The best things to do in Alaska for an unforgettable trip

Whether via air, water or wheels, these Princess excursions will take you on incredible adventures through Alaska’s awe-inspiring landscapes.

You can’t go wrong with Alaska glaciers. For those who love adventure, the Laughton Glacier Hike & White Pass Rail Adventure takes you on a 14-mile ride aboard the historic White Pass Railway. After disembarking at Glacier Station, you’ll trek along the Skagway River and through the sub-alpine rainforest of the Laughton Valley — home to moose and mountain goats—before reaching the glacier's panoramic vistas. 

You can have a more leisurely adventure with the Endicott Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer, which offers an up-close look at the majestic Dawes Glacier. As you sail through the serene waters of Endicott Arm Fjord, onboard naturalists provide insightful commentary on the area’s history and abundant wildlife​.

For those looking to explore Alaska’s untouched wilderness, small-ship charters offer the perfect opportunity. These charters allow you to access areas like Hubbard Glacier, known for its dramatic calving events where massive ice chunks break off into the sea. Sailing close to the glacier on a smaller vessel gives you an intimate experience with Alaska’s ice giants.

Another destination is College Fjord, home to a collection of glaciers named after prestigious universities. The fjord’s tranquil waters and towering ice formations are best explored from a small-ship charter where you can see glaciers in their full grandeur. You may even spot some seals on the ice!

Soar above Alaska’s rugged landscapes and land directly on a glacier during the Glacier Discovery by Helicopter excursion. This tour offers incredible aerial views of the region’s ice fields, towering peaks and valleys, with plenty of time to walk on the glacier itself. Throughout the flight, experienced guides provide fascinating details about the geological formations below.

If you’re looking for an active experience on the water, our Chilkoot Lake Kayak Experience excursion offers a perfect mix of adventure and scenery. This excursion combines kayaking across a serene glacier-fed lake through the fjord to Haines, immersing you in both the peaceful and historical aspects of Alaska. 

For a more wildlife-focused paddle, the Eagle Islands Sea Kayaking excursion takes you through the calm waters surrounding the Eagle Islands. As you glide past lush coastal scenery, keep an eye out for eagles soaring overhead, seals swimming nearby and even bears foraging along the shore.

Ready to take on some rapids? The Canyon Wave Tour at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers an exhilarating whitewater-rafting adventure through the Nenana River Gorge. This tour is perfect for adrenaline seekers, who will navigate Class III and IV rapids through towering canyon walls and scenic mountain vistas. It’s a heart-pumping way to take in Denali’s rugged wilderness​.

The Haines Eagle Preserve Rafting & Wildlife Quest, meanwhile, is a peaceful journey through the Haines Eagle Preserve, where you’ll drift along the Chilkat River. This leisurely rafting trip offers plenty of opportunities to spot bald eagles in Alaska, as well as swans, bears and other wildlife as you float through their natural habitat. You can also try the Ocean Raft Adventure in Skagway, where you’ll travel through Lynn Canal, North America's deepest and longest fjord.

For those looking to explore off the beaten path, the Black Diamond ATV Adventure offers a rugged ride through Denali’s untamed wilderness. You’ll navigate through forested trails, cross streams and climb mountainous terrain, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Same goes for the Alaska Wilderness ATV Adventure—come and see Alaska’s nature for yourself!

The Wilderness UTV Adventure provides a comfortable side-by-side ride in a Utility Terrain Vehicle, allowing for more stability and seating. This off-road safari takes you through Alaska’s backcountry, offering the chance to see wildlife and explore the wild terrain in a more relaxed setting​.

From catching the classic Alaska salmon to witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky, Alaska offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some things you can do that will make your trip all the more special.

Imagine waves of green, purple and pink swirling right before your eyes on a crisp evening. The Aurora Borealis Viewing excursion in Fairbanks takes you into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness for the best chance to see this natural phenomenon. Guests are taken to a remote location, free from city lights, where they can enjoy the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. The best time to see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise is during the autumnal equinox, so make sure you book your trip during September to experience this one.

The Dog Sledding Adventure by Helicopter is an iconic Alaska experience that combines a scenic helicopter flight to Norris Glacier with a thrilling dog sled ride. Before speeding across the glacier behind a team of dogs, you’ll meet professional mushers and their teams, learning about their lifestyle and the dedication it takes to race in events like the Iditarod.

Any adrenaline junkies out there? The Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition in Skagway takes you soaring through the trees on a series of exhilarating ziplines. Flying over rushing waterfalls and dense canopies , while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness. 

Ketchikan has a zipline excursion, too: the Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition. Or, if you’re in Juneau, check out the Alpine Zipline & Mendenhall Glacier Adventure. These high-energy adventures are perfect for those who want to combine a thrilling experience with incredible natural beauty.

