Alaska Activities
Handpicked Alaska is your go-to travel agency for crafting the perfect, tailor-made Alaska adventure. We specialize in organizing fully customizable independent trips, where you have the freedom to choose your own itinerary. From hand-selecting cozy accommodations and rental cars to curating unforgettable experiences, we take care of all the details. Below, you’ll find a selection of activities you can add to your personalized Alaska trip. But don’t worry, if you have a dream experience in mind that’s not listed, just let us know – we’ll do everything we can to make it happen!
Brown Bear Viewing
An Alaska brown bear expedition offers an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. These guided excursions take place in two of Alaska’s most remote national parks – Katmai or Lake Clark – with the destination depending on the time of year and the specific tour. Guests typically travel by floatplane, providing a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the wilderness below. The tour is led by an expert pilot and a knowledgeable naturalist guide, ensuring a safe and immersive experience as you explore the heart of Bear Country.
Read more about bear viewing at Brooks Falls.
Duration: Between 7 and 9 hours
Note:
Requires a higher budget.
Cancellation policy is stricter than that of other tours.
Passenger weight restrictions may be in place.
Helicopter Flightseeing with Glacier Dog Sledding
Experience Alaska with a helicopter ride to a dog sledding base nestled on a glacier. Once there, you’ll embark on a dog sled ride through the icy landscape. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet the incredible dogs – including playful puppies – and chat with the expert mushers who guide the teams. You might even get to take the reins and ride on a dog sled yourself. This is one of our most sought-after experiences, and a top choice for adventurers in 2025!
Read more about glacier dog sledding tours.
Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
Note:
Helicopter flightseeing tours are available without the dogsledding portion.
Optional additional glacier landings are available.
Passenger weight restrictions may apply.
Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing
Take to the skies on a scenic flight departing from Talkeetna, offering a memorable opportunity to experience Alaska’s beauty from above. Get up close to North America’s tallest mountain and witness its grandeur in person, all while soaring over glaciers nestled between the towering peaks. Each passenger enjoys a window seat for unobstructed views, and seasoned pilots add to the adventure with stories that bring the landscape to life.
Read more about Denali flightseeing tours.
Duration: Around 1.5 to 3.5 hours
Note:
Passenger weight restrictions may apply.
Full refunds are provided for weather-related cancellations.
Flightseeing tours by small plane or helicopter are also available from other Alaska locations.
Wildlife Cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park
One of Alaska’s must-see attractions, this tour is a highlight we try to include in every itinerary. Departing from Seward, the cruise typically lasts around 6 hours, offering plenty of time to take in the scenery. The spacious decks comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests, with lunch and snacks served along the way. As you glide through the waters, you’ll have the chance to spot an array of wildlife, from humpback whales and killer whales to puffins and sea lions, all while enjoying views of glaciers that frame the horizon.
Duration: Around 6 hours
Note:
Tours range from 4 to 10 hours in duration.
Private or small-group options (up to 6 passengers) are available, offering a more intimate experience—but these smaller boats are more susceptible to weather-related cancellations.
If you’re concerned about seasickness, opt for shorter tours that stay closer to shore in calmer bay waters.
Bus Tour in Denali National Park
Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most famous destinations. The first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road are paved and open to personal vehicles, offering a scenic introduction to the park. To explore deeper into the national park, you’ll need to hop aboard a park-operated motorcoach. Visitors can choose from two options: a guided bus ride with an expert narrator (at a higher cost), or a self-guided trip without a narrator.
Read more about planning a trip to Denali National Park.
Duration: Around 6 hours
Note:
Choose from morning or afternoon departures.
Morning tours may start as early as 4:45 AM.
Guided tour times are assigned the day before and cannot be selected.
Transit bus tours (non-guided) allow you to choose your departure time.
Guided Fishing Expedition
Alaska is a top destination for summer fishing enthusiasts. Each fishing tour is led by a local expert guide who will take you to the best fishing spots, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to cast a line or an exciting adventure, these trips can be fully customized to match your unique fishing dreams and preferences.
Duration: Around 4 to 6 hours
Note:
Departure time and meeting location for river trips are often confirmed the day before.
Most tours depart early in the morning.
Private charters are available for groups.
A valid Alaska fishing license is required (can be purchased online or locally).
Your catch can be professionally processed and shipped home.
Guided Kayaking
By partnering with Alaska’s top kayaking companies, we’re able to book a wide range of trips tailored to all skill levels and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle on a local lake, an exciting few hours kayaking among icebergs, or a longer, more challenging ocean expedition, each adventure is guided by a local expert to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
Duration: Between 2 to 8 hours
Note:
No experience needed—perfect for beginners.
All equipment provided, including paddles, dry bags, and safety gear.
Tours operate rain or shine—dress in layers for changing conditions.
Alaska Railroad and Glacier Rafting
This unique trip lets you experience two of Alaska’s top attractions in a single day. Hop aboard the Glacier Discovery Train with the Alaska Railroad, traveling along one of the state’s most scenic rail routes to Spencer Glacier. At a remote backcountry stop, you’ll disembark for a rafting float trip, drifting past icebergs and down the picturesque Placer River.
Duration: Around 5 Hours
Note:
This is a leisurely float trip, not a rafting adventure—your guide does all the rowing.
Operates in all weather conditions, including rain—dress accordingly.
Suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Glacier Trekking on the Matanuska Glacier
Glacier trekking is a favorite activity for many of our guests. The duration of each trek depends on the tour you choose. Experienced guides lead the way, ensuring your safety while also offering fascinating insights into Alaska’s glaciers and the surrounding wilderness.
Read more about visiting the Matanuska Glacier.
Duration: Between 3 to 8 hours
Note:
Private and advanced tour options available.
No experience needed for beginner treks.
Take a helicopter ride to access remote glacier areas for a truly exclusive experience.
Glacier treks are also available in Kenai Fjords and Wrangell–St. Elias National Parks.
Other Activities
How about a flight north of the Arctic Circle? An ATV adventure to a secluded glacier? Hunting for the Northern Lights? Or perhaps trying your hand at gold panning? Visiting Alaska is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If there’s something special you’ve always dreamed of doing, contact us, and we will find a way to arrange it!
Please note: We specialize in creating fully customized itineraries and do not handle individual activity bookings. Our services are focused on complete, tailored travel packages.
Ready to craft your perfect Alaska adventure?
Head over to our Design Your Trip page and answer a few quick questions—so we can begin creating your perfect, handpicked adventure.