4 immersive Alaskan wildlife experiences
Known as ‘The last frontier,’ the USA’s northernmost state of Alaska is a place of mighty mountain ranges, ice-blue glaciers, and pristine wilderness. It’s also home to a gathering of animals so rugged they thrive in this harsh environment.
We take a look at four ways to get up close to these remarkable creatures.
1. Juneau adventure
A bit like an Alaskan wildlife sampler, a boat trip along Juneau’s Auke Bay is a great way to see all sorts of animals. In summer, humpback whale sightings are expected, while lucky travellers might also encounter orcas and sea otters.
Whale-watching rules prohibit people from coming within 100 yards (91.4m) of humpbacks. But don’t be surprised if you find the whales have missed the memo and leap from the water beside your boat, flopping back with an almighty splash.
A more extensive jetboat trip navigates through the icebergs and glaciers of Tracy Arm Fjord, one of the most scenic spots in the region. Here, seals loll about on ice flows, bears patrol the shoreline and bald eagles soar overhead.
Occasionally, great lumps of ice break free from the glaciers and hit the water with a thunderous roar.
2. Ride the rails to Denali National Park
A trip aboard a glass-domed train carriage from Anchorage to Denali National Park is a popular add-on to an Alaskan cruise. Passengers can take in 360-degree views of forests, mountains and alpine streams.
A vast wilderness area, the park is the site of North America’s highest Mountain, Denali (Mount McKinley) also known as ‘The Great One’. It’s also home to Alaska’s big five ‒ grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep and wolves.
Whether you enjoy high adventure or air-conditioned comfort, there are plenty of ways to get among the denizens of Denali National Park for a truly memorable experience.
With a range of hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties ‒ plus back-country off-trail opportunities ‒ there’s a good chance you’ll come across some of the locals. And not just the big five ‒ be on the lookout for beavers, lynx, foxes and eagles.
Apart from stunning scenery, most hikes are uneventful. But as they say in Denali, “Be prepared to run from moose, but never run from a wolf or bear” and “Carry bear spray and know how to use it.” To reduce the likelihood of encountering a disgruntled moose, hop aboard a bus for a sightseeing tour of the park.
There are also ATV tours, river rafting adventures and, for the ultimate thrill, take a heli-hiking flight deep into the park for a guided walk above the tree line.
3. Feet up, drink in hand on your cruise ship
If you prefer to experience the wonders of nature from a comfy chair, your stateroom balcony is up to the job. Providing a sheltered passage for cruise ships, Glacier Bay is a scenic wonder, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush pine forests and, of course, glaciers.
Humpbacks, orcas, otters and seals enjoy the protected waters of the bay, so there’s a fair chance you’ll see plenty of animals without leaving your cabin.
Holland America Line even organise an expert to come aboard for this part of the trip, so you can find out what all those creatures are up to.
4. Kayak Sitka
Offshore from the town of Sitka, there are countless sheltered coves and inlets, providing ideal conditions for guided sea kayaking tours.
Paddle the tranquil waters beside spruce-cloaked hillsides, home to brown bears, eagles, and black-tailed deer.
The rich kelp forests harbour all manner of marine life, and be sure to have your camera ready for sightings of cheeky seals and breaching whales.
Humpbacks, orcas, otters and seals enjoy the protected waters of the bay, so there’s a fair chance you’ll see plenty of animals without leaving your cabin.
Holland America Line even organise an expert to come aboard for this part of the trip, so you can find out what all those creatures are up to.
