As the most common way of visiting the Last Frontier, cruising by the fjords, islands, inlets, and coastlines of Alaska is an effective way to see the state. Most cruises focus on the Inside Passage which is kind of the equivalent of going to the Florida Keys and saying you’ve be to “The South.” While technically it’s true, you may want to venture farther north.
Snowmobiling is to dogsledding what automobiles are to horse-drawn carriage. A necessary vehicle for locals who make their life here year-round is the snowmobile so to do as a local does you have to saddle up with this steel horse and cruise the powder at high speeds.
Alaskan salmon is delicious and you know that because of the fishing boats in the area. Whether you’re looking for something smaller to get out there, or one of the famous Deadliest Catch options, such as the Time Bandit (now called the Ursus), you have got to stowaway on one of these fishy vessels.
Southeast of Anchorage is Mount Alyeska where you can take the famous Mt. Alyeska Tram to the top. Have your camera ready for the three-to-seven-minute journey to the 2,300ft summit as you can see seven glaciers and miles upon miles of peaks, forest, and gorgeous sky.
There are so many inlets and coves to explore along the coastlines of the state, as well as beautiful lakes, like Lake Clark National Park. So many, in fact, that there really is only one way to explore sufficiently: via kayak. Sea kayaks allow for easy travel and perspectives unique from that of land.
Balto may have saved a bunch of children but he didn’t have a prayer in Doggy Heaven without this historical method of travel. Dogsleds are not just a fun and cute way to get from A to B, but rather a necessary means of travel during the snowfall of winter. Nowadays you can visit authentic sled dogs and can even take a ride yourself.
Specifically, taking a helicopter tour over the many glaciers along the coasts. Go to Glacier Bay National Park and book a helicopter tour to see the natural phenomenon from above. If you’ve never been on a helicopter ride then you’ll be amazed with the experience by itself, but the view will absolutely burn a memory in your brain for the rest of your life.
By foot feels somewhat like a cheat as “means of transport” but with more hiking trail miles than any other state in the country Alaska is prime for exploration by foot. Do your research because there’s not a lot of access to save you if you go all “Into the Wild” on your adventure.
The Alaska Railroad is a must-do experience to see the gorgeous wilderness of the state far from the coastline. There’s a dome rooftop on two of the cars allowing for panoramic views while you chug across the land. Pick a direction, either Fairbanks to Anchorage or vice versa, and plan for a few stops along the way, such as in Denali National Park.
As the largest state in the country but among the fewest road miles per state you can bet that road travel is more difficult than that of air. Even if it’s a short skip from King Salmon, for instance, to Brooks Falls your only option is going to be via a 20-minute float plane jaunt. It’s also a great bucket list item to check off!
