Alaska is one of the most scenically breathtaking US states and as such it welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year and this total is on the rise annually. The natural, calming beauty of the blue-tinged icy coastlines and Alaska’s rich, abundant wildlife and foliage are reasons in themselves to visit the area but there are also many exciting activities that one can engage in whilst on vacation there. Taking part in a number of these activities during my own trips to Alaska over the years has made me look differently at the world and I am sure that they will put some perspective on some aspects of your own life too.
Here then, are the four activities that you should definitely squeeze into your itinerary should you ever decide to take a holiday to Alaska:
Glacier Landing
Image accreditation: Susan E Adams, Flickr
Colossal glaciers are not natural phenomena that people external to Alaska see every day and so being able to stand on one is all the more special. Denali National Park – which is surrounded by a 600 mile-long, curved mountain chain border with peaks of up to 10,000 feet in height – is one of the leading glacier landing destinations with helicopters travelling to the glaciers Ruth, Pika (our choice), Eldridge and Kahiltna. Your safety is assured should you decide to indulge and gore-tex over boots (essentially specialist galoshes) are provided free of charge so that you feet are kept dry. I am taking two further Alaska cruises in 2012 during which I plan to repeat the experience.
Why is this activity life changing?
Whilst standing on a (albeit very large) block of ice might not sound particularly life changing, perching upon a glacier so close to Mt. McKinley – the tallest mountain on the entire planet – really makes one feel insignificant in the great scheme of things! Suddenly worries such as “Can I afford to pay my mortgage next month?” or “Does my best friend even like me?” seem pretty futile.
Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey
Image accreditation: Alan Light, Flickr
The Rocky Mountaineer rail journey has been awarded the accolade of World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train by the World Travel Awards on many occasions and this is hardly surprising for the route provides passengers with the very best views of The Canadian Rockies, Alberta and wider British Columbia. The RM trains operate during daylight hours only in order to prevent ticket holders from missing out on any of the spectacular views. An overnight stop therefore occurs in the city of Quesnel (or alternatively; Kamloops depending on the route selected).
A stop at the lush Banff National park and a stint of gold-panning at Shalaith also made up our own Rocky Mountaineer itinerary. Sweetening the deal further is the fact that five star restaurant-quality food and beverages are available for purchase in the lower half of each RM train. Breakfast and lunch meanwhile are served to you at your table.
Why is this journey life changing?
If – for some implausible reason – the stunning views are not enough alone to see you appreciate life a little more than at the very least this incredibly comfortable rail journey will make you a thankful for the existence of rail travel – travelling a total of 280 miles each day without endless security checks will usually have that effect!
Mushing
Image accreditation: jkbrooks85
There are several locations in Alaska at which you can try mushing (or; dog sledding, as it is otherwise known) but my partner and I had our own experience in the city of St. Michael. The fact that all mushing expeditions are manned by professionals with snowmobiles and radios and that full training is provided means that you’ll feel safe yet in near-isolation from the rest of the world both at once. Even the Arctic-suitable attire that you will require is provided by the family-run Austin’s Alaska Adventures – the business that provided us with our mushing-themed afternoon.
How will this activity change my life?
If you are anything like me then you will wish to seek even more thrills after having your sled pulled along by Alaskan huskies at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (per dog)! So adrenaline-pumping was my mushing experience that I now get on every rollercoaster and take part in every extreme sport that happens to come my way – I was quite the wallflower before!
Hallo Bay Bear Camp
Image accreditation: BlackburnPhoto
Although Alaska’s Hallo Bay offers day excursions for bear watching in their natural habitat, taking the classic, two-day nature tour allows travellers to see far much more. As we were fortunate enough to discover last year, taking this tour between late May and early July allows one to witness fascinating mating rituals and brown, black and grizzly bears descending from the mountains to fish for salmon. After each day of light-pace walking and exploring, guests can take a hot shower and settle down in their heated cabin located very close to where the bears naturally reside (bears entering the camp is not completely unheard of though it is extremely rare that any will attack humans).
How is Bear Camp life changing?
I personally felt a greater connection to the wildlife that we share our humble planet with after mine and my husband’s stint at the bear camp. We not only now plan to visit similar camps around the globe to witness other animals in their natural habitats but the adventure was particularly life-changing for my husband who had always had fears about sleeping in the great outdoors – let alone in the middle of nowhere surrounded by grizzlies!
The author of this guest post – Katherine Whitman – always books her trips to Alaska with Canada Sky.
