Alaska Getaway

Over twice the size of Texas, Alaska is the largest U.S. state and the least densely populated. But, it’s is more than big; it’s oversized. Its mountain and glaciers are huge. Mosquitoes are gigantic. The variety of activities that you can do is phenomenal. Dubbed “the last frontier,” much of Alaska remains untouched by modernity and the wide-open spaces beckon you. With private planes being common, you’ll never have to worry about finding a place to land or someone who can fly. In fact, Alaska has the highest number of pilots per capita in the country. Fly to Alaska in your private charter jet, and experience the array of beauty it has to offer you.

Activities for an Alaska Adventure

Cruise

Alaska cruises take you along the state’s fjords, waters and national parks. They are one of the ideal ways to see the state’s natural bounties in a short amount of time. On the excursion, you’ll see animals such as whales, seals, moose, grizzly bears, mountain goats and wolverines. Cruises that go farther north take you to walruses and polar bears. Alaska cruises are so popular that all the major cruise lines make the trip. Alternatively, charter your own vessel and hire a captain and guide for a more tailored experience.

Railway Tours

Providing another great way to tour Alaska in comfort, scenic railway tours depart from one major city and take you through national parks, mountain foothills and along waterways to another major city. The iconic White Pass & Yukon Route railway takes you on tracks built during the gold rush and is one of the most popular shore excursion providers. AlaskaTrain.com, run by Carnival Cruises, offers railway tours to cruise passengers and the public. The highlight of the rail service is the large glass dome windows on the upper level of the cars.

Fly-In Hunting

Fly-in hunting isn’t necessarily a luxury in Alaska. It’s a common way for resident hunters to score their favorite game, such as caribou, deer, black bear and moose. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game states that air taxi operators who provide services to hunters know the best access points. Simply ask the pilot to take you to a specific site or ask him to recommend a good spot. After the pilot drops you off, he’ll pick you up at a prearranged time.

Heliskiing

As a popular Alaska extreme sport, there are a plethora of helicopter charter companies that will drop you off on steep descents. Because of the number of hotspots to ski or snowboard on, you’re more likely to see a reindeer wearing lipstick than run into other skiers.

Heli-Hiking

 

One of the latest activities to enjoy in Alaska, heli-hiking gets you up to unique locations that are difficult to reach by car. The excursions include a guide that will steer you through different types of terrain, from meadows to ice masses that require crampons to traverse. Base the excursion that you choose on your level of hiking or ice climbing experience.

Bear Watching

Bears aren’t too difficult to come by in Alaska, particular near the water, where they feed on endless supplies of salmon. Get an up-close look at brown or black bears from a safe distance at the Redoubt Bay Bear Sanctuary, which is part of Redoubt Bay Lodge. Hire a naturalist to take you through the Triumvirate Glacier’s waters in the Tordrillo Mountains to see bears feeding.

Packrafting

Packrafting is an Alaskan secret. The “rafts” are durable, lightweight inflatable kayaks that endure the challenges of almost any type of water. They allow you to cross rivers or creeks that are too dangerous to cross on foot as you hike, tour alpine waters and get up-close looks at icebergs. Some excursions even take you to ice-blue waterways formed on glaciers.