An Unforgettable Alaska Adventure: Whales, Glaciers, and Untamed Wilderness

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Visiting Alaska feels like stepping into another world—a land where glaciers carve the earth, wildlife thrives in its natural habitat, and vast, untouched landscapes stretch endlessly. On my recent trip, I was able to experience a mix of charming towns, breathtaking trails, and thrilling adventures that made this journey unforgettable.

Juneau: Whales, Glaciers, and Trails

In Juneau, the highlight for me was a whale-watching tour More Info here. Here, you are guaranteed to see whales—and I was lucky enough to spot orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and sea otters. It was absolutely magical.

Of course, no visit to Juneau is complete without seeing the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. While some visitors hike all the way in, I found that simply viewing the glacier and waterfall—an easy stop of about 20 minutes—was enough. You don’t need to book a tour, but you will need a car to get there.

Downtown Juneau is a gem in its own right, with charming local shops and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of Alaska. One evening, as the sun set, I was treated to an unexpected thrill—a young black bear wandering near downtown.

For hikers, the Gold Creek Trail and Perseverance Trail offer rewarding treks into the surrounding mountains. From downtown, you can also catch the Mount Roberts Tramway for sweeping views, though personally, I found the hikes offered a more authentic experience. If you’re looking to splurge, consider booking a Tracy Arm Fjord tour directly from downtown. While it’s on the pricier side, the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers make it an unforgettable adventure.

Anchorage: Moose and Coastal Views

Anchorage really surprised me with how much wildlife you can encounter right in and around the city. One of the best examples of this is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a local favorite that feels like a slice of wilderness tucked into an urban setting. Spanning about 11 miles from downtown’s Second Avenue all the way to Kincaid Park, the trail hugs the coast of Cook Inlet, winding through marshes, spruce forests, and rolling coastal hills.

I’d highly recommend experiencing it by bike—you get the best rhythm for taking in the scenery. On one side you’ve got the ocean opening up with views across the inlet, and on the other, dense forest and shrubs where moose love to wander. In fact, this is where I saw several moose up close, a reminder that in Anchorage, nature doesn’t sit politely in the distance; it’s right there alongside you.

The ride also has plenty of interesting stops along the way:

• Westchester Lagoon: an early highlight on the trail, is perfect for birdwatching and even ice-skating when winter sets in.

• Earthquake Park: tells the dramatic story of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, with interpretive signs marking where the land literally slid into the inlet.

• Point Woronzof is both a scenic overlook and a thrill—you can watch massive planes descend toward Anchorage’s airport, so close it feels like they’re skimming just overhead.

• Kincaid Park: a sprawling 1,500-acre playground with ski trails, biking paths, disc golf, archery, and more.

We also visited downtown Anchorage, where you’ll find a few souvenir shops and local eateries. A cultural stop worth making is the Anchorage Museum, which offers a wonderful mix of art and Alaskan history.

Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park: Glaciers and Marine Wildlife

From Anchorage, we made a day trip to Seward, a charming coastal town that serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. We booked a full-day cruise (about 7–8 hours), and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. More info here

The journey took us through breathtaking fjords where towering cliffs meet icy waters, and the wildlife sightings were incredible. We saw orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, puffins, and even witnessed a glacier calving—watching massive chunks of ice tumble into the ocean is an awe-inspiring sight you’ll never forget.

From a distance, we passed two glaciers before approaching a massive tidewater glacier up close. The sheer size and sound of the ice cracking and plunging into the sea was humbling, a reminder of Alaska’s raw, powerful beauty.

Denali National Park: Wilderness and Wildlife

Denali is a vast wilderness—over six million acres of untamed land where towering mountains, glacial valleys, and wild rivers set the stage for unforgettable adventures. Private vehicles are only allowed up to mile 15 of the park road, and currently the road is open only until mile 43 due to safety concerns.

To truly experience Denali, you’ll want to hop on one of the official park buses. Options include non-narrated transit buses for a simple ride into the park, or narrated tour buses where guides share insights along the way. The Natural History Tour focuses on culture and geology, while the Tundra Wilderness Tour takes you deeper into the backcountry for a better chance of wildlife encounters.

The landscapes were breathtaking at every turn, but the Horseshoe Lake Trail was a personal favorite—is not an easy hike but the views are worth it. If you’re into camping, traveling by RV is another rewarding way to immerse yourself in the park’s wild character.

Just 15 minutes from the entrance, you’ll also find a cluster of charming shops offering unique Denali souvenirs, a perfect stop after a day of exploring.

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: Glacier, Ice Caves and Adventure

The drive to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is long—about two hours on gravel roads—but every mile is worth it. This vast park rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 feet and spans a staggering 13.2 million acres—the same size as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined. Wrangell–St. Elias is filled with opportunities for adventure, and for me, it was the highlight of my Alaska journey.

The drive is long—about two hours on gravel roads—but every mile is worth it. We based ourselves in the historic town of Kennicott and joined St Elias Alpine Guides, where I experienced three unforgettable adventures:

•   Ice Cave Exploration: My absolute favorite. The adventure begins with a rugged hike across rocky moraine before descending into hidden ice caves that appear from the outside like ordinary dirt-covered hills. Step inside, however, and you’re surrounded by glittering blue chambers of ice. At one point, we entered through one side of a cave and exited through the other—an otherworldly experience I’ll never forget. Because this is a private tour, the guides adjust the pace and level of challenge to your group’s comfort. Learn more here.

•   Half-Day Glacier Hike: After a short hike through the valley, we strapped on crampons and set foot on the Root Glacier itself. Walking across a living glacier, sipping fresh glacial meltwater, and peering into crevasses felt surreal. My brother even plunged into a frigid glacier pool—a freezing but unforgettable thrill! Details here.

•   Kennecott Mill Town Tour: Once a booming copper mining hub, the mill town of Kennecott is now a fascinating relic of Alaska’s past. We explored its towering 14-story mill building, worker housing, and other historic structures while guides brought the stories of this early 1900s industrial town to life. Walking through the red wooden buildings against the backdrop of glaciers and mountains felt like stepping back in time. More info here.

Other travelers we met raved about rafting and paddling trips on the area’s wild rivers—some even called it the highlight of their entire Alaska adventure. If you’re craving adrenaline and breathtaking scenery, it’s definitely worth considering. See rafting options here.

And if your budget allows, you can take your experience to new heights with a flightseeing tour over Wrangell–St. Elias. Flying above endless glaciers and landing in the middle of the icefields is a once-in-a-lifetime way to see just how massive and untouched this wilderness really is. Explore flights here.

From hidden ice caves to glacier hikes and historic mining relics, Wrangell–St. Elias delivers some of the most extraordinary adventures Alaska has to offer.

Why South Alaska?

Alaska is a land of contrasts—where glaciers meet the ocean, wildlife roams freely, and every corner feels like an untouched frontier. What makes it so special is that each region offers a completely different kind of adventure:

• Juneau– the place for unforgettable whale watching and bear encounters, paired with glaciers and coastal charm.

• Anchorage– a gateway to trails and parks where moose wander freely, with coastal paths perfect for biking and exploring.

• Denali– six million acres of pure wilderness, where towering mountains and sweeping tundra set the stage for bears, hiking, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

• Wrangell–St. Elias– the crown jewel for adventurers, with hidden ice caves, glacier treks, historic mining towns, and flightseeing tours that put you right in the heart of Alaska’s vast icefields.

Alaska isn’t just one destination—it’s many, each offering its own magic. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, history, wilderness, or pure adventure, Alaska gives you the rare chance to step into a world that still feels wild and untamed.

Why Book With Us?

At BTA, we specialize in curating luxury and adventure travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. With our insider knowledge and trusted network of partners, we’ll design a seamless, personalized Alaska journey that ensures you don’t just see Alaska—you experience it. From private glacier tours to hand-picked accommodations, let us take care of every detail so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime.

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