Fresh from the trails (and the rails), Travel Specialist, Rosie, shares what it’s really like to explore Alaska – from daily moose encounters to stunning and wild landscapes.
My most recent trip in June 2025, took me to Alaska, the USA’s wilderness state, which truly took my breath away. The vast, dramatic landscapes and sheer abundance of wildlife made the trip unforgettable – I saw moose almost daily, had close encounters with brown bears, and watched humpback whales and sea otters in the wild. Alaska is incredibly special, and a must-do for anyone who is drawn to wild places, or who feels the call of the far north. Read on for my highlights and top tips…
Alaskan Railroad
Traveling by rail in Alaska is more than just getting from point A to B – it’s an immersive journey through some of the most stunning and remote scenery in North America.
For the ultimate experience, I highly recommend upgrading to GoldStar Class. With panoramic dome seating, outdoor viewing platforms, and included meals (particularly great for lunch and evening departures), it’s well worth the investment. If you’re picking just one route to upgrade on, make it the Coastal Classic between Anchorage and Seward to make the most of the impressive scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities.
The Alaskan Railroad is a wildlife lover’s dream – I saw moose on every journey. Other wildlife includes bears (especially during the salmon run), bald eagles, Dall sheep, and along the coastal route, orcas, beluga whales, and humpback whales.
Bear watching
Seeing bears in the wild is a bucket-list experience, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see bears in their natural habitat. While moose, caribou, and other wildlife can be spotted easily, bears are elusive and require guided excursions and special access to their habitats. If you are going all the way to Alaska, you need to make the most of the opportunity for bear spotting.
I was lucky enough to have a few bear encounters throughout my trip – with the best encounters at Lake Clark National Park. I saw a black bear on the beach from the Kenai Fjords cruise, grizzlies in Denali NP and coastal brown bears from bear camp.
There are multiple day trips available from Anchorage to Katmai, Lake Clark and Brooks Falls. Of course, if budget allows a lodge or an experience such as Bear Camp offers the highest quality viewing.
Best bear viewing depends on what you would like to do and where you are going – we’re here to offer advice and help you choose the best experience.
Kenai Fjords cruise
Seward is one of the highlights of any Alaskan itinerary – a charming coastal town nestled between the Kenai mountains and Resurrection Bay. It’s a key gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, offering dramatic landscapes, glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife.
The Kenai Fjords Cruise was a highlight of my trip – it offers spectacular scenery, close-up views of glaciers, and abundant wildlife sightings. Cruises typically head down Resurrection Bay into the Gulf of Alaska, visiting highlights like Holgate Glacier and passing Bear Glacier en route.
Excellent chance to see orcas, humpback whales, tufted and horned puffins, porpoises, and Steller sea lions. Other wildlife that can be seen: fin, grey, minke and sei whales, harbour seals, mountain goats, bald eagles, black bears. Morning cruises often provide the best whale-spotting opportunities.
Jet boat from Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a charming and quirky small town, offering a mix of character, adventure, and stunning natural beauty. It’s a popular stop on the Alaska Railroad and the best place to view Denali. Talkeetna combines laid-back charm with bucket-list adventures, making it a memorable stop for visitors of all ages.
On the Jetboat tour, explore Alaska’s backcountry, with opportunities to spot wildlife and, on clear days, enjoy some of the best views of Denali. The guides were brilliant. Wildlife sightings – such as bears and eagles – are more common in August and September during the salmon run.
Denali Tundra and Wilderness Tour
The entrance to Denali National Park is a small area along the Parks Highway, with a handful of hotels, shops and eateries. The main highlight here is the tour into the park which offers incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, a visitor centre and well-marked trails.
This tour offers excellent wildlife sightings including moose (4 close sightings), grizzly bear with cub, large herds of caribou (commonly spotted), harlequin ducks, ptarmigan birds, Dall sheep, ground and red squirrels. Approximately 1,500 moose, 300 grizzly bears, and 50 wolves reside in the park.
