Witnessing the mesmerizing wildlife of Alaska provides an experience like no other. The sight of the majestic grizzly bear, the regal bald eagle, or even the quirky moose is certainly a delight. However, spotting the mammoth-like but graceful whales in the Northern home of Alaska’s waters is a special experience altogether.

Credit: Newsweek

The whale species you will likely see during your whale watching adventure in Alaska are mostly migratory, with the exception of orcas, which are present throughout the year. These gigantic marine creatures commence their journey northward in March from the warm waters and feeding grounds of Hawaii, Baja Mexico, and Central America. Gray whales typically make their appearance in Alaskan waters in April, and by June, humpback whales have established their presence in the area.

Credit: NOAA

Orcas, also known as killer whales despite their classification within the dolphin family, are another fantastic sight to behold in Alaska’s waters. These intelligent hunters, with their distinctive black-and-white coloring, dorsal fin, and teeth, are often spotted cruising in pods in search of food. A sighting of a pod of killer whales around your boat is sure to give you goosebumps and leave you in awe.

Credit: NOAA

Beluga whales are also inhabitants of Alaska, found both in their native Arctic Ocean habitat and in warmer shoreline waters during the summer months. Sightings of these whales are most common from mid-July through August, particularly when the salmon are running in Cook Inlet.

The best time to experience whale watching in Alaska is from May to September. The sight of a humpback or gray whale elegantly emerging from the water for a quick breath or a whale breaching and splashing back down into the water is an incredible spectacle that leaves visitors in sheer joy and wonderment. Keep in mind that these magnificent creatures traverse vast oceans to spend their summers in the welcoming waters of Alaska.

While there’s always a chance you might spot whales on your own, such as small pods of beluga whales in Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage, it is recommended to connect with Alaskan whale watching tour companies to increase your likelihood of seeing whales. These companies offer tours that take travelers directly to the whale-watching hotspots in Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward), Kachemak Bay (Homer), Juneau along the famed Inside Passage, and in Prince William Sound (Valdez, Whittier). These tours often feature naturalists who provide insights about the wildlife you encounter, their behaviors, habitats, and more.

Credit: Daniel A. Leifheit—Moment/Getty Images

Whether you’re traversing Alaska on a cruise ship or seeking a more focused wildlife experience, various whale watching opportunities are available across the state. The Inside Passage, Icy Strait, and Juneau are delightful destinations for whale watching day trips, with options to extend your trip with an overnight stay at some of Alaska’s premier lodge accommodations. Similarly, Seward and Resurrection Bay offer access to the mesmerizing Kenai Fjords National Park, providing ample opportunities for whale watching day tours.

If your journey takes you southeast of Anchorage to the Gulf of Alaska’s Prince William Sound, you can combine whale watching with other activities such as kayaking to Shoup Glacier or taking a day cruise to Meares Glacier out of Valdez for an even greater chance of spotting whales. Additional whale watching experiences can be enjoyed on a day cruise into College and Harriman fjords from Whittier.

Hello, adventurers and travel enthusiasts! Welcome to Alaska, a realm of wonder where the sun hardly ever says goodbye during the summer. As we approach the summer solstice—typically June 20 or June 21—prepare to be enchanted by an abundance of daylight, a unique phenomenon that turns our everyday activities into extraordinary experiences.

Have you ever wondered why Alaska enjoys such luxuriously long summer days? Well, the answer lies in the tilt of our beautiful Earth. As we make our 365-day journey around the sun, the northern hemisphere faces the sun during the summer months. The Earth’s tilt ensures we’re pointed towards the sun in the same direction all year long, and the day we’re most directly facing the sun is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Here’s where it gets exciting! How much daylight we bask in depends on where you are in Alaska. The farther north you go, the longer the day. Imagine a day that lasts 24 hours just north of Fairbanks! And if we consider civil twilight (the time when there’s enough light to function without artificial assistance), all days between June 8 and July 5 offer a full 24 hours of daylight or civil twilight in Anchorage. Fairbanks, meanwhile, luxuriates in more than 70 days of this phenomenon.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t “make up for it in winter.” In fact, throughout the year, every location in Alaska receives more daylight than any place in the Lower 48. This is due to two fascinating reasons. First, at high latitudes, the sun follows a more diagonal path, which extends the duration of sunrise and sunset. Second, the Earth moves more slowly around the sun in the summer, allowing the sun to stay at its highest position for a longer period.

Did you know? Barrow experiences a staggering 79 days of continuous daylight in summer, compared to only 61 days of winter without sunrise. This is why the Arctic Circle enjoys the most annual daylight in the northern hemisphere, receiving a whopping 219 additional daylight hours compared to the equator over the course of a year. Include civil twilight into the equation, and the coastal plain north of the Brooks Range emerges as the champion, clocking in 828 more annual light hours (daylight plus twilight) than the equator!

