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.
- 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.
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.
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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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