Alaska Travel Guide

Vast and awe-inspiring, Alaska is a true wilderness paradise. Explore Denali National Park and the Kenai Fjords, admire sweeping landscapes aboard the Alaska Railroad panoramic train, then cruise the legendary Inside Passage. Glaciers, wildlife, northern lights and Indigenous culture promise an unforgettable northern adventure.

Top cities to visit

  • Aerial view of the city of Anchorage, in Alaska, featuring modern buildings with snow-covered mountains in the background.

    Anchorage

    Anchorage is the perfect gateway to Alaska. Nestled between mountains, forests and the ocean, the city blends rugged wilderness with urban comfort. A starting point for countless outdoor adventures, it charms visitors with its Indigenous heritage, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery year-round.
  • Aerial summer view of the city of Fairbanks, in Alaska, with the Chena River winding through the city landscape.

    Fairbanks

    Set on both sides of the Chena River and in the heart of pristine wilderness, Fairbanks offers the magic of the midnight sun in the summer and the beauty of the northern lights in the winter. It blends vast open spaces, northern culture and pioneer spirit—the ideal base for exploring Alaska’s tundra.
  • Aerial view of Juneau, Alaska’s capital, showing its coastal setting, marina and urban centre surrounded by green mountains.

    Juneau

    Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is nestled between steep mountains and the ocean. The city offers spectacular scenery and privileged access to the wilderness. Glaciers, fjords and wildlife surround a lively, culture-rich downtown. Accessible only by plane or boat, this coastal city is well worth the journey.
  • Colourful stilt houses along Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska, beside calm water and thick forest.

    Ketchikan

    Known for its impressive totem poles and rich Indigenous heritage, Ketchikan is an iconic stop along the Inside Passage. Colourful stilt houses, temperate rainforest and First Nations art offer an authentic immersion into Alaska’s culture and nature.
  • Aerial view of the city of Anchorage, in Alaska, featuring modern buildings with snow-covered mountains in the background.

    Anchorage

    Anchorage is the perfect gateway to Alaska. Nestled between mountains, forests and the ocean, the city blends rugged wilderness with urban comfort. A starting point for countless outdoor adventures, it charms visitors with its Indigenous heritage, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery year-round.
  • Aerial summer view of the city of Fairbanks, in Alaska, with the Chena River winding through the city landscape.

    Fairbanks

    Set on both sides of the Chena River and in the heart of pristine wilderness, Fairbanks offers the magic of the midnight sun in the summer and the beauty of the northern lights in the winter. It blends vast open spaces, northern culture and pioneer spirit—the ideal base for exploring Alaska’s tundra.
  • Aerial view of Juneau, Alaska’s capital, showing its coastal setting, marina and urban centre surrounded by green mountains.

    Juneau

    Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is nestled between steep mountains and the ocean. The city offers spectacular scenery and privileged access to the wilderness. Glaciers, fjords and wildlife surround a lively, culture-rich downtown. Accessible only by plane or boat, this coastal city is well worth the journey.
  • Colourful stilt houses along Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska, beside calm water and thick forest.

    Ketchikan

    Known for its impressive totem poles and rich Indigenous heritage, Ketchikan is an iconic stop along the Inside Passage. Colourful stilt houses, temperate rainforest and First Nations art offer an authentic immersion into Alaska’s culture and nature.
  • Aerial view of the city of Anchorage, in Alaska, featuring modern buildings with snow-covered mountains in the background.

    Anchorage

    Anchorage is the perfect gateway to Alaska. Nestled between mountains, forests and the ocean, the city blends rugged wilderness with urban comfort. A starting point for countless outdoor adventures, it charms visitors with its Indigenous heritage, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery year-round.
  • Aerial summer view of the city of Fairbanks, in Alaska, with the Chena River winding through the city landscape.

    Fairbanks

    Set on both sides of the Chena River and in the heart of pristine wilderness, Fairbanks offers the magic of the midnight sun in the summer and the beauty of the northern lights in the winter. It blends vast open spaces, northern culture and pioneer spirit—the ideal base for exploring Alaska’s tundra.
  • Aerial view of Juneau, Alaska’s capital, showing its coastal setting, marina and urban centre surrounded by green mountains.

    Juneau

    Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is nestled between steep mountains and the ocean. The city offers spectacular scenery and privileged access to the wilderness. Glaciers, fjords and wildlife surround a lively, culture-rich downtown. Accessible only by plane or boat, this coastal city is well worth the journey.
  • Colourful stilt houses along Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska, beside calm water and thick forest.

