Alaska
This great land is the largest state in the US and would take a lifetime to explore in its entirety.
Sparsely populated but covered in immense beauty. Whether you are cruising the coast, flightseeing in the huge national parks, or letting the train take the strain, this wonderful place has something for everyone.
Nature and wildlife draw many enthusiasts, plus winter sports, aurora borealis, remote lodges in incredible locations.
Expert pilots can put you down to see bears, hike glaciers, or fish for salmon in places where you won’t see another living person.
These are big open spaces filled with the most amazing experiences.
Summer or Winter, Alaska has something for everyone. You won’t be disappointed!
Why not try us for yourself, go on AsktheTraveller.
Local weather information
Anchorage
When is the best time to travel
Most of the tours in Alaska operate between mid-May to mid-September although tours into Denali National Park operate a slightly shorter season of mid-June until mid-August. If you’re hiring a car, a motor home and travelling around, this is definitely the best time to visit. The cruise season is similar.
More adventurous travellers may want to visit for winter sports and the aurora borealis. The conditions are extreme, but don’t deter the well prepared traveller. Some love the photo opportunities you get from the trains at this time of year.
Peak Season: mid-May - mid-September
Alternative: Winter months for winter sports and aurora borealis
Alaska cruise season runs from late April through to September.
Askthetraveller recommend going in June if you can.
Alaska in brief
Alaska is huge! You cannot ‘’see’’ Alaska in a week in the same way that you cannot see Russia or Australia in a week. Depending on how much time you have and your preferences you may choose to cruise the coast, you may also combine this with a land tour. Alaska railroad offers some incredible scenery up to Fairbanks. Others want to hit the open road by car or motor home and drive into the wilderness.
The National Parks have remote lodges where nature and scenery are simply stunning.
If you have the time, we recommend immersing yourself in the largest state and creating a tour to take in this amazing location. After all, if you’ve travelled all this way, why not hang around for a while. If you love seafood, then you’ll be in heaven. There’s nothing quite like a local craft beer and Alaskan King Crab while discussing your adventures.
Alaska history & Culture
The US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars, but local indigenous people inhabited this land way before the Europeans arrived. Today, Alaska is still home to many native groups including the Haida, the Yuit and the Tlingit amongst others.
At the time of the purchase, Sitka remained the capital and only settled community until the Gold Rush of the 1890’s - 1910 when the capital was moved to Juneau.
Three outer islands of the Aleutian chain were occupied by the Japanese in WW11.
The oil boom started in 1968 and in 1977 a pipeline was established making this a very profitable enterprise however, the Exxon Valdez oil disaster has taken its toll on Alaskan wildlife. There are numerous opportunities to interact with native communities in Alaska and a visit to Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Centre is a must.
Things to do and see
Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park
Denali National Park
Glacier Bay National Park
Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Fairbanks
Alaska Railroad
Anchorage
Skagway
Juneau
Ketchikan
Northern Lights
Whale Watching
Huge array of wildlife