Alaska Bucket List

An epic ever-growing travel resources for all the bucket list things to do in Alaska, USA.

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alaska bucket list, Alaska Bucket List (Must-Do Adventures in Alaska)

Experience

  • Witness the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic Sky in Fairbanks.
  • Explore the snowy wilderness by dog-sled. Bonus bucket list points if you get there by helicopter.
  • Hike in Skagway.
  • Take a scenic flight over Denali National Park and see North America’s tallest peak.
  • Cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Take a ride up the Goldbelt Tram in Juneau and explore its various hiking trails.
  • Go whale watching
  • See a wild orca
  • Take an iconic Alaskan cruise
  • Hike along the Harding Icefield Trails for views of Exit Glacier.
  • Try ice climbing.
  • Take a soothing dip in Chena Hot Springs.
  • Ride the a train on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
  • Witness the midnight sun.
  • Visit Kodiak Island for a chance to see a Kodiak bear in its natural habitat. 
  • Kayak in Ketchikan.
  • Go on a fishing trip
  • Walk around the vibrant town of Talkeetna
  • Raft down Nenana River
  • Camp in the remote wilderness.
  • Marvel at Mendenhall Glacier
  • Embark on a multi-day kayak expedition through the waters of Prince William Sound. 
  • Visit the quirky town of McCarthy and visit the historic Kennecott Mines
  • Take a scenic drive on the Seward Highway
  • Go wildlife viewing in Katmai National Park
  • Explore America’s largest national park: Wrangell-St. Elias.
  • Birdwatch in the Copper River Delta
  • Visit the charming seaside town Homer and stroll along the famous Homer Spit
  • Go snowmobiling through winter landscapes.
  • Attend the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race
  • Sail through Glacier Bay
  • Go on a wildlife photography tour
  • Experience traditional native Alaskan culture through art, dance, or storytelling. 
  • Go shopping in Skagway.
alaska bucket list, Alaska Bucket List (Must-Do Adventures in Alaska)

Eat

  • Indulge in fresh Alaskan king crab legs.
  • Savor the rich and creamy flavors of Alaska’s famous seafood chowder.
  • Bite into a juicy reindeer sausage, a local delicacy with a unique flavor.
  • Try smoked salmon from a local smokehouse for a taste of Alaska’s culinary heritage.
  • Warm up with a cup of delicious and hearty salmon chowder.
  • Sample wild Alaskan salmon prepared in various mouthwatering ways, from grilled to smoked to sushi.
  • Treat yourself to a decadent seafood feast featuring Alaskan scallops, shrimp, and halibut.
  • Enjoy a traditional Alaska salmon bake, complete with fresh-caught fish cooked over an open flame.
  • Sip on a refreshing Alaskan Amber beer, brewed locally with pure glacier water.
  • Try a unique Alaskan twist on a classic cocktail, like a birch syrup old-fashioned.
  • Savor the sweetness of locally harvested wildflower honey, perfect for drizzling over fresh biscuits or salmon.
  • Sink your teeth into a flaky and flavorful Alaskan halibut taco, topped with fresh salsa and avocado.
  • Delight Alaskan berry jams and preserves, made from wild berries found throughout the state.
  • Enjoy a comforting bowl of reindeer chili.
  • Try a reindeer burger for a unique and delicious taste of Alaska’s culinary scene.
  • Sample traditional Native Alaskan foods like akutaq (Alaskan ice cream) made with berries and animal fat.
  • Experience the flavors of Alaska’s frontier days with a hearty meal of sourdough pancakes topped with Alaskan birch syrup.
  • Enjoy a cup of rich and aromatic Alaskan roasted coffee.
  • Try a refreshing spruce tip beer, brewed with handpicked spruce tips for a unique flavor profile.
  • Taste the tangy goodness of Alaskan lingonberry preserves, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.
  • Enjoy a leisurely brunch featuring Alaskan king crab Benedict, topped with rich hollandaise sauce.
  • Treat yourself to a decadent slice of chocolate cake made with Alaskan-grown rhubarb for a tart twist.
  • Sample Alaskan birch syrup, a sweet and flavorful syrup made from the sap of birch trees.
  • Sip on a hot cup of traditional Alaskan fireweed tea.
  • Try a reindeer hot dog, a popular street food in Alaska, served with all the fixings.
  • Enjoy a bowl of hearty caribou stew, packed with tender meat and savory vegetables.
  • Buy local fudge while exploring Skagway.
alaska bucket list, Alaska Bucket List (Must-Do Adventures in Alaska)

Stay

  • Borealis Basecamp – Experience the magic of the Northern Lights from a private igloo-style dome.
  • Sheldon Chalet – A luxurious retreat nestled high in the Alaska Range, offering unparalleled views of Denali.
  • Ultima Thule Lodge – This remote lodge offers luxurious accommodations amidst the rugged wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
  • Tutka Bay Lodge – A stunning eco-lodge located in a secluded cove.
  • Winterlake Lodge – A cozy wilderness retreat offering rustic luxury and access to breathtaking outdoor activities.
  • Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge – Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Chena Hot Springs Resort – Relax in natural hot springs and enjoy the Aurora Ice Museum.
  • Orca Island Cabins – Stay in beautifully crafted yurts perched on a private island in Resurrection Bay.
  • Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge – Escape to this remote lodge, offering cozy cabins and world-class fishing opportunities and outdoor experiences.
  • Tordrillo Mountain Lodge – Float plane charters, fishing, and wildlife viewing right at your doorstep.
  • Denali Backcountry Lodge – A remote lodge located deep within Denali National Park, offering stunning views of the Alaska Range.
  • Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Nestled at the base of North America’s tallest peak, this lodge offers upscale accommodations and breathtaking views of Denali.
  • The Hotel Alyeska – Experience luxury at the base of Mount Alyeska with world-class dining, spa services, and easy access to outdoor adventures.
  • McKinley Chalet Resort – Stay in cozy cabins near Denali National Park.
  • Bear Paw Adventure – Surrounded by the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula, offering easy access to outdoor activities.
  • Alaska Wildland Adventures’ Kenai Riverside Lodge – Comfortable cabins on the banks of the Kenai River and are known for fishing and rafting.
  • Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge – Escape to this luxurious lodge located on the Kenai Peninsula.
  • The Lakefront Anchorage – Enjoy waterfront views and luxurious accommodations located on Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base.
  • Bettles Lodge – Experience true Alaskan hospitality at this remote lodge located above the Arctic Circle, offering cozy cabins and unforgettable aurora viewing.
  • Alaska’s Point of View – Stay in charming cabins in a quiet location and enjoy panoramic views of mountains and glaciers.
  • Alaska Heavenly Lodge – Lodge on the banks of the Kenai River, offering rustic yet elegant accommodations and world-class fishing.
  • Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge – Escape to this remote lodge located in the heart of the Alaska Range, offering cozy and intimate cabins.
  • Alpenglow Luxury Camping – Experience glamping at its finest with luxurious tent accommodations.
  • Stillpoint Lodge – An eco-lodge nestled on the shores of Halibut Cove, offering luxurious cabins and gourmet dining experiences.
  • Inn at Tern Lake – A charming bed and breakfast overlooking Tern Lake.

*It is the responsibility of the traveler to make sure that products and services are ethically sourced and do not support abusive animal practices. Please read my full disclaimer.  


Did I miss something that needs to be added to the Alaska bucket list? Feel free to contact me so that I can add it to the list!

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