Alaska Holidays

Alaska

A wild, remote and spectacularly beautiful frontier-land, Alaska is imbued with the essence of the adventurous American spirit.

Home to indigenous Alaskans, mapped by the French and British, claimed by Russia and finally purchased by the US in 1867, Alaska eventually achieved statehood less than sixty years ago. Much like centuries past, the state continues to attract modern-day pioneers, adventurers, settlers and opportunists in search of solitude, sanctuary and fortune. This vast region houses the highest mountain in the country, is swathed in thick coniferous forest, barren tundra and taiga, punctuated by epic fjords and glaciers, and supports a range of bird, animal and sea life that is unrivalled. Explore Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, observe soaring golden eagles in Denali National Park and drive the remote Dalton Highway. The glaciers of Kenai Fjords are breathtaking whilst the rugged terrain of Prince William Sound is home to humpback and orca whales, sea lions and seals.

Holiday Ideas for Alaska

Grizzly bear in Denali National Park, Alaska

13 DAYS

Natural Wonders of Alaska

from £3750 - £4450
per person

Skagway mountainous landscape with train track and pink wildflowers, Alaska, USA

14 DAYS

The Ultimate Rocky Mountaineer and Alaskan Cruise Adventure

from £4990 - £6990
per person

16 DAYS

Highlights of Yukon and Alaska

from £2990 - £3790
per person

12 DAYS

Grizzlies and Fjords - A Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska

from £2890 - £4290
per person

Start Planning Your Holiday

When to visit Alaska

The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and the end of August. Longer days and warmer weather make this period a pleasant time of year for an Alaska trip. July, however, is probably the best month to visit as travellers will experience excellent wildlife viewing as well as the warmest temperatures of up to 20⁰C. Alaska’s wildlife – including whales, bears, seals and sea otters – is visible throughout the summer months, with June and July the best for sightings. It is worth bearing in mind that if you are planning an Alaska tour and cruise combination, Alaska’s interior is colder than the coast, so the land-based travel season is usually shorter than the cruising season. Many excursions stop operating in early September in anticipation of the harsh winter weather. The winter months are best avoided due to extreme weather, very low temperatures, and short days.

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BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in Alaska

Alaska’s wild and vast landscapes lend themselves to the great outdoors making it the perfect destination for an adventure holiday. Boasting 17 breathtaking national parks, Alaska offers endless options for outdoor pursuits and excellent wildlife viewing. Denali National Park is home to 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness including snow-capped peaks and glistening lakes, as well as the continent’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley. Denali is the perfect playground for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and wildlife safaris scouting grizzly bear, moose and caribou. Other notable national parks with easy access from Anchorage include Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Ellis and Lake Clark. To the west of the state capital lies the city of Valdez which is affectionately referred to as ‘little Switzerland’. The surrounding Prince William Sound is home to an array of marine life, including sea otters, seals, sea lions, humpback and orca whales. There’s also plenty to see and do on Alaska’s waterways from navigating calm fjords and remarkable glaciers to witnessing whales and other wildlife. One of the most rewarding ways to see Alaska however is by cruising – classic cruises start from Vancouver and travel through the Inside Passage before reaching spectacular destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan.