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Alaska

Alaska

Brilliant ice blue glaciers, wildlife, remote wilderness and unique native cultures are just some of the unforgettable memories that ‘Alaska, the Last Frontier’, the largest state in the USA, has to offer. Data detoxes are common here, and there’s often more wildlife than mobile coverage; those with a keen eye will spot wolves, bison and bears, amongst others. You'll need plenty of curiosity to conquer this beast, and a thirst for all things pure and simple. But with such an epic landscape, comes an equally epic adventure.



OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN ALASKA



Anchorage
Anchorage

Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, is a city that maintains the perfect mix of stunning natural environment and metropolitan buzz. A short plane ride opens up the possibility of almost any kind of adventure. Explore national parks, join a bear-watching expedition, or simply wander the streets for a slice of local life.

Fairbanks
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of Alaska’s best year-round destinations – in the summer, the sun is up for almost 24 hours! Pan for gold in the local rivers or check out the Indigenous Inuit history and culture of Alaska in the museums and galleries. Don’t forget to head along to watch the dog mushing in the winter and have a go yourself.

Denali National Park
Denali National Park

One of Alaska’s most popular destinations is a two hour drive from Fairbanks or a four hour drive from Anchorage. Denali, at 6190 metres, dominates the park and on a clear day you can get that iconic mountain photo. The terrain includes crystal clear rivers, lakes and alpine meadows. To access the interior of the park you need to hop on the shuttle and if you’re lucky you might spot some wildlife such as bears and moose.

Inside Passage
Inside Passage

From the state capital of Juneau, the quaint towns of Ketchikan and Skagway to the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park you’ll soon understand why this part of Alaska is the most visited. The towns of Juneau and Skagway are built at the head of ancient glacial valleys and Ketchikan has so little ground that entire streets are built on docks over the water.

 
Southwest
Southwest

Few places on earth compare with the wonders of Southwest Alaska. View brown bears in their natural habitat feeding on salmon on Kodiak Island in the Southwest region. This is an area where you get to see changing landscapes of volcanic terrain in the Katmai National Park through to the windy grasslands of the Aleutian Islands.

South Central
South Central

Home to Anchorage and over half of Alaska’s population, this is a playground of activities from world-class fishing to hiking and wildlife viewing. Anchorage sits in a ‘bowl’ bordered by the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. To the east lie Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta and many species of wildlife, marine life, birds and fish find the climate of the region welcoming.

Interior
Interior

The Interior of Alaska is a region of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes and includes Fairbanks and Denali National Park. As far as the eye can see, there are wide expanses of tundra and forests teeming with wildlife. The summer’s midnight sun and the winter’s northern lights are all part of the picture. The Interior is the original home of Alaska’s Athabascan people and gold miners and fur trappers later discovered the riches of this region.

Arctic
Arctic

Vast and remote, crossing the Arctic Circle is what the Far North is all about. Pristine wilderness areas cover a landscape ranging from coastal plains to mountain ranges. Ceremonies and traditions of the native culture can be seen at Alaska’s largest Eskimo village in Barrow. Try your luck panning for gold on the edge of the Bering Sea at Nome.



SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ALASKA




Aurora Borealis AURORA BOREALIS

Experiencing the amazing Aurora Borealis is a must! These giant electrical storms are formed by solar flares from the sun reacting with the earth’s magnetic field. This causes brilliant displays of light flashing dramatically across the sky.

Wildlife WILDLIFE
 

Keep your camera at the ready for bears, humpback whales, sea lions, otters, moose and more. When driving, watch for vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it often means that people are watching wildlife!

Alaska Railroad ALASKA RAILROAD
 

Connecting many of Alaska’s popular destinations: Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and of course Denali National Park. With five routes to choose from, you’ll see everything from expansive alpine forests, pristine river valleys to dramatic coastlines. 

