7 Things to Do in Alaska in the Summer

One of the most magical and intriguing locations on this earth. Alaska is up high on the travel bucket list for many and it’s obvious why. The atmosphere, the weather, the wildlife and the culture are on another level. It will leave you breathless from it’s paint-like landscapes and sceneries, always wanting more. While it’s beautiful year-round, there truly is nothing like Alaska in the summer.

7 THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA IN THE SUMMER

cruise through the Glacier Bay

I dare say; cruises aren’t the most ideal way to travel for many. While that may be true, cruising through Alaska is one of the best ways to see the landscapes and wildlife. The Glacier Bay is home to some of the most remote locations you can find with close to 624 species of animals.

You can visit Glacier Bay through licensed charters in the area, but the best way is to see it is from a cruise, because of the unique experience that comes with it. Very limited charters have licenses to cruise through the Glacier Bay so being able to see it with your own eyes is truly special.

It”s no secret that the amazing glaciers are thinning, stagnating and retreating. They won’t always look like this so being able to see them up close is actually a once in a lifetime experience.

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Take a helicopter ride to Mendenhall glacier

So maybe you’ve taken a helicopter ride before and maybe you haven’t. Regardless, it can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience. Compared to other types of helicopter experiences, this one can definitely be on the scarier side because of the distance, altitude and mountains that surround you.

BUT, it is one of the most stunning ways to see the Alaskan landscape. You can experience the spectacular and well-known glacier in Juneau, known as Mendenhall Glacier. Also, if you do decide to visit Alaska in the summer, you’ll be shocked to know that jackets aren’t always needed.

Go Dog-Sledding

Before we talk about how incredible of an experience this is, it should be clear that anytime you agree to partake in activities having to do with animals, that it is indeed ethical. Extensive research on companies who work with animals will help you decipher who is worth booking through.

While some may view this as animal cruelty, I’m here to tell you that I witnessed the dogs with my own eyes and could see the legitimate excitement and energy around what they do. Huskies were made for this and it shows when you are there and can see it for yourself.

As a dog-lover, it was so incredible to be able to see these dogs do what they do and pull the sled on the glacier like it was a winter wonderland scene out of a movie. Hearing them bark, seeing them run and smile as they pulled us was unlike any experience. They were treated well and shown so much love from beginning to end. I loved spending my day with them.

Try Salmon-fishing

A classic Alaskan activity. No trip is complete without a fishing trip! We had a local fisherman take us around on his boat, telling us all about the area, what people to do for fun and where you might be able to spot the wildlife. There’s so much wildlife to be seen while you’re on a boat.

The fishing itself is very controlled and there are guidelines around which fish you can keep vs what you can’t. At the end of the trip, you’re able to actually ship the salmon you caught back to your house so you can cook your very own fresh salmon. How incredible is that?

Drink at a local bar

One of the best ways to experience the local community is to drink with them. There’s so many fun bars in Alaskan cities. It’s a great place to grab some appetizers, try the local brews and spark up conversations with some very interesting people, whether they’re local or visiting too.

Also, Alaska in the summer means the temperatures actually are warm. Day drinking outside, anyone?

Go on a bus tour

Bus tours are great because there are so many different kinds you can take that offer vista point stops, cuisine experiences and wildlife spotting. Not every place may call for a bus-tour, so it’s suggested to ask locally if a bus tour is worth it. Some places are just worth driving deeper into, which can really expand your experience overall.

 

Walk around town

Simple, yet very effective when learning what the culture is actually like. Going to local shops, grabbing a coffee, finding a place for lunch and seeing how people live their lives is the best way to be fully engulfed in a culture different from your own. The best part about this is that you learn so much more about people than you think, by just observing.

There you have it! The list gives you a well-rounded experience for visiting Alaska in the summer as a tourist and allows you to get a taste of this magical place, in so many different ways.

Have you been to Alaska?