Alaska, the land of majestic mountains, magnificent glaciers, and endless wilderness, has always been a dream destination for adventurous souls. Beyond the famous landmarks like Fairbanks or Anchorage, Alaska hides countless fascinating things waiting for travelers to venture off the beaten path. Join “Travel the World” as we uncover hidden gems, unique destinations, and distinct experiences that Alaska offers to those who dare to step out of their comfort zone.
1. Chase the Aurora Borealis in Remote Coldfoot
If you think Fairbanks is the ideal aurora viewing spot in Alaska, dare to venture a bit further north to Coldfoot. Located deep in the Arctic wilderness, over 250 miles north of Fairbanks along the legendary Dalton Highway, Coldfoot offers a completely different aurora viewing experience. Here, there is almost no light pollution, the night sky is pitch black and clear, creating perfect conditions to admire the magical ribbons of light dancing across the sky.
Coldfoot is not just a location, but also a small community with a rich gold mining history. By coming here, you will not only immerse yourself in the beauty of the aurora but also have the opportunity to learn about the lives of the indigenous people and the brave gold miners. Aurora tours in Coldfoot often include activities like snowshoeing, winter hiking, and exploring local culture, providing a complete and memorable journey.
2. Explore Indigenous Culture in Utqiagvik (Barrow)
Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, is the northernmost city in the United States and one of the oldest Inuit communities in the world. Situated on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik offers a deep insight into the life of the Inuit people, who have adapted and survived in the harsh conditions of the Arctic for thousands of years.
In Utqiagvik, you will experience unique Inuit culture through museums, cultural centers, and traditional activities such as watching drum dances, enjoying local cuisine (like reindeer meat, whale), and learning about ivory carving art. Summer in Utqiagvik is the ideal time to observe the midnight sun, while winter offers opportunities to admire the aurora and participate in traditional festivals.
3. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Unparalleled Wilderness
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, larger than Switzerland. It is a true wilderness with towering mountains, massive glaciers, vast taiga forests, and rich flora and fauna. Compared to the famous Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias is lesser-known and less visited, offering a pristine and peaceful nature exploration experience.
Visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias can participate in many activities such as mountaineering, hiking, glacier exploration, glacier kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A must-visit destination in the national park is the historic copper mining town of Kennecott, which was once one of the largest copper mines in the world in the early 20th century. Today, Kennecott is a unique ghost town, steeped in history and a fascinating attraction.
4. Winter in Kenai Fjords: Serene and Frozen Beauty
Kenai Fjords National Park is famous for the majestic beauty of glaciers flowing into the sea, towering cliffs, and diverse marine wildlife. In summer, Kenai Fjords attracts crowds of tourists with scenic cruises and kayaking tours. However, if you want to experience a completely different Kenai Fjords, visit in winter.
In winter, Kenai Fjords is cloaked in a serene and frozen beauty. The number of tourists decreases significantly, providing a private space for you to enjoy the unspoiled natural scenery. Winter cruises still operate, taking visitors closer to glaciers, observing seals, sea otters, and possibly whales. Ice kayaking is also a unique and challenging experience for adventurers.
Winter cruise exploring Kenai Fjords, Alaska
5. Kodiak Island: Realm of Bears and Wild Nature
Kodiak Island, the second-largest island in the United States, is known as the “Realm of the Kodiak Bear” because it is an ideal habitat for giant Kodiak brown bears. Despite being famous for bears, Kodiak Island is still a lesser-known destination compared to other popular tourist spots in Alaska, offering a pristine and unspoiled wilderness exploration experience.
In addition to observing brown bears in their natural environment, visitors to Kodiak Island can also participate in activities such as salmon fishing, hiking, kayaking, and exploring small coastal villages. The Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Alutiiq people, the indigenous community that has lived on the island for thousands of years.
6. Fairbanks and Beyond: More Than Just the Northern Lights
Fairbanks is often known as an ideal destination for viewing the aurora borealis, but this city and its surroundings have much more to offer. Explore the El Dorado Gold Mine to learn about Alaska’s gold mining history and try your luck at panning for gold. The University of Alaska Museum of the North is home to a diverse collection of Alaska’s natural history and culture.
Not far from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort is not only famous for its natural hot springs but also for the unique Aurora Ice Museum. In winter, you can participate in dog sledding, ice fishing, and exploring the Chena River glacier.
Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska
7. Kennicott Ghost Town: Echoes of Gold Rush History
Kennicott Ghost Town, located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is a unique and fascinating ghost town, deeply marked by Alaska’s copper mining history. This town was once the center of a thriving copper mine in the early 20th century, but was abandoned in the 1930s after the copper mine was depleted.
Today, Kennicott retains its desolate and ancient appearance with old wooden buildings, dilapidated copper processing plants, and copper mine relics. Visitors can take walking tours to explore the ghost town, learn about the history of copper mining, and the lives of the miners and their families.
8. Manley and Tolovana Hot Springs: Hidden in the Wild
Besides the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska has many more pristine and lesser-known natural hot springs, such as Manley Hot Springs and Tolovana Hot Springs. Manley Hot Springs is a tiny village located about 160 miles west of Fairbanks, famous for its natural hot springs and peaceful atmosphere.
Tolovana Hot Springs is located further afield, about 100 miles north of Fairbanks and accessible only by plane or hiking. In Tolovana, you will immerse yourself in warm water amidst the wilderness, enjoying absolute tranquility and relaxation.
Soaking in natural hot springs in Alaska
Alaska is not only about famous destinations but also hides countless fascinating things off the beaten path. Expand your exploration journey, venture beyond the familiar routes, and you will be rewarded with unique experiences, unforgettable memories, and a deeper look into this wonderful wilderness. Alaska is waiting for your adventurous footsteps!