The unbridled terrains of Alaska are as diverse as they are expansive.

From frozen arctic tundra, to bustling coastal communities, and vast boreal forests, the varied landscapes of this incredible region attract millions of adventurers from across the globe every year.

Alaska has a well-earned reputation as a wilderness destination and is home to 15 national park areas. In fact, the state hosts 30% of the USA’s total wilderness areas.

Visitors to these national parks can expect to marvel at towering mountain ranges and volcanoes, ancient glaciers, wild rivers, and vast tundra.

Denali National Park is widely considered to be the jewel in the crown of these national parks, consistently ranked as having the cleanest air and clearest visibility of any national park in America. However, Denali offers so much more than fresh air and clear skies.

With the nation’s tallest peak, six million acres of protected land, and a primordial atmosphere and solitude so rarely found in the US today, visiting Denali National Park is the wilderness experience of a lifetime.

Aside from the majesty of the mountain, Denali National Park boasts a treasure trove of natural riches. Most of its millions of acres lie relatively undisturbed, resulting in a diverse sub-arctic wilderness. Some of the most iconic animals in North America call Denali home, including grizzly and black bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and bald eagles, to name a few.

Beyond Denali National Park, there are plenty of other opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with Alaska’s native animals. No matter where you go, you will find a variety of watchable wildlife including bald eagles that gather by the hundreds, moose that cause traffic jams, and millions of salmon spawning in the state's rivers.

Take a guided tour through a national park or wildlife refuge to catch a glimpse of moose and caribou, or a set sail on a boat tour to see otters, whales, and porpoises in their natural habitats.

You can get even closer to Alaska's splendours with a morning binocular viewing session at Glacier Bay National Park, located in the south-east of the state. Renowned for its icy-blue tidewater glaciers, ancient fjords, and lush temperate rainforest, the national park is home to more than 200 species of birds (including eagles), along with brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, whales, and seals.

The Alaskan landscape has been sculpted over millions of years by the movements of massive glaciers. With awe-inspiring scenic beauty, visitors are drawn to coastal Alaska to get up close to the famous tidewater glaciers and witness the dramatic mountain scenery. 

One of the most impressive of these is the Hubbard Glacier. At a whopping 122km long, 11km wide, and 182m tall at its terminal face, the Hubbard Glacier is North America’s largest tidewater glacier.

Embarking on a cruise toward Hubbard Glacier is almost like entering into another world. At the terminal end of the glacier, three-story chunks of ice break free and cannon into crystal waters in a process called calving. These giant icebergs glitter like jewels in the water, ranging in colour from pearl white to aquamarine and dark emerald. On clear days, Hubbard turns a stunning deep sapphire, while on cloudy days its many ripples and icebergs shimmer in soft light.

The Hubbard Glacier is no sleeping giant. It’s one of the few Alaskan glaciers that’s advancing and not succumbing to climate change and is instead rapidly advancing up to two metres a day, earning it the nickname, ‘the Galloping Glacier’. While this may sound uplifting, many fear that the expanding glacier will one day block the entrance to the fjord.

Each region in Alaska contains unique peoples and customs, with their own traditional music, dances and native art. 

Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house.

Ketchikan has also long been an important hub for the salmon fishing and packing industries. Visitors can try their luck sportfishing or simply savour the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Be sure to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art, while exploring gold rush-era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.

Aboard Holland America’s Signature-class cruise ship, MS Nieuw Amsterdam you’ll be served the best of Alaskan cuisine throughout your journey. The region's flavours take centre stage both on board and on land, where you can experience local culinary traditions, cooking demonstrations, regional menu items, and tastings. Savour a pint of Denali Gold, Denali Brewing Company’s draft beer blend, or sip signature cocktails.

Grilled, smoked, baked, and even in chowder form, Alaskan salmon is a must-try signature dish. While Ketchikan is the salmon capital, you can find all five varieties of Alaskan salmon everywhere.

You can even reel it in yourself on a fishing trip and have your catch prepared as part of a tasty meal on board or on land.

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