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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Alaska by Rail Tour

Travel the entire Alaska Railroad in just nine days! Take the train from Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Cruise to an active glacier, jet boat on the Talkeetna River, view wildlife in Denali National Park and... Browse itinerary

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Best Seller
a GMC vehicle and a moose on a paved road in Alaska

All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

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a moose stands in front of a mountain

Turnagain Turnaround Tour

On this Anchorage day tour, travel with a small group along Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Your driver will pick you up from your Anchorage hotel and take you south along the Seward... Browse itinerary

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Iditarod Starting Line Event

On this day tour from Anchorage, experience the official start of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Every year hundreds of people line the streets of Willow Lake just north of Anchorage for the start of this iconic... Browse itinerary

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a group of people learning how to pan for gold

Circle Alaska Adventure Tour

Ride the Alaska Railroad, explore Denali National Park, search for gold, meet a sled dog team, and much more! Travel abroad on the Alaska Railroad to Denali and Fairbanks and by car to Valdez, Seward, and Anchorage. We... Browse itinerary

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Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour

This day tour from Talkeetna treats you to a scenic journey aboard a 15- to 52-passenger jetboat on the Susitna River. It will allow you to experience wildlife, folklore, and historical artifacts. Conditions permitting, enjoy the panoramic view... Browse itinerary

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two women, one pointing, on the viewing platform of an Alaska Railroad train

Alaska Railroad Adventure

Touring Alaska by train is a relaxing way to experience all that the Great Land has to offer. Designed for independent travelers and train enthusiasts this tour utilizes several segments of the Alaska Railroad. This round trip itinerary... Browse itinerary

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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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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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Fairbanks Highlights Tour

This guided “Fairbanks Highlights” day tour brings you to the best attractions of the Alaskan city of Fairbanks. During the tour, you will visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, where you will find exhibits about Fairbanks and Interior... Browse itinerary

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Bird Creek ATV Backcountry Tour

Access Alaska’s backcountry on an ATV day tour out of Anchorage or Girdwood! To begin your day trip, you’ll drive to Bird Creek, located on the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood, and an area with a maze... Browse itinerary

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Gates of the Arctic Air Adventure

This flightseeing trip from Fairbanks in the evening takes you to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Arctic Region.  You will first fly from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle.  During... Browse itinerary

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Fairbanks Winter Dog Sledding Tour

This Fairbanks tour is full of dog sledding adventure and fun. Experienced guides showcase their Alaska sled dogs and share insights into Alaska’s unique dog mushing lifestyle and popular winter sport. Then spend 1-hour on the trails! Learn... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike with Kennecott Mill Tour

On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott’s history and landscapes on this hiking and sightseeing combination tour!  First, enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue... Browse itinerary

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Caribou Lodge

This fly-in-only lodge is accessible just 15 minutes from Talkeetna with views of mountain Denali. A visit includes various hiking options to explore the area daily, kayaking, or canoeing on the lake. Enjoy home-cooked meals served in the... Browse itinerary

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People at a log-cabin lodge watching a float-plane take off from an adjacent lake

Redoubt Bay Lodge

Departing from Anchorage's Lake Hood, it is just a 50-minute flight by seaplane over Cook Inlet to the entrance of Lake Clark Pass. Nested in a 171,000-acre critical habitat area, Redoubt Bay Lodge has three rustic cabins and... Browse itinerary

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Experience Kodiak Island

Fly from Anchorage on a scheduled flight, then embark on an excursion aboard a classic seaplane to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Island's scenic coastline and soaring mountain peaks. Kodiak is the second largest Island in... Browse itinerary

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Bettles Lodge Summer Experience

Fly from Fairbanks along the Yukon River to the foothills of Alaska's Brooks Range. Bettles Lodge offers simple but comfortable accommodations and genuine hospitality for all guests. Included is a guided tour of Bettles and the small village... Browse itinerary

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Orca Adventure Lodge

Start in Anchorage with a scheduled flight over glacier-carved Chugach mountains to Cordova's quaint historic fishing town. On arrival, transfer to the lodge and settle into one of the 40 cozy guest rooms for two nights. The lodge... Browse itinerary

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Hurricane Gulch Train Excursion

On this Talkeetna day tour, ride the Alaska Railroad on one of America’s last “flag stop” trains on the Hurricane Turn Train—the train route threads from Talkeetna along the Susitna River and through the Indian River Canyon. The... Browse itinerary

