See what the experts are saying about Alaska. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
As a child, when my family traveled outside Alaska for vacations, I often met other children who asked, "Wow, you live in Alaska? What's it like?" I never did well with that question. To me, the place I was visiting was far simpler and easier... Continue reading »
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Frommer's favorite experiences
Taking your First Sight of Alaska: Flying north from Seattle, you're in clouds, so you concentrate on a book. When you look up, the light from the window has changed. Down below, the clouds are gone, and under the wing, where you're used to s... Continue reading »
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Best hotel bets
Hotel Captain Cook (Anchorage; tel. 800/843-1950): This is the grand old hotel of downtown Anchorage, with a heavy nautical theme, teak paneling, several terrific restaurants, and every possible amenity. It remains the state's standard of ser... Continue reading »
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The best animal viewing
The Best Bear-Viewing There are many places to see bears in Alaska, but if your goal is to make sure you see a bear -- and potentially lots of bears -- these are the best places: Anan Wildlife Observatory: When the fish are running, you... Continue reading »
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The best cruises
Cruises provide comfortable, leisurely access to the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska. Here are some of the best bets. Best Up-Close Alaska Experience: Lindblad Expeditions is an expert at soft adventure cruising, and its Alaska cruis... Continue reading »
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The best fishing
The quality of salmon fishing in Alaska isn't so much a function of place as of time. Bristol Bay: This is the world's richest salmon fishery; lodges on the remote rivers of the region are an angler's paradise. Copper River Delta, Cordo... Continue reading »
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The best glaciers
More of Alaska -- over 100 times more -- is covered by glacier ice than is settled by human beings. Grand Pacific Glacier (Glacier Bay National Park): Two vast glaciers of deep blue meet at the top of an utterly barren fjord. They rubbed a... Continue reading »
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The best historic sites
Sitka National Historical Park: The historic park, its buildings, and other structures in Sitka keep alive an alternate stream in history: one in which a Russian czar ruled Alaska and this little town was one of the most important on the west... Continue reading »
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The best native cultural experiences
Ketchikan Totem Poles: This Tlingit homeland has three unique places to see totem poles: historic poles indoors at the Totem Heritage Center, faithful reproductions outdoors in a natural setting at Totem Bight State Park, and brand-new poles... Continue reading »
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The best scenic drives
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (Skagway to Summit): The narrow-gauge excursion train climbs a steep grade that was chiseled into the granite mountains by stampeders to the Klondike gold rush. The train is a sort of mechanical mountain goa... Continue reading »
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The best views
A First Sight of Alaska: Flying north from Seattle, you're in clouds, so you concentrate on a book. When you look up, the light from the window has changed. Down below, the clouds are gone, and under the wing, where you're used to seeing road... Continue reading »
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The best winter destinations
Anchorage: Anyone can enjoy the Fur Rendezvous and Iditarod sled dog races, which keep a winter-carnival atmosphere going through much of February and March, but winter sports enthusiasts get the most out of winter here. The city has some of... Continue reading »
