Alaska Bucket List
An epic ever-growing travel resources for all the bucket list things to do in Alaska, USA.
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Experience
- Witness the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic Sky in Fairbanks.
- Go on a cruise for photography.
- 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.
- Hike to Dewey Lake.
- 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.

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.

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.
Videos About Alaska
Alaska Cruise Vlog in October
Dewey Lake Hiking
GoldBelt Tram Review
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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