Wildlife spotting tips: early buses (e.g., Bus 1 at 4:35 AM) offer the best wildlife viewing and clear Denali peak views, grizzlies prefer open spaces, caribou thrive in tundra areas, moose favour lower elevations with trees and aquatic vegetation, though few moose lakes are on the tour route.
Regardless of wildlife sighting, the park showcases stunning Alaskan wilderness covering 6 million acres, with expansive views of Denali and the tundra. The park is located 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
A new bridge 43 miles into the park is under construction, expected summer 2027. This will allow for longer tours into the park.
Sternwheeler Riverboat cruise
Fairbanks, known as the gateway to Alaska’s interior, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Fairbanks also features a charming historic downtown with local dining, shops, and access to outdoor adventures, making it a well-rounded destination for travellers.
Journey aboard an authentic sternwheeler, providing an immersive experience into Alaska’s history, wildlife, and indigenous cultures. Operated by the Binkley family since 1950, the tour navigates the Chena and Tanana Rivers, featuring live commentary and onboard video screens for enhanced viewing.
Summer Forest hike and photo safari
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and a key gateway for most visitors exploring the state. It offers great access to Chugach State Park, where the Summer Valleys hike departs from. This guided walk is very easy and on well-paved pathways – not for travellers looking for a more adventurous experience. Great guide, knowledgeable about local flora and fauna. Scenic views.
Alaska Bear Camp
Bear Camp is a truly special place – remote, peaceful, and surrounded by pure Alaskan wilderness. Watching bears from just a short distance, sometimes dozens at once, felt surreal. The experience was made even more memorable by the incredible team who looked after every detail with warmth and care. It’s not just a wildlife encounter; it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
You will arrive by charter flight and enjoy attentive, friendly staff who create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Small group sizes ensure a personal experience, and new cabins opening next year will enhance comfort, making Bear Camp a truly special Alaskan adventure.
Key highlights:
- The staff are attentive and experienced. The camp manager for instance has overseen the camp for 20 years and was close to the original homestead owner.
- The chef-prepared food is incredible, and alcohol included. There’s a focus on local produce and fresh ingredients.
- June sees a high density of bears all grazing on sedge. 47 bears were visible through telescopes during my visit and about 21 visible to the naked eye. June is also mating season.
- July – August is when boars retreat to the woods for higher quality salmon feeding in the less accessible areas. It’s possible to sight yearlings as the younger more vulnerable cubs appear once the boars have left. There’s a chance of watching bears fish but fewer overall bears visible.
In summary
Alaska is more than just a destination – it’s a feeling. The immense scale of the landscapes, the thrill of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat, and the warmth of the people who live in this rugged corner of the world all left a lasting impression on me.
If you’re dreaming of a true adventure, of wild spaces and unforgettable wildlife, Alaska should be at the top of your list.
Rosie’s top tips
The best time to visit Alaska starts from late May onwards. By my arrival, most attractions and services have only been open for 2–3 weeks. Arriving earlier may mean less prepared services, snow cover, and less wildlife spotting opportunities. By June, the wildflowers are out, the days are long, and wildlife is active. Although those keen to spot a Moose in June should note that they are growing their antlers, so they are covered in layer of ‘velvet’. July and August are the peak months for the salmon run and September brings moose mating season, which is when you’re most likely to see bulls with large antlers sparring.
In my opinion, June is one of the best times to visit Alaska, offering the magic of the midnight sun, drier weather, and landscapes bursting with wildflowers. The extended daylight means more time for adventures, better chances for wildlife sightings and clear mountain views.
At Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge I would recommend booking a room with a Mountain View of Denali and the Alaskan Range. The peak of Denali is only seen by 30% of people in summer so clients should maximise their chances.
Experience Alaska from the air – Flightseeing is a core part of Alaskan culture, as so much of the state in inaccessible by road. Because of this, roughly 1 in every 80 Alaskans are a pilot. Touring Denali and the Alaska Range by plane (often with the option to land on a glacier) is an unforgettable way to grasp the sheer scale and beauty of the wilderness.
Feeling inspired?
If you’d like to start planning your own adventure, browse our holidays to Alaska, call us on 01737 214 250, or you can send an enquiry to Rosie and the team to start discussing your options.