State · Alasca

Alasca

Alaska is the largest state in the country: Denali, the glaciers and fjords of Kenai, the Inside Passage cruise route and the northern lights in winter.

In the photo: Mendenhall Glacier

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Alasca

Alaska is located at the far northwest of North America, separated from the rest of the United States by Canada. It is the largest state in the country, with more than twice the area of Texas, and one of the least populated. It was purchased from Russia in 1867. The capital is Juneau, in the southeast, which is only reachable by plane or boat; the largest city is Anchorage.

Anchorage, in the south-central region, is the gateway to the state. South of it, the Kenai Peninsula has fjords and glaciers: Girdwood, with a ski area and aerial tram; Whittier, from where boats depart to the glaciers of Prince William Sound; and Seward, adjacent to Kenai Fjords National Park, with excursions to see whales, sea otters and glaciers.

To the north, Denali National Park has Mount Denali, at 6,190 m, the highest peak in North America, and tundra wildlife such as brown bears, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Healy is near the park entrance, and Talkeetna is the village from which scenic flights over the mountain depart. The Alaska Railroad links Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali.

In the southeast, the Inside Passage is the cruise route between islands and fjords: Juneau, with Mendenhall Glacier; Ketchikan, with the totems of the Tlingit people; Skagway, a Klondike gold-rush town with the White Pass train; and Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO site. On the table, wild salmon, halibut and king crab.

When to go

June through August is usually the best time, with days of up to 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, mild temperatures and the cruise season, which runs from May to September; Denali buses and many tours operate only during that period. The northern lights typically appear from September to April on dark, clear nights, more often inland. Winter is long and very cold.

Getting there

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage receives flights from Seattle and other U.S. cities; Juneau (JNU) and Fairbanks (FAI) also have airports. Connections from Brazil are usually via another U.S. city. Check before booking. Many travelers reach the southeast by cruises departing from Seattle or Vancouver, Canada. From Anchorage, the Alaska Railroad runs to Seward in summer and to Talkeetna and Denali.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Alasca

How to visit Denali National Park?

Private cars are only allowed to drive the first kilometers of the park road; to go farther, the option is the park bus, which departs near the entrance during the summer season. Mount Denali is often hidden by clouds on many days.

When to see the northern lights in Alaska?

From September to April, on dark, clear nights. Chances are higher inland, around Fairbanks, away from city lights.

Cruise or overland trip in Alaska?

A cruise is the most practical way to see the Inside Passage, with Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and the glaciers, which are not connected by road. For Denali and Kenai, travel is overland, by car or train from Anchorage. Many travelers combine both.

Do you need a jacket in Alaska summer?

Yes. Even from June to August, temperatures usually range between 10 °C and 20 °C and drop near glaciers and on boats. Pack layered clothing and a rain jacket, especially for the southeast, which is rainy.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.