Alaska

A Cultural Introduction to Alaska

Alaska is America's Last Frontier - a vast, untamed wilderness that dwarfs all other states combined. With over 600,000 square miles of pristine landscapes, Alaska offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on Earth: towering glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, dense old-growth forests, and a coastline longer than all other U.S. states combined.

Alaska's indigenous cultures - Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Athabascan, Yup'ik, Inupiaq, and Aleut - have called this land home for thousands of years. Their art, traditions, and deep connection to the natural world continue to shape the state's identity. The Gold Rush legacy adds another fascinating chapter to Alaska's colorful history.

Things to Do

Glacier Experiences

Witness the dramatic calving of Hubbard Glacier or Margerie Glacier from a cruise ship deck, helicopter to a glacier for a guided ice trek, or kayak among the icebergs of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Wildlife Encounters

Watch brown bears fish for salmon at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, spot humpback whales breaching in the Inside Passage, see bald eagles soaring over the Chilkat River, or observe moose and caribou in Denali National Park.

Northern Lights

From September through March, Alaska offers spectacular displays of the aurora borealis. Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to view this natural phenomenon, with clear, dark skies far from city lights.

Places to Go

Denali National Park - Home to North America's tallest peak (20,310 feet), with incredible wildlife viewing, backcountry hiking, and a single 92-mile road that offers access to true wilderness.

Inside Passage - A protected waterway along Alaska's southeastern coast, perfect for cruising past glaciers, rainforests, and charming port towns like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

Juneau - Alaska's capital city, accessible only by sea or air, offers Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tours, and the historic gold mining district.

Kenai Peninsula - A more accessible wilderness experience with world-class fishing, Kenai Fjords National Park, and the charming town of Seward.

Fairbanks - Gateway to the Arctic, famous for Northern Lights viewing, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and Chena Hot Springs.

Local Dining Must-Tries

Wild Alaskan Salmon - King salmon, sockeye, and silver salmon are caught fresh from pristine rivers and prepared grilled, smoked, or as sashimi-grade delicacies.

King Crab Legs - Massive, sweet Alaskan king crab legs, steamed and served with drawn butter. Best enjoyed in a waterfront restaurant in Juneau or Ketchikan.

Reindeer Sausage - A uniquely Alaskan specialty, often served grilled on a bun from street vendors in Anchorage. Lean, flavorful, and unlike anything you will find in the Lower 48.

Halibut Fish & Chips - Fresh-caught Pacific halibut, beer-battered and fried, served with thick-cut fries. Available at nearly every waterfront eatery.

Birch Syrup - Alaska's answer to maple syrup, with a more complex, slightly savory flavor. Try it on pancakes or in a glaze on wild salmon.