Clinging to the coast of northern British Columbia and
continuing northward, Alaska showcases a thriving indigenous culture, subarctic
temperatures, tundra landscapes, and wildlife galore. Many visitors come on
cruise ships that dock in Anchorage and, as a result, they barely skim the
surface of this frozen land. Plan your trip
and dare to venture beyond Anchorage for a fuller experience of the Final
Frontier.
Juneau
Nestled just below Canada’s Yukon territory, Juneau boasts
natural beauty alongside the cultural delights of a capital city. Spreading
more than 5,120 sq km (3,200 sq mi), it covers an impressive area of coastline,
offering the possibility to practice an array of water sports, as well as whale
watching, kayaking, and fishing. The city’s rocky terrain makes for incredible
hiking, with views overlooking the sea. Plan your Alaskan trip
to visit downtown Juneau, cozily tucked at the bottom of Mount Juneau, for
historical sites, indigenous art galleries, and museums portraying various
aspects of Alaskan life. Despite being the state capital, the peninsular city
is not connected to the rest of the state by road--you can only reach it by
boat or plane.
Haines
Set against a backdrop of tall mountains, Haines easily earns
its place as the adventure capital of Alaska. The small port community in the
northern region of the Alaskan panhandle boasts the longest fjord in the state,
located along the Lynn Canal. Kick off a hiking excursion here: enjoy a casual
walk along trails in and around the scenic city, or challenge yourself by
scaling the snow-capped Takshanuk Mountains. Haines’ location on the Chilkat
River also makes rafting a popular activity and definitely a thing to include
in your Alaskan
itinerary. The outdoor haven is a habitat for all kinds of wildlife,
including sea lions, seals, orcas, and bald eagles. The city has a higher
population of bald eagles (particularly in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle
Preserve) than people--which number fewer than 2,000--during the winter months.
Despite being the outdoor playground of Alaska, the city itself moves at a
relaxed pace; don’t be surprised if the locals stop to chat you.
Denali National Park and Preserve
A short drive from Anchorage, Denali National Park is
worlds away from the state’s major city. The park is defined largely by its
largesse--2.43 million hectares (6 million acres)--and it’s home to the highest
peak in North America and some of the largest species in the United States. At
6,194 m (20,320 ft), Mount McKinley attracts an adventurous and ambitious crowd
of people attempting to scale the summit. For a less challenging way to see the
park, hike the well-maintained paths, but watch for grizzly bears, wolves,
moose, and caribou, all of which roam freely in the enormous nature preserve. If
you’re pressed for time, use our itinerary
planner effectively so you can cover more ground in less time on the bus
service through the park.
Seward
Despite its small size, Seward is well connected to Anchorage.
Tourism in the port town is a thriving industry, second perhaps to the
lucrative fishing industry. Accessed by rail, road, or air from Alaska’s
largest city, Seward is home to just barely 2,000 permanent residents, but the
unspoiled beauty and milder temperatures make it a prime destination for
sightseeing. Take advantage of the sea for kayaking, fishing, boat tours of the
nearby Kenai Fjord, and swimming if you can brave the cold waters of the
Pacific.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan hangs precariously on the bluffs of the
southwestern shore of Revillagigedo Island. Known as the salmon capital of the
world for the species swimming along the city’s shores, the city stretches
several kilometers along the coast but is only 10 blocks across at the widest.
With its unique coastline perch, many homes and businesses are built on stilts
to rest above the water’s edge. You’ll marvel at the boundless beauty and
appreciate the strong Native culture here.
By Roxanne Egan-Elliott
