What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of Alaska?
Let me guess—probably cold, snow, glaciers, mountains, igloos, the Iditarod, or the Northern Lights. But if you’ve ever visited Alaska, your list of words to describe this beautiful state might be very different. Words like Denali National Park, Indigenous Peoples, vast, nature, wildlife, The Last Frontier, peaceful, beauty, freedom, survival, or strength may come to mind. These are just a few of the words I would use to describe Alaska.
In the summer of 2024, I went on an 11-day Fairbanks Denali Express Northbound land-cruise tour with Norwegian Cruise Line. Simply put, I cruised for seven days, departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and disembarked in Whittier, Alaska, where I continued inland to Fairbanks by motor coach.
Before visiting Alaska, I honestly didn’t know much about this great state. My main goal was to see Denali National Park (Mount McKinley)—but wow, I was in for a real surprise!
My trip began in Vancouver, a beautiful city with so much to offer. I rented a bike and explored Stanley Park, a 400-hectare (988-acre) urban oasis filled with scenic trails, beaches, the iconic Seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, coastal views, totem poles, and natural beauty everywhere you turn. It far exceeded my expectations—especially the Seawall, with its stunning views of Burrard Inlet and the Lions Gate Bridge. Simply gorgeous! And the best part? The park is free to visit!
After exploring Vancouver, I was off on my Alaskan cruise adventure. The ship stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point, then cruised past the breathtaking Hubbard Glacier before reaching Whittier, where I boarded a motor coach to Fairbanks. Along the way, I experienced so much—but here are a few highlights worth mentioning:
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Ketchikan – I explored the historic Creek Street and even tried a unique treat: a salmon donut.
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Juneau – I took an unforgettable helicopter ride and hiked across the massive Taku Glacier.
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Skagway – I traveled to Glacier Point past Haines, Alaska, where I spotted sea lions, waterfalls, and towering mountain scenery. Then joined a canoe and hiking tour to Mendenhall Glacier.
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Icy Strait Point – I rode the Sky Peak Gondola to the small fishing village of Hoonah, where many residents grow their own gardens and live off the land.
Along the way, I was lucky enough to:
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Witness whales breaching and swimming in the wild.
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Spot countless bald eagles (a real treat for me since I love eagles!).
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Watch salmon swimming upstream.
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Hear the thunderous cracking of the Hubbard Glacier.
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And of course, one of the biggest highlights was exploring Denali National Park, a landscape shaped by glaciers. Fun fact: the peak of Denali is only visible about 20% of the year, and it stands at a staggering 20,310 feet—the tallest mountain in North America.
This trip taught me so much about the land, the people, and the culture of Alaska.
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I could go on and on about my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska. I haven’t even mentioned the Alaska Railroad—a luxurious ride through the wilderness up to Fairbanks—the Steamboat Landing experience on the Chena River with its fascinating stops along the way, the visit to the Alyeska Pipeline, or the fun and flavorful Salmon Bake.
As I’ve been telling my clients, every American should visit Alaska at least once in their lifetime. Now I truly understand why it’s called The Last Frontier. It’s a journey I will never forget.
As my husband always said: “Work to live, don’t live to work.” This trip—and every trip I take—is dedicated to him. I believe.
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