Discover a blend of natural wonders and rustic wildlife in this epic 7-day Alaska itinerary.
In the unique state of Alaska, prepare to be mesmerized by rugged landscapes, majestic glaciers, hidden gems, and not one, but eight stunning national parks. This untamed wilderness beckons adventurers from around the globe, offering unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Alaska stands as an enchanting dream destination for travellers, a place that epitomizes America’s last frontier. With its vast and boundless landscapes that seem to stretch into eternity, this remarkable state creates an experience that feels like stepping into a whole new world.
The lush green rainforests found in the Southeast region, the captivating melting pods of Glacier Bay, the awe-inspiring volcanic valleys, the saga of the northern lights, and the occasional sightings of the illustrious “big five” (bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou, and moose) all converge to make Alaska an irresistible and truly worth-visiting destination.
Alaska’s landscapes are not only visually stunning but also bear witness to the vibrant native Alaskan community that calls this place home. Despite the modern world’s encroachment, the native Alaskan community remains deeply rooted in their traditions, diligently carrying out daily chores that include fishing, hunting, and weaving.
And if you’re wondering how to spend one week in Alaska, while experiencing the typical activities – then this is the guide for you!
This 7-day Alaska itinerary is more than just a travel plan; it’s a gateway to a world of extraordinary discoveries. From visiting the state’s main attractions to participating in local cultural activities, you’ll experience Alaska more closely. This itinerary includes some of the best experiential moments that are surely going to leave you spellbound.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Overview of the Alaska Itinerary 7 Days
The purpose behind creating this one-week Alaska itinerary is to incorporate immersive activities and unique experiences, catering to individuals of all ages who are eager to embark on adventurous day tours.
Starting from Juneau and concluding in Ketchikan, this itinerary not only offers planned excursions but also provides optional tours, granting you the freedom to select specific activities that interest you.
The trip can be customized entirely according to your style and preference. Feel free to include or exclude any destinations from the itinerary as you desire, tailoring the journey to your liking.
Layout for 7-Day Alaska Itinerary
Day 1: Juneau
Day 2: Juneau
Day 3: Juneau – Skagway
Day 4: Skagway
Day 5: Glacier Bay
Day 6: Skagway – Ketchikan
Day 7: Ketchikan
Highlights of your 7 Days in Alaska –
- Excursion to Mendenhall Glacier
- Exploration of Tracy Arm Fjord.
- Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour.
- Visit the White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge.
- Full-Day Tour of Glacier Bay National Park.
Essential Planning Tips for Your Alaska Itinerary 7 Days
Best time to visit Alaska
Travelling to Alaska is highly influenced by its distinct seasons, including winter, spring, fall, and summer. Each season offers a unique experience to visitors, making it worthwhile to explore Alaska in different colours.
In general, the optimal time to visit Alaska is from May to September, during the summer season. This period offers a multitude of open activities, bustling attractions, and the opportunity to witness the enchanting phenomenon of the midnight sun. If you plan to take boat trips in Kenai Fjords, it is advisable to make advance reservations as cruises and boat excursions tend to sell out quickly during the summer months.
Additionally, it is important to note that hotel rates in Alaska tend to be higher during the busy summer season. However, you can mitigate this by booking your accommodations well in advance. By securing your lodging ahead of time, you can take advantage of better prices and ensure a comfortable stay during your visit to Alaska.
If your interests lie in dog sledging, skiing, and witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, I highly recommend planning your trip to Alaska during the winter season. This period offers the ideal conditions to indulge in winter-based activities and capture the beauty of the Northern Lights.
Health & Safety
With a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, you can enter the state of Alaska. Since this is uncertain and no one can predict unforeseen situations – I recommend you stay updated with these COVID-19 guidelines. I’ll also keep this section as updated as possible to provide accurate information on any travel restrictions.
How much does it cost
An approximate cost of this 7-day Alaska itinerary will be around $1800-$2100. However, the prices of this tour will be heavily dependent on the activities you book experiences you indulge in and the kind of accommodation you select. Through our partnership programs with various travel companies, we make it easy for you to book preferred activities & entry-ticket fees at much cheaper costs.
Read: Fancy a 10-day road trip in Alaska? Read our most popular blog – ‘10 Day Alaska Itinerary: Kenai & Denali Road Trip‘.
Detailed 7 Day Alaska Itinerary
Day 1: Juneau
Arrive at Juneau.
Juneau, a beloved town in Alaska, serves as an excellent starting point for this exciting Alaskan journey. Many visitors exploring Alaska via cruise ships make it a pit stop during their voyage. Travellers often disembark in Juneau, take a few hours to wander around the town, and then return to their ship.
