Contents
For many people, Alaska remains a wilderness too far. The Last Frontier is seen as too daunting a prospect, too cold, too far away, and too remote to be a genuine vacation option.
But this thinking risks missing out on one of the most extraordinary vacation destinations that the US has to offer. The state is one of the most remarkable places in the country, a vast wilderness of rugged landscapes, towering mountains, ice, and vivid wildlife that makes it a joy to explore.
If you haven’t considered Alaska as a vacation destination before, here are some of the reasons why you should!
It Isn’t Hard To Get To
Alaska has an undeserved reputation as being incredibly remote, but it really isn’t so bad! Granted, it is a big state, and getting around can be a bit challenging, but your travel options getting there are pretty good these days. Seattle has many Alaska cruises if you fancy arriving by water, while plenty of national and international airlines fly into Anchorage, the state’s central transport hub. If you feel like being extra-adventurous, you can even drive via the Alaska-Canada Highway, the Trans-Canada Highway, or the Cassiar Highway.
The Wildlife
Alaska’s wildlife is one of the state’s main selling points. It remains a genuinely unspoiled wilderness and boasts a vast array of unique species, and is one of the best places in the country to get up close to a range of wild animals. Bears, moose, caribou, and even wolves are familiar sights in the countryside, while bald eagles roam the skies, and whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions are present in large numbers just off the coast.
The Natural Beauty
Alaska is a raw, untamed landscape with towering mountains, bleak icy glaciers, glistening fjords, and deep, dark forests. If you’re into fishing, ice climbing or skiing then a visit to the beautiful Denali mountain is a must. Even seeing it from a distance is breathtaking. Basically, it is some of the most beautiful country in the US. Plus, if you head far enough north, you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights!
The Rich Native Culture
Alaska remains rich in Native culture, with countless small villages spread across the state and the larger ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka all boasting sizeable, vibrant Native communities. Taking in the museums and cultural centres of the bigger towns or exploring the towering totem poles in smaller communities is a wonderful way to discover the rich culture and remarkable artistry of the Native peoples.