8 Fun Things You Won't Want to Miss on a Trip to Alaska
This week we have a very special guest, my son Max! Max just moved home after living in Alaska for 2 years. In this episode, he will share some Alaska highlights you won’t want to miss!
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Here are some of Max’s favorite Alaskan activities!
Dog sledding
There are so many companies that will take you dog sledding through the snow. This is an adventure that you and your family won’t forget!
This is typically a safe activity and should be okay for younger, but maybe not super little kids. Max says anyone with balance would be good to ride
Iditarod Dog Sled Race
If you happen to be in Alaska during the Iditarod Race, you’ll want to find a spot to watch it!
There is always a ceremonial start the day before the race in Anchorage, but it officially starts in a town called Willow the next day. If you have time to drive out to Willow, Max says it’s worth the trek! There are food vendors, live music, and events in town for the start of the race.
The next Iditarod Race will be March 2-17, 2024.
Northern Lights
If you want to see the Northern Lights, head to Fairbanks in the winter for the best views!
Max was living in Anchorage during the winter and was able to see them a few times from there as well.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to time your trip around seeing the Northern Lights, as they’re not always guaranteed to be seen.
Hiking
This trail is located just south of Anchorage. The trailhead is easily accessible from the highway.
This trail has great views of an ocean inlet and beautiful mountains.
There are tons of awesome trails from this same trailhead!
Another 20 minutes south of the Turnagain Arm Trail to Girdwood to find Chutes and Ladders.
This trail is very technical and not recommended for young kids. But if your kids are older and you love an adventure, it might be worth checking out!
The trail has tons of ladders and ropes to help you climb over rocks and through the forest.
There are hikes for all levels! You can do anything from nature walks to huge expeditions
Visit Denali National Park
This National Park is so beautiful and has lots to explore!
You can take plane or helicopter tours to see the Park from above.
Go on hikes or nature walks
You can also take a tour bus to easily get around the Park.
Snowmobiling
If you’re there in the winter, you might want to try snowmobiling if you have older kids.
Ride through forests and over frozen lakes!
You can rent snowmobiles from many different rental companies.
Hunting and Fishing
Alaska is an amazing place to visit if your family likes hunting or fishing.
You can go ice fishing in the winter, or deep sea fishing most of the year.
There are companies that will help you to ship fish you catch back home to eat later!
Barrow, Alaska (AKA Utqiagvik)
This is the northernmost settlement in the United States. Most people probably won’t make it here to visit since it’s extremely remote and only accessible by plane.
In the summer Barrow experiences 24 hours of sunlight, and in the winter, 24 hours of darkness.
Only about 5,000 people live here, most being Natives and transplant workers.
If you want to visit, most people only stay for 24 hours and stay in the local hotel. Tour companies can pick you up and take you back to the airport the next day
During their whaling season, the Natives put on a huge festival to celebrate the whales. This year the festival was in early June.
Ride the trains
Many trains leave from Anchorage.
This is a way to travel through and experience Alaska without having to drive yourself.
Some locals will just ride the trains for something fun to do!
If you’re headed to Alaska and want more information about visiting, reach out to me on Instagram @thistraveltribe!