Alaska’s highways offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration. Each route has its unique charm, with access to some of the most stunning natural beauty and wilderness areas in the world. After spending a month in Alaska, I have driven all major highways in the state. I ranked them below from my favorite to least favorite.
Fairbanks, also known as the “Golden Heart City” and gateway to the Arctic, is famous for its stunning northern lights during winter months. Although it’s not as popular as Anchorage during summertime, there’s a wide range of adventures available. Here’re our top 10 recommendations for places to see in Fairbanks in summer.
For intrepid travelers who want to explore the rugged landscapes in northern Alaska, an Arctic Circle Tour is a must. The Arctic Circle tour is not just about reaching a geographical milestone, but also about understanding the indigenous communities, witnessing the magic of the Midnight Sun, learning about the history behind the famous Trans-Alaska pipeline system and Gold Rush, and truly embracing the spirit of Alaska. I joined a land tour to the Arctic Circle sign and here’re the 7 things to expect on this tour.
Denali National Park and Preserve, nestled in the heart of Alaska, is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) at over 20,000 feet. The park offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and adventure opportunities. It is also the first national park dedicated to protecting wildlife. We visited Denali National Park in 3 ways, each offering a unique perspective of this stunning park.
Seward, Alaska, a picturesque coastal town nestled at the edge of Resurrection Bay, is often referred to as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park and a prime destination for those looking to immerse themselves in one of Alaska’s most beloved summer activities: fishing. With its rich marine ecosystems, unparalleled scenic beauty, and a diverse range of fishing tours, Seward promises an unforgettable fishing experience for both novice and seasoned anglers alike.
The Seward Highway in Alaska is a picturesque drive that stretches for about 125 miles from Anchorage through Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula to Seward. This scenic route is studded with jaw-dropping vistas, unique geological formations, and ample opportunities to witness wildlife. With the Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach National Forest on the other, this highway is my favorite in Alaska. Here are, in my opinion, the best 10 stops. Most of them are dog friendly.
The Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in the United States that is accessible by car. It is a testament to the raw, unspoiled grandeur of Alaska. Stretching over 27 miles in length and 4 miles in width, this titan of ice sparkles in brilliant shades of blue, directly visible from the Glenn Highway of Alaska. Through a guided, dog friendly hiking tour, you will be able to walk on this natural wonder, immerse into a world of ice, history, and profound beauty, and make a memory with your fur baby.
Few experiences in Alaska are as awe-inspiring as a bear-watching tour at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Have you seen a photo of bears standing at the top of a waterfall waiting for salmons to jump into their mouths? That’s what this tour is all about. To get this unforgettable experience, you will have to pay a great amount of effort and money for limited time being close to Alaska’s iconic brown bears. Was it worth it? Absolutely, if watching wildlife is on your bucket list for your Alaska trip.
Most people who travel to Alaska fly to Anchorage first and then hop on different tours from there. They treat Anchorage like a transit hub and do not plan enough time to explore the city and its surroundings. Ariel and I spent a few days around Anchorage during our Alaska roadtrip and had a wonderful summer time there. Here’s a list of places we liked within about 1 hour drive from Anchorage.
Columbia Glacier at Columbia Bay of Prince William Sound, Alaska, is one of the fastest retreating glaciers in the world due to climate changes. The hope is, now that the glacier has almost retreated to land, it will stop retreating and start approaching again at some time. The tour of kayaking to the face of Columbia Glacier starts from Valdez, Alaska and is a popular one. Although not dog friendly, I highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.