Is this what you think of when you think of Alaska?

Dreary, flat, white. Nothing but snow and ice for as far as you can.  Nothing to do but look at ice and snow. 

That's not pretty.  That looks boring.  Why would anybody want to spend 10 days on a cruise ship looking at that or go interior to look at nothing?

Why?  Because Alaska looks nothing like that.

Alaska is grand.  It is larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined.  What many travelers do not realize is that Alaska is so grand it has 4 different regions and each of them has it's own experiences.  Each region has different landscapes, weather, wildlife, activities, and travel experiences.

This is why understanding the regions of Alaska is one of the most important parts of planning an Alaska vacation.  Choosing where you go on that Alaska vacation is just as important as when you go.  That is why I've gone multiple times at different times (although I tend to go in May the most.) 

Some regions are best for glaciers and whale watching. 

Others are best for Northern for Northern Lights viewing.

Some focus on wilderness and wildlife.

Others offer rich Native Alaska culture and Gold Rush history.

So how do you know which region of alaska is right for you?

Southeast Alaska

This region is the most visited region of Alaska that is visited by all cruise ships.  Every cruise that goes to Alaska has at least one stop in Southeast Alaska. This area is lush, dramatic, and incredibly scencic.  Most travelers describe Southeast Alaska as feeling like a real-life postcard.

This area includes:

• Juneau (Capital of Alaska)
• Ketchikan
• Sitka
• Skagway
• Haines
• Glacier Bay National Park
• The Inside Passage

Best known for:

• Massive Glaciers
• Whale Watching
• Rainforests
• Coastal Mountains
• Bald Eagles
• Fjords
• Historic Gold Rush Towns
• Native Alaskan Culture

Go to this area if you want:

• A Classic Alaska cruise experience
• Glacier viewing
• Scenic Cruising
• Wildlife Excursions
• Easy Access to Ports
• Historic towns
• Photography Opportunities
• Humpback whales (especially Juneau and Icy Strait)

Southcentral Alaska

This region is also one of the most visited.  It is the gateway to the interior.  When doing a cruise tour you start here.  It includes mountains, glaciers, wildlife and access to the Alaska Train. 

This region includes:

• Anchorage
• Seward
• Whittier
• Kenai Peninsula
• Prince William Sound
• Gateway routes to Denali

Best Known for:

• Denali National Park
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Glacier Cruises
• Wildlife Viewing
• Scenic train rides
• Bear Viewing
• Fishing
• Mountain Landscapes

Go to this area if you want:

• An Alaska cruise tour
• National Park experiences
• Adventure travel
• Wildlife encounters
• Glacier Excursions
• Rail Journeys
• Outdoor Activities
• Combine Cruise with interior land experience

Interior Alaska

Interior is a totally different experience as you move inland you move into the remote landscapes of Alaska.  This area is has more uninhabitated area.  You leave the coastal rainforests for wide-open wilderness, towering mountain ranges, and a much drier climate.

This region includes:

• Fairbanks
• Denali area
• Vast wilderness regions between communities
• North Pole
• Tok
• Delta Junction

This area is known for:

• Northern lights viewing
• Midnight sun
• Dog Sledding
• Wilderness Lodges
• Gold Rush History
• Remote landscapes
• Extreme Seasonal contrasts

Go to this area if you want to:

• Experiene the Aurora Borealis tours (Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights)
• Winter Alaska Vacations
• Off-the-beatern-path travel
• Authentic Wilderness experiences
• Fewer Crowds
• Adventure travel

Southwest Alaska

This region is best for bear viewing.  It is harder to get to and is rugged, remote, and wild. This area offers some of the most authentic wilderness experiences in Alaska.  Many travelers say it feels untouched and raw compared to the tourist-areas of other areas.

This region includes:

• Kodiak
• Katmai National Park
• Bristol Bay
• Remote fishing and wilderness areas

This area is known for:

• Brown bear viewing
• Salmon Runs
• Remote wilderness lodges
• Fishing
• Flightseeing tours
• Untouched Landscapes

Go to this area if you are:

• Wildlife photographer
• Fishing enthusiast
• Adventure travelers
• Luxury Wilderness Lodges
• Experienced Alaska Travlers

The Arctic

This area is one of the most remote travel destinations in North America. It provides a rare glimpse of experiencing the least visited place in the United States.  Few have the privilege of saying they have visited the Artctic.