Tour Alaska One Of The Last Frontiers

Posted on September 24, 2008
Filed Under North America

Alaska is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re just passing through on a cruise line port stop or flying direct. It seems that there is a natural human instinct to seek out “the final frontier” and visit the thriving towns that are dotted throughout this unique state. There are many nature reserves that give you that “I’m the only person in the world” sense. The Alaska that you experience depends upon the choices you make along the way, so here are some tours and options that you can select.

In Juneau, a classic Alaskan tour is the “Four Glaciers By Helicopter & Dog Sled Adventure.” On this once-in-a-lifetime expedition for lovers of the great outdoors, you’ll soar over four real glaciers, which are the Taku, the Hole-in-the-Wall, Dead Branch and East Twin, while catching a bird’s eye view of moose, goats, bears and caribou. Then you will land on Norris Glacier where you’ll meet up with your Alaskan malamute and Alaskan husky dogsled team. Your guide will describe the 1,000-mile Iditarod Race that traverses from Anchorage to Nome. Your trip will include some hiking through crevasses and navigating streams for two hours of ethereal zen. This journey is for the fearless, the cold-insensitive, the adventurous and the athletic. If you are skier you will find plenty of ski slopes in Alaska.

Do you love the water but find the Alaskan cruise thing too far removed? Hoping for a relaxing and unique wildlife-viewing experience? In Haines, Alaska, you might find the “Wildlife River Adventure” more your speed. First, you’ll take a bus through this quaint one-horse town, then you’ll visit the world-renowned Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You’ll jet-boat through the narrow glacial channels of the Chilkat River, delving deep into the Alaska wilderness with eagle-nested trees and the playful sea otter’s mud-and-snow-hut dens. The expedition finishes up with hot cocoa around a campfire or inside the heated pavilion.

The town of Sitka is well-known for its Russian heritage and pride. When you visit this Alaskan town, you may want to take the “Historic Russian America, Raptor Center & Russian Dancers” tour. The Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center is an amazing sight to behold, with many birds of prey (including bald eagles) circling overhead and swooping by. You’ll see America’s first Russian Orthodox cathedral, see where the 1804 Battle of Alaska was bought and where the first Alaskan flag was flown in 1867. The Russian Folk Dance troupe will also entertain visitors of all ages. Whether visiting for the nature, the heritage, the fishing or the adventure…this is the place you won’t soon forget.