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several wooden rocking chairs on a wooden deck overlooking the Kenai River in Alaska

Kenai Riverside Lodge

Transfer provided to Cooper Landing, just a 2-hour scenic drive from Anchorage. The lodge sits on the upper reaches of the Kenai River, a world-renowned for wild salmon and trophy trout fishing. This riverside retreat is the perfect... Browse itinerary

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Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Fly from Fairbanks across the tremendous interior region of Alaska, landing 35 miles across the Arctic Circle in the remote outpost of Bettles. The area surrounding Bettles boasts many clear sky nights and sits directly below the aurora... Browse itinerary

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Ice Fishing Day Tour from Fairbanks

Today you will be picked up from your Fairbanks hotel for a full day of guided Alaska lake ice fishing.  Learn traditional Alaska Native skills and techniques for ice fishing from experienced ice fishing guides.  While catching fish... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Winter Photo Safari

If you’re going to be in Anchorage this winter, a photography day tour is a fun experience for amateur to avid photographers alike to learn about Anchorage’s many attractions! This 4-hour sightseeing tour with your camera is a... Browse itinerary

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Resurrection Bay Kayaking Tour

This kayaking tour from Seward is a fun and adventuresome way to explore the spectacular beauty of Resurrection Bay!  Your kayaking tour starts with a transfer from Seward Small Boat Harbor to Lowell Point, where you board your... Browse itinerary

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Wilderness Dogsledding Ride & Tour

This Seward  day trip provides an Alaska dog sledding “insider’s tour.” Tour Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s Iditarod Racing Kennel, meet famous sled dogs, cuddle adorable puppies, dress up as an Iditarod musher, and take in the spectacular Alaskan... Browse itinerary

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a sled dog team pulling a family in a cart during the summer

Experience Seward & Real Alaska

Learn about Seward’s fascinating history and the Iditarod Trail while enjoying the beautiful scenery on this Seward summer day trip. You’ll travel to 2017 Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s sled dog kennel, where you can meet famous dogs, cuddle... Browse itinerary

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Denali Express Flightseeing

This 45-minute Denali flightseeing day tour via a small bush plane from the Denali Park Entrance lets you experience Denali National Park from a bird’s eye view and experience Mt. Denali from the air. Fly along the snow-capped... Browse itinerary

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Talkeetna River Fishing (Half Day)

This Alaska fishing half-day tour from  Talkeetna takes you by jet boat to the best fishing holes on the Talkeetna River. Talkeetna is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna Rivers, offering a few possible... Browse itinerary

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Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari

On this exciting tour out of Ketchikan, fill your senses with adventure and excitement as you take control of a 4-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler and wind your way up old rugged logging trails to scenic overlooks. Then grab... Browse itinerary

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Kachemak Bay Glacier Lake Hike

In the morning, travel by water taxi from Homer across Kachemak Bay to Glacier Spit in Kachemak Bay State Park. Join your Alaska guide for a hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Your guide will identify and allow you... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Dog Sledding Tour

This Anchorage day tour puts you in the Alaska dog sledding driving seat. After a scenic drive north to Talkeetna and dog mushing country, you will arrive at an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel and get an introduction... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Aurora Quest Tour

This aurora borealis photo tour from Anchorage is designed to maximize fun and opportunity for those fascinated with Alaska’s northern lights. The 6-8 hour tour to photograph the aurora’s lightshows will begin with a pick you up at... 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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Arctic Circle Summer Drive Adventure

Tour the Dalton Highway, Alaska’s “ice road” to the Arctic Circle, on a fully-guided Alaska road trip. As you depart Fairbanks, you will drive alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Further up the rugged highway, visit the Arctic Circle Trading... Browse itinerary

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Chena Hot Springs Summer Day Tour

Travel 60 miles west of Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort.  Chena Hot Springs Resort is internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs.  During your 4-hour visit at Chena Hot Springs, enjoy a guided Ice Museum tour... Browse itinerary

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A Journey Above the Arctic

Fly north from Fairbanks on a one-hour evening flight to above Alaska’s Arctic Circle. Land along the Yukon River at the Athabascan village of Fort Yukon. Upon landing, meet your local host, who will spend the evening with... Browse itinerary

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people sitting at a table eating dinner and enjoying a dinner theatre show

Cabin Nite Dinner Theater

Enjoy old-time Alaska as you enjoy a popular dinner theater performance in Denali National Park set in an authentic Alaska log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Alaska Gold Rush... Browse itinerary

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