Alaska contains some of the world's most intriguing wilderness
areas and attracts nature lovers and adventurers keen for a taste
of its yet untamed landscapes, huge glaciers and magnificent
national parks. Outdoor activities and attractions dominate Alaskan
itineraries, with all-time favourite destinations including the
national parks of Glacier Bay, Denali, Kenai Fjords and Wrangell St
Elias. A visit to Alaska is certainly not complete without seeing a
glacier, and the Hubbard Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier are two of
the best to seek out.
Aside from the wildlife and natural beauty, the history linked
to Alaska's indigenous cultures prompts many travellers to visit
Ketchikan, where the largest collection of totem poles in the world
can be found in the Ketchikan Totem Bight State Historical Park and
a number of other cultural sites. Anchorage also has some
worthwhile cultural attractions, including the Alaska Native
Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and some
good markets selling art, local crafts, food and gifts. Although
not prominent tourist hubs, Alaska's cities are gorgeously situated
and provide access to the astounding natural bounty of the
surrounding areas. Apart from Anchorage and Ketchikan, popular
cities include the capital, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka, all common
ports of call on the cruises that traverse the Inside Passage of
Alaska.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Famous for its spectacular mountain vistas, abundant wildlife,
glaciers, vast expanses of sub-arctic tundra, and North America's
highest mountain, Mount McKinley, Denali National Park and Preserve
is a real wilderness area that attracts millions of visitors each
year. More than six million acres are home to grizzly bears,
caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and numerous species of birds.
The main attraction is the snow-covered massif of Mount McKinley,
towering 20,320ft (6,096m) above the peaks of the Alaska Range, the
definitive symbol of untamed Alaska. On a clear day its twin peaks
can be seen from Anchorage, 149 miles (240km) away.
The Alaska Range divides the park into north and south sides,
with the majority of visitors accessing the north where the main
visitors centre is located. Mountaineers seeking out the challenges
of Mount McKinley need to access the park from the south side.
Other peaks offer excellent climbing opportunities for those not
wishing to risk the mountain that has earned its reputation as one
of the world's most difficult climbs. The park region also offers a
wide variety of other activities including day hikes or backcountry
hiking, camping, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and ice
climbing. Early June or late September is the best time to avoid
the crowds.
Address:
George Parks Hwy, Denali
Denali from Wonder Lake
National Park Service
Glacier Bay National Park
When the early explorers and pioneers of the 18th century sailed
this way, Glacier Bay was hidden under a huge sheet of solid ice,
more than 4,000ft (1,219m) thick and up to 20 miles (32km) wide.
Today the branching 65-mile (105km) long fjord is the work of the
fastest-receding glacier on earth; the melting ice of the Grand
Pacific Glacier opening up a spectacular carved terrain of steep
rock walls lining deep-water fjords. Sliding out of the mountains
are 16 active glaciers that fill the sea with different shaped
icebergs, creating the icy blue landscape that is
world-renowned.
At the head of the fjord is the massive ice wall of the Grand
Pacific Glacier, slowly melting and sculpting the still-unfinished
land as it backs away from the sea, a natural work of art in
progress. An added attraction is the variety of aquatic life
including humpback whales, sea otters, seals and porpoises, while
bears, moose, mountain goats and many species of birds inhabit the
land. This rugged landscape can only be accessed by boat or small
plane as most of the park is made up of water. As opportunities to
see this huge wilderness are limited, facilities can be crowded,
especially on the tour boats. Activities are somewhat expensive,
and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Gustavus is the small
settlement that services the park, but the park headquarters is at
Bartlett Cove from where boats can be arranged or alternate means
provided to enjoy the park experience. Kayaking or camping in the
backcountry, ranger-led programmes or walks, hiking and fishing are
all available.
Glacier Bay, Alaska
National Park Service
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
The world-class Museum of History and Art is the largest museum
in Alaska and is one of the most visited attractions in Anchorage.
The exhibits cover the history and cultures of Alaska - from Native
American beginnings to American colonisation - and explore the
natural resources and landscapes of the country. Part of exploring
the cultures of the country is exhibiting Alaskan art, and the
museum has a good permanent collection and hosts multiple temporary
art exhibitions. Art, history and the natural sciences are combined
to great effect in this wonderful museum. Visitors of all ages
should find something to interest them. Check the official website
listed below for details.
Address:
625 C St, Anchorage.
Opening time:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm. Closed
Monday.
