Top Alaska Outdoor Activities - page 26

Kayak the waters of southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage without worrying about equipment. Let your guide provide you with all the gear you need and offer a safety-briefing orientation suitable for all skill levels. Photograph and take in the scenery of the Inside Passage as you paddle in your 2-person kayak. After several hours on the water, finish this tour with a beach-side lunch.

Discover the wild landscapes of south Alaska from the water on this full-day canoe safari from Skagway. Set sail along the Lynn Fjord on a catamaran; look out for brown bears, mountain goats, and eagles in the Chilkoot River Valley; then paddle around Chilkoot Lake in a traditional voyageur canoe, before tucking into a delicious picnic lunch by the waterfront.

Take the wheel and explore Denali on your own terms with a self-drive Jeep rental built for freedom and flexibility. With no guides or fixed schedules, you can stop for wildlife, photos, hikes, and scenic views whenever you choose. This is the only Jeep rental in Denali that allows independent access to the legendary Denali Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. Explore landscapes visitors rarely see. Our local team provides maps, route recommendations, and insider tips. Popular routes include the Denali Highway, Stampede Trail, and roads near Denali National Park. Private vehicles are allowed to drive up to Mile 12 on the Denali Park Road, providing access to the park entrance and scenic viewpoints. Highlights: • Drive the Denali Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic roads • Explore Denali at your own pace • Stop anytime for wildlife viewing, hiking, or photos • Receive local tips, maps, and route recommendations • No guide required — enjoy a true self-drive Alaska adventure

Packrafting is an exhilarating way of human powered wilderness travel that allows you to combine hiking and river rafting! Packable rafts (~5 lbs) are exceptionally portable and easily fit in a backpack. If you enjoy having unique and exciting experiences outdoors, our Deep Creek Packraft Tour is the perfect choice for you. Whether traveling alone or with family, this trip is sure to make the highlight reel of your weekend getaway or once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan Vacation! Packraft tours accommodate up to two guest to provide an exclusive, privately guided experience. Trip starts and end in the historic Ninilchik Village and begins and ends with ~1 mile hike that can include a boreal forest and Cook Inlet ecology tour at your request. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagles and even the occasional black bear along the banks of Deep Creek!

DeadStick guided ice fishing excursions use custom-made equipment made by the owner and guide specifically designed for the species the client chooses to target. Top-of-the-line equipment from the tents to the augers with years of fisheries biology background as well as local tackle expertise gives clients not only an education for beginners but a competitive edge for trophy anglers alike. These excursions are fun to top it off!

These Private tours take you to the best places for experiencing true Southeast Alaska. Herring Cove has an abundance of Wildlife Including Black Bear, Bald Eagle, and all 5 species of Salmon. Rainbow falls is a small waterfall that overflows after a good rain after a few dry days you can climb down to the bottom of the falls. Stops can be added or removed if guest choose to stay at any area longer or shorter. Tours include bottled water, individual chips, small candy, and rain poncho great for on tour as well as after walking around town. Wildlife is not guaranteed.

This is a unique dog sledding experience in a very remote area of Alaska. No other outfitters are using our incredible scenic trails. Our dogs are world class sled dogs who participated in the most demanding sled dog races in the world, like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. So fid our guides. This tour is an extraordinary dog sledding adventure for those who want to travel off the beaten trail.

Fairbanks,it is one of the best place to see the Northern Lights! Make your dreams come true by visiting the beauty of Fairbanks! Plus, with more than 243 days of clear night skies each year you are very likely to catch at least one.

It’s not every day you get the chance to hike along the base of a 26-mile-long active glacier! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska, founded over 35 years ago, and explore the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers on foot with NOVA’s new Family Glacier Tour—perfect for all ages! Our expert guides will tailor the experience to your abilities, ensuring that everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys a memorable and fun adventure on the Matanuska Glacier. This relaxed-paced tour offers the ideal way to share the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers with your whole family. You’ll be outfitted with the necessary gear and transported by vehicle to the glacier’s terminus at the edge of the park. From there, our guides will lead you through the rocky fields of the massive terminal moraine, all the way to the stunning 'Ice Falls.' Be sure to stop by the on-site coffee shop to warm up and unwind after your adventure.