    Ketchikan

    Known for its impressive totem poles and rich Indigenous heritage, Ketchikan is an iconic stop along the Inside Passage. Colourful stilt houses, temperate rainforest and First Nations art offer an authentic immersion into Alaska’s culture and nature.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Alaska’s official language is English. It is widely used in daily life and throughout the tourist industry.

Flight duration

Direct flight: No direct flights from Quebec
Connecting flight: 12h to 17h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Alaska time zone: UTC-9
4h behind Quebec (EST)
4h behind Quebec (EDT)

Currency

US dollar (USD).
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is recommended for remote communities or outdoor activities.

Tips

Tipping is customary in Alaska and an important part of service workers’ income. In restaurants, 15%–20% of the total bill is standard if service is not included. For taxis and tour guides, 10%–15% is usually the norm.

Safety

Alaska is a safe travel destination. Visitors should follow standard safety precautions. When exploring the outdoors, proper preparation is essential, especially when it comes to wildlife, weather conditions and terrain.

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s United States Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Watch glaciers on a cruise to the famous Hubbard Glacier

  • Visit Icy Strait Point

  • Explore Denali National Park

  • Cruise the Kenai Fjords near Seward

  • Marvel at the northern lights in Fairbanks

Hidden gems to discover

  • Kodiak Island

    This rugged and mountainous island in southern Alaska is famous for its population of over 3000 Kodiak bears and its vibrant Alutiiq culture. Known for dramatic coastlines and remote villages, it is a prime destination for hiking, fishing and wildlife watching.

  • Sitka

    Sitka is a coastal town in the Alexander Archipelago, framed by steep mountains and temperate rainforest. It blends Tlingit heritage with visible Russian influences reflected in its architecture. Peaceful and authentic, it is ideal for hiking, kayaking, salmon fishing, and whale and orca watching.

  • Homer Spit

    Homer Spit is a narrow strip of land extending into Kachemak Bay. It offers sweeping views of mountains and glaciers, a laid-back vibe, lively docks and cozy cafés—perfect for fishing, sea kayaking and exploring unique marine landscapes.

  • Chilkoot Trail

    The legendary 53-kilometre Chilkoot Trail, linking Alaska and the Yukon, has hikers follow in the footsteps of Klondike Gold Rush prospectors. Dense forests, alpine lakes and steep mountain passes shape this iconic journey, offering an immersive experience in both history and wilderness.

  • Kodiak Island

    This rugged and mountainous island in southern Alaska is famous for its population of over 3000 Kodiak bears and its vibrant Alutiiq culture. Known for dramatic coastlines and remote villages, it is a prime destination for hiking, fishing and wildlife watching.

  • Sitka

    Sitka is a coastal town in the Alexander Archipelago, framed by steep mountains and temperate rainforest. It blends Tlingit heritage with visible Russian influences reflected in its architecture. Peaceful and authentic, it is ideal for hiking, kayaking, salmon fishing, and whale and orca watching.

  • Homer Spit

    Homer Spit is a narrow strip of land extending into Kachemak Bay. It offers sweeping views of mountains and glaciers, a laid-back vibe, lively docks and cozy cafés—perfect for fishing, sea kayaking and exploring unique marine landscapes.

  • Chilkoot Trail

    The legendary 53-kilometre Chilkoot Trail, linking Alaska and the Yukon, has hikers follow in the footsteps of Klondike Gold Rush prospectors. Dense forests, alpine lakes and steep mountain passes shape this iconic journey, offering an immersive experience in both history and wilderness.

Highlights

  • Breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife.
  • Vibrant Alaska Native cultures.
  • A wide range of unique experiences: Dog sledding, northern lights, salmon fishing, glacier hiking, encounters with whales, orcas and seals.
  • Surprisingly few mosquitoes.

Keep in mind

  • Juneau is quite Americanized, and travel costs throughout Alaska are high.
  • Lots of travelling: cities and major attractions are far apart, which requires careful itinerary planning.
  • In the summer, daylight can last nearly 24 hours in northern regions, which may affect sleep.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Wild salmon

    Alaska wild salmon is probably the best you will ever taste. Renowned for its firm texture, vibrant colour and rich flavour, it is enjoyed smoked, grilled or raw. A symbol of sustainable fishing, it embodies Alaska’s authenticity and natural abundance.

  • Alaskan king crab

    Alaskan king crab is a true delicacy, prized for its firm, white and delicately sweet meat. Harvested from the Bering Sea’s icy waters, it represents northern luxury and is best enjoyed simply steamed or grilled with butter to highlight its subtle, refined taste.

