For an authentic Alaskan experience, your trip is not complete without visiting the Arctic. The Arctic takes up the largest land area in Alaska, from the Arctic Coast in the north, to the Brooks Range in the east and Western Arctic in the west. The communities of the Arctic are only accessible by small aircraft today from either Fairbanks or Anchorage. On your journey to the Arctic it is common for pilots to give the plane a little bump to let their passengers know they’ve crossed the Arctic Circle. The Arctic has preserved its rich history unlike many other places on the planet. The region is home to the Inupiat Eskimos who still live their traditional hunting lifestyle and pass on their history from generation to generation.
Interior is exactly that - the region located in the centre of Alaska. Here you will find the continents tallest peak, Denali and Denali National Park. Wildlife lovers will be thrilled to spot grizzly bears, caribou and willow ptarmigan (the state bird). Popular activities in the region include ATV tours, rafting, kayaking and gold panning.
South Central is home to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, and over half of Alaska’s population. South Central is a popular hub for travellers, as it gives them access to transportation, hotels and amenities while also being in close distance to wilderness and wildlife. Visitors to Anchorage will enjoy the spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains from the city. Popular tours and activities include dogsledding, glacier tours, ice climbing, wildlife viewing and fishing. That’s right, Anchorage is a fisherman's dream destination. Visitors to South Central can try and catch trophy fish including salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and arctic grayling in a lake, river or the ocean.
The Southwest region is the perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Brown bears and 240 bird species call the rolling hills of Alaska’s Southwest region home. In Katmai National Park you’ll find the famous Brooks Falls. Each year as the brown bears come out of hibernation, hundreds flock to Brooks Falls to feed on salmon swimming upstream. Like something out of a David Attenborough documentary, you can take a guided tour to a viewing platform where you can see the action up close.
Alaska’s Inside Passage is frequented by many cruise ships throughout the summer months. The region boasts incredible glaciers lining the water passage between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. Besides glaciers, you’ll witness magnificent fjords and islands that create a home for the abundant wildlife. Whales, sea lions, porpoises and bald eagles are frequently spotted on the Inside Passage. In total there are over a thousand islands in the Inside Passage, some of which are home to Alaska’s most ‘off-the-grid’ communities. Most cruises through the Inside Passage depart from May to September.
Inland Alaska is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. This once in a lifetime experience draws many travellers to Alaska each year. For your best chance at seeing the aurora borealis for yourself, head to Alaska in March when the nights are longest. The entire Northern Lights season lasts from mid-September to late April, so don’t worry if you can’t make it in March.
The further north you are, the more likely you are to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. Coldfoot is a prime location to see the aurora borealis. Adventure seekers wanting a remote Alaskan Northern Lights experience often flock to the Coldfoot Camp and then head north to Wiseman. Temperatures in these areas can drop to as low as -25 degrees celsius, so make sure you are well prepared for the cold!
Fairbanks is a popular destination for aurora seekers, but not because it’s the best place to see the lights. Located just below the arctic belt, Fairbanks doesn't see as many displays as they do further north. However, it is a more accessible destination with frequent flights and hotels available.
Hikers and mountain bikers will love the trails on offer in Alaska that weave around most Alaskan communities. With some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, it's no wonder why the trails are such a popular way to explore the Alaskan wilderness. No matter the distance or effort you would like on your hiking or mountain biking adventure, there is one to suit you.
A popular way to see Alaska is by water. Large cruise ship offerings have grown in popularity in recent years as tourists enjoy sightseeing in the comfort and warmth of their cabin. For those already in Alaska, smaller private cruises and the historical ferryboats are also a great way to explore Alaska by sea. Small bush planes and helicopter tours are another good option for ‘flightseeing’ in Alaska.
Travellers seeking a cultural experience in Alaska won’t be disappointed. The state has a unique Native culture completely different to any other American state. Visitors can immerse themselves in Alaskan culture through many experience offerings. These experiences include Native dancing, totem carving, traditional music or visiting historical museums. One of the most interesting cultural experiences is the blanket toss. Historically, the Iñupiaq hunter would be tossed in the air so that they could see across the horizon to hunt game. Now, the blanket toss is done for entertainment purposes, where thirty or more Iñupiaq gather in a circle and toss someone as high in the air as possible. The person lifted into the air throws gifts into the crowd and attempts to return to the blanket without falling over.
As a popular bucket-list travel destination, experiences are a great gift to give a loved one planning on visiting Alaska soon. Gifting Owl has hundreds of unique Alaska experiences perfect for that upcoming birthday, christmas or anniversary gift. Alaskan wildlife experience gifts on offer on Gifting Owl include grizzly and brown bear tours, dogsledding experiences and fishing charters. Sightseeing experience gifts include helicopter tours, light plane tours, glacier and iceberg experiences, ATV tours and even ocean rafting experiences. Whatever experience you choose, we know they’ll have a fantastic time on their Alaskan escape! Happy Gifting!