Did you know that an estimated 2.26 million visitors traveled to Alaska just between May and September 2019?
According to National Geographic, one of the most magical places to watch the magnificent Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, is none other than Alaska. The state boasts of having 6,640 miles of coastline and 33, 904 miles of shoreline, including the islands. It is also home to around 100,000 glaciers, picturesque landscapes, and rich wildlife.
Alaska is an extraordinary travel destination. Here are some of the things you should do in your future Alaska trips:
1. Watch the amazing Northern Lights
Of course, number one on the must-do list is to see the Northern Lights. The Northern lights or aurora borealis is a stunning show of nature, which displays bright, colorful dancing lights across the sky. You will see beautiful shades of green, blue, red, yellow, and even violet sweeping the sky with an eerie and mysterious glow. Fairbanks is the go-to city to enjoy this supernatural phenomenon, especially during the months of late August to mid-April.
2. Hike your way through the Denali National Park and Preserve
A visit to Denali National Park and Preserve is a requirement during your stay in Alaska. Home of the highest mountain peak in Northern America, this park will not only overwhelm you with the greatness of the mountain range but will also satiate your thirst for wildlife and nature. It is the perfect place for your much-needed immersion with nature. If hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and biking is what you’re looking for, this park is the best place to do it.
3. Marvel at the greatness of massive glaciers
The remote capital, Juneau, is accessible by boat or seaplane. It features huge and vast glaciers, which include the gigantic 12 mile-long Mendenhall Glacier and even the bigger Tracy Arm Fjord that extends up to over 30 miles.
Juneau is not the only place for you to enjoy the sights of these magnificent glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is another excellent place for you to experience the wonder of nature.
4. Get up close and personal with the whales of Alaska
There is something graceful and hypnotic when whales break the ocean surface to throw themselves in the air. Eight species of whales are common inhabitants of the cold, icy waters of Alaska. You will usually see the humpback, Grey, Orca, Beluga, Bowhead, Blue, Right, and Minke whales frolicking across the waters enjoying themselves. With enough patience, you might even see all of them on your trip.
5.Immerse yourself with the untamed wildlife
Come face-to-face (but through a safe distance, of course) with the brown bears of Katmai National Park and Preserve. You can also watch the American bald eagle and bears of Haines and the killer whales of Resurrection Bay. Alaska is home to vast wildlife, which will keep you busy for days.
6. Christmas is not only for children
Revive the child in you and visit the Christmas-decorated small city of North Pole. This city is famous for its year-round Christmas decorations, from walls peppered with children’s letters to Santa and street lights masquerading as candy canes to large Santa Claus statues.
Alaska is beauty beyond compare. Whether it’s for relaxation, heart-thumping activities, or just a place to lose yourself and meditate, Alaska is there for you. Go on. No one’s stopping you, make that Alaska trip happen soon.
