“The Mountains are calling, and I must go”– John Muir
Are you a travel enthusiast? Or do you want to get a break from the traditions of modern life? Alaska can be your desired destination, where you can enjoy a magical experience of the icy breath of glaciers and witness the emerald symphony of mountains.
Alaska, popularly known as the last frontier, is located in North America, bordering Canada to the east and the Arctic Ocean to the north. It is more significant than the 50 states and has the lowest population. Most of the state remains wild, uninhabited, and covered by stunning natural landscapes like mountains, forests, coastlines, and glaciers. Travellers are drawn to Alaska for its vast glacial array and cultural indigenousness. Let’s explore some unique places for travel.
Denali National Park is the highest point in North America. Denali means‘ the great one’, the traditional homeland of Koyukon. This tribe gave it its name and reserved it as a sacred place. There are frozen rivers in Denali National Park that the glaciers moved over thousands of years to form. The shimmering surfaces of these enormous ice formations make for a stunning show; occasionally, they break apart with a mighty roar. The patterns they leave on the ground give the already stunning scenery an enduring beauty. People visit here in mid-May and early September to enjoy the best moments. Grizzly bears are mainly seen on the top of the tundra, and black bears inhabit the forest area. Sightings of moose, caribou, and Dall sheep are common in this area. 39 species of mammals also live here. At the entrance of the park, visitors can go hiking on trails. This park is also adventurous for driving lovers and clickers.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts thriving in art and culture. Anchorage has a lot to offer. You can fish for salmon in Ship Creek downtown or climb mountains to get stunning views of glaciers. This lively city has something for everyone, from fancy food at a four-star restaurant to a simple feast around a campfire. Whether summer or winter, Anchorage has many events, festivals, and tours to keep you busy on your Alaskan adventure.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a beautiful place in Alaska where huge glaciers, old tectonic forces, and volcanic eruptions have shaped the land. Half of the park is frozen over, and there are tidewater glaciers that break off and fall into the water. You can see whales, sea otters, and puffins in this nutrient-rich environment, home to lush woods and a wide range of marine life. Most people visiting the park do so on day cruises, leaving Seward. You can also walk through meadows and forests, kayak near the glaciers, or climb the Harding Icefield for stunning views. Spend the night in Seward to get the most out of your trip.
Alaska’s Juneau is beautiful! Picture massive glaciers beside your car, whispering stories to you in ice. You can go kayaking on calm green water with playful otters or even look for secret blue ice caves. Summer in Juneau isn’t all green, though. It has busy streets lined with tall totem poles that stand guard as silent memories of the rich culture of the Tlingit people. You can go to a show, eat at the famous Red Dog Saloon, or buy cool things to take home. Juneau is the place to start your trip. You can get there by plane or ferry. After a short flight, you can reach glaciers in a World Heritage Park. Across the bay, a mystery island calls. Juneau is beautiful and exciting, and the people there are friendly. You will remember it forever.
Imagine a scene in Alaska where humpback whales and other gigantic creatures enter the sunlight as they emerge from the frozen depths. The barking of playful seals echoes through the water as they wiggle and bounce around like wet puppies. And in the still woods, majestic moose stand like kings, their antlers rustling in the wind. The wildlife of Alaska is more than just a sight; it’s an experience, a pulse-pounding thrill that tells tales of an unexplored, wild place. Witnessing the untamed beauty of this frozen wonderland while being aware that you are sharing space with its inhabitants is an unforgettable moment. Embrace the pure Alaskan air and allow the breathtaking wildlife to ignite your spirit.
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Writer
Zakia Sultana
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE