What to do in Alaska: the must-see experiences to have during your trip

Nicknamed the 'last frontier', Alaska fascinates with its vastness and preserved wild beauty. Millennia-old glaciers, exceptional national parks, the Northern Lights, and wildlife in their purest state: this American state ranks among the world's most spectacular destinations. Whether you're seeking adventure, breathtaking landscapes, or rare experiences far from the usual tourist trails, visiting Alaska means treating yourself to a unique encounter at the edge of the world. Here are the activities and places not to be missed at all costs during your trip to Alaska.

Why does Alaska offer such a unique travel experience?

Even before mentioning places to visit, it's worth understanding what truly sets Alaska apart. It's not only the size of this state—the largest in the United States—nor the presence of one of the highest peaks in North America. Above all, it's an atmosphere—the vast, pristine wilderness—where nature imposes its own rules.

From preserved vast open spaces to unparalleled grandeur

Alaska alone accounts for half of the world's glaciers, millions of hectares of wild nature, and exceptional biodiversity. Here, bears roam freely along salmon rivers, humpback whales glide through unsuspected fjords, and moose sometimes cross the streets of Anchorage. It is precisely this contrast between vastness and thriving life that makes every moment of discovery unforgettable.

The Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States with its 17 million hectares in southeastern Alaska, embodies this scale. Between its century-old spruce trees, its fjords and waterfalls, it represents one of the best-preserved temperate rainforest ecosystems on the planet.

A destination tailored for all types of travelers.

Contrary to popular belief, visiting Alaska is not limited to seasoned adventurers. Families will find experiences that are suitable and safe there, notably in national parks designed for wildlife viewing. Couples seeking privacy and rare scenery will discover a form of serenity hard to match elsewhere. As for solo travelers, the vast expanses of the Last Frontier offer absolute freedom and a complete change of scenery.

What are the must-see places and activities for visiting Alaska?

Alaska is full of sites of rare beauty, but some deserve particular attention. Here is a selection of experiences that leave a lasting impression on all who have had the chance to experience them.

Denali National Park, the roof of North America

Located in the heart of the state, Denali National Park spans more than 2.4 million hectares. At its center rises Mount Denali, at an elevation of 6,194 meters, the highest peak in North America. Allow at least two days to fully enjoy the site. Bus excursions allow you to venture into the heart of the park while observing the famous 'Big Five' of Alaska: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves. Every detail of the landscape — alpine tundra, braided rivers, snow-capped peaks — contributes to making this visit an extraordinary experience.

Our advice: opt for the early morning hours, when the low-angle light and the tranquility of the place offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing.

The Kenai Peninsula and its breathtaking fjords

About three hours south of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula is one of the jewels of travel in Alaska. Kenai Fjords National Park alone brings together around forty glaciers, several of which plunge directly into the ocean. A day cruise in the Kenai Fjords is enough to see whales, sea otters, puffins, and sea lions moving about in a setting of absolute purity.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the hiking trails around Exit Glacier, accessible by car from Seward. It is one of the few places where it is possible to approach a glacier on foot, without specialized equipment, for a striking experience.

Fairbanks, the capital of the Northern Lights

Further north, Fairbanks occupies an ideal geographic position for observing the Northern Lights. Located near the Arctic Circle, the city benefits from long nights and skies that are often clear between September and April — the perfect conditions for witnessing one of the most spectacular natural phenomena there is.

In winter, dog sledding is an integral part of the local landscape. Providers offer guided outings, from a few hours to several days, in the heart of the snow-covered forests. And for a moment of serenity after the adventure, the Chena Hot Springs, about an hour from the town, offer a warm bath under the stars — or under the auroras, if luck is on your side.

Did you know? Fairbanks is considered one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights, with a probability of 80% over three consecutive nights during the season.

The glaciers and Tongass National Forest

The Juneau region, Alaska's capital accessible only by air or sea, is well worth a detour. Mendenhall Glacier, located about twenty kilometers from downtown, can be visited in half a day and remains accessible to everyone. For the more adventurous, a guided excursion into the ice caves it houses transforms the visit into a unique experience, between natural sculptures and bluish lights.

The surroundings lie within Tongass National Forest, where hiking trails wind between waterfalls and ancient forests. It is in these landscapes that the Alaskan road trip truly makes sense: every bend reveals a different panorama, every stop an encounter with the wild.

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What is the best time to plan your trip to Alaska?

Alaska is experienced differently depending on the season chosen, and each time of the year offers its own riches. Here is an overview to help you plan your trip at the best time:

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Period	Conditions	Highlights
May – September	Mild temperatures, long days	Hiking, wildlife, glaciers, fjords, road trip
October – November	First cold spells, nights lengthening	First Northern Lights, autumn colors
December – March	Extreme cold, long nights	Northern Lights, dog sledding, hot springs
April	Gentle transition	Northern Lights still visible, start of the summer season

Summer, the prime season for outdoor adventure

Entre mai et septembre, les parcs nationaux sont pleinement accessibles et la faune est particulièrement active. C'est également la période idéale pour explorer la péninsule de Kenai, embarquer sur une croisière dans les fjords ou s'aventurer sur la Dalton Highway pour un road trip mémorable. Les journées de 20 heures de lumière offrent un terrain de jeu exceptionnel pour les amateurs de plein air.

Winter, for experiencing the Northern Lights and dog sledding

From September to April, the vast Alaska wilderness transforms into a fairy-tale backdrop. The darkness of polar nights becomes a rare opportunity: to witness the Northern Lights in all their splendor. Dog sled teams then take over to explore the snowy forests, while the hot springs offer a welcome warmth in the heart of Arctic cold.

Our Travel Planners' tips: ideally combine a week of summer for the glaciers and wildlife with a short winter stay in Fairbanks for the auroras. It is the most complete way to immerse yourself in the soul of Alaska.

Book your Alaska trip now and let our experts design a tailor-made itinerary, crafted in every detail for your traveler profile.