Learn some ideas about what you can do on your next trip to Alaska.

Alaska is more than just the land of ice and snow, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world and offers visitors a multitude of things to do and see. Here are just a few of the many experiences to have while visiting America’s most Northern state.

Travel by Boat

 

One of the best ways to see Alaska is to by boat. The many lakes, streams and rivers offer sights and views not to be forgotten. Take a yacht charter and cruise the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage to catch salmon, halibut and crab. In the interior, take a riverboat cruise into the heart of Alaska and learn about the lives of the natives. Go white water rafting with one of the state’s many rafting companies and experience a thrill while riding the rapids. Go whale watching.

 

Many excursion boats go out every day along the cliffs to watch whales, sea lions and sea birds. Take an Alaskan cruise on a luxury ship and visit the ports of Anchorage, Juneau and other popular tourist destinations. Enjoy a glass of wine while cruising by breathtaking icebergs or a five-course gourmet meal while outside the windows the beauty of Alaska ripples by. Traveling by boat allows you to see some of the best Alaska has to offer.

 

Travel by Land

 

If staying on land is more your style, taking a train ride to enjoy the most beautiful scenery you can find is a traveler’s dream. The Alaskan Railroad and the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway offer passengers the sights of moose, whales and Dall sheep all in their natural environment of majestic forests and sky scraping mountains.

 

Alaska’s National Parks

 

Sight seeing continues when you visit some of the many national parks. Kobuk Valley is famous for its Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Despite its location of 40 miles above the Arctic Circle, summer temperatures can get to 100-degrees Fahrenheit. In some places, the sand is 100-feet high. Dunes cover an area of more than 25 miles and are the biggest active sand dunes within arctic latitudes. Watch for caribou! Half a million of them migrate through the park each year. Camping is allowed within the park, so don’t forget your sleeping bag.

 

Another great Alaskan park to visit is Klondike Gold Rush National Park. The park offers ranger-guided hiking and wildlife viewing, and the re-created gold-rush town inside the park has shopping and the Mascot Saloon, a 1910 saloon museum.

 

Another beautiful Alaskan park is Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. The park has volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls and a multitude of wildlife. At Denali National Park buses will take tourists into bear country to safely look for bears. There are about 450 species of birds for birdwatchers to look for. There are just a few of the many National Parks Alaska has to offer.

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Other Alaskan Activities

 

For those looking for adventure when considering what to do in Alaska, this state will not disappoint! For the expert skier amongst the group, heli-skiing is offered by many operators throughout Alaska. Another great way to get a thrill is to visit Wolf Country USA in Palmer Alaska where visitors can get up close and personal with tame wolves.

 

Looking for an authentic Alaskan experience? Go dogsledding! Many operators throughout the state offer this opportunity for visitors to get into the action and you can choose to go on a quarter-mile trip or a 12-day excursion. Now that is an adventure!

 

If that isn’t enough, take a tram tour of Juneau at Mount Roberts Tramway. The tram takes visitors on a thrilling ride through the Southeast Alaskan rainforest onto the foot of Mount Roberts and is one of the most beautiful attractions in Alaska. Once at the top, the facility also offers a movie theatre, seafood, cold beer, native artist demonstrations, a nature center, hiking, gift shop, wild and alpine flowers.

 

No trip to Alaska is complete without a trip to the Alaska State Fair. In 2008, it runs from August 21 to September 1. Named one of the top ten events in America by the American Business Association, the fair offers bands, rides, exhibits, shows and attractions that keep visitors coming back for more.

 

No matter what you’re looking for, the list of what to do in Alaska has something for everyone to enjoy. See your travel agent, and plan your trip for an adventure you will never forget.