Credit: AlaskaMagazine.com

So, the next time someone mentions Alaska’s dark winters, remember, we’re not only the largest state but also the brightest! Embrace the joy of our extended daylight hours and make the most of your Alaskan adventure. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just marveling at the natural beauty, there’s always time to do more in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Hours of Daylight in Alaska:

Utqiaġvik: 24 hrs 0 min
Huslia: 23 hrs 37 min
Tanana: 22 hrs 16 min
Fairbanks: 21 hrs 50 min
Unalakleet: 20 hrs 55 min
Anchorage: 19 hrs 21 min
Juneau: 18 hrs 16 min
Ketchikan: 17 hrs 27 min
Adak: 16 hrs 42 min

Welcome to the land of glaciers, where epic adventures and breathtaking beauty await! In Alaska, you’ll find a treasure trove of over 100,000 glaciers, each one waiting to be explored and admired. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we dive into the heart of Alaska’s icy wonders. Brace yourself for thrilling glacier treks, jaw-dropping hikes, and epic photo opportunities that will leave you in awe!

Matanuska Glacier – A Road Trip to Glacial Marvels

Credit: Travel Alaska

Hop in your car and embark on an exhilarating journey to Matanuska Glacier. Just two hours north of Anchorage, this 26-mile long and four-mile wide behemoth awaits your arrival. Prepare to be amazed as you traverse the scenic Glenn Highway, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Once you reach Matanuska Glacier, the real adventure begins. Strap on your hiking boots and set foot on the ice, immersing yourself in a world of frozen beauty. Whether you’re an experienced glacier trekker or a newbie looking for a thrilling day out, Matanuska Glacier has something for everyone.

Exit Glacier – Nature’s Playground in Seward

Credit: NPS.org

Make your way to the charming town of Seward and discover the unique beauty of Exit Glacier. This accessible wonder is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that you can reach by road. As you explore the area, you’ll find a multitude of hiking trails, a nature center, and knowledgeable park rangers ready to enhance your experience. From easy strolls to the challenging Harding Icefield Trail, there’s a path for every level of adventurer. Soak in the awe-inspiring views of Exit Glacier and revel in the sense of accomplishment as you conquer the trails.

Mendenhall Glacier – Majestic Splendor near Juneau

Credit: Travel Juneau

Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty of Mendenhall Glacier, nestled near Juneau. Embark on a hike from the visitor center, where short trails lead to stunning views of the glacier and the magnificent Nugget Falls. Choose your own adventure by exploring the various trails in the area, ranging from easy to moderate. Experienced kayakers can also paddle their way across the lake to get up close and personal with this frozen masterpiece. Dress for the occasion, as weather conditions can change quickly, and prepare to be amazed by the grandeur of Mendenhall Glacier.

Worthington Glacier – A Roadside Marvel near Valdez

Credit: Alaska.org

Discover the breathtaking Worthington Glacier, conveniently located off the Richardson Highway. As you drive, admire the stunning views from the roadside, but don’t miss the chance to stop at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Take a short hike to a viewing area near the face of the glacier and prepare to be in awe of its icy splendor. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Worthington Glacier offers a memorable experience that will make you appreciate the wonders of nature.

Root Glacier – A Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Gem

Credit: NPS.org

Head to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and embark on an unforgettable adventure to Root Glacier. Take a short hike from Kennecott Mines National Historical Landmark and witness breathtaking views of Mount Blackburn, Regal Mountain, and Donoho Peak along the way. For those craving a glacier trekking experience, gear rentals and guided tours are available from McCarthy. Even if you prefer a more leisurely stroll, the easy hike to the edge of Root Glacier offers a chance to soak in the beauty of this icy wonder.

Portage Glacier – Where Alpine Beauty Meets Adventure

Credit: Travel Alaska

Discover the wonders of Portage Glacier, situated off the scenic Seward Highway. Begin your adventure by exploring the trails that lead to glacier views, such as the Byron Glacier Trail, the paved Trail of Blue Ice, or the Portage Pass Trail. For a unique experience, embark on a short cruise that takes you right up to the face of Portage Glacier. Learn about the local ecosystem at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center and marvel at the power and beauty of glaciers. Portage Glacier offers a variety of activities, from hiking to boat tours, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

There you have it – an array of thrilling opportunities to experience Alaska’s glaciers by road, rail, water, and air. Pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the icy wonders of the Last Frontier. Alaska’s glaciers are waiting to amaze you with their grandeur, beauty, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in the land of glaciers!