7 Tips And Reasons For Visiting Alaska

As the largest country in the U.S., Alaska offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. With large open icebergs, snow-capped mountains, green forests and fresh spring lakes, unspoiled wilderness is not just for outdoor enthusiasts, but it is attractive to anyone who appreciates being surrounded by the beauty of nature. The size of the country wide can be a bit daunting for the average traveler, but here are some tips on where to start and how best to experience this beautiful part of the world.

1. When should I go?

While each season offers a unique experience, when it comes to traveling it depends on what you want to see and do. Season to observe wildlife varies in species. The peak tourist season runs from mid-June to August, with milder temperatures (60-80 F) and daylight hours, as it is located in the north. The summer solstice (June 21) offers 19 hours of daylight (which really alternates between dusk and sunshine). For those who love outdoor winter recreation, December to March will give you many choices. Better bundles though; average temps ranged from 5 to 30 F.

2. Nome

Located on the coast of the Bering Sea, Nome is famous for its place in the Gold Rush in the late 1800s and early 1900s that entered the history of Alaska. The Nome's golden canal is characterized by the ease with which gold can be obtained, and most of it lies clear on the sand of the beach. Gold miners flooded the city in the early 1900s to get their share of the abundant metal. Currently, Nome is best known as the finish line for the famous Dog Sled Iditarod Trail race, which goes as far as 1,049 miles through the cold desert and extreme conditions.

3. Kenai Fjords National Park

Yet another spectacular national park in Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park covers nearly 40 glaciers that are the source of the Harding Icefield. The park was created as a means to protect wildlife, and the ability to observe a number of different species in their natural habitat is the main tourist outcome; the park was almost 60 percent covered with ice and snow. Visitors can travel across the Fjord and be amazed by the size and beauty of the ice wall that marks their journey. Guided tours on cruises depart from nearby Seward.

4. Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska and is located in the Interior area. This is a very popular place to be enjoyed at the night light show in Northern Lights, which causes the sky to shine with bright colors. The colors are the most intense from late August to April and are best viewed at night until morning. There are many different ways in Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights. You can sit inside a heated aurorium cabin, with trips with dogs or on horse sleigh. In fact, Fairbanks is very confident in their evening light show, that they claim if you stay there for three nights, you will have an 80 percent chance of experiencing Aurora Borealis.

5. Glacier Bay National Park and Park

Located on the magnificent Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, scattered beyond the stunning 3.3 million hectares, with snow-capped mountains, vast jungle and glaciers. It is also a biosphere reserve and a designated world heritage site. Warm outdoors enthusiasts will jump on the chance to go hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting or hiking in this magnificent terrain. Most parks do not have paths or highways, so it promises an opportunity to get involved in nature. It is popular with campers as well, with a number of campsites available.

6. Anchorage

Though small by other urban standards, Anchorage claims to be the largest city in Alaska with a population of over 300,000 people. Many travelers use Anchorage as a base for a tour of Alaska, partly because this is where most flights to Alaska land, and partly because it is located in Denali National Park, Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park. Within the boundaries of Anchorage itself is Chugach State Park, the third largest in the U.S., with many outdoor recreation options, both in winter and summer. For those staying in Anchorage, there are many attractions, including the Anchorage Museum, which celebrates local culture and history, and the Alaska Zoo, which is open all year round.

7. Inside Passage

It is accessible by plane to Juneau (the capital of Alaska), but the most frequented by cruise ship tourists, Inside Passage is a stunning blend of islands, beaches, waterfalls and Fjords. This stretch not only offers exceptional natural beauty, it is also a great place to observe many of Alaska's native wildlife, such as sea lions, bald eagles and humpback whales.