Alaska Inside Passage glacier and wilderness
Destination Guide

Alaska Inside Passage

A profound encounter with the rawest elements of nature and the enduring spirit of its people.

365 Million Acres of Protected Wilderness 229 Federally Recognized Tribes 5 Unique Regions

The Great Land

Alaska is more than a destination — it is a profound encounter with the rawest elements of nature and the enduring spirit of its people. Across 365 million acres of protected wilderness, the Great Land offers a scale of adventure found nowhere else on Earth. The legacy of 229 federally recognized tribes breathes life into the landscape, where 20 distinct Alaska Native cultures shape the state's identity through ancient traditions and art. From the lush coastal rainforests of the Inside Passage to the rugged Arctic tundra, Alaska's five unique regions host a spectacular array of life. Whether you are tracking grizzlies in Denali or watching humpback whales in glacial fjords, Alaska promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.

Heritage & People

Alaska Native Culture

Native cultures strongly influence their way of life, from names of rivers, mountains, and communities on traditional lands to art, architecture, and culture in the cities. About 15 percent of Alaska's 730,000 residents are Alaska Native, with 20 distinct cultures, 229 federally recognized tribes, and 300 different dialects.

Many Alaska Native people live in villages scattered along the coastline and rivers of Alaska, where they still practice traditional subsistence hunting and fishing lifestyles. In all five regions of the state and in communities both large and small, their culture and history are shaped by Alaska Native language, artwork, storytelling, ceremonies, and customs.

There are five groups of Alaska Native people identified by region — Iñupiat & St. Lawrence Island Yup'ik in the Arctic; Athabascan in Southcentral and Interior Alaska; Yup'ik & Cup'ik, Unangax̂ and Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) in Southwest Alaska; and Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit in the Inside Passage.

Alaska wilderness and culture

The Wild

Wildlife Viewing

Alaska's vast landscapes — spanning more than 365 million acres of public and protected land — and its diverse ecosystems make it one of the most extraordinary places in the world for wildlife viewing. From dense boreal forests and Arctic tundra to glacial fjords and coastal rainforest, you'll encounter iconic species at every turn.

🐻

Brown & Black Bears

Summer & Fall

🐋

Humpback Whales

Summer

🦌

Moose & Caribou

Year-round

🦅

Bald Eagles

Year-round

🐬

Orcas

Summer

🐳

Gray Whales

Spring Migration

While you can see wildlife anywhere in Alaska, you can improve your chances by joining guided tours including bear viewing, whale watching, and birding. The state is also home to a variety of zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Alaska wildlife.

Explore

Destinations in Alaska

Alaska's five regions are defined by unique landscapes, cultures, and climates ranging from coastal rainforests to arctic tundra. From urban centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks to remote Alaska Native villages only accessible by small plane, every corner of the state offers something extraordinary.

Inside Passage (Southeast)

Coastal rainforests, glacial fjords, and rich Alaska Native Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian & Eyak cultures.

Southcentral

Home to Anchorage, Kenai Fjords, and stunning mountain ranges including the Chugach.

Interior

Denali National Park, vast boreal forests, and Athabascan Native heritage.

Southwest

Yup'ik & Cup'ik, Unangax̂ and Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) cultures, remote villages, and world-class fishing.

Arctic (Far North)

Iñupiat & St. Lawrence Island Yup'ik traditions, caribou migrations, and the midnight sun.

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