Alaska is the northernmost and largest state of the USA, which has long been recognized as the tourist center of America. And for tourists, Alaska is not only gold, cold and grizzlies, but also something of their own. That is why people come here for adventure, extreme sports, communication with nature and coolness (in summer the weather in Alaska is very pleasant!).
Alaska is characterized by a variety of climatic belts depending on the region. In the continental part, the climate is sharply subarctic. The temperature reaches +30 °C in summer and drops to -52 °C in winter. Summers are quite dry, and there is a lot of snowfall in winter. However, in Juneau and Anchorage winter is warmer than in Russia, -6...-7 °C, but summer is colder, +18...+22 °C. Summer weather in Alaska is usually very pleasant, with temperatures around +20 °C on the coast and +25 °C on the mainland. The idea of travelling from the 35-degree heat of the city to a place where it is only around +18...+20 °C seems extremely appealing to many compatriots. The best time to visit Alaska is from May to September. Perfect weather for outdoor adventures!
First of all, Alaska attracts a large number of reserves and national parks with unique fauna and flora. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and lakes are everywhere! The beauty of this land is breathtaking. A must-see item on almost all tours and cruises to Alaska is a visit to Denali National Park, located on the highest mountain in North America, McKinley. In addition to Denali, included in the International Biosphere Reserve, travelers are attracted by the amazing landscapes and inhabitants of the national parks ‘Kenai Fjerd’, ‘Glacier Bay’, Wrangell - St. Elias and others.
In addition to natural riches, Alaska abounds with cultural and historical attractions, among which such tourist sites as the Alaska State Museum, the Museum of the North, the monument to Patsy Ann (a dog honored with the title of ‘Official Encounter’), etc. are particularly notable.
More than one million tourists a year come to Alaska to visit Denali, a realm of rivers, mountains and lakes whose resident grizzly bear is not shy about showing off in all its glory, so get your cameras ready for an unforgettable photo shoot. Many tourists from all over the world flock here in the hope of watching grizzlies gather on the local Brooks River and catch spawning trout with their furry paws.
By the way, you don't have to leave the city to see bears. In Alaska, they can be found even in broad daylight, wandering freely in the street in search of food. It is not without reason that local laws clearly state that it is forbidden to put organic rubbish in rubbish cans, so as not to attract bears. And moose just walk along the streets and peacefully nibble on grass and greenery. Tourists especially like to be photographed against their backdrop.
Also in ‘Denali’ you can meet moose, wolves and wild reindeer caribou. Excursions around the park are conducted on comfortable open buses strictly according to the schedule, and, as usual, the drivers inform each other by radio, where the representatives of fauna have flashed, in order to provide all the photo hunters with a good prey. Of course, in addition to the spectacle you will also be treated to a treat - during the stops don't miss the opportunity to savor the tastiest berry of the north, blueberry, visiting the blueberry bushes, which are abundant here.
When travelling in Alaska, be sure to visit the state capital of Juneau, Anchorage and the town of Ketchikan.
One of the most picturesque cities in North America and the capital of Alaska, Juneau was founded during the gold rush, and today tourists are offered to visit many gold mines and learn about the history and technology of gold mining in Alaska, do not miss the opportunity to feel like a prospector in the Klondike.
Anchorage, surrounded on all sides by national parks, is not only interesting to see the northern lights, but also the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, the Museum of History and Art, the Aviation Museum, and the seaport. By the way, Anchorage is called ‘the city of lights in winter and the city of flowers in summer’, so if you travel in summer, instead of the northern lights, you will be delighted by the variety of colors and scents of the flowering streets of Anchorage. Many local hotels offer a northern lights wake up call service, where you will be woken up if the northern lights appear.
Ketchikan is an ancient Native American settlement that is home to National Cultural and Historical Parks that provide a glimpse into the past and present of the region's Native American culture. It features remarkable collections of Native American art, including collections of amazing totem poles, and reconstructs Native American living conditions.
Of particular interest is the nature around Ketchikan: mysterious misty fjords, granite cliffs, humid rain forests, 300-meter waterfalls and mountain lakes with crystal water. Ketchikan is also a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the wildlife of the region: see black bears, white-headed eagles, sea lions and harbor seals.