However, the Alaskan capital deserves more than just a fleeting visit. It’s a destination that rewards those who take the time to explore its wonders at a leisurely pace. Juneau’s landscapes seem to stretch out endlessly, encompassing snow-capped peaks, gushing streams, vibrant bursts of wildflowers, and vast scenic routes.
While intrepid adventurers may delve deep into the stunning settings of Glacier Bay National Park and Admiralty Island National Monument, even leisure-focused travellers will find eye-catching scenery right at Juneau’s doorstep.
During your time in Juneau, you will have the opportunity to explore two of the most renowned glacier routes: Mendenhall Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. This impressive start to our 7-day Alaska itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your travel experience in the capital city.
Excursion to Mendenhall Glacier
Located just 12 miles away from Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier stands as one of the most popular and frequently visited glaciers in Alaska. Drawing in around 400,000 tourists annually, its appeal extends beyond its mesmerizing arctic beauty, leaving visitors captivated by its grandeur.
Both Adventure Bound Alaska and Allen Marine Tours operate frequent excursions to Mendenhall Glacier. Upon your arrival, you will be presented with a 15-minute short film showcasing its stunning landscape, features, and other characteristics. With the help of a forest ranger, you can select from a range of trails to explore Mendenhall. This lets you discover the world’s only ‘drive-up’ glacier excitingly.
Among the notable trails in the area, such as Nugget Falls, Photo Point Trail, and Steep Creek Trail, the East Glacier Trail stands out as a personal favorite and comes highly recommended. This trail not only provides stunning vistas of the glacier and icebergs but also offers the chance to spot whales and other wildlife along the way, making it a truly memorable experience.
To make the most of your 7-day Alaska itinerary, I recommend opting for a 5-hour guided excursion that encompasses a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. This comprehensive package includes your entry ticket to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, convenient roundtrip transfers, snacks, and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide.
Day 2: Juneau
Exploration of Tracy Arm Fjord.
Today, you will take a deep-dive exploration tour of Tracy Arm Fjord, a magnificent 27-mile-long glacier. Considered a grander and more dramatic counterpart to Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord offers its own exceptional viewpoints and scenic wonders.
Tour of Tracy Arm Fjord
Board the 56′ Adventure Bound cruise to journey across the narrow waterways of Tracy Arm. You will observe cliffs rising up to 3,000 feet and waters gushing down the steep rock walls on both sides. You can easily spot whales, eagles, bears, and seals in the summer season.
Visitors who have already experienced Tracy Arm described this glacial beauty as “breath-taking” and often recommend carrying a good set of binoculars and a camera to capture the scene.
The only thing you need to be mindful of is the cruise ship departing for Tracy Arm Fjord gets booked real fast. Seats are limited and it’s advisable to reserve your spot at least a month prior to your trip. For more info, you can check this tour operator’s website.
Day 3: Juneau – Skagway
Today, you’ll depart Juneau to drive across to another beautiful town – Skagway.
The journey from Juneau to Ketchikan covers approximately 103 miles and typically takes around 6 hours to complete. However, the drive itself is a mesmerizing experience as you pass through scenic coastal villages and towns along the way.
Skagway is a stunning and historically significant city that takes great pride in showcasing its gold rush tales in a contemporary manner. While meandering through its charming streets, visitors will have the opportunity to uncover numerous captivating walks and trails that lead to enchanting corners of the town.
Furthermore, it won’t be long before you stumble upon Skagway’s prominent attractions, namely the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitors Centre, the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, and the Martin Itjen House.
To truly savour the essence of Skagway, there’s no better way than embarking on leisurely walking tours. These guided excursions allow you to delve deeper into the city’s intriguing history and lose yourself in the historic tales of the gold rush era, all while being treated to breathtaking views of the town.
Overnight at Skagway.
Day 4: Skagway
Highlights of Skagway.
Today, you will be exploring Skagway’s best attractions by going on a few excursions. This in-depth exploration will introduce the town’s remarkable history, incredible landscape, and pleasing culture.
Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour
Hiking on the Chilkoot Trail give visitors an excellent opportunity to retrace the pathway carved by the Klondike Goldminers of 1898. This trail winds its way through the Alaskan rainforest of Chilkoot, offering a two-mile stretch filled with lush greenery.
After completing the hike, you can try on a relaxed rafting tour down the Taiya River, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the glacial mountains. As you leisurely float along the river, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, including eagles soaring gracefully above and seals playfully leaping in the water.
The Chilkoot Trail is meant for active travellers with an average fitness level to complete the stretch. It includes uphill and a few strenuous paths. However, you can easily tackle it – with the help of an expert to guide you your way.
White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge
No visit to Skagway would be complete without embarking on an excursion to the White Pass Summit. This tour is an absolute must for first-time visitors, offering a thrilling opportunity to experience Alaskan adventure.
