For those seeking a unique and unforgettable way to experience the stunning and rugged beauty of Alaska, air tours are a must-do activity. Flying over the snowcapped mountains, glaciers, and fjords provide a perspective that is not available from the ground, and offers a thrilling adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. Here are the top destinations for air tours in Alaska.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Alaska, and the best way to appreciate its magnificence is from the sky. The highlight of the air tour is the chance to see Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, which dominates the horizon at 20,310 feet. Denali’s pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife can be seen from a bird’s-eye view, including grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is home to countless towering glaciers, expansive icefields, and abundant marine life that make for a breathtaking air tour. Fly over the park’s famous Harding Icefield, a vast expanse of ice and snow covering 700 square miles, and soar over the fjords that are cut deep into the rock. Whale sightings and other marine life such as otters, puffins and sea lions are also common sights.
Prince William Sound
Another stunning destination for an air tour, Prince William Sound, is a remote and beautiful area, referred to as Alaska’s ultimate wilderness. The Sound hugs the stunning southern coastlines and boasts vibrant marine wildlife. Whales, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds create fantastic opportunities for photographing Alaska’s most beautiful and unique wildlife.
Glacier Bay National Park
With grand glaciers that stretch back into the mountains as far as the eye can see, Glacier Bay National Park is perfect for an unforgettable air tour experience. The park is home to countless glaciers, and the sight of these massive ice formations and their reflection in the water below is a highlight of any air tour. Wildlife abounds here, too, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, sea lions, and even brown bears.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the USA, and it is so vast that it is better to experience it from the air. From the air, visitors can see towering mountains, vast icefields, and glaciers that go on for miles. The flight also offers views of the historic Kennicott mine camp and the town of McCarthy, both with fascinating history lessons.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is located on a southeasterly island in Alaska, and an air tour of the area offers visitors a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness, including deep green forests, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even spot elusive black bears or majestic bald eagles.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking, and there is no better way to experience it than from the air. Air tours will provide visitors with a fresh perspective, seeing the vast and rugged landscape from a bird’s eye view. With so many locations to choose from, Alaska will offer you a memorable experience unique to its diverse landscape. So, put on your seat belts and let the fun take off!