Cultural Discovery

Alaska Native Art, Cultural & Historic Landmarks

Some of the most inspiring and memorable experiences you will take from your Alaska travels is connecting with local cultures. Learn the history and geology of the places you visit and understand the unique Alaska cultures that have evolved in America’s Last Frontier. The state has experienced many significant cultural transitions – from the Russian era to its acquisition by the United States, acting as a strategic outpost in World War II, to the Gold Rush and then the oil boom.

Alaska’s cultural tours showcase a fascinating blend of Alaska Native history, Russian heritage, Gold Rush history, and modern “Alaskana” lifestyles. Many of Alaska’s cultural tours combine Alaska Native and non-Native cultures in informative tours that bring Alaska’s history to life. Alaska historical tours take visitors back in time to experience significant events like the Klondike Gold Rush, the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, or life in a salmon cannery in the early 1900s.

A large part of what makes Alaska unforgettable is its heartbeat of Alaska Native culture. Alaska Native cultural tours highlight the indigenous people unique to the area, possibly including dance performances in Southcentral or demonstrations of traditional practices like totem carving in the Southeast.

There is indeed a living legacy of Alaska’s vibrant history in the state’s Alaska Native people and the heritage of Alaska’s earliest residents. Alaska’s cultural experiences are accessible for you to discover – they are woven into every corner of the state, preserved, protected, and even reflected in modern Alaska life, which you can experience on a city sightseeing tour.

Enjoy exploring and experiencing Alaska’s history and culture, past and present!

 

Choose from 78 vacations in Alaska related to Cultural Discovery

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Columbia Glacier Cruise

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn... Browse itinerary

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people on a train looking at Alaskan scenery through dome-car windows; one woman holds a map of Alaska

Relax Alaska

Great for travelers looking to explore Alaska at a relaxed pace. This tour starts in Anchorage and combines travel by train and motor coach between Seward and Fairbanks, ending with a scheduled flight from Fairbanks returning to Anchorage.... Browse itinerary

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Northern Lights & Iditarod
a sled dog team in booties and jackets starts along a city street lined with spectators

Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

This comprehensive Alaska winter travel experience begins with sightseeing in Fairbanks, including a great chance to see the northern lights. Departing from Fairbanks, travel by motorcoach to the historic town of Healy on the outskirts of Denali National... Browse itinerary

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sled dogs mushing through a downtown city street

Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

All things Iditarod! Attend the Musher’s Banquet, visit a kennel, meet an Iditarod champion, and watch the ceremonial start and official start of the Last Great Race! Travel by van or coach from Anchorage: Tour Anchorage, the Anchorage... Browse itinerary

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Glacier Discovery Train and Guided Walk

This Anchorage day trip departs in the morning on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for a 3.5-hour ride along Cook Inlet’s spectacular Turnagain Arm to Spencer Glacier in the Chugach National Forest.  Upon arrival at Spencer Lake,... Browse itinerary

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Iditarod Race Official Start Tour

Based in Anchorage for five nights, this Iditarod experience begins with the ceremonial start on snow-covered city streets, where you can have up-close viewing of this unique dog sledding event. The next day, travel to the community of... Browse itinerary

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UNIQUE Experiences
two canoes at a dock in Pederson Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska Lodge Driving Tour

Travel to off-the-beaten-path locations, including overnights at wilderness lodges and inns that offer options for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. The touring route includes a spectacular flight into the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and the... Browse itinerary

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Unique Itinerary
a person standing next to a wooden sign reading "Arctic Circle, Dalton Highway, Alaska, Latitude 66, 33"

An Alaskan Odyssey

This unique itinerary takes you from the North Pacific waters of Prince William Sound to the Arctic coast near Prudhoe Bay. This itinerary is for independent travelers seeking a chance to see the incredible diversity of Alaska, from... Browse itinerary

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Young Couple View Denali And The Alaska Range In Denali National Park Alaska Summer

Alaska Explorer Guided Bus Tour

The Alaska Explorer Tour is a one-way, guided group bus tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali and Talkeetna. The Alaska Explorer tour is ideal for a pre-cruise land tour in Alaska. You’ll begin your fun... Browse itinerary

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