It’s a bit of a cliché to say Alaska is a land of wonders.

That’s the thing about clichés, though. They’re often rooted in the truth.

Alaska’s landscape, seascape, wildlife, history, and culture filled with surprises and unbelievable sights that imbed themselves in your memory and make you want to make several return trips.

That’s what Alaska does to you.

 

Here is a List of Top Places You Can't-Miss While On A Summer Trip To Alaska

View Mendenhall Glacier

This 13-mile-long glacier, which ends at the crystalline Mendenhall Lake, is a favorite among travelers not only for its landscape but for the mountain goats, beavers, bears, and other animal denizens of the area.  Check out this Juneau Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk Tour. 

Explore Denali National Park

Denali National Park is home to 20,308-ft. Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America. Travel the 95-mile-long Denali Park Road and in addition to the striking scenery, you’ll get a glimpse of moose, Dall sheep, caribou, which live almost exclusively in Denali, and even bears. There are tons of activities to do in Denali National Park that you can book on Voyij. 

Cruise Around Tracey Arm Fiord

Tracy Arm Fiord. Waterfalls, icebergs, and wildlife make this a spectacular must-go. 

Tour The Alaska Native Heritage Center

Located in Anchorage, this museum’s mission is to perpetuate and preserve unique Alaska Native cultures, languages, and traditions.

Hike The Iditarod National Historic Trail

 Home of the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It’s a series of trails that stretch 2,300 miles between Nome and Seward. Primarily a winter-time venue, summer months offer a chance to hike through the Crow Pass Trail in the Chugach State Park.

Visit The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park

Located in Skagway, this park was built to preserve and interpret the history of the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush.

Experience Glacier National Park

Trek through 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains and rainforest. The Margerie Glacier is a spectacular 21-mile-long tidewater glacier. Glacier National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Inside Passage.

Drive The Dalton Highway And Dip Your Toes In The Arctic Sea

This is for the adventurous, but there are plenty of rewards for traveling the 400-mile Dalton Highway in the far north region. It’s a rugged and remote territory, but you’ll be able to tell friends you crossed the Arctic Circle and that you dipped your toes in the Arctic Ocean.

Walk On The Manatuska Glacier

This amazing glacier is 27-mile-long and four miles wide. It is the only glacier where you can travel by car.  But by all means, take a walk on the glacier! It’s a popular site and even families with small children can hike on it. 

Kayak In Kenai Fjords National Park

You’ll never forget a kayak trip through this area, where you’ll see tidewater glaciers, birds, and marine mammals who feed in the waters. Beginners should have a guide since these waters are not for the inexperienced. This tour features whales and bizarre seascapes straight off of a Pink Floyd or Yes album cover. 

Ride The White Pass And Yukon Railroad

Located in Skagway, the narrow-gauge railroad takes you up 3,000 ft. past waterfalls, rivers, and gorges with lots of opportunities for photos.

See The Turnagain Arm Bore Tide

During the right tidal conditions, you’ll see 10-ft. waves rolling through Turnagain Arm near Anchorage.

Cross Into The Arctic Circle At The 66th Parallel

This northern excursion takes you to the Arctic Circle, where the sun does not set at all in late June. Take a tour, view the Northern Lights, see exotic wildlife and mountainous Arctic landscape.

Fly Over Misty Fjords National Monument

We’re running out of superlatives to describe Alaska’s beauty, but flying over this national monument gives you an aerial view of 3000-ft. cliffs, steep rock fiords, and thick rainforests.

Camp At Lake Clark National Park

Base camping, backpacking, and hiking are just a few of the activities available. Lakeshores, high tundra, and coastal beaches are also part of this natural wonder. Check ahead to see if you need a guide for your hiking trip. 

Explore The Ghost Town Of Mccarthy In The Wrangell-St. Elias Range

McCarthy, population about up to 40, (but who’s counting?), isn’t a ghost town per se, and it is listed census-designated place. It is the only community within a National Park. See the Root Glacier Trail, Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, Nicolai Pass, among other sites. 

The Gates Of The Arctic

Finally, although just about every Alaska National Park is a must-see, and we’ll include The Gates of the Arctic.  Considered Alaska’s "ultimate wilderness,” it’s inaccessible by road, so you’ll have to take an air taxi to get there. Hiking trails are available, but check weather conditions before embarking.

But don’t forget these gems! 

Alaska Historical Sites And Landmarks

Alaska has a rich history and there are 436 National Register of Historic Places listings, 50 National Historic Landmarks, and 16 National Natural Landmarks dotting the landscape. The Dry Creek Archeological Site, which is one of the oldest in Alaska, provides a glimpse into Alaska’s rich ancient history.  

Want to experience those bygone days and experience life in a Gold Rush saloon? The Legends and Lies Gold Rush Saloon Experience takes you back in time to the wilds of Alaska circa 1897 

Alaska Wildlife Tours

See grizzlies! Wolves! Caribou and elk! Take an excursion by air and get to remote areas where some of the elusive creatures hang out or take a boat trip to see seals, sea lions, and, of course, whales. These amazing wildlife viewing tours will give you the best view of the Alaskan Wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Totem Poles

The totem pole is one of the most recognizable and colossal symbols of Alaska. The best place to view them is in the Sitka National Historical Park.

Whale Watching

You can’t leave Alaska without having seen grizzly bears and, of course, the majestic whales that inhabit Alaska’s cold, crystal clear waters. You’re likely to encounter more cetaceans than Captain Ahab ever dreamed of. Here are the Whale Watching Tours you need to check out. 

Hike The Chilkoot Trail

Alaska has hundreds of hiking trails, but the Chilkoot Trail may be the best known. More than 10,000 hikers a day journey the 33-mile trail. The Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float tour will give you the best experience on the Chilkoot Trail. 

Travel The Alaska Highway

Also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway, or the ALCAN, this road is a favorite for car or RV travel. The ALCAN offers breathtaking views of rugged, often snow-covered mountains and winding roads will bring unforgettable views. (The Canadian border is closed until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.)

Have we listed everything? Of course not. Alaska is huge! It’s not that there aren’t more must-go summer spots in Alaska, but you may want to discover some places of your own on Alaska’s massive landscape.