  • Moose burger

    The Alaska moose burger stands out for its rich, distinctive flavour, somewhere between game and beef. This lean meat is often paired with local ingredients, such as wild berry jam, for a rustic yet gourmet experience.

  • Wild berries

    Wild berries are a staple of Alaskan cuisine. Salmonberries, huckleberries, lingonberries and crowberries grow naturally in northern landscapes. Hand-picked, they are enjoyed fresh or in jams, syrups or traditional desserts.

  • Alaska cocktail

    Refined and aromatic, the Alaska cocktail blends the crispness of gin with the herbal notes of yellow Chartreuse, and a hint of Angostura bitters. Served ice-cold, with a lemon twist, it embodies the timeless elegance of classic cocktails. Its golden colour subtly recalls Alaska’s legendary Gold Rush.

  • Wild salmon

    Alaska wild salmon is probably the best you will ever taste. Renowned for its firm texture, vibrant colour and rich flavour, it is enjoyed smoked, grilled or raw. A symbol of sustainable fishing, it embodies Alaska’s authenticity and natural abundance.

  • Alaskan king crab

    Alaskan king crab is a true delicacy, prized for its firm, white and delicately sweet meat. Harvested from the Bering Sea’s icy waters, it represents northern luxury and is best enjoyed simply steamed or grilled with butter to highlight its subtle, refined taste.

  • Moose burger

    The Alaska moose burger stands out for its rich, distinctive flavour, somewhere between game and beef. This lean meat is often paired with local ingredients, such as wild berry jam, for a rustic yet gourmet experience.

  • Wild berries

    Wild berries are a staple of Alaskan cuisine. Salmonberries, huckleberries, lingonberries and crowberries grow naturally in northern landscapes. Hand-picked, they are enjoyed fresh or in jams, syrups or traditional desserts.

  • Alaska cocktail

    Refined and aromatic, the Alaska cocktail blends the crispness of gin with the herbal notes of yellow Chartreuse, and a hint of Angostura bitters. Served ice-cold, with a lemon twist, it embodies the timeless elegance of classic cocktails. Its golden colour subtly recalls Alaska’s legendary Gold Rush.

Good to know

  • A cruise combined with a land tour is one of the best ways to experience Alaska because many attractions are only accessible by boat.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly. Always keep a warm layer and a waterproof jacket handy. Summers are milder than expected, with temperatures reaching up to 25°C.
  • Helicopter and seaplane excursions to see glaciers should be booked in advance because spots are limited. Afternoon departures often offer clearer conditions than mornings.
  • Icy Strait Point has preserved its traditional charm. The community has about 750 residents, and roughly three bears per inhabitant!

What to bring back?

  • An Indigenous art piece

  • Birch syrup

  • Wild berry jams, jellies or syrups

  • Smoked salmon

  • An Indigenous art piece

  • Birch syrup

  • Wild berry jams, jellies or syrups

  • Smoked salmon

  • An Indigenous art piece

  • Birch syrup

  • Wild berry jams, jellies or syrups

  • Smoked salmon

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Alaska is from June to September. Days are long, daylight lasts late into the evening, temperatures are pleasant, and most roads and national parks are accessible.

Travelling in Alaska involves combining different modes of transportation because many communities and activities are only accessible by plane or boat. Domestic flights connect remote towns and villages. For those who prefer not to drive, the Alaska Railroad links major tourist sites while offering spectacular scenery. Ferries serve the coastline and the Inside Passage. Finally, driving remains ideal on the main road networks, allowing travellers to enjoy the landscapes and visit national parks.

10 to 14 days.

This time frame allows you to explore multiple regions, enjoy scenic routes, visit national parks, take cruises and experience many of Alaska’s must-see attractions.

  • Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, at the beginning of March in Anchorage.This iconic dog sled race spans more than 1,600 km across Alaska. While it’s not possible to follow the entire route, the ceremonial start is an emblematic moment that offers a unique and unforgettable spectacle.
  • Sitka Summer Music Festival, in June in Sitka. An internationally renowned music event featuring classical and chamber music concerts set in a stunning natural environment. Tickets should be booked early because concerts sell out quickly.
  • Tanana Valley State Fair, in late July in Fairbanks. Alaska’s largest fair offering a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with rides, competitions, live entertainment and local cuisine. Plan at least half a day to enjoy the event fully.

Getting ready for your trip

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The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Alaska, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.