Alaska… So much to see. A primer
As I mentioned earlier, we are headed on an Alaskan cruise in June, 2025 on Silversea Cruise Line so I’ve been doing some research on things to do while we are there. With eight national parks, Alaska has much to offer and it’s hard to narrow down the choices.
There are lots of cruise options that focus on Alaska and it’s a great way to see glaciers and the Alaskan coastline. Combining both a land tour and a cruise is an ideal way to see a wide variety of destinations in Alaska. Alaska also has a great rail system that hits some prime scenic areas which makes it easy to incorporate rail into your land tour. Whether you decide to do a land or sea tour (or both), below are some highlights to consider visiting.
Fairbanks and the Northern Lights. Fairbanks is north of Denali and if you are doing a land tour, may be a good starting point. It is a prime spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis, especially in winter and also has riverboat tours, Chena Hot Springs, and offers Alaskan history at the Museum of the North.
Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is on most cruise-tour destinations and most cruise lines will take passengers via train to Denali for a couple of nights. Denali is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley). This park offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife (like grizzly bears, moose, and wolves), and pristine wilderness.
Talkeetna. Talkeetna is a quirky small town with excellent views of Denali. This is a nice stop between Denali and Anchorage. While there check out some of the scenic flight tours over Denali, river rafting or hit the shops in the small downtown area.
Anchorage. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and a hub for cultural experiences, shopping, and nearby wilderness. You will most likely fly into or out of (or both) Anchorage to get to Alaska. Here you can visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, hike Flattop Mountain and see wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or take a scenic drive/rail along Turnagain Arm.
Seward and Exit Glacier. Seward is where many cruises start but is also the gateway to Exit Glacier and the Kenai Fjords. It is a charming coastal town that offers small boat tours in the fjords, and visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Glacier Bay National Park. Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a prime spot to see tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean and wildlife like humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins. This is often on cruise line itineraries and you can spend a day cruising Glacier Bay.
Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau). Juneau is typically a stop on a cruise itinerary when traveling the inside passage but can also be seen via land. This massive glacier offers a visitor center, hiking to the glacier or is a site to see and offers a visitor center or a helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Wrangell is along the inside passage and typically a cruise stop. It is the largest national park in the U.S., featuring a diverse range of ecosystems, from glaciers to volcanoes.
Inside Passage. The Inside Passage is a frequented cruise route that covers a number of small islands, coves and fjords. It is known for its stunning fjords and vibrant native culture.
Kenai Fjords National Park. Kenai Fjords is known for its stunning glaciers and abundant marine life, Kenai Fjords is a paradise for nature lovers. There are small boat tours (day tours only) that give you an in-depth look at the Fjords but this can also be visited via land tours.
The above items only scratch the surface of the many scenic and beautiful things to see in Alaska. Sean and I are quite excited for our cruise next summer, and we’re thrilled that some of you have decided to join us on our voyage. This promises to be a trip of a lifetime. Even if you aren’t travelling with us, remember that I can help you plan your trip to Alaska.
If you want to visit Alaska, it pays to book well in advance. The season is short, typically June to August and offers up to 24 hours of sunlight. September is considered shoulder season and usually prices are lower but it is also a bit cooler and potentially rainier. If you are into winter weather, November to March offers better Northern Lights viewing, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Alaska has an abundance of activities and is an outdoor wonderland. Hiking, fishing, biking, skiing, kayaking or even dog sledding are just a few activities to consider. If you are ready to visit, give me a call and we’ll plan the right trip for you.