Discover hidden, hard-to-reach features away from the crowds! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers on foot with NOVA’s Adventure Trek. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, the Adventure Trek is personalized with a 1:4 guide-to-client ratio, ensuring a tailored experience based on the group’s physical abilities and preferences. This challenging adventure takes hikers beyond the popular ‘Ice Falls’ area, deep into the heart of the Matanuska Glacier!

Discover the thrill of Backcountry Ice Climbing with NOVA’s expert guides! Whether you're a beginner or looking to try something new, our introductory ice climbing experience offers an accessible and exciting way to challenge yourself in the stunning surroundings of the Matanuska Glacier. No prior experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, and our expert guides will provide all the instruction you need to safely learn the fundamentals of ice climbing. Explore the glacier’s frozen landscape as you climb its ice walls, gaining new skills while taking in breathtaking views of this natural wonder. Let’s go—reach new heights and experience the thrill of ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier!

For 50 years, NOVA has been running Lions Head trips, offering nonstop thrills on this powerhouse glacial river. Featuring crashing waves and Class III & IV boulder gardens, the adventure creates a consistent rush of excitement! With a variety of rapids to conquer, this unforgettable experience is perfect for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned adventurers seeking an action-packed ride. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and guided by expert instructors to ensure a safe, exciting experience. The Lions Head section of the Matanuska River is not only NOVA's original river trip, it’s where our journey as a company began in 1975. Over the decades, we’ve perfected this iconic trip, which remains our most popular whitewater rafting adventure. With stunning mountain views, rugged landscapes, and several miles of thrilling Class III & IV rapids, this half-day trip is a local treasure in the Mat-Su Valley, offering an exhilarating taste of Alaska’s wilderness.

This powerhouse glacial river is packed with thrills, crashing waves, and nonstop excitement. Experience the rare midnight sun twilight and tackle larger rapids on the Private Lions Head run—an unforgettable whitewater adventure like no other! The Matanuska River is where NOVA’s journey began in 1975, and with 50 years of experience on these waters, we know how to bring you the best of this stunning river. Located just two hours north of Anchorage, this iconic half-day trip offers unparalleled mountain views and miles of consistent Class III & IV rapids. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and guided by our expert team, you’ll experience the rush of Alaska’s wild rivers in a safe and exhilarating setting. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, this adventure is a true Alaskan treasure.

Experience the thrill of SIX MILE CREEK 2-CANYON! This exciting run features 3 hours of pool-drop style Class IV rapids through the lush terrain of Chugach National Forest. A truly world-class section of whitewater that happens to be half-day accessible and gives a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure in just a few hours. Join the original guiding company, with over 40 years of experience on Six Mile Creek, leading the way through this iconic stretch of whitewater. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and expert guides, we continue to set the standard for safety and professionalism in the industry. Photos are available after your adventure to relive the action! Let’s go!

Experience the rush of SIX MILE CREEK 3-CANYON! This exciting run features 4 hours of pool-drop style Class V rapids through the lush terrain of Chugach National Forest. A truly world-class section of whitewater that happens to be half-day accessible and gives a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure in just a few hours. Join the original guiding company, with over 40 years of experience on Six Mile Creek, leading the way through this iconic stretch of whitewater. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and expert guides, we continue to set the standard for safety and professionalism in the industry. Photos are available after your adventure to relive the action!

The Private Scenic Float section of the Matanuska River is one of NOVA's original river trips, it’s where the journey as a company began in 1975. Over the decades, we’ve perfected this amazing trip, which remains the most popular river experience for families with small children or grandparents. With stunning mountain views, rugged landscapes, and a chance to spot wildlife. Take in several miles of relaxing class 1 and 2 water and enjoy this awesome taste of Alaska’s wilderness.

