Alaska is known as one of the best places in the world for wilderness and adventure holidays and with good reason – its combination of mountains, glaciers, rugged coastline and large stretches of uninhabited land makes it perfect for those looking to get back to nature.
When it comes to booking Alaska holidays, you will probably find that the summer months are the most favourable when it comes to carrying out the widest range of adventure activities – although that is not to say that you won’t find plenty to do during the winter.
Among the activities on offer are sea kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, dog sledding and climbing – depending on which areas you visit.
The national parks provide the most popular destinations for people seeking outdoor adventures so you may want to begin your break in one of these wilderness areas.
If you want to get a feel for the Alaskan coastline then the Kenai Fjords National Park is the place to go. You will more than likely find yourself based in the small town of Seaward, where you will have easy access to the shores via boat and kayak.
To get an overview of the area and its wildlife, you may find that a cruise is the best option. From the deck you will be able to watch as miles of untamed coastline rolls by, along with icebergs. In the distance, you will also be able to make out the glaciers and mountains found in this region.
If you are lucky and time your visit right, you may be able to spot some of the large marine mammals that can be found in the waters off Alaska. Among them are minke and humpback whales, orcas and stellar sea lions.
Other residents often found along the coast are sea otters and bald eagles, but you will really need to keep your eyes open if you want to catch a glimpse of the former.
Of course, sea kayaks are another excellent way to see the coastline and you will be amazed by the peace and quiet as you paddle further away from civilisation. It is strongly advisable to head out on these excursions with a guide who knows the waters due to the changeable nature of the weather.
A guide will also be able to lead you to the best landing spots, giving you the chance to stretch your legs and explore some of the beaches and coves you see along the way.
Back on dry land, there is also plenty to see and do, from stunning forest trails, to hikes to see a glacier in all its glory.
While you could quite easily spend your entire Alaska adventure holidays in one national park, there are so many to explore that it would be a shame to restrict yourself to one area.
Denali National Park is one of the most famous – and most visited – reserves in Alaska, partly because it is home to the highest peak in North America – Mount McKinley.
This impressive mountain stands at over 20,000 ft in height and the particularly impressive thing about the landmark is that its base is at an elevation of just 2,000 ft, which means that over 18,000 ft of rock, glaciers and snow rises up from the ground making for an impressive sight.
Hiking is a great way to experience Denali National Park, with numerous trails on offer, giving you the chance to explore at your own pace. As with all wilderness regions in Alaska, you will also find that it is home to a wide range of creatures, including wolves, bears, moose and caribou.
For a truly spectacular end to your trip, you may want to splash out and book a flight over some of Alaska’s glaciers and mountains. Taking to the skies will give you an opportunity to see the area in a different light – and truly appreciate the size of its wilderness regions.
But Alaska isn’t just about its wilderness and spending time in its largest city, Anchorage, could be the perfect way to experience the contrast of modern life with nature. Home to half of the state’s population, it is a thriving metropolis where you can expect to find a host of amenities and attractions.