park in the United States, with over 3.2 million acres. In addition to the 1,045 glaciers that can be found here, the park is also well-known for its bear viewing, sport fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Both small ship cruises and bigger ships that travel through the Inside Passage usually visit the park, although there are many day and half-day small ship trips available throughout the region that will allow independent travelers to see the highlights of the park.
Experienced backcountry campers who want to pitch their tent off the beaten path in the summer months will need to apply for a free permit at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) and attend a brief orientation session between 10 AM and 2:30 PM on your first day. For a more traditional experience, try Bartlett Cove outside Gustavus.
As you explore Glacier Bay, be sure to look out for the beautiful blue colors of the glaciers and listen for the loud cracks when ice breaks off and falls into the water. It’s an amazing sight that feels like a whole new world! Whether you’re on a big cruise or a small boat, the views are incredible, and you might even see seals resting on icebergs or whales swimming nearby.
Pro Tip: If Alaskan cruises aren’t your thing and you’d rather travel independently, you can take a ferry ride on the Alaska Marine Highway System or fly on Alaska Airlines to Gustavus (“The Gateway to Glacier Bay”) and continue your Alaska trip after seeing this amazing National Park.
5) See The Tallest Mountain In The United States In Denali National Park
At 20,308 feet, Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) in the Alaska Range is the highest peak in North America. Nearly half a million visitors come here every year! Some reasons that make this destination a must-visit:
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A tour bus will take you to Wonder Lake, a glacial lake where you can see the mountain’s reflection on a clear day.
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The Savage River Loop Trail is about two miles and provides amazing scenery, as well as a bridge that serves as a popular location for pictures.
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There are six campgrounds to choose from here if you’d like to experience the great outdoors in this amazing National Park. There’s a small fee during the summer months, but no charge in the winter if you don’t mind the cold.
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Alaska cruise passengers can take the Alaska Railroad mentioned above from Seward or Whittier and either stop in Denali or see the mountain in all its glory on their way to Fairbanks.
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The Denali Kennels, about three miles into the park, allows you to meet actual sled dogs and see a demonstration.
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There is only one road that goes through the park, but it’s 95 miles long, giving you plenty of opportunities to see the sights and stop for pictures.
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There are several free shuttle buses available that will take you to popular locations throughout the park.
Good To Know: The name “Denali” comes from the local Athabascan language and translates as “The Great One”, which is a great fact that you can use to impress your tour guide.
Experience Alaska Like Never Before With Icy Strait Excursions
Although the best way to visit Alaska for the first time will depend on what you like, these five experiences will help you experience the real Alaska without paying exorbitant fees for the privilege.
No Alaska trip would be complete without taking one of the amazing tours offered by The Port of Icy Strait Excursions near Hoonah, which allow you to explore Alaska in a fun and exciting way. You’ll have so much fun that you’ll want to call the cruise lines, book another trip next summer, and take another excursion with us as soon as you can.
Get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget! Whether you’re kayaking in beautiful waters, watching wildlife up close, or going on an exciting fishing trip, each tour has something special to offer. Our friendly guides love sharing their knowledge about Alaska, so you’ll have a great time exploring this amazing place.
These tours do fill up fast, however, especially in the peak season, so don’t get left behind! Book your next exciting Alaskan adventure with us today!
