Alaska is the northernmost and largest US state, which has long been recognized as the tourist center of America. And for a Russian tourist, Alaska is not only gold, cold and grizzlies, but also something of their own, dear. The state consists of the mainland and a large number of islands: the Alexander Archipelago, the Aleutian Islands, the Pribylov Islands, Kodiak Island, St. Lawrence Island. It is washed by the Arctic and Pacific oceans. Until now, for many people, Alaska seems to be an endless, untouched natural massif. Gorge-cut glaciers, fjords and bays are scattered along the sea coast. Winter is the sovereign mistress of this region. Therefore, people come here for adventure, extreme sports, communication with nature and coolness (the weather in Alaska is very pleasant in summer!).
- Countryaah – Cities in Alaska: List of all municipalities in the state of Alaska, including cities and towns of Alaska.
The capital of the “land of the midnight sun,” as Alaska is called, is the city of Juneau. However, this is not the largest and most famous city in the state. A favorite place for tourists from all over the world is the city of Anchorage, where everyone who wants to visit this edge of the earth with its unspoiled pristine beauty gathers.
How to get there
The most convenient transit point for traveling throughout Alaska is Anchorage, where a modern and comfortable airport has been built. Still would! It is Alaska that is considered the first place in the world in terms of the number of private jets per capita, since it is impossible to travel here by car, only by air transport, due to the lack of roads to remote parts of this northern lake state. A flight to the largest city of the state from Moscow costs from 55,000 RUB and takes from one day. By the way, you will have to fly with one or two transfers with connections in the cities of Canada, the USA or Europe, so be patient and “read” something.
Weather in Alaska
Alaska is characterized by a variety of climatic zones depending on the region. On the continental part, the climate is sharply subarctic. In summer, the temperature here reaches +30 °C, in winter it drops to -52 °C. Summers are rather dry, and there is a lot of snow in winter. However, in Juneau and Anchorage, winters are warmer than in Russia, -6…-7 °C, while summers are colder, +18…+22 °C. Summer weather in Alaska is usually very pleasant, with temperatures around +20°C on the coast and +25°C on the mainland. The idea to go from the 35-degree city heat to a place where it is only about +18…+20 °C seems extremely attractive to many compatriots. The best time to visit Alaska is from May to September. Perfect weather for outdoor adventures!
The best time to visit Alaska is from May to September.
Entertainment and attractions in Alaska
First of all, Alaska attracts with a large number of reserves and national parks with unique fauna and flora. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and lakes are everywhere! The beauty of this land is breathtaking. A mandatory item for almost all tours and cruises to Alaska is a visit to the Denali National Park, located on the highest mountain in North America – McKinley. In addition to Denali, included in the international biosphere reserve, travelers are attracted by the amazing landscapes and inhabitants of the national parks Kenai Fjord, Glacier Bay, Wrangel – St. Elias, etc.
In addition to natural wealth, Alaska is replete with cultural and historical attractions, among which such tourist sites as the State Museum of Alaska, the Museum of the North, the monument to Patsy Ann (a dog awarded the title of “Official greeter”), and others stand out.
In Alaska, waterfalls, streams, rivers and lakes are everywhere! The beauty of this land is breathtaking.
Natural attractions
More than one million tourists a year come to Alaska to visit “Denali” – the kingdom of rivers, mountains and lakes, whose rightful lord – the grizzly bear – does not hesitate to show off in all its beauty, so keep your cameras ready and tune in for an unforgettable photo session. Many tourists from all over the world flock here in the hope of seeing how grizzlies gather on the local Brooks River and catch spawning trout with their furry paws.
By the way, you don’t have to leave the city to see bears. In Alaska, they can be found even in broad daylight, freely walking on the street in search of food. Not without reason, local laws clearly state that it is forbidden to throw organic garbage into garbage cans, so as not to attract bears. And moose just walk the streets and peacefully nibble on grass and greenery. Tourists especially like to be photographed against their background.
Even in “Denali” you can meet moose, wolves and wild reindeer caribou. Excursions in the park are carried out on comfortable open buses strictly according to the schedule, and, as usual, drivers tell each other by radio where representatives of the fauna have been spotted in order to provide all photo hunters with good prey. Of course, in addition to the spectacle, a treat awaits you – during the stops, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy plenty of the delicious blueberries of the north, visiting the blueberry thickets, of which there are a huge number.
In addition to bears in Denali, you can meet moose, wolves and wild reindeer caribou.
On the territory of the park is the highest peak of America – McKinley (6193 m). A huge and snowy mountain will surprise you with stunning views and a feeling of freedom and lightness. Every year, an average of 1300 climbers attempt to climb the mountain, about 40% succeed.
If you dream of touching the harsh, cold nature of Alaska, you will love a trip to the glaciers that are located in the Kenai Fjords. Only here there is a northern exotic that cannot be seen in other places – real blue ice that adorns the cold waters of the local bay. Be sure to capture on camera the giant sea otters resting on their backs, which are found in abundance here, and, having rounded the Kenai Peninsula, get to the small cozy fishing town of Homer, where a colony of real hippies has settled. There they have their own commune, which is rightfully famous for its world-famous art galleries. It’s indecent to leave here without a picture, and they cost a little.
You don’t need to go on a tour to see all the whales, from beluga whales and killer whales to humpback whales, most of which can be observed from the shore – and very close!
Monuments of history and culture
When traveling in Alaska, be sure to visit the state capital of Juneau, Anchorage and the town of Ketchikan.
One of the most picturesque cities in North America and the capital of Alaska, Juneau was founded during the gold rush, and today tourists are offered to visit many gold mines and get acquainted with the history and technology of gold mining in Alaska, do not miss the opportunity to feel like a prospector in the Klondike.
In Juneau, the capital of Alaska, don’t miss the opportunity to feel like a prospector in the Klondike.
In Anchorage, surrounded by national parks on all sides, it is interesting to see not only the northern lights, but also the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Museum of History and Arts, the Aviation Museum and the seaport. By the way, Anchorage is called “the city of light in winter and the city of flowers in summer,” so if you travel in the summer, instead of the northern lights, you will be pleased with the variety of colors and aromas of Anchorage’s flowering streets.
Many local hotels provide a northern lights wake up call service, which will wake you up if the northern lights appear.
Ketchikan is an ancient Indian settlement, which houses national cultural and historical parks that allow you to get acquainted with the past and present of the Indian culture of this region. It houses remarkable collections of Native American art, including amazing totem pole collections, and reconstructed Indian living conditions. Of particular interest is the nature around Ketchikan: mysterious foggy fjords, granite rocks, wet rainforests, 300-meter waterfalls and mountain lakes with crystal water. Ketchikan is also a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the wildlife of the region: see black bears (baribals), bald eagles, sea lions and fur seals.
Extreme vacation
Holidays in Alaska are also interesting for thrill-seekers. After all, there are all conditions for such entertainment as winter fishing, kayaking, rafting, etc.
Holidays in Alaska are also interesting for thrill-seekers.
You can ride a dog sled on a glacier (that’s what real glaciers are called), go scuba diving in a dry suit, or ice climb, rock climb, aerated stream rafting, mountain biking, and even fly seaplanes through some of the most amazing fjords on the globe.. Whatever you choose, you will certainly be delighted with what Alaska has to offer.
