Not only is Alaska the largest state in the United States but also the northernmost, bordering British Columbia in Canada. While roughly half of its residents live in Anchorage, the sprawling city of Juneau serves as the capital. Believed to have served as the entry point when North America was initially settled, Alaska has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
Things to do in Alaska
With its vast tracts of wilderness and protected national parks, Alaska lives up to its nickname “The Last Frontier”.
Sightsee in Anchorage. Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage overlooks the tranquil waters of Cook Inlet. Get your cultural fix at the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center or escape to the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of Chugach State Park. Anchorage also serves as the departure point for the spectacular Alaska Railroad.
Explore Denali National Park. One of the biggest national parks in the United States, Denali is named after the 6,190-metre-high peak that dominates its landscape. It encompasses glacial-carved river valleys, high tundra and magnificent alpine ranges that provide a habitat for grizzly bears, reindeer and wolves. Don’t miss a visit to the Sled Dog Kennels to get up close to boisterous huskies.
Cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord. Forming part of the Tongass National Forest, Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the best places in Alaska to view glaciers. Boat cruises offer the perfect vantage point for admiring the waterfalls that cascade down its sheer walls and watching as icebergs float by.
Drive the Alaska Highway. Connecting from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction near Fairbanks, the Alaska Highway is a 2,237-kilometre-long route that was built for military purposes during World War II. It takes in remote landscapes that few have the privilege to witness and is one of the few ways of accessing southeastern Alaska.
Getting around Alaska
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the major aviation gateway to Alaska and has flights to destinations across North America. Trains connect from Anchorage to Seward, Denali and Fairbanks while buses are the main means of getting to other destinations.