Wilderness, Whales & Northern Lights: 10 Epic Things to Do in Alaska (Plus Hidden Gems & Where to Stay!)"

Introduction:

Alaska — where the bears are beefy, the glaciers are bold, and the moose have more attitude than your ex. If you’ve ever dreamt of venturing into a land of untamed beauty, epic wildlife, and unforgettable adventures, this is your sign to book that trip.

From jaw-dropping glacier cruises to quirky ghost towns, I’m giving you the top 10 must-do things in Alaska, hidden gems most tourists miss, and where to stay to soak it all up. Buckle up, buttercup — Alaska is calling.

Top 10 Things to See & Do in Alaska

1. Glacier Bay National Park
An absolute must. Witness glaciers crashing into icy waters, spot humpback whales, and explore by kayak or cruise.
Book transport hassle-free with KiwiTaxi or a rental car from EconomyBookings.

2. Northern Lights in Fairbanks
From August to April, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis.
Grab your Alaska adventure essentials with WayAway and find cozy stays on Hotellook.

3. Denali National Park & Preserve
Home to North America’s highest peak. Hike, drive, or take a tour bus deep into bear, moose, and caribou country.
Insider tip: Stay nearby at charming lodges you can book via Trip.

4. Whale Watching in Juneau
Humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions galore. Don’t skip this marine magic!
Reserve a tour on Tiqets.

5. Dog Sledding Adventures
Whether it’s winter mushing or summer training rides, it’s a thrill you’ll never forget.
Pro hack: Book activities easily with WeGoTrip.

6. Kenai Fjords National Park
Massive glaciers, remote fjords, and puffins await you.
Rent a bike or scooter with BikesBooking for a unique way to explore nearby towns.

7. Mendenhall Ice Caves
Explore otherworldly blue ice caverns near Juneau. Bucket list certified.

8. Sitka National Historical Park
A mix of native Tlingit culture, Russian history, and stunning totem poles.

9. Chena Hot Springs Resort
Soak in natural hot springs and maybe catch the Northern Lights while sipping a cocktail.

10. Anchorage’s Coastal Trail
Rent a bike and cruise the scenic 11-mile trail along the coast for moose sightings and city views.
Use LocalRent for a ride.

Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss

• McCarthy & Kennecott Ghost Town
  Old mining towns turned quirky destinations.
  
  

• Hatcher Pass
  Stunning alpine hikes without the crowds.
  
  

• Eklutna Lake
  Peaceful kayaking and trails off the tourist radar.
  
  

Where to Stay in Alaska

• Luxury: Alyeska Resort (Girdwood)
  
  

• Budget-Friendly: Inlet Tower Hotel (Anchorage)
  
  

• Quirky Stay: Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks, glass-ceiling igloos for Aurora views!)
  Book them all via Hotellook or compare options with Trip.
  
  

Travel Smart in Alaska

• Stay Connected: Grab a local eSIM via Airalo or DrimSim.
  
  

• Protect Your Trip: Get travel insurance with VisitorsCoverage.
  
  

• Book Transfers in Advance: Use GetTransfer or Intui.
  
  

Affiliate Disclosure:

Heads up, fellow adventurers — this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). It keeps my coffee fund full and my adventures coming. Thanks for your support!

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