Glaciers GLACIERS
 
For spectacular glaciers head on a day cruise in either Kenai Fjords National Park (from Seward) or Prince William Sound (from Whittier). Cruise through the icy waters and be in awe of the scenery.   
Dog Mushing DOG MUSHING
 

It’s been part of life in Alaska since its earliest days. Despite the great distances between some rural communities, travelling by dog team is often still the best way to get around. 

Alyeska ALYESKA RESORT AND GLACIER

A 45 minute trip from Anchorage and you can ride the Alyeska Resort aerial tram up the mountainside and hike to the edge of Alyeska Glacier in Girdwood. You’ll also see some stunning views of Turnagain Arm below.
Alaska Native Heritage Center ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTRE, ANCHORAGE
 

Gain an understanding of the different traditions and languages that make up Alaska. See artist demonstrations, music and dance performances and other talks on the indigenous culture in Alaska.

Chena Hot Springs CHENA HOT SPRINGS, FAIRBANKS
 

Discovered in 1905 these hot springs just outside of Fairbanks are a great place to unwind in beautiful surroundings. There are several indoor and outdoor tubs, Jacuzzis and outdoor artificial lake that provides a wonderful vantage point for watching northern lights in winter. 




ALASKA ACCOMMODATION



Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotels and lodges in Alaska.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Springhill Suites Fairbanks
SPRINGHILL SUITES FAIRBANKS
★★★

Start the day with the continental breakfast provided, then head out for a walk along the river, as you are just across from the Chena River, or to the shops in the downtown area. End the day with some laps in the indoor pool or simply relax in the whirlpool. The hotel is home to one of best Italian restaurants in town, Laveilles Bistro.
Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage
CLARION SUITES DOWNTOWN, ANCHORAGE
★★★half star
With a separate living and sleeping area there is room to relax after a full day of exploring Alaska’s largest city. Your downtown location has you just a 15 minute walk away from the 5th Avenue Mall. A hot breakfast is included to start your day, and the Japanese restaurant on site is great for dinner.
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel
WESTMARK FAIRBANKS HOTEL
★★★half star

Conveniently located near the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, you can easily explore the local sights. Enjoy a delicious steak meal and glass of wine at the Red Lantern Steak and Spirit Restaurant, then relax in your spacious guest room.
Hilton Anchorage
HILTON ANCHORAGE
★★★★

The shopping precinct, convention centre, museums and performing arts centre are just steps away as this hotel is right in the heart of downtown. Unwind in the open-air lounge bar before indulging in some fresh Alaskan Halibut at Hooper Bay Cafe or one of the many nearby restaurants.
Brooks Lodge
BROOKS LODGE

Each year millions of salmon burst from the Bering Sea into the streams of Katmai National Park, making this a superb place for viewing bears. As the lodge is just a short walk to three viewing platforms right on the river, you can take your time and enjoy the surrounds and watch the bears at your leisure (after your bear briefing by a ranger).
Bettles Lodge
BETTLES LODGE

With so many cloud free nights and being located directly under the Auroral Band, the highest aurora activity in the Northern hemisphere, this is an amazing place to go for Aurora viewing. You’ll view at night from a rustic lakeside cabin three kilometres from the lodge and with no light pollution at the cabin the lake offers a spectacular view of the night sky.
Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
KENAI FJORDS WILDERNESS LODGE
Located on the beautiful and remote Fox Island a 45 minute boat ride from Seward. You’ll have plenty of time to explore; take a ranger led walk, hike, kayak or simply enjoy the lodge’s view overlooking gorgeous Halibut Cove. Enjoy a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park to see wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers and breath-taking scenery.
Denali Backcountry Lodge
DENALI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE

The Denali Backcountry Lodge is situated in a quiet and remote river valley inside Denali National Park. Join a Naturalist Guide for a guided hike, botanical walk or exploration of a nearby historic site. Or, head off and explore the forests, hills and creeks on your own either by hiking or mountain biking. After a full day of activities, enjoy a peaceful sleep in your private cabin.



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Alaska holiday planning articles



Are you planning your next trip to Alaska? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on Alaska.

 




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This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
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