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Hubbard Glacier
There is surely no more spectacular experience on the planet
than to witness the calving of a titanic glacier. A stopover to
watch nature's incredible marvel, the Hubbard Glacier, in action as
the high wall of ice thickens and advances towards the Gulf of
Alaska is one of the unforgettable moments that makes thousands of
holidaymakers opt for an Alaskan cruise every year. The Hubbard
Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America,
beginning its 75-mile (121km) journey to the sea on the tallest
mountain in Canada, Mount Logan, and finally shedding tons of its
bulk in awesome ice falls across the six-mile (10km) wide head of
Yakutat Bay.
Every day cruise liners pull in, their passengers bundled up in
their warmest clothing and festooned with cameras and binoculars,
as they hang over the deck rails to witness the stunning sight of
the luminous blue-green ice wall as it creeps inexorably forward.
Those who visit at the right time could be fortunate enough to see
one of nature's most awesome events, when a chunk of ice cracks and
falls thunderously from the wall into the ocean as the mighty
glacier calves, startling the seals basking on ice floes. In
contrast to what one would expect with many glaciers shrinking due
to global warming, the Hubbard is growing and advancing, controlled
apparently more by mechanics than climate. It is predicted that if
the Hubbard Glacier continues to advance it will close the entrance
of Russell Fjord and create the largest glacier lake in North
America. Many cruise ships snare a chunk of ice so that their
passengers can end the memorable day by getting up close and
personal with the Hubbard Glacier, and enjoy a chunk of this
special ice in their evening cocktail.
Hubbard Glacier
NPS
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a wonderful place for
visitors to learn about the culture and heritage of the native
Alaskan people while in Anchorage. Indigenous traditions, customs
and lifestyles are showcased in the centre's exhibits, which
include artefacts such as tools, watercraft, clothing, pieces of
art and musical instruments. The centre also hosts local
storytelling, dancing and craft events which help to bring the
traditions to life for visitors. The Alaska Native Heritage Center
is closed in winter, but hosts monthly cultural events. Check the
official website listed below to see what's on offer during your
visit.
Address:
8800 Heritage Center Drive
Maori Performer
Alaskan Dude
Alaskan Ferry
Large cruise ships regularly travel to major ports in Alaska but
a better idea for those who prefer a more intimate option is the
Alaskan Ferry. Departing from Bellingham, Washington, these large
ferries bounce through the major coastal towns of Canada and The
Gulf of Alaska before stretching to the Alaskan Peninsula. The
landscapes are staggering, revealing hundreds of craggy
forest-dense islands and coastlines. Eagles, killer whales, bears
and other hardy wildlife are all part of the view. The months of
operation are May to September, when the weather is bearable and
sunshine illuminates most of the evening hours. Costs vary greatly
depending on the length of the voyage and style of accommodation.
Most ferries rent out cabins but those in tune with Alaska's
pioneer spirit can pitch a tent on deck or just use a blanket.
An Alaskan Ferry
Alaskan Dude
Ketchikan
The 'salmon capital of the world' started as a summer fish camp
on the shores of Ketchikan Creek used by the Tlingit natives, and
became a major salmon canning centre. Native Inuit heritage plays a
large role in the touristic appeal of Ketchikan, which boasts the
largest collection of totem poles in the world in the Ketchikan
Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village and the
Totem Heritage Center Museum. Rustic Creek Street, with its
picturesque wooden boardwalks and stilts, was once the town's red
light district, and today the houses have been converted into
restaurants, shops and galleries.
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, 235 miles (378km)
south of Juneau. The town is a popular cruise destination and is
the starting point for most Inside Passage tours. Excursions into
the surrounding wilderness include air or boat trips to nearby
Misty Fjords, an area of pristine, spectacular scenery with soaring
cliffs, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers.
Misty Fjords
Ketchikan Visitor\'s Bureau
Mendenhall Glacier
The most popular attraction in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier,
located just 12 miles (19km) from the downtown area. Originally
known as Sitaantaagu ('the Glacier Behind the Town') by the
Tlingits, it was renamed in honour of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an
American physicist, in 1891. The Mendenhall Glacier is 1.5 miles
(3km) wide, and calves into its own lake. Visitors have several
options for seeing the Mendenhall Glacier. It can be viewed from
the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which includes a recreation
area good for viewing black bears; or you can hike to the glacier
via the Mendenhall Glacier West Glacier Trail, which takes roughly
five hours both ways. It is a good idea to hike with a guide, and
bring crampons if you want to hike on the glacier itself. As an
added option, several businesses in Juneau offer helicopter rides
to the glacier itself, although these are fairly expensive.
