Top Alaska Outdoor Activities - page 2

In early summer, orcas frequent the Kenai Fjords in search of food. This half-day whale-watching cruise—the only orca-focused cruise in Seward—takes you into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Rather than following a set route, your captain navigates to orca hot spots of the day. Hear the whale's haunting calls through a hydrophone, and learn about orcas and their behavior from the captain and crew.

Auke Bay, with its harbor of whale watching vessels, lies about a half-hour’s ride from Juneau. This whale watching trip saves you the trouble of getting to the harbor and back with a round-trip shuttle directly from your cruise ship dock or a designated meeting point.

Travel like an Alaskan—aboard a dogsled—during this dogsledding and mushing experience in Fairbanks. Hop aboard and hold on to be towed by energetic dogs down five miles (eight kilometers) of snowy trails with your private party. You can help drive the team with voice commands, as your guide supervises from the back of the sled.

Immerse yourself in Alaska's stunning wilderness and wildlife on this group tour from Anchorage. Explore wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Chugash National Forest, admire glacier views, stop at a historic mining town, and more, with an optional glacier cruise in the summer. Along the way, learn more about the area and learn how to take better photos.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Create beautiful memories of Ketchikan with this small-group photography tour. Your guide will lead you to all of the best photo spots in the area, including historical, cultural and natural attractions, and provide helpful tips and instruction on composition, exposure and more for all types of camera, from a DSLR to a point and shoot or cell phone.

Go ice fishing in Alaska at a remote spot outside the city of Fairbanks with a guide who provides fishing gear and tips. Stay warm in a cozy heated cabin next to the frozen lake, and snack on reindeer sausage on buns, and fresh grilled fish (that you catch). Includes use of fishing gear and cabin, guide, and refreshments.

If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines history with the great outdoors, book this Juneau Underground Peterson Gold Mine and Panning Experience. Go with a guide to the old mine and go on one of the only underground tours in all of Alaska—wearing a hardhat for safety. After learning about the mining done there, test your skills at gold panning.

Don’t leave Alaska without witnessing its most incredible creatures: whales, otters, and more. On this 16-person tour—smaller than most local offerings—you’ll grab a seat in the heated cab or out on the deck, following your captain’s search for wildlife. Beyond the wild Alaskan scenery, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, porpoises, and more.

Don’t let Alaska’s best scenery pass you by from your car window. On this tour, you’ll follow your guide on e-bike, traveling the ultra-scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation. Taking it easy on your pedal-assisted cruiser, you’ll nab views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Mountains, downtown Anchorage, and so much more—including all the wildlife Alaska is known for.

When your cruise stops at Juneau, see whales in their natural habitat on this whale-watching boat trip, all without the fuss of organizing shore transport. Prebook to secure your place, board a comfortable boat with outdoor decks and heated cabins, and cruise Alaska’s waters to see marine life in the wild. Then, enjoy guaranteed sightings of humpback whales, with a naturalist providing commentary on their behaviors as you cruise.

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage on this half-day small-group tour. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a waterfall and native flora. And visit a Totem Park: learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, and explore a magnificently carved clan house.

Both the US and Canada have a rich history of logging and lumberjacking. Cheer on your favorite team as you watch Alaskan and British Columbian woodsmen chop, saw, roll logs, and throw axes as they compete in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Then, join in the fun as you learn how to throw a double-bit axe for yourself, trying to best your fellow attendees.

Voyage along the waters of Icy Strait to see Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, orcas, sea otters, bears, and other Alaskan wildlife. Captain Josh brings passengers along a journey into the wild waters of Alaska on his small, custom boat. Passengers can view whales from the outside deck or inside the protected cabin. This tour offers an exclusive look at whales in the wild with the help of a professional filmography drone.

While most visitors only see the Mendenhall Glacier from crowded viewpoints, this tour takes adventurous travelers on a canoe trip to the base of the glacier for a completely different perspective of the majestic ice. With canoe lessons and a guide, the tour is open to first-time paddlers and the mellow water means you can take along a camera and capture the arctic cliffs, icebergs, and pristine blue ice.

Journey to the remote, glacier-carved Northwestern Fjord in the Kenai Fjords National Park on a full-day cruise from Seward. Whether you’re a birder or whale-watching enthusiast, get the chance to snap plenty of photos of humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, seabirds, and more. Watch for glacial calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. A light lunch of sandwiches is served midday.

Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! This tour offers an additional hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. This gives you an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours to look at salmon, visit the Visitor's Center, and make the hike to Nugget Falls! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

Discover the wonders of Resurrection Bay on this captain-narrated, half-day adventure. Depart from Seward to marvel at massive glaciers, cruise beside rugged cliffs, spot soaring seabirds and share the waters with iconic marine wildlife. Perfect for families and travelers short on time.

Focus on the scenery of Tongass National Forest and Totem Park on this eco tour from Ketchikan. Traveling with a small group of just 11 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions of your guide. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied.

Go on an aurora hunt from Fairbanks and hopefully see one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. Head out to a high-elevation lodge at Cleary Summit that’s ideally positioned for seeing the lights dance overhead. Stay warm inside with floor-to-ceiling windows for easy Northern Lights viewing, or step outside for a closer look. A guide helps spot the aurora and advises on photographing them while you enjoy cocoa, coffee, and snacks.

Explore the Alaskan wilderness by ATV from Denali. View Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife including moose. Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds at speeds of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels is included for convenience.

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Explore the wilderness outside Anchorage with a local guide who knows where to spot wildlife and gain the best views throughout the year. Enter the Chugach National Forest to search for moose, bear, and other native wildlife. You’ll also visit Glacier Valley, home to several “hanging” glaciers and a lake of pure glacier water.

Explore beyond Fairbanks city limits—and enjoy an exciting but relaxing array of activities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort—on this small-group tour. Admire ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum, unwind in the resort’s hot mineral springs, and upgrade to enjoy drinks or a meal on site. If the conditions are right, you can then cap off the experience with a northern lights viewing before returning to your hotel.