Explore majestic Alaska
Discover America’s “Last Frontier.” With its dramatic landscapes, captivating history and rich cultural heritage, Alaska offers abundant opportunities for travelers seeking to indulge their curiosity and wonder. Read on to learn about a scenic Alaskan city known for its thriving fishing industry, gain insight into the enduring traditions of the Tlingit people and delve into the captivating experiences that nature enthusiasts can enjoy during a visit to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Alaska
Alaska, the largest state in the US, is known for its diverse landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty. Spanning over 663,000 sq mi (1,717,162 sq km), it is renowned for its vast wilderness, pristine lakes, towering mountains and magnificent glaciers. Purchased by the US from Russia in 1867, the so-called “Seward’s Folly” proved to be a valuable asset to America due to its gold and oil resources. Alaska’s remote location and varied terrain—from the waterways of the Inside Passage to its impressive national parks—make it a destination unlike any other.
The weather in Alaska can vary greatly depending on the time of year, and due to its size and geographical diversity. Southern coastal regions experience mild, wet weather for the majority of the year, while the interior can have extreme fluctuations, with cold winters and warm summers. The northernmost parts of the state experience polar conditions in the fall and winter months and short, cool summers. The diverse climate of the 49th state supports a rich variety of wildlife, including bears, caribou, moose, gray wolves, salmon, sea otters and humpback whales, just to name a few. Here are some other must-see sights in Alaska:
- Denali National Park is home to the iconic Mount Denali (also known as Mount McKinley), which stands at 20,310 ft (6,190 m). The park is famous for its abundant wildlife, glacial lakes and breathtaking wilderness landscapes.
- Mendenhall Glacier, located near Juneau, offers awe-inspiring views and opportunities for hiking and kayaking.
- The Inside Passage is a coastal route that winds through a network of islands and fjords, providing stunning scenery and access to charming towns like Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka.
- The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous peoples through exhibits, performances and interactive experiences.
- Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located along the Chilkat River near Skagway, is a refuge for several hundred bald eagles and other wildlife.
- Kenai Fjords National Park offers visitors access to the dramatic beauty of glaciers flowing into the sea and the opportunity to explore a rich marine ecosystem.
Alaska's natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking to explore its pristine landscapes and unique traditions. Whether you are drawn to its majestic mountains, serene glaciers or vibrant wildlife, Alaska offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
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Cuisine—Ketchikan, “The Salmon Capital of the World”
Ketchikan proudly—and deservedly—holds the title of the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This picturesque Alaskan town, nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, is renowned for its abundant salmon population and fishing culture. The significance of salmon to Ketchikan and the broader Alaskan community cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in traditional Indigenous ways of life, regional cuisine and the local ecosystem.
Salmon has been a staple in Native Alaskan diets for millennia. Today, the fish features prominently in both traditional dishes and modern culinary creations. Whether it is grilled, baked, pan-seared or poached, salmon is celebrated for its rich flavor and nutritional value. The annual Ketchikan Salmon Derby is a testament to the community's deep connection to the fish, drawing anglers from near and far to compete and celebrate the town’s fishing heritage.
Beyond its culinary importance, salmon is integral to the Alaskan ecosystem. These fish are a keystone species, meaning their presence significantly impacts the environment. Salmon provide essential nutrients to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, eagles and other fish species.
Preservation efforts are vital to ensuring the sustainability of salmon populations in Ketchikan and throughout Alaska. Organizations and government agencies work to protect salmon habitats, regulate fishing practices and monitor population health. Initiatives such as habitat restoration, hatchery programs and sustainable fishing regulations aim to balance the needs of the fishing industry with the long-term health of salmon populations. Alaska’s commitment to celebrating and protecting salmon will allow the region’s ecosystem, and its stunning array of wildlife, to continue to thrive.
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Culture—The resilient Tlingit of Alaska
The Tlingit people, indigenous to the southeastern region of Alaska and parts of British Columbia and the Yukon, have a rich and multifaceted culture that has thrived for thousands of years. Known as the “People of the Tides,” the Tlingit have a deep connection to the coastal environment, which has shaped their way of life, traditions and social structures.
The early Tlingits were skilled traders and navigators, establishing extensive trade networks with neighboring tribes, and later, European and Russian settlers. Their economy was primarily based on fishing, particularly salmon, which remains a cornerstone of their diet and culture today.