The White Summit is a wonderland, adorned with stunning forests, azure lakes, and majestic peaks. This remarkable region proudly displays its dramatic scenery, often leaving travellers entranced by its exquisite beauty. If you book a guided excursion to White Summit – you will get an ample amount of time to enjoy the viewpoints located.
Continuing beyond the Summit, you’ll discover the Yukon Suspension Bridge, a remarkable vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the rushing Tutshi River. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, you can further explore the alpine wildflowers that grace the surroundings, gaining a deeper understanding of the flora that thrives in this pristine landscape.
Overnight at Skagway.
Read Next | 3 Day Itinerary Alaska | Journey to Seward & Kenai Fjords
Day 5: Glacier Bay
Explore the Glacier Bay, National Park.
Glacier Bay stands apart from America’s iconic national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite, exuding a unique charm that entices travellers. Nestled in a remote location, it boasts a distinctiveness that sets it apart from the mighty landscapes of its counterparts. With no road connection, embarking on a journey to Glacier Bay becomes an exhilarating adventure, offering a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan experience.
As its name suggests, Glacier Bay is a haven for over 1,000 glaciers, making it a mesmerizing destination for visitors. For those travelling by ship, the experience becomes even more fascinating as you hop on a journey to explore the park’s nine colossal tidewater glaciers. The crackling sound of ice breaking off into the water, known as calving, adds a dramatic element to the experience, leaving you in awe of the power and beauty of nature.
In addition to exploring the glacier-carved landscape, you will have a multitude of other activities to enjoy. Go on a thrilling kayak adventure, set off on a memorable hiking expedition, or indulge in a serene camping experience near Gustavus.
Another highly favoured pastime at Glacier Bay National Park is bird-watching. The park’s abundant biodiversity presents an opportunity for visitors to encounter an array of rainforest species, such as thrushes, American woodpeckers, warblers, and songbirds, up close and personal.
Overnight at Skagway/ Glacier Bay (cruise).
Day 6: Skagway – Ketchikan
Board your flight from Skagway to arrive at Ketchikan.
Recognized as the esteemed ‘Salmon Capital of the World,’ Ketchikan takes great pride in its deep-rooted fishing culture. But it’s not just salmon that steals the show in this paradise; Ketchikan is also a haven for seafood enthusiasts, boasting an abundance of diverse fish varieties to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska –
Exploring the Totem
One of the landmarks of Ketchikan is its totem poles – some decorated with vivid, bright colours whilst others are still intact with their rustic feel. There are dozen totem poles located across the town representing three famous tribes: Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Visit the Totem Bight State Historical Park and Totem Heritage Center to see artefacts and poles.
Visit the Creek Street
Located near the Ketchikan River is a long historical boardwalk crammed with shops and great restaurants. Grab a local seafood lunch, spot fishers hunting their catch, and relax as you unwind at Creek Street.
Wildlife at Herring Cove
Hungry bears and bald eagles come down to hunt salmon during the summers. Ultimately, it becomes a great viewing experience of the Alaskan wild. Herring Cove has become a popular spot for visitors, especially visiting this area to observe and spot wildlife species.
Overnight at Ketchikan.
More: Discover more of Alaska’s top attractions, experiences & incredible activities.
Day 7: Ketchikan
Full-day exploration of Ketchikan.
Embark onto some of Alaska’s beautiful journeys in Ketchikan and discover unique activities alongside your exploration.
Rain Forest Hike Ecotour
Venture deep into the Alaskan rain forest on this 4-hour guided ecotour headed by electric bikes. It’s an exciting way of experiencing some of Ketchikan’s natural beauty at an unhurried pace. The usage of electric bikes is much more comfortable and efficient when compared to standard bicycles, and you can cover much more distance in less time, thus maximizing your excursion.
After a brief ride, explore the famous Tongass National Forest. Learn and understand its flora and fauna features whilst spotting deers and salmon in the wild. Your guide will help you break down the forests’ importance and their herbalist growth in some of the natural areas within Tongass.
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
Post your ecotour at the Alaskan Rainforest; it’s time to go water-bound by embarking on a beautiful guided kayak tour. The path straight leads you inside the Clover Pass, where you can find great rainforest islands, scenic landscapes, and a great variety of bird species. The tour also gives you an excellent opportunity to paddle across 3 picturesque islands near the Clover Pass.
Overnight at Ketchikan.
This marks the end of your Alaska trip itinerary. If you wish to extend, or explore other locations within Alaska – then check our below recommend guide.
Read: 10 Day Alaska Itinerary – Kenai & Denali Road Trip
Accommodation for Alaska Itinerary 7 Days
Choosing the right set of accommodations becomes a crucial part of planning a trip. When it comes to Alaska, it’s important you plan