Alaska tour news & travel advisory  

Sightseeing

Not Your Traditional Set of Sights or Sites

“Sightseeing” has a unique meaning in Alaska. While elsewhere you might interpret this to include visiting historic points of interest such as monuments, museums, exhibits or the more casual strolling about town, in Alaska it can include a dramatic light show of the Northern Lights, a live demonstration of a bear devouring his dinner, an exciting whale watching cruise or a panoramic helicopter ride over a glacier field.

Here are a few ideas if you want to experience Alaska sightseeing “up close and personal”:

  • View the Northern Lights: Travelers from around the world come to Alaska to witness these bright dancing lights. Capturing a clear photo might be tough after darkness falls, but we have a photo tour to help you with that. You’ll never forget seeing this spectacular, evolving light show.
  • Get to know Alaska’s wildlife: No trip to Alaska is complete without seeing eagles, bears, whales and moose, whether in their natural environment or at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood, Raptor Center in Sitka, the Bird Treatment & Learning Center in Anchorage, or elsewhere.
  • Explore an Alaska gold mine: Follow the path of Gold Rush dreamers to nuggets and artifacts in Fairbanks, Nome, McCarthy-Kennicott and Skagway.
  • Meet Alaska Natives: Few Alaska vacations are deeper or more inspiring than those that allow you to experience Alaska Native drumming, song and dance, seeing Alaska Native art and tools, and learning about “Alaskana” lifestyles firsthand.
  • See Denali National Park and Preserve: There’s a reason why it’s called “The Great One” and there’s no reason you should go home without seeing it. There are many viewing options, from standing in its shadow on a nearby glacier to taking a plane ride around its peak to just standing in awe from a faraway distance.
  • Listen to an Alaska Glacier crash into the sea: These icy residents spider-web the state and make for chilling photos and memories, whether you are walking across one or watching it calve and create a boat-rocking splash.
  • Stand on the Arctic Circle: Few can say they’ve been to the top of the world, but you can come pretty close and commemorate the venture by getting your photo taken next to the Arctic Circle sign.
  • Take a ride on the Dalton Highway: The Dalton Highway is one of the roughest and most scenic roads in the world and a mandatory stop on the drive is at the Yukon River, one of North America’s longest and most remote rivers.
  • Learn about remnants of Alaska’s Russian History: Historic Russian architecture dot various communities of the state and remind you how far northwest you really are.
  • Meet a team of Sled Dogs: These pups are fun and born to run, and some of the Iditarod mushers offer tours and sled rides year-round.
  • Honor Alaska’ strategic role in World War II : Whether you hike to a historic landmark or see artifacts at a museum, you’ll instantly appreciate the significance and sacrifice of those who were stationed in some of Alaska’s toughest landscapes protecting the country.
  • Explore Nome: The famous burled arch in downtown Nome is where the iconic 1,000-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race ends and where countless photos have been taken.
  • See the whale bone arch in Barrow: When it comes to popular photo spots, this is one of the coolest and coldest in America.
  • See a Totem Pole: Tall, colorful, animated and artistic, totem poles are fascinating photo subjects, each one telling a different story.

By experiencing even a few of these classics you will feel connected to Alaska’s finest and most interesting sightseeing pleasures!

Header photo courtesy of JodyO.Photos/Visit Anchorage

 

Choose from 60 vacations in Alaska related to Sightseeing

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Grand Alaska Guided Bus Tour

Great option as a stand alone touring program or as a comprehensive land tour before or after an Alaska cruise. Every day there is spectacular mountain scenery, with local sightseeing insights from a professional guide the entire tour. First,... Browse tour

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Best Seller
two people on the deck of a tour boat looking at a tidewater glacier

Glaciers and Wildlife Tour

Combining Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna and Denali, this tour provides wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic touring throughout. You travel by the Alaska Railroad to Seward and cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, well known for glacier scenery as well as... Browse tour

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Great Alaskan Road Trip

Explore Denali, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley with the freedom of a rental car. These three destinations complement each other with a variety of natural beauty from mountains to valleys to coastline. The bus tour into Denali National Park... Browse tour

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a woman and two children sit on the shore of a glacial lake admiring Spencer Glacier

Family Fun Vacation by Car

A great family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse tour

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Denali & Glacier Experience

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse tour

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green aurora over a boreal forest in winter

Fairbanks Northern Lights Viewing

Spend three nights in Fairbanks exploring the history and culture of this modern northern city, including the opportunity to view the spectacular northern lights, a sight the area is known for around the world. The day starts with a... Browse tour

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green aurora over a hill with snow and spruce trees

Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights

Chena Hot Springs Resort offers both an outdoor hot springs rock lake and an indoor pool, both perfect for relaxing. Admission to the pools included. The resort also offers guests a restaurant, and is home to the Aurora Ice... Browse tour

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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 the Alaska Railroad to Denali and Fairbanks and by car to Valdez, Seward and Anchorage. We have tailored... Browse tour

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Alaska Dreams Winter Tour

Start your adventure with a glacier trek from Anchorage, then continue your journey north to Fairbanks with the Alaska Railroad. Finally, conclude your trip with a stay at the exclusive Borealis Basecamp, where you can watch for the northern... Browse tour

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a woman and two children look out at Alaskan scenery from the viewing platform of a passenger train

Alaska by Rail and Car Tour

This rail and road trip takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks on a classic Alaska train trip aboard the Alaska Railroad with an independent tour by car from Fairbanks to Valdez, driving the scenic Richardson and Glenn Highways. The... Browse tour

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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 from... Browse tour

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Alaska’s Glacier Country Cruise

