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About Alaska
Alaska, America's Last Frontier, offers travelers an unparalleled wilderness adventure on a monumental scale. This vast state captivates with its dramatic landscapes—from the towering peaks of Denali National Park, home to North America's highest mountain, to the shimmering glaciers of Kenai Fjords and the untamed beauty of the Inside Passage. Witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights dancing across winter skies, or experience the midnight sun during endless summer days. Alaska's rich indigenous cultures, including Tlingit, Haida, and Inupiat communities, add profound depth to any visit through traditional art, storytelling, and festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak among icebergs, spot grizzly bears and whales in their natural habitats, fish in legendary salmon streams, or hike through pristine boreal forests. The historic Gold Rush towns like Skagway and Juneau's charming capital city provide cultural counterpoints to the wilderness. Whether you're cruising past calving glaciers, dog sledding across frozen tundra, or soaking in natural hot springs under the aurora borealis, Alaska delivers transformative experiences that redefine connection with nature.
Things to do in Alaska
Summer Dog Sledding Adventure in Willow, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
From GHSÂ 1,740
5.0 (327)
Tandem Zipline Tour on Lazy Mountain
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 1,852
5.0 (98)
Winter Explorer Flight-seeing Tour from Talkeetna
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 3,410
5.0 (28)
Sled Dog Kennel Tour
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 842
5.0 (23)
Guided Kayak Tour on Trail Lake
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 1,578
5.0 (21)
Kayak and Hike to Deep Blue, Glacially Carved Grant Lake, Alaska
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 3,168
5.0 (21)
Winter Dog Sled Tour: Day or Night.
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 2,245
5.0 (18)
Alaska Heli Hiking - ANCHORAGE AREA
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 9,161
5.0 (15)
Knik Glacier Helicopter Flight-90 Mins-1 Landing-Anchorage Area
Anchorage, Alaska
From GHSÂ 5,824
5.0 (14)
Intimate Visit of an Alaskan Off-Grid Homestead with Sled Dogs - Talkeetna
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 999
5.0 (13)
Dog Sledding with Alaskan Huskies
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 2,233
5.0 (10)
Dogsled Rides
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 1,627
5.0 (9)
Multi Day Tour in Alaska Glamping and Kayaking
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 11,313
5.0 (8)
3-hour Turnagain Pass Rafting Float Trip from Hope Alaska
Alaska, USA
Â
5.0 (8)
Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike - Anchorage Area
Alaska, USA
From GHSÂ 9,772
5.0 (6)Travel Tips for Alaska
Getting Around
Transportation varies dramatically by region. Major cities have public buses (Anchorage's People Mover, Fairbanks' MACS), but service is limited. Rental cars are essential for exploring beyond urban areas—book well in advance during summer. The Alaska Railroad offers scenic journeys between Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks. Small planes and bush planes are common for reaching remote communities and lodges. Ferries operate through the Alaska Marine Highway System, connecting coastal towns. Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) work in Anchorage and Fairbanks. In southeast Alaska, water taxis and floatplanes are primary transportation. Many visitors combine cruises with land tours. Always check road conditions via 511.alaska.gov and allow extra travel time.
Best Time To Visit
Mid-May to mid-September offers the best weather with long daylight hours, accessible roads, and abundant wildlife viewing. June-August is peak season with festivals, cruises, and all services operating, though prices are highest. September provides stunning fall colors and fewer crowds. Winter (December-March) is ideal for Northern Lights viewing, dog sledding, and winter sports, but many facilities close and travel can be challenging. Shoulder seasons (April-May, October) offer lower prices but unpredictable conditions.
Local Customs
Alaskans value self-reliance, respect for nature, and informal friendliness. Dress is practical and layered—even in cities, outdoor attire is common. Tipping follows U.S. standards: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters, $3-5 per night for hotel housekeeping. Respect indigenous cultures—ask permission before photographing people or cultural events. When visiting native communities, follow local guidelines. Alaskans are generally direct but polite; small talk often centers on outdoor activities. Remove shoes when entering homes, especially in rural areas. Be patient with slower service in remote locations—'Alaska time' is a real phenomenon. Support local businesses and artists when possible.
Safety Information
Alaska's greatest safety concerns stem from its wilderness and weather. Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return when venturing outdoors. Carry bear spray and know how to store food properly in bear country. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather with appropriate clothing and gear. Road travel requires caution—many roads are unpaved, remote, and lack services; carry emergency supplies. Avoid walking on glaciers without proper guides and equipment. In cities, exercise normal urban precautions, though violent crime rates are generally low. Be cautious of tourist scams involving overpriced tours or fake native artwork—purchase from reputable vendors. During winter, be aware of limited daylight hours and extreme cold. Never approach wildlife, regardless of how tame they appear.
Health Information
Alaska's remote nature requires special health considerations. Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are current and consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rabies vaccines if engaging in outdoor activities. Bring a comprehensive medical kit including prescription medications, as pharmacies may be distant. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions—hypothermia and frostbite are real risks in winter, while summer brings mosquitoes that can carry diseases. Altitude sickness can occur in mountainous regions. Major hospitals are in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, but many communities only have small clinics. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended, especially for wilderness adventures. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but use filtration or bottled water in remote areas.
Languages Spoken
EnglishAlaska Native languages (including Yup'ik, Inupiaq, Tlingit, Haida)
Quick Facts
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
$
$
Timezone
America/Anchorage -09:00 (GMT) / America/Adak -10:00 (GMT) for Aleutian Islands
Calling Code
+1
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
733,000
Area
1717854 km²
Government
State government with executive governor, bicameral legislature, and judicial system; organized into boroughs rather than counties
ISO Code
AK