9 Of The Coolest Things To Do In Alaska: From Glaciers To Gold Rush History

The best things to do in Alaska include whale watching in Juneau, riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, glacier viewing, dog sledding, halibut fishing and exploring Tlingit culture in Hoonah. Many of these unforgettable experiences are easily accessible from Inside Passage cruise ports, making an Alaska cruise one of the best ways to see the state’s highlights in one trip.

Start planning with nine of the coolest and most unique adventures you can have on an Alaskan cruise.

Key Takeaways: Best Things To Do in Alaska

● Discover Alaska’s landscapes through experiences like whale watching, glacier viewing, rainforest hikes and scenic rail journeys.

● Explore some of Alaska’s top destinations, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Seward and Hoonah, each offering its own mix of wildlife and adventure.

● Experience outdoor thrills ranging from kayaking and ziplining to halibut fishing and off-road adventures through Tongass National Forest.

● Learn about Alaska’s rich history and Indigenous heritage through Gold Rush landmarks, Tlingit cultural experiences and visits with local guides and mushers.

● Explore Alaska cruises to experience multiple iconic destinations and adventures in one vacation.

Why Alaska Is A Must-see Destination

Alaska is known for its dramatic glaciers, abundant wildlife, rich Indigenous culture and frontier-style adventure. From whale watching and glacier hikes to historic Gold Rush towns and Tlingit cultural experiences, the state offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

An Alaska cruise is one of the easiest ways to experience the region’s highlights. You can visit multiple sought-after destinations like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Seward in one vacation while enjoying scenic cruising and onboard experiences along the way.

Wildlife And Nature Experiences In Alaska

1. Go Whale Watching

Join a group of fellow travelers on a whale-watching adventure for one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. You may spot several whale species that live in Alaskan waters, including:

● Belugas.

● Humpbacks.

● Gray whales.

● Orcas.

● Bowheads.

● Blue whales.

● Right whales.

● Minke whales.

You can also see sea lions, porpoises and harbor seals. Keep your camera ready for close-up sightings in their natural habitat. It’s a great chance to participate in real wildlife research while learning directly from experts in the field.

2. Spot Black Bears In A Rare Alaskan Rainforest

Follow a naturalist through the Herring Cove estuary. It’s one of the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, and a prime habitat for Alaska’s black bears. A guided experience gives you the chance to spot bears fishing in salmon-rich streams, with a private viewing platform that offers a safe and unobstructed vantage point.

The area is unique because of its setting within a coastal rainforest. While this region is often associated with snow and ice, Southeast Alaska is home to a rare ecosystem, found in only a handful of places around the world.

3. See Wildlife And Cruise Through Kenai Fjords

Explore the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, a renowned aquarium and marine mammal rehabilitation facility. Here, you’ll see:

● Sea lions.

● Walruses.

● Sea otters.

There are even opportunities for close encounters with animals such as octopuses and puffins. From there, you can board a sightseeing vessel for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Along the way, take in dramatic glacier scenery and spot marine wildlife while a park ranger shares insight into the surrounding ecosystem.

To round out the experience, enjoy a freshly prepared Alaskan lunch featuring salmon and prime rib. You can also sample local brews at nearby Seward Alehouse for a flavorful finish to the day.

Outdoor Adventures In Alaska

4. Kayak To The Tatoosh Islands

Paddle a single or double kayak around the Tatoosh Islands in Ketchikan for a breathtaking outdoor adventure. As you glide through the water, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including:

● Bald eagles.

● Sea lions.

● Otters.

● Starfish.

● Sea cucumbers.

The Tatoosh Islands sit within Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., covering around 17 million acres — an area roughly the size of the entire state of West Virginia.

5. Take On The Ziprider

Experience one of Alaska’s most thrilling zip line adventures just outside Hoonah (Icy Strait Point), Alaska, home to the native Tlingit community. With a vertical drop of over 1,300 feet, this high-speed ride sends you soaring over lush rainforest with sweeping views of Port Frederick and the surrounding mountain landscape.

After reaching high speeds, the experience ends with a smooth landing on a harbor-side beach — an exhilarating finish to the adventure.

6. Try Your Hand At Halibut Fishing

Join a local fishing crew in Hoonah, Alaska, and head into the icy waters in search of one of the state’s most prized catches: Pacific halibut. With professional gear and hands-on guidance, you'll drop a line in proven halibut fishing spots known for producing impressive catches. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, the crew is there to support you throughout the experience.

Along the way, you have a chance to catch:

● Pacific halibut, potentially weighing over 100 pounds.

● Other native Alaskan fish species, depending on conditions.

What makes this excursion stand out isn’t just the size of the catch, but the setting itself — one of the premier halibut fishing regions in the world. Even better, your catch can be professionally processed and shipped home, turning your Alaska adventure into a meal you can enjoy long after your cruise.

7. Discover Off-road Adventures And Indigenous Culture In Icy Strait Point

One of the best things to do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, is exploring the rugged trails of Chichagof Island on an all-terrain vehicle adventure through Tongass National Forest. As you ride, you’ll take in the remote beauty of the landscape while learning about Tlingit culture, an Indigenous people of:

● Alaska.