As featured on HGTV and USA Today's 10 Best. The only concierge-level private land tour in Sitka — max 7–11 guests, picked up directly at the cruise terminal or downtown. No shuttle lines, no stress, guaranteed on-time return to your ship. In mid-July through August, we walk the banks of the Indian River to witness the salmon run — the only Sitka tour that takes you there on foot with a fully guided trail through the ancient Tongass rainforest, where you'll discover native plants, their medicinal uses, and their role in Tlingit culture. Included: ✅ Fortress of the Bear — skip-the-line, admission & private guided visit ✅ Alaska Raptor Center — skip-the-line, admission & fully guided visit ✅ Guided trail walk & salmon run viewing (mid-July–August) ✅ Silver Bay scenic overlook ✅ Scenic coastal highway & downtown orientation drive ✅ Optional multi-course lunch from Misfit Island Cafe Private bookings welcome. Customizable routes available.

Make sure you prioritize safety by exploring the Root Glacier with the longest-standing guide service in the valley! With over 40 years of experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our guides are well-trained on the 2-mile trail to the glacier and navigating the Root Glacier's diverse features! Elevate your hike with insight into the flora, fauna, and local history you'll see along the way! This hike is a moderate 5-6 mile round trip and is great for families, couples, and solo travelers! We send around 8 travelers per guide and people with diverse ability levels are welcome! From strong hikers to beginners, we welcome anyone with a sense of adventure! This hike is challenging for those under the age of 7 and anyone with knee problems. Private tour options are available and can be a great fit for families, those who need additional assistance while hiking, or even advanced hikers looking to push their tour to the limits! Call for Private options.

If you want to prioritize your mind and body wellness, then this is the activity for you! You will learn how to connect your movements to your breath and calm your mind with the help of the horse's empathetic and gentle presence. You don't need to know anything about yoga, mindfulness, nature, or horses before beginning this activity. You will be in an inclusive, judgement-free environment that is perfect for learning! If you are passionate about putting your well-being first, then this experience will leave you feeling confident that you have reset your mind and spirit during your busy travel schedule!

Experience Denali National Park from the air and at ground level. This small-group tour begins with a scenic flight by floatplane over the tundra, spruce forest, and glaciers—home to wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Afterward, you'll land at a remote lodge near Denali to embark on a guided hike with lunch included. Hotel pickup is also provided for added convenience.

This tour includes two hours on the water following the whales, and a quick 15 minute peek at the Mendenhall Glacier. It is just enough time to step off the bus, take a quick picture, and then head back downtown for the rest of your Alaska adventure! This tour is recommended for those who want to see the glacier, but don't want to spend too much time exploring the surrounding recreation area. On this tour, you will take one of the tour buses from downtown Juneau on a 20-minute, narrated tour through Juneau and Mendenhall Valley to Auke Bay. In Auke Bay you will board one of the boats and head out on a 2-hour whale watching experience. Upon returning to the harbor you will be escorted back to the bus for a quick trip inland to Mendenhall Glacier. You will have 15 minutes to get out and take a quick picture, and then get back on the bus for your next adventure in Juneau.

Relax in the warm mineral waters and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. This is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Alaska while enjoying a unique and peaceful retreat. • Please note that our minimum group size is 2 participants. If the minimum number of participants is not reached on the day of the tour, we may need to cancel the trip. We will notify you in advance if this happens.

• Alaskan-Style Ice Fishing Experience We are a licensed and insured ice fishing tour operator offering an unforgettable ice fishing experience in a cozy, heated ice fishing tent, all while enjoying the charm of Alaskan winter. Located just a short drive from downtown, our site is easily accessible by any vehicle. • Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, there's no need to worry. Our expert fishing guides will provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you have an enjoyable ice fishing adventure. After catching your fish, We’ll prepare one of the fish you catch on-site into a delicious meal for each guest, which has been praised by many. • Minimum group size: 2 participants.

As a local guide and award-winning photographer, I use professional aurora-tracking tools and real-time weather data to give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. If conditions aren’t favorable, I’ll let you know in advance and offer the option to cancel. I’ll help you capture stunning shots with your phone or camera, and share insights about Alaska’s landscapes, history, and wildlife during our aurora hunt.