Alaskana: Alaska's Lifestyles

Celebrating What Makes Alaskans So Unique

Are you fascinated by the local Alaskans who decided to make their home in America’s 49th state?  It takes an adventurous spirit to visit Alaska and a special breed to live and thrive in this remote, rugged, distant, and diverse state.  Alaskans are independent and pioneering; they live for fresh air and friendship, work hard and play harder, and enjoy sharing the best of their condition with everyone just as much as they love exploring the form.

While” Alaskana” typically refers to written works about Alaska, the term “Alaskana” can conjure up many diverse definitions and varied visions of the Alaska lifestyle.  Some people immediately think of the sourdoughs, pioneers, trappers, and miners who chased their dreams to the state’s roughest, most challenging, coldest, and most remote regions.  Others think of Alaska Native people and their subsistence hunting and fishing lifestyles, languages and land use, crafts, and games.  Some envision the Alaska Gold Rush and the Alaska oil boom, while others think riverboats, railroad cars, fishing vessels, and dogsleds or maybe salmon, moose, whales, and bears.  Ultimately, “Alaskana” embodies Alaska’s rich history and fascinating collection of cultures and lifestyles.

We’ve selected a group of “Alaskana” itineraries that showcase the multitude of attributes of Alaska that represent or attract so many to this unique destination.  Proximity to nature and wildlife, a pioneering spirit, and a rugged determination to chart their course unite many Alaskans.  “Alaskana” tours will help you discover what makes Alaskans – well, Alaskans!

 

Choose from 50 vacations in Alaska related to Alaskana: Alaska's Lifestyles

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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

Arctic Circle Flight Adventure in Summer

Fly north from Fairbanks in a small bush plane and land across the Arctic Circle. The tour focuses on a 2.5-hour land tour of a local Alaskan community. Your return provides another opportunity to see the Yukon River,... Browse itinerary

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

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

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic... Browse itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Bear Viewing Flight to Lake Clark from Anchorage

Enjoy a bear viewing day tour from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park via seaplane. An Alaska experience of a lifetime! Depart from Lake Hood Floatplane Airport in Anchorage and fly southwest over Cook Inlet toward the Chigmit... Browse itinerary

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

a group of people photographing a brown bear in front of mountains and a glacier

Katmai Wilderness Lodge Bear Viewing

Enjoy one night exploring Kodiak Island. The next day board an Alaskan bush plane and fly to the remote Katmai National Park coast. On landing, lodge hosts assist with the transfer to the lodge. With various food sources... Browse itinerary

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

Gold Dredge No. 8 Gold Mining Tour

This tour from Fairbanks begins with an up-close view of the Trans Alaska pipeline and informational displays about the pipeline. Continue with a ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad through some of the gold fields... Browse itinerary

Arctic Ocean and Prudhoe Bay Adventure (Southbound)

Your Arctic adventure begins as you fly from Fairbanks across the Arctic Circle to Deadhorse or an area also known as Alaska's North Slope. Then embark on a guided overland journey from Alaska's arctic coastal plain through the... Browse itinerary

spruce trees, blue sky, a rainbow, a lake and mountains

Arctic Ocean and Prudhoe Bay Adventure (Northbound)

Travel from Fairbanks with an expert driver guide who will provide personalized insights into the history and current everyday life in Alaska's northern regions. The first landmark is crossing the mighty Yukon River, with its headwaters in British... Browse itinerary

Fairbanks Highlights Tour in Fall and Winter

This guided “Fairbanks Highlights” day tour during the fall and winter tour seasons in Alaska showcases all the best seasonal spotlights of Fairbanks.  You will stop at the Trans Alaska Pipeline, where your guide will explain the astonishing... Browse itinerary

people relaxing in a natural hot spring lake surrounded by snow-capped rocks

Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour from Fairbanks

Enjoy a night tour from Fairbanks to see the northern lights, and Chena Hot Springs! You will be picked up from your hotel around 5:00 pm and transferred one and a half hours to Chena Hot Springs. After... Browse itinerary

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

the exterior of a log cabin lodge set in a remote Alaskan wilderness

Kenai Backcountry Lodge Package

Spend the first night in a private cabin on the famous Kenai River in Cooper Landing. The next day, begin a rafting adventure down the upper reaches of the Kenai River. Mostly a tranquil float, but with passage... Browse itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flightseeing tour lands briefly in Coldfoot Camp

Arctic Circle Winter Flightseeing Tour

Depart from Fairbanks for a day trip on a small plane, land across the Arctic Circle ceremoniously, and receive an official Arctic Circle certificate. Enjoy a walk on the treeless Arctic tundra, which will give you a sense... Browse itinerary

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

green aurora over the Dalton Highway in Alaska in winter

Arctic Circle Northern Lights Overnight Adventure

From Fairbanks, travel by van with an expert driver-guide along the same rough and rugged route as the "ice road truckers" along the Dalton Highway and across the Arctic Circle. Spend a few nights at the remote outpost... Browse itinerary

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

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

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

Devil’s Canyon Jetboat Adventure Tour

Depart this morning from Talkeetna on your Alaska jet boat tour on the Susitna River, traveling 130 miles through Denali State Park and into the National Wild River Park of “Devil’s Canyon.” Navigate through challenging Class IV and... Browse itinerary

Chulitna Gorge Jetboat Tour from Talkeetna

This jet boat trip out of Talkeetna will take you to 3 Alaska rivers: the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. You will run through the Chulitna River Gorge and experience Class II and III whitewater. During a leisurely quarter-mile... Browse itinerary

Kenai River Scenic Float Tour at Cooper Landing

Depart from Cooper Landing on a gentle rafting trip down the Kenai River. Watch for wildlife as your guide navigates your raft through snow-capped mountain scenery, hear about the early settlers and forces of nature that shaped this... Browse itinerary

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

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

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

Nome & the Bering Land Bridge by Car

This unique itinerary takes you to the remote Seward Peninsula. Included is round trip air travel from Anchorage to Nome for three nights and three days car rental to explore this diverse region independently. The Nome area offers... Browse itinerary

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

Anchorage Dog Sledding Tour in the Fall

Today’s adventure starts with a scenic drive north from Anchorage to dog mushing country! After arriving at the kennel in Talkeetna, you will get an introduction to mushing your team and then help harness the dogs before setting... Browse itinerary

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

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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