Mountains, fjords, glaciers, and the northern lights — what doesn’t Alaska have to offer? This state should be at the top of any outdoor lover’s list, with its expansive wilderness and endless adventures.
The team at Incredible Adventures are thrilled to expand our horizons up north, as we now offer an Alaskan Highlights Tour from Denali to the Kenai Fjords. Whether you join us for a summer excursion or want to explore Alaska while it’s a winter wonderland, there are a few things you simply can’t miss.
That’s why we’ve created this Alaska travel bucket list, including everything from Denali and Kenai Fjords to Glacier Bay. Read on for the ultimate travel itinerary, or feel free to contact us with any questions about our tours!
Explore Denali National Park
Home to the towering Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, Denali National Park is a highlight of any trip to Alaska. This park spans six million acres, offering a rugged wilderness that’s utterly thrilling. Whether you’re a mountaineer seeking to summit the 6,190 meter peak or you’re simply looking for a leisurely hike, this is certainly the place to reconnect with nature.
One of Denali National Park’s most notable attractions is its sled dogs — Denali has the only sled dog kennel in the National Park Service. You can watch a sled dog demonstration while you’re here, but don’t be surprised if you see them out in the backcountry while you’re trekking!
Other activities you can enjoy include cycling and fishing, and in the winter you can even bring your own dogs to go mushing!
Discover the Wilderness at Kenai Fjords
In Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll find an incredible diversity of natural sights, from glaciers and mountains to fjords. You can explore by land or sea, hiking the Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier or kayaking in the powerful waters of the fjords.
The Harding Icefield is the most prominent site in the park, with 30 glaciers extending from it. You can embark on a challenging trek along the Harding Icefield Trail, or choose easier walks for spectacular views of Exit Glacier.
If you’d prefer not to kayak, there are a number of boat tours you can enjoy, including to Resurrection Bay, which we discuss more below…
Enjoy a Wildlife Cruise in Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay is one of the main fjords in Kenai, and is easily accessible from Seward on a cruise. Spanning 29 kilometers in length, Resurrection Bay is one of the best places to spot wildlife in Alaska. In the summer months, the waters are teeming with marine life. You can see up to six species of whale, including gray, humpback, and orca!
On a cruise, you’ll also be able to admire the rugged natural landscape as you cruise past notable points like Thumb Cove and Spire Cove.
You can learn more with our blog, Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay: Must-See Alaskan Wonders!
Chase the Nothern Lights in Fairbanks
In winter, the Alaskan skies are painted with the aurora borealis. One of the best places to see the spectacular natural phenomenon is Fairbanks, the gateway to the Arctic Circle. Every year during aurora season, between August and April, the northern lights come out to play in breathtaking colors.
In Fairbanks, you’ll find a number of lodges available where you can set yourself up for a week of chasing the northern lights. You can also take your experience to the next level by joining tours that include dog sledding under the lights, or even flying above the mountains to see the aurora borealis!
Traverse Glacier Bay National Park
Spanning over three million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is one of the main attractions along the Inside Passage and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with the Kluane, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Tatshenshini-Alsek parks, Glacier Bay forms a recognized landscape replete with glaciers, icefields, and wildlife.
On a trip to Glacier Bay, you can join a boat tour to see the glaciers, go hiking in Bartlett Cove, kayak in the glacial waters, or keep your eyes peeled for one of the 281 bird species!
Journey to Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier
Tongass National Forest is the largest forest in the United States, spanning over 16 million acres. It’s also one of the largest remaining temperate forests in the world, teeming with life. On Admirality Island, you’ll find the highest concentration of grizzly bears in North America, while huge numbers of bald eagles gather in the fall and winter.
A highlight of Tongass National Forest is the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most accessible in the region. You can simply drive to the visitor center and then take a short walk to a prime view point!
Discover Alaska on an Incredible Adventure!
To make the most of your time in this unparalleled state, there’s nothing quite like a multi-day tour! Our Alaskan Highlights Tour from Denali to the Kenai Fjord gives you six spectacular days in the wilderness, including hikes in Denali, cruises in Resurrection Bay, and time spent in quaint Alaskan towns. If you’re ready to strike these items off your Alaska bucket list, feel free to contact us about our tour today.
