- The summer season is short, roughly late May to mid September
- Cruises through the Inside Passage are the easiest way to see the glaciers of the south-east
- Denali and Kenai Fjords are the classic land-based highlights
- There are no direct flights from the UK, so most people connect in Seattle
- Airports
- Anchorage (ANC) via a US hub such as Seattle; around 15-18 hours from London including the connection
- Best time to go
- Late May-mid September for wildlife and hiking; late August-March for the northern lights
- Type
- State
Alaska is the USA at its wildest. The largest state by far, it is more than twice the size of Texas and mostly roadless, with glaciers spilling into the sea, mountains that dwarf the Alps and wildlife you are genuinely likely to see: humpback whales, sea otters, moose and brown bears. Days stretch almost endlessly in midsummer, and in winter the northern lights dance over the interior.
It is a big-ticket trip from the UK, and planning matters because the season is short and good accommodation sells out. For the wider picture, see our USA guide.
Why go
- Inside Passage – the island-studded coast of south-east Alaska, usually seen by cruise ship, calling at Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Glacier Bay National Park is often a highlight.
- Denali National Park – home to North America's highest peak. A single road runs into the park, mostly on park buses, with good chances of seeing bears, caribou and moose. The mountain itself is often hidden in cloud, so treat a clear view as a bonus.
- Kenai Fjords – boat trips from Seward pass tidewater glaciers, puffins, sea lions and whales.
- Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau – an easily reached glacier just outside the state capital, which can only be reached by sea or air.
- Bear viewing – fly-in trips from Anchorage, Homer or King Salmon to places like Katmai and Lake Clark to watch brown bears fishing for salmon.
- The Alaska Railroad – a scenic train between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, and south to Seward.
- Northern lights in Fairbanks – from late August to March, dark clear nights in the interior give some of the best aurora odds in the US.
- Skagway and the White Pass – a Gold Rush town with a historic narrow-gauge railway into the mountains.
Where to stay
- Anchorage – the main gateway, with the most hotels, a good base for day trips to the Kenai Peninsula.
- Seward and Homer – small harbour towns for boat trips, fishing and bear viewing.
- Near Denali – lodges at the park entrance or remote wilderness lodges deeper in; book well ahead.
- Fairbanks – for the interior, hot springs and winter aurora viewing.
- On a cruise ship – the simplest way to see the Inside Passage without long internal journeys.
Getting there
There are no year-round direct flights from the UK. Most people fly direct from London to Seattle, then take a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Anchorage (ANC). Many Inside Passage cruises start in Seattle or Vancouver, which keeps flights simple. Within Alaska, use hire cars on the limited road network, the Alaska Railroad, ferries on the Marine Highway, and small planes for remote areas. You will need an ESTA.
Best time to visit
June to August is peak season, with long daylight, the warmest weather and the busiest lodges. Late May and early September are quieter and cheaper, and autumn colour arrives early in the interior. Mosquitoes can be fierce in midsummer. Winter is very cold and dark, but it is the time for aurora trips and dog sledding around Fairbanks.
Pack layers and waterproofs even in July; the weather changes quickly and boat trips on the fjords can be cold.
Top attractions in Alaska
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
Alaska on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is a cruise or a land trip better in Alaska?
A cruise is the easiest way to see the south-east coast and glaciers. For Denali, the Kenai Peninsula and bear viewing, a land trip or a cruise with a land extension works better.
How many days do you need in Alaska?
Allow at least ten days for a land trip, given the long distances. A typical Inside Passage cruise lasts seven nights.
Can you see the northern lights in summer?
Not really. The nights are too light from roughly May to mid August; aim for late August to March.
Is Alaska expensive?
Yes, generally more expensive than the rest of the US, especially for flights, lodges and excursions. Booking early helps.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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