Although the assumption is that Alaska is a land of snow and
sub-zero temperatures, the climate in Alaska is actually extremely
varied, caused by the state's six different topographic regions.
The far north is extremely dry and very cold, with Arctic
conditions and temperatures averaging about -20°F (-29°C), and the
ground at Point Barrow remains permanently frozen to a depth of
1,330 ft (405m). However, summer temperatures in most of Alaska are
surprisingly high, averaging in the 60s Fahrenheit (about 16°C),
and they have been known to reach 90°F (32°C) and up. The southeast
tends to be fairly moderate, with damp, rainy and sometimes mild
conditions, with temperatures in July averaging 56°F (13°C) and
temperatures in January averaging 30°F (-1°C). The south and
central areas tend to be similar, with slightly colder winter
temperatures. Western Alaska tends to be rainy, while the Aleutian
Islands in winter are damp and rainy, with fog. Heavy snows are
common in the north and central regions of the state. The best time
to visit Alaska is in the summer months, when days are long and the
weather is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Location: The airport is situated about six miles (10km) south of
Anchorage.
Time: GMT -9 (GMT -8 from mid-March to the first Sunday
in November).
Transfer Between Terminals
There is a free airport shuttle bus between the South (Domestic)
Terminal, the North (International) Terminal and the rental car
lots.
Getting to the city:
The People Mover bus service stops regularly at the airport,
taking travellers to downtown Anchorage. It operates between
roughly 6am and 11pm daily, at 30-minute intervals. Many hotels
offer free airport pick-up services for their guests, and
limousines and taxis are also available for hire. Ride-hailing
services, like Uber, are available.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz,
National and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside both terminals. The ride to downtown
Anchorage takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Facilities:
Facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants, bars,
shops, a massage centre, a barbershop, a nursery, mail drop points,
a military lounge, a hotel reservations desk and tourist
information. Disabled facilities are very good.
Parking
Short-term parking outside the North Terminal (international) is
free for the first half hour, then $6 for two hours, and $10 for
three hours up to $13 per day and $78 per week (10-day maximum).
Short-term parking at the South Terminal (domestic) is slightly
more expensive, charging $3 for the first hour, $6 for two hours,
and $10 for three hours, up to $16 per day and $96 per week (30-day
maximum). Long-term parking is near the South Terminal, costing $13
per day and $78 per week (90-day maximum). The Park, Ride & Fly
Lot is the cheapest long-term option; located across from the DOTPF
Central Regional Headquarters on International Airport Road, it
charges $9 per day, $40 per week, and $100 per month (90-day
maximum). The lot is serviced by a free shuttle to both
terminals.
Ketchikan International Airport
Location: The airport is situated three miles (5km) northwest of
central Ketchikan.
Time: GMT -9 (GMT -8 from mid-March to the first Sunday
in November).
Getting to the city:
An airport ferry regularly leaves the airport for Ketchikan
between 6.15am and 9.30pm. Metered taxis and a public bus service
are readily available from the mainland ferry and water taxi
docks.
Car Rental:
Budget car rental is represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Water taxis are available from the airport and many hotels offer
complimentary taxi or shuttle services for guests. Taxi cabs meet
the airport ferry in Ketchikan.
Facilities:
There is a lounge and snack bar in the terminal, as well as free
wifi, rental car desks, a gift shop and a lost and found
service.
Parking
Parking is available.
Juneau International Airport
Location: The airport is situated eight miles (13km) northwest of
central Juneau.
Time: GMT -9 (GMT -8 from mid-March to the first Sunday
in November).
Getting to the city:
Juneau's public transit system, Capital Transit, provides bus
and shuttle services to and from the airport. A number of hotels
also offer shuttle services for guests. Rental cars and taxis are
available at the airport.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies represented at the airport include
Alamo/National, Avis, Budget and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
A number of taxi companies service the airport.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include a visitor information desk,
baggage storage, a lost and found service, smoking rooms, disabled
facilities, free wifi, a computer lounge, a gift shop and
restaurants.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available directly in front of
the terminal building. In short-term parking the first 15 minutes
are free, the first hour costs $3, and each hour thereafter costs
$2. In long-term parking the first two hours cost $5 and each extra
hour costs $1, up to a daily rate of $14, and a weekly rate of
$75.