No matter which mode of transportation you choose, a trip to Alaska will be amazing and awe inspiring.
The tourism season, generally, runs from May to September. According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, in 2023, approximately 2.7 million people traversed this beautiful destination by sea or land.
43% of those tourists chose to do it via cruise ship. 48% decided to see it during a road trip, group tour, or by train (the remaining 9% is listed as “other overnight”).
How you choose to see Alaska is a personal decision. It depends on your wants, level of adventure you’d like, and which sites are most important for you to see and experience. Once you’ve decided on the mode of transportation, then the planning can begin.
When deciding on the best way to see Alaska, first decide if you want to see it by sea or driving cross country. Then, there are the options of going in group tours (guided or otherwise) as well as taking a train excursion.
Denali National Park, Alaska, Image from Pixabay.com
Cruise Ship
In 2023, round-trip cruises accounted for 31% of all tourism while cross-gulf cruises had a respectable 12% of the business. This makes a total of 43% of all tourists visited Alaska by cruise ship.
The cruises lines which operate in Alaska’s scenic waters include Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Viking, and Holland America. Each one offers their own unique style of cruising. So, when choosing, pick one with amenities matching your personal style and interests.
Also, the itineraries vary by company as well. This includes where they depart from, where they end up and the sites they visit. Typically, cruises are 7 days long.
Something to keep in mind is bigger ships will be more restricted as to where they can visit. They may have to bypass some of the smaller bays, coves, and communities which can’t support their girth.
On the other hand, some ships are smaller and may be more prone to rough waters – something to keep in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Cruises are the perfect way to see all the glaciers you could ever want to see as well as marine life you might not otherwise experience.
According to Alaska Travel.com:
Our article, are Alaska cruises good for older adults, goes into further depth about their amenities and advantages.
Road Trip - By Car Or RV
Then there’s always the option of getting behind the wheel of your vehicle / RV and driving through the Last Frontier. This is the best way to see Alaska at your own pace.
The Alaska-Canada, or Alcan, highway is highly popular and what most US drivers choose when driving. There are more services on this route and it has a wider range of attractions. You might enjoy a stop at Liard Hot Springs or Muncho Lake.
Another scenic route is the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, also referred to as Highway 37 BC or just the Cassiar. It is less traveled so there are fewer gas stations and restaurants along the way.
Highlights include taking a side trip to Stewart BC / Hyder AK, Jade City, Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, and Bear Glacier just to name a few.
Driving gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace and see things which are, maybe, less visited. Also, it allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty and wildlife like bear, moose, bald eagles, Dall sheep, etc.
Another advantage is seeing some of the incredible sites in the Yukon and Northwest Territories such as Kluane Lake. You’ll have the ability to see old cabins where gold miners could have lived, steamboats which carried supplies, as well as many museums and quirky road stops such as the Watson Lake sign post forest.
There are many accommodation options such as bed and breakfasts, cottages, lodges, motels, and hotels. A lot of these are cost effective and should meet your requirements.
Group Tours
An organized group tour is another way to see Alaska. All the details are taken care of from transportation to accommodations to excursions. Some even include meals.
Many do combine a land tour with a cruise however some do specifically land tours. These can range anywhere from two to sixteen days, depending on the company.
This could be a better option for you if you like to travel in numbers and feel better having someone else taking care of the details. Also, you’ll have an experienced guide who can give you some of the history and details of what you’re seeing and experiencing.
Alaska tour guides offers many different packages including land tours and family tours. They, typically, have no more than 13 guests with 1 tour guide. A smaller group allows you to access highlights and destinations with a more up close and personal feel.
By Train
Most of the cruise lines offer excursions and many of them will involve rail travel. For example, one allows you to see the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. And, Holland America, has an exclusive one called the McKinley Explorer which includes Mount Denali.
However, you can, also, travel this lovely state via train once you arrive. The Alaska Railroad runs 470 miles from Fairbanks to Seward, with lots of stops even spending a day or two exploring the towns along the route.
The Railroad offers summer and winter packages from Anchorage ranging from two to ten days. If you’re only looking for a day trip, those are offered in the summer as well.
The Alaska Railroad offers one of the last whistle-stop services available in North America. This is probably the best way to see Alaska for the more adventurous souls.
Simply put, you can get off the train and partake of popular activities such as river rafting, hiking, or fishing. When you’re done, you just wave the train down from the side of the tracks and hop back on.
Any way you choose, you’re not going to be disappointed with the experience.
Best Time of Year to Go
The best time of year to go to Alaska is anywhere from May to September. The days are long – it isn’t called the “land of the midnight sun” for nothing. The sun doesn’t set in the northernmost part for two months during the summer.
The temperatures are, for the most part, comfortable. However, it can get a little warm during June, July, and August. Typically, temperatures can range from 60° - 80°F (15.6° - 26.7°C) during the day, dropping to 40° - 50°F in the evening (4.4° - 10°C).
My mom, her friend, and I saw visited the state via the Alaska highway. The temperatures in Fairbanks during July hit about 85°- 90°F (29.4° – 32.2°C) the year we went.
For Shannon, my husband, he has cruised the Alaskan seas a few times with his family and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Budgeting - Expenses and Excursions
When thinking about the best way to see Alaska, creating a budget is something which could serve you well.
Peak season is June to August. If you decide to visit this beautiful state during the “shoulder seasons” (before around June 13 or after about August 20), rates for hotels, cruises, etc. are generally lower and, according to Alaska.org, can offer discounts up to 25%.
A lot of the most beautiful sights can only be accessed by plane, boat, or train which involves paying for an excursion. Some can get pretty pricy. Other trips such as river rafting, fishing, etc. all require guides which, again, can be costly.
A budget will help make the trip as enjoyable as possible with the least number of worries. It’ll ensure you see what you want and be able to thoroughly embrace the presence and beauty of Alaska.
Closing Thoughts on The Best Way to See Alaska
When deciding on which way is best to see Alaska, it truly is a personal choice based on your preferences, what you’d like to see and do, as well as budgeting and timing.
The Last Frontier is full of breathtaking beauty, awe inspiring scenery, and beautiful marine and wildlife. Any way you choose, you’re probably not going to be disappointed.