Step back in time with the Ultimate Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & Scenic Railway tour, where history and adventure collide. Start with a scenic drive to Dredge Town, where you’ll meet energetic sled dogs, watch a live mushing demonstration and even cuddle playful puppies. At the Gold Rush Training Camp, you’ll pan for gold in warm water troughs, guided by costumed prospector characters. Then, board a private rail car on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, winding through cliff-hugging turns and soaring mountain views as you toast the Klondike spirit with sparkling cider.

For a deeper dive into Alaska’s mining history, the Underground Mine Exploration & Gold Panning gives you the chance to explore an old mine before panning for gold. You can also visit Gold Dredge #8, where you’ll ride the Tanana Valley Railroad to Alaska’s Interior, tour an authentic mining camp and pan for gold at a legendary dredge site.

The Ketchikan Salmon Fishing excursion takes you to the Salmon Capital of the World, where you’ll have the chance to reel in some of Alaska’s prized salmon. This excursion is perfect for both novice and experienced anglers, and you’ll be surrounded by eye-catching coastal scenery as you fish in Ketchikan’s plentiful waters​.

Known for its world-class fishing, the Kenai Peninsula is a dream for anglers. Cast your line in the turquoise Kenai River, surrounded by scenic wilderness, as you fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and even the prized Chinook salmon. 

For those who prefer a more intimate experience, Shoreside Salmon Fishing in Juneau offers the opportunity to fish from the shores of one of Alaska’s salmon-rich rivers. You’ll have access to professional gear and guidance, too. If you’re after a bigger catch, consider the Halibut Fishing excursion out of Icy Strait Point that gives you the chance to battle these giant flatfish, which can weigh up to several hundred pounds.

Sometimes, you just want to sit back and take in the sights while someone else drives. Private Jeep Tour with Driver is a personalized experience where you and your group can explore Juneau’s beautiful surroundings in the comfort of a private vehicle. Your driver will take you to some of the area’s top scenic spots, including Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay.

Prefer a hands-on adventure? Navigate Alaska’s wild landscapes during the Back Country Jeep Adventure at Icy Strait Point. You’ll drive your own 4x4 vehicle along remote forest trails on Chichagof Island, with stops for panoramic views of mountains, rivers and forests.

Lace up your boots for the Wilderness Hike at Icy Strait Point, which takes you through Alaska's coastal rainforests, filled with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and waterways. You’ll also get to see the incredible town of Hoonah, which is considered the largest Tlingit village community in the world. 

Want something a bit more challenging? The Mendenhall Glacier Guide’s Choice Trail Hike is a rigorous trek that takes you through the rugged terrain surrounding Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll also hear facts about the local ecosystem from an expert tour guide.

Princess offers several wildlife-focused things to do in Alaska that allow you to see some of the state’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals, which means that guests can see bears, moose, bison and other wildlife up close. It’s an excellent way to learn about conservation efforts while observing these majestic creatures​.

For a more immersive nature experience, the Rainforest Sanctuary Nature Walk takes you through a lush rainforest, where you can spot wild animals like bald eagles and black bears. The walk also includes a visit to a totem park, adding a cultural element to your wildlife adventure.

For a wild twist on Alaska's wildlife, the Wild Alaska: Alaska Raptor Center & Fortress of the Bear excursion is a must. Watch bald eagles get their wings back at the Raptor Center, then head to the Fortress of the Bear, where orphaned bears rule the roost in their sprawling sanctuary.

For a truly exceptional way to experience Alaska’s wilderness, the Horseback Riding Adventure offers a scenic ride through the historic Dyea Valley. This excursion takes you through Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, where you’ll hear stories about the boom and bust of this era while riding through rainforests and open flats. To top off the experience, you’ll enjoy a snack of smoked salmon pâté with a beverage at the ranch.

Get ready for an unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s marine giants. On the Alaska's Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail tour, you’ll cruise through icy waters as humpback whales breach and orcas glide by, sometimes just feet away. Then, swap your sea legs for hiking boots as you trek through lush rainforest to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, passing waterfalls and glacier-fed streams along the way.

The Sentinel Island Lighthouse & Whale Watching Cruise, meanwhile, sails through the protected waters of the Inside Passage, where you're likely to spot whales feeding.Foodies can combine wildlife and local delicacies on the Evening Whale Quest Featuring Alaska Cuisine, which pairs whale watching with a delicious dinner aboard a water jet-powered boat.

A trip to Alaska isn’t complete without witnessing the beautiful national parks for yourself. Here are some of the sites you don’t want to miss.

With Princess, you’ll enjoy a personalized and enriching experience of Alaska’s wonders, including the wildlife, landscapes and culture — all in one trip. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker who wants to ATV through the wilderness or a sightseer who wants the perfect shot of a glacier in the Inside Passage, Princess offers it all. Explore Alaska cruises today to start your journey with Princess.