Art and spirituality are deeply intertwined in Tlingit communities. Totem poles, intricately carved and painted, serve as historical records and symbols of clan lineage. Ketchikan today boasts the state’s largest collection of totem poles, which can be viewed at Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park. These poles, along with other creations like canoes, feast dishes and weavings, are imbued with spiritual significance and reflect the Tlingit's reverence for nature, as well as their ingenuity.
The Tlingit have a rich oratory tradition, with stories and songs passed down through generations to preserve their history and identity. Today, the Tlingit continue to celebrate and preserve their heritage while adapting to modern life. Efforts to revitalize the Tlingit language and cultural practices are ongoing, with community programs, festivals and educational initiatives playing a crucial role. Despite challenges posed by historical suppression and modern influences, Tlingit culture remains resilient and alive—a testament to the enduring spirit of these proud people.
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Nature—Alaska’s largest national park
"Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in Alaska. Located in south-central Alaska and covering more than 13 million acres, it is the largest national park in the US. It encompasses the Wrangell Mountains and a significant portion of the Saint Elias Mountains.
The Saint Elias Mountains’ highest point is Mount Logan, the second-tallest mountain in North America. Officially designated as protected land in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, the park has been shaped by the forces of volcanism and glaciation, resulting in a landscape of towering peaks, expansive glaciers and rugged terrain.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including caribou, moose, wolves, bald eagles, foxes and bears. Aquatic life is also abundant, with harbor seals, sea lions, whales (orcas and humpbacks) and salmon populating the waters.
Some other interesting facts about Wrangell-St. Elias National Park include:
- Each July, Wrangell hosts Alaska Bearfest, a five-day festival featuring music, arts and excursions to observe black and brown bears in their natural habitat.
- Spectacular glaciers within the park include the Malaspina Glacier, the largest piedmont glacier in North America, and the Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska.
- The abandoned mine buildings and mills of Kennecott, now a National Historic Landmark that can be toured by visitors, offer a glimpse into the region's rich mining history.
- Visitors can also explore the Chief Shakes Historic Site, which features totem poles and a traditional Tlingit tribal house.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is one of Alaska’s greatest treasures, offering unparalleled opportunities for adventure and wildlife observation in a stunning natural setting. Whether hiking, fishing or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, this park is a magnificent destination for nature enthusiasts.
Alaska Highlights
Discover a land of lush forests, misty fjords and mountain-ringed seaside towns. A journey through Alaska reveals the rich heritage of its Indigenous peoples, a Wild West spirit forged by early prospectors and unforgettable scenery that must be seen up close to be truly appreciated. Here are a few of the memorable highlights that Alaska has to offer visitors:
- Awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park
- Fresh Alaskan cuisine, such as crab and wild salmon
- 19th-century gold rush history in Skagway
- Majestic wilderness and wildlife of Kodiak Island
- Scenic White Pass summit by luxury railcar
- A whale-watching cruise in Juneau
- Indigenous history and cultural traditions
- Tongass National Forest, the largest forest in the US
Destination Insight Videos
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Journey to Sitka for a tour of the Alaska Raptor Center (10:17)
Join us as we explore the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured birds that guests can visit in Sitka on our Alaska & the Inside Passage itinerary. Meet some of the birds who have been rescued by the center, including bald eagles, golden eagles and snowy owls, and learn how the injured raptors are treated and taken care of before being released back into the wild.
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Encounter Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat with Scott Ranger of the Gastineau Guiding Company (15:50)
Marvel at Orcas, humpback whales and other magnificent wildlife as we explore Alaska's coastline with Scott Ranger from the Gastineau Guiding Company. In this fascinating presentation, hear tales about their whale watching excursions, designed to collect data and support ongoing research.
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Embark on a guided tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center (22:38)
Get a rare look at a remarkable variety of marine life as we embark on a guided tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center. Opened in the Alaskan city of Seward in 1998, the center is housed in a world-class facility and operates as a research institution and public aquarium.
Alaska Travel FAQ
All-Inclusive Itineraries—Alaska
Choose one of our enriching, all-inclusive voyages and discover the many benefits of exploring in Viking comfort.
Alaska & the Inside Passage
North Pacific Passage
Grand Pacific Explorer
