Alaska has always had a special appeal. It feels less like a typical destination and more like an invitation to adventure. In 2026, that invitation is stronger than ever. As more travelers look for immersive, nature-focused trips, Alaska stands out as a place where vast wilderness, Indigenous culture, and natural beauty come together on a grand scale. From huge glaciers and wildlife-filled coastlines to long summer days and the peaceful charm of remote national parks, the “Last Frontier” offers something rare: space, authenticity, and a real connection to nature. With new cruise routes, better access, and more interest in unique, cooler destinations, Alaska is one of the top places to visit this year.
Here are five reasons to visit Alaska this year:
To explore national parks
Denali National Park and Preserve’s Park Road has been closed at mile 43 for several years, but the full-length of the road will reopen to travelers in 2027. This will be the last summer that visitors to the park’s backcountry lodges — Camp Denali, Denali Backcountry Lodge and Kantishna Roadhouse — will basically have the place to themselves.
To ride the rails
For those in Southeast Alaska, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year. Established in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the railroad remains a visitor attraction, offering historic excursions along the original route between Skagway and the Yukon.
Travelers in the Southcentral and Interior regions should book a ride on the Alaska Railroad, stretching 470 miles from Fairbanks to Seward. The railroad is offering two new packages this year: the 11-day “Glaciers, Rails & Trails” and the six-day “Active Alaska Adventure,” featuring ziplining, hiking, glacier treks and heli-hiking experiences.
To experience Alaska Native culture
Sealaska Heritage Institute will hold its biennial event, Celebration, in Juneau from June 3–6. As one of the largest gatherings of Southeast Alaska Native peoples, the multi-day event pays tribute to the history and traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures. While in Alaska’s capital city, take time to walk along Kootéeyaa Deiyí, the Totem Pole Trail. Or attend other Alaska Native events across the state.
Indigenous-owned tourism experiences are an immersive way to learn more about Alaska Native culture as well. Alaska Native-owned businesses can be found across the state, from a bear-viewing lodge in Kodiak to tour operators in Anchorage, Sitka, Portage or Ketchikan.
To get up close to a glacier
With over 27,000 glaciers in Alaska, there are a variety of ways to experience them. Some of the most accessible glaciers can be found in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. Reach them on guided tours by car, boat, helicopter or on foot.
This year, Alaska Helicopter Tours launched a new Glacier Exploration adventure in the Knik River Valley, north of Anchorage. Summer tours will feature glacier treks, swimming and polar plunges.
To see whales, bears, bald eagles and other wildlife
Alaska is a wildlife lover’s dream and there are a multitude of excursions that can help spot bears, moose, Dall sheep and more in the wild or watch whales, sea lions and sea otters frolic in the sea.
This May 1-3, the first-ever Migration Celebration in Haines will feature world-class birding and wildlife viewing, Alaska Native cultural programming and spring harvest traditions. Or join Seabird Ventures for its new, small-group, eco-focused tours designed to highlight seabird and marine life encounters in Kachemak Bay near Homer.
While many travel destinations are crowded and busy, Alaska remains wild and open. You might come to see glaciers break into the water, watch whales along the coast, or just enjoy the quiet of a huge, beautiful landscape. Alaska offers experiences you’ll remember long after your trip. As 2026 approaches, it’s clear this is more than just a popular place—it’s somewhere you can slow down, explore, and remember what travel is really about. If Alaska is calling you, this could be the year to go.
