A cruise to Alaska is one of the best ways to see the natural beauty of the region, including its stunning landscapes and wildlife. With a number of sailings either starting or ending in Alaska, tagging on a few days pre or post-cruise is an excellent opportunity to explore this region in more depth.
Beyond the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Sitka, and other popular cruise ports, the interior of Alaska showcases the expansive wilderness, rugged mountains, and charming towns a little more off the beaten track. This exploration of Alaska’s northern region and all it has to offer can make for a great complement to any coastal cruise.
Whether you want to do a more formal tour organized through the cruise line or venture off on your own, there are a number of must-see areas to be explored in Alaska that make for perfect add-ons to a cruise vacation in the Last Frontier.
Here are some of the best land tours to make the most of your Alaska cruise vacation.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the top destinations for tourists wanting to see inland Alaska. This massive national park covers six million acres, which includes Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, which peaks at 20,310 feet. Beyond its stunning snow-capped peaks and expansive lands, cruisers love to travel to this area for its abundance of wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, sheep, and caribou, just to name a few.
Denali National Park and Preserve is located 240 miles north of Anchorage. The park can be enjoyed in several ways, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and snowmobiling. The park also offers family-friendly activities, including shorter, more accessible trails, in addition to more challenging hiking opportunities for those who want a little more of a challenge. With its scenic views and wildlife, the park also offers some of the best opportunities for photography.
While it can be a day stop on some cruise tours, Princess Cruise Line has its own Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge a mere mile from the park entrance. Guests can enjoy the comforts of an upscale wilderness lodge with incredible views of the surrounding areas of the Nenana River.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is an incredible mix of stunning nature with the best of Alaska culture, a big draw for many visiting Alaska. Located about 360 miles north of Anchorage, it is well into the interior, showcasing different aspects of Alaska. Despite its northern location, it has tons to offer as Alaska’s second-largest city.
Downtown Fairbanks is shaped by both the old and the new. Distilleries became popular during the Gold Rush, and we still see echoes of this today, with many establishments offering a unique rum made from birch syrup. There are tons of mouth-watering eateries, and an array of museums – even an ice museum with one of a kind sculptures. The town is also known for its vibrant art scene.
Known as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, many tourists love to visit Fairbanks in the hope of witnessing this wonder of nature. Cruisers wanting to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon should plan to visit in the latter part of the season – the later, the better, as May can see 24 hours of sun each day. Another way to explore nature is to drive just 60 miles outside of Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. The 40 square-mile geothermal area makes for a truly relaxing side trip.
Anchorage
As one of the main transportation hubs for flying in and out of Alaska, Anchorage is also a great place to explore, with so much to do and see. The city offers plenty to do, including a bustling downtown, access to wildlife, great walking trails, and a nearby glacier. One of the best ways to tour the areas and see nature is the historic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Many visitors rent bikes or walk part of the windy trail that spans 11 miles. It starts in the heart of Anchorage, heading out of the city, with forests along the coast. Visitors rave about its natural beauty and scenic views.
There are a few glaciers that are worthwhile for a day trip from Anchorage. Top among them is Portage Glacier, one of the most popular tourist attractions. A fantastic outing while visiting Anchorage, the spectacular glacier is about one and a half hours by car. One of the best ways to see the glacier is by boat tour, which can get much closer. Also, make sure to stop at the visitors center to learn more about the incredible region.
While visiting the city, be sure to drop in at the Anchorage Market, full of good bites and hand-created items. Other favorites include the planetarium in the Anchorage Museum and grabbing some refreshing beer at some of the local watering holes. The Alaska Zoo is another popular attraction in Anchorage that is perfect for families. Another great spot to see some local animals is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, which sits on 200 acres of natural habitat just outside of Anchorage.
Talkeetna
A little more off the beaten path, Talkeetna is a great place to visit while on the way to Denali National Park. It is about halfway between Anchorage and Denali, making for a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Alaska’s largest city. Talkeetna is often a starting point for many activities in Denali National Park and even has some of the most majestic views of Mount Denali. It is the home base for a number of outdoor activities, including flight-seeing tours of Denali National Park.
Located at the meeting point of three glacial rivers, Talkeetna offers a range of water activities, including water rafting, boat tours, and scenic ziplining. You can even lead your own dog sled team and go hiking for a true Alaska experience. With its epic mountain peaks, including the snow-covered Mount Denali, forests, and rivers, Talkeetna makes for out of this world views, a paradise for photographers.
Often described as quirky, this town of less than 1,000 people offers a less touristy version of Alaska. It was founded as the district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad and can even be visited via train from Anchorage. It is a great place to take a stroll in its historic heart, with its vibrant red buildings, including Nagler’s Store, which has been serving the area for 100 years. A leisurely stroll along the Talkeetna Riverfront Park provides picture-perfect views of Mount Denali. At the end of the day, enjoy some of the local cuisine and sample some craft beer at Denali Brewpub.