This seven night adventure cruise in Alaska's Inside Passage sails round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Kuiu Island, and Frederick Sound - a prolific summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Guests enjoy daily... Browse tour

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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. Guided... Browse tour

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people walking on a valley glacier

Matanuska Glacier Hiking Out of Anchorage

Depart Anchorage by van for an Alaska glacier adventure beginning with a narrated 100-mile drive north through the scenic Matanuska Susitna Valley on your way to Matanuska Glacier. Photo stops will be made along the way to capture the... Browse tour

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Iditarod Race Official Start Tour

Based in Anchorage 5 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 very next day, travel to the community of... Browse tour

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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 the... Browse tour

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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 of ATV trails winding... Browse tour

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Arctic Circle Summer Drive Adventure

Tour up the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle on a fully-guided Alaska roadtrip. As you depart Fairbanks, you will drive alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Further up the rugged highway, visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post situated in the homesteaded community... Browse tour

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the mountain of Denali; a dirt path in foreground

Alaska’s Gems Tour

This tour provides Alaska travelers with many key Alaska highlights combining travel by train and by deluxe motorcoach. Enjoy opportunities to view towering glaciers up-close, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a glacier "calving" into the waters below when... Browse tour

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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 Highway... Browse tour

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a yellow and blue passenger train traveling through a boreal forest in winter

Aurora Train Travel in Fall and Winter

This Aurora Train travel experience on the Alaska Railroad features some of Alaska’s best fall and winter activities in both Anchorage and Fairbanks.  Begin your tour with day trip from Anchorage on a guided tour on Turnagain Arm along... Browse tour

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Alaska’s Finest Self Driving Tour

Designed for independent traveler's seeking the best available accommodations Alaska has to offer while road touring. Enjoy spectacular mountain, glacial and coastal scenery while visiting several must see locations such as Prince William Sound and Talkeetna. Also includes two... Browse tour

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Experience Kodiak Island

Fly from Anchorage on a schedule flight, and then embark on excursion aboard a classic sea plane 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 tour

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Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise

Enjoy a day cruise from Whittier, Alaska on the calm waters of Prince William Sound for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier viewing and marine wildlife experience. Home to an abundance of glaciers and wildlife, Prince William Sound is one of Alaska’s... Browse tour

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Glacier Discovery Train and Guided Walk

This Anchorage day trip departs in the morning on the Alaska Railroad for a 3.5 hour ride to Spencer Glacier in the Chugach National Forests’ remote mountains. Upon arrival at Spencer, you have time to explore the area on... Browse tour

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Arctic Circle Winter Driving Adventure

On this winter day tour out of Fairbanks, drive up the Dalton Highway into Alaska’s Arctic. As you depart Fairbanks, you will pass gold mines and drive alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Walking on the Arctic tundra will give you... Browse tour

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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 tour

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The Alaska Railroad rolls past forested mountains on it's way north out of Anchorage

Greatland Explorer Tour

Starting in Fairbanks, enjoy the scenic ride by train to Denali National Park and then onward to Anchorage. With two nights at Denali National Park, there is ample time to experience one of Alaska's most popular destinations. The Tundra... Browse tour

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Greatland Discoverer Tour

Perfect option for those with limited time, or before or after an Alaskan cruise. Travel aboard the Alaska Railroad, from Anchorage to Fairbanks with two nights at Denali National Park. Denali is world renown for its vast wilderness area... Browse tour

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Arctic Circle Winter Flightseeing Tour

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

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a person at night in winter taking a photo on a digital camera of the skyline of Anchorage, Alaska

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 great... Browse tour

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Winter Turnagain Turnaround Day Tour

Take a small group Winter day tour from Anchorage on this guided bus tour 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... Browse tour

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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, venture by coach to the historic town of Healy on the outskirts of Denali National Park.... Browse tour

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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 kayak and... Browse tour

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Denali Express Flightseeing

This 45 minute Denali flightseeing day tour from the Denali Park Entrance via a small bush plane 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 tour

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Columbia Glacier Cruise

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

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Turnagain Arm and Portage Glacier Cruise

On this Anchorage half day tour, depart by bus and travel the Seward Highway to Portage Lake in the Chugach National Forest. Look for Dall Sheep and beluga whales along Turnagain Arm on your way to Portage. You will stop at the... Browse tour

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Best Seller
a caribou stands in front of the Alaska Range and Denali mountain in Denali National Park

Visit Denali from Anchorage

Great opportunities to view wildlife and the awesome scenery Denali is so well known for. You'll travel by motor coach from Anchorage to the Denali park entrance and spend two nights at the park. There is enough free time... Browse tour

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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 an... Browse tour

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Adventure Driving Tour

Enjoy an Alaska adventure vacation from Anchorage exploring by car Alaska’s “playground” of the Kenai Peninsula as well as discovering Denali National Park. Raft, hike and discover amazing scenery and wildlife throughout your Alaska roadtrip. You’ll first leave Anchorage... Browse tour

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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 you sharing their... Browse tour

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Alaska Winter Driving Tour

Designed for independent travelers this SUV (all wheel) self-drive tour features a few days to explore Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs. The Fairbanks area is one of the best places on earth for the opportunity to experience the amazing... Browse tour

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the mountain of Denali; a dirt path in foreground

Alaska “On A Dime” Self-Drive Tour

Explore two of Alaska's most popular national parks (Denali and Kenai Fjords) at your own pace in only one week. This affordable driving tour is designed for travelers with limited time and budget. This trip includes a guided bus... Browse tour

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Denali Express Train Tour

After an overnight in Fairbanks, meet the train departing to Denali National Park. This afternoon take a guided excursion into Denali National Park and learn about the history and geology of the park, stopping when there is an opportunity... Browse tour

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