What you should pack for Alaska tours will depend on when you’re travelling and what you plan on doing during your holiday. Whatever the season, Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature. Make sure you bring suitable clothing for the specific activities you’ll be taking part in, especially waterproof walking boots, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and comfortable trousers.
From immense glaciers and sprawling forests to indigenous wildlife and culture, Alaska is one of Mother Nature’s greatest creations. Hiding among the awe-inspiring national parks is an array of magnificent creatures. In Denali National Park, you might be lucky enough to spot Alaska’s Big 5, comprising caribou, Dall sheep, moose, bear and wolves. The Kenai Fjords National Park is also a paradise for nature lovers and is home to a series of dramatic fjords and glaciers, including the spectacular Harding Icefield Trail. A cruise around Resurrection Bay gives you the rare opportunity to spot sealions, harbour seals, orcas and humpback whales.
Tours of Alaska provide endless opportunities to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitats. Denali National Park is a prime destination, home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose and more. The Kenai Fjords National Park boasts stunning glaciers and diverse marine life, including humpback whales and sea otters. For a totally unique wildlife experience, kayak alongside playful sea lions and orcas in Resurrection Bay. If you want to see bears in the wild, hike to Russian River Falls where you’ll find salmon leaping upstream and hungry bears eager to catch them.
Alaska is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights because of its proximity to the North Pole and its clear, dark skies. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the ethereal lights are most commonly seen during the winter months, when the nights are long and dark, in locations like Fairbanks, Anchorage and the Arctic Circle. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere and an eruption of neon-coloured beams dance across the dark sky.
The local foods of Alaska are diverse and unique, reflecting the region’s cold climate and rich natural resources. Some traditional foods include salmon, halibut, crab, moose, caribou and wild berries such as blueberries and cranberries. These foods have been sources of nutrition for Alaska native communities for generations and continue to be an important part of the local diet. Alaska is also known for its fresh seafood and is one of the top producers in the United States.