● British Columbia.

● The Yukon.

Icy Strait Point is overseen by the Huna Totem Corporation, which helps preserve the island’s heritage and supports the growth of Alaskan-owned businesses. The experience also offers a window into contemporary Indigenous life for even more insight into the natural surroundings.

8. Take The White Pass Scenic Railway

Travel back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush in Skagway, where the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway — originally built to reach the Yukon gold fields — still winds through the rugged landscape today. The journey covers about 20 miles to White Pass Summit, with sweeping views along the way of: 

● Mountains.

● Gorges.

● Waterfalls.

A ride in a vintage railcar adds to the feeling of stepping into Alaska’s frontier past.

9. Dogsled And Meet Real Mushers

One of the best things to do in Skagway, Alaska, is traveling through the region in a vintage railcar along the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Then, meet a professional musher and their dog sled team training for future competitions. You’ll learn what it takes to train a working sled team in Alaska and, if you’re lucky, even spend time with playful husky puppies.

You can enjoy: 

● Live dogsled racing demonstrations.

● Opportunities to meet and learn from professional mushers.

● Close-up moments with sled dogs in training.

What makes this experience especially meaningful is that your visit helps support the team’s ongoing training and care for their dogs, adding purpose behind the adventure.

Top Alaska Experiences By Travel Style

Best For Wildlife Lovers

Alaska is a great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat:

● In Juneau, whale-watching excursions offer the chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and porpoises in the waters of the Inside Passage. 

● In Ketchikan, guided visits to Herring Cove provide opportunities to watch black bears fishing in salmon-rich streams.

● Kenai Fjords National Park is known for sea otters, puffins and glacier-lined coastal scenery.

Depending on where you go, you could also hit hotspots like Tongass National Forest and Chichagof Island to see more wild beauty.

Best For Adventure Seekers

Travelers looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences will find plenty to add to their Alaska itinerary:

● Soar above the rainforest on a zip line in Icy Strait Point.

● Paddle through the waters surrounding the Tatoosh Islands in Ketchikan.

● Ride an all-terrain vehicle through the rugged landscape of Chichagof Island.

● See the incredible Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.

Glacier hiking and dogsledding experiences also offer memorable ways to experience Alaska’s terrain up close.

Best For Culture And History Fans

Alaska’s history and cultural traditions are woven throughout its coastal communities. In Skagway, the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway offers a glimpse into the Klondike Gold Rush era, while cultural experiences in Hoonah introduce visitors to Tlingit heritage and contemporary Indigenous life. Fishing villages, local art and regional storytelling add even more depth to the journey. Don’t forget to try Alaskan foods including king crab, fresh salmon and halibut.

Best For Families And First-Timers

Families can find adventures suited for a wide range of ages and interests throughout Alaska. Wildlife cruises, rail journeys and interactive cultural experiences make it easy to keep everyone engaged, while activities like dog sledding demonstrations and visits to the Alaska SeaLife Center combine sightseeing with hands-on learning.

These same adventures appeal to first-time Alaska visitors and anyone who’s never cruised before. This is a great taste of adventure without being overwhelming.

FAQs: Alaskan Activities And Adventures

When Should You Visit Alaska By Cruise?

Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September, with each month offering something different:

● Early-season sailings in May often bring cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and snowcapped scenery. 

● June through August is known for peak wildlife activity and long daylight hours.

● September offers colorful fall landscapes and cooler weather, making it a great time for scenic cruising and wildlife spotting.

No matter when you visit, Alaska delivers unforgettable views and outdoor adventures throughout the cruise season.

What Do You Pack For An Alaskan Cruise?

Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about preparing for changing weather and outdoor adventures. Layers are key, since temperatures can shift throughout the day between ports, glacier viewing, and activities on the ship.

Helpful items to bring include:

● A waterproof jacket.

● Comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

● Warm layers like sweaters or fleece pullovers.

● Gloves, hats and sunglasses.

● Binoculars for wildlife viewing.

● A camera for glacier and wildlife photos.

Even during the summer months, mornings and evenings can feel cool, especially during scenic cruising days.

How Do You Choose An Alaska Cruise Itinerary?

Choosing the right Alaska cruise itinerary depends on the type of experience you want most:

● Inside Passage itineraries are popular for first-time visitors thanks to their calm waters, scenic coastal views and visits to ports like Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

● Gulf of Alaska itineraries often include destinations like Seward and offer opportunities to pair a cruise with additional land exploration.

When comparing itineraries, start by considering the experiences you’re most interested in, whether that’s wildlife viewing, glacier scenery, cultural experiences or outdoor adventure.

Experience Alaska’s Best Adventures On A Cruise

From glacier hikes and whale watching to Gold Rush history and Tlingit cultural experiences, Alaska offers unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler. One day, you can kayak through the waters of Tongass National Forest or spot black bears in Ketchikan; the next, you can ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway or take in glacier views in Kenai Fjords National Park.

An Alaska cruise makes it easy to experience many of the state’s highlights in one vacation without having to plan long drives or navigate remote regions on your own. Instead, you can wake up in a new destination almost every day while enjoying scenic views, onboard dining, entertainment and outdoor adventures along the way.