Alaska is often referred to as America’s Last Frontier, and it’s easy to see why. The state has 365 million acres of gorgeous natural forests, lakes, mountains, and more. Alaska’s name is derived from the Aleut word ‘Alyeska,’ which means ‘great land,’ and the land is truly great – both in size and in exuberance. With so much of Alaska’s land mass – 99% to be exact – undeveloped, it can be a little overwhelming deciding what site you absolutely must see in all that abundance of wilderness left to explore.
At Golden North Van Lines, we can help you plan your upcoming move to Alaska and narrow down your list of must-see extraordinary once you get settled into your new home!
The Top Extraordinary Sites to See in Alaska
1) Denali National Park
The third largest national park in the United States, Denali is known for its spectacular landscape. From wide river valleys to high alpine ranges and glacier-draped mountains, you’ll get a little bit of everything in Denali, which is between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
2) Tracy Arm Fjord
Located just south of Juneau, Tracy Arm is a fjord surrounded by glaciers. While visiting, you can expect to see brown beers and moose and even seals and whales within the waters!
3) Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is south of Anchorage, on the Kenai Peninsula, and truly has the best sightseeing that Alaska has to offer. When visiting, you’ll have panoramic landscape views that allow you to see the countless glaciers on the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield.
4) Brooks Falls
You’ve undoubtedly seen photos of brown bears in a small waterfall, gathered together and fishing. Well, that image you’re conjuring right now is most likely Brooks Falls, inside Katmai National Park on the Alaskan Peninsula. June and July are the peak spawning seasons for salmon, and it’s also when a lot of brown bears gather. Watch the bears fish for supper from elevated platforms that allow you to have the best wildlife viewing experience in the world.
5) Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is a group of covered channels and straits in Southeast Alaska. The preferred means of traveling the passage? By cruise ship, charter boats, or on a private yacht!
6) Mendenhall Glacier
Just outside of Juneau lies Mendenhall Glacier, which winds its way down from the Juneau Icefield to a small lake. Rafting and kayaking are amazing ways to view the glacier and float alongside the many icebergs that dot the water.
7) Iditarod National Historical Trail
The only scenic trail in Alaska, the Iditarod National Historic Trail spans 2,300 miles between Nome, on the Bearing Strait, to Seward, near Anchorage. The trail was originally used by native hunters hundreds of years ago, and then by prospectors seeking gold, and is now home to the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Now that you know the must-see places once you move to Alaska, let’s get you up here! Contact Golden North Van Lines today to help plan your move. Alaska is waiting for you.