Alaska tours discovery guide
Consider this: Towering peaks, icy fjords, and spectacular wildlife are closer than you think. On our guided Alaska tours, you might sail past blue-tinged glaciers, ride the rails through snowcapped mountain passes, or chase the northern lights deep into the winter night. Prefer summer? Think endless daylight, blooming wildflowers, and forest trails teeming with life. Alaska delivers an epic journey that feels worlds away—without leaving the continent.
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What to know before you go
POPULATION
Alaska has one of the smallest populations in the United States—a little more than 730,000 people—but it’s the largest state by land area, making it the most sparsely populated. Nearly 40% of residents converge in Anchorage, while vast stretches of the state remain wild and untouched. Alaska is also home to a rich Indigenous heritage, with more than 15% of the population identifying as Alaska Native or Native American.
CAPITAL
Juneau, Alaska’s quirky capital, is full of surprises—you can’t drive there (seriously, no roads in or out), but you can spot humpback whales and explore a glacier all in one day. Tucked between towering mountains and icy waters, this gem blends remote wilderness with small-town charm. (We’ll get you there on our Denali National Park & Wild Alaska Cruise.)
CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
Alaska is home to more than 200 federally recognized Native tribes whose traditional practices are still very much alive. Life here is also shaped by Alaska’s remote geography—self-reliance, resilience, and a can-do attitude are central to the state’s culture.
WHAT TO GO FOR
Alaska stuns with glacier-carved fjords, endless evergreen forests, and wildlife sightings that feel straight out of a nature documentary. Cruise through icy bays, stand in the shadow of Denali, and watch for bears, moose, and breaching humpbacks—all without ever leaving the U.S.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
Hike pristine national parks, don a pair of snowshoes for an exhilarating winter trek, and watch the northern lights ablaze in purples and greens across a darkened sky.
Alaska Northern Lights: Anchorage to Fairbanks
Experience the thrill of the aurora borealis, snow-dusted forests, and soaring mountain ranges. This winter escape takes you deep into Alaska’s wild Interior, from charming Talkeetna to rugged Denali and north to Fairbanks. Ride a glass-domed train through hushed wilderness, meet musk ox and reindeer up close, and learn about the state’s ecology from local experts. With fewer crowds and a higher chance of seeing the northern lights, it’s the perfect season to see America’s last frontier in a new light.
Plan your trip to Alaska with a little help from the experts (that’s us!)
You could wait for inspiration to strike—or find some with our tried-and-true travel advice, sightseeing tips, and more.
The most beautiful places to visit on a guided tour of the US
You don’t have to travel far to see some of Earth’s most spectacular sights. Plenty of them are right here, no passport required. From New Hampshire’s White Mountains to Alaska’s Glacier National Park, these are some of the most beautiful places to visit in the U.S.
The best places to see the northern lights in 2025
Iceland and Norway may top the list, but did you know you don’t have to venture across the Atlantic Ocean for a glimpse of the northern lights? Read more to see why Alaska should be on your list as you chase this elusive natural spectacle.
Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
Snowshoe through a forest in Talkeetna
Set off into the quiet wilderness on a guided snowshoe trek through pristine boreal backwoods, ending at a stunning viewpoint of the Alaska Range and, on clear days, Denali. Try it on our Alaska Northern Lights: Anchorage to Fairbanks tour.
Uncover Indigenous Alaska’s living history
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center on the shores of Lake Tiulana to explore Indigenous cultures through traditional villages, art, and storytelling. Try it on our Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords tour.
Walk on the wild side of Denali National Park
Embark on a naturalist-led walk where you’ll learn about the park’s abundant flora, teeming wildlife, glacial past, and how life adapts to Alaska’s subarctic climate. Try it on our Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords tour.
Prance in the snow on a reindeer ranch
Head to a reindeer ranch where you’ll meet these gentle Arctic animals up close. Stroll through the snowy pastures and observe the reindeer in their wintry environment. Try it on our Alaska Northern Lights: Anchorage to Fairbanks tour.
Pick your perfect trip
We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.
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Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
Go far (and get rewarded)
Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
Even more to see, do, and oooh over in the lower 48
If you like keeping your adventures a little closer to home, there’s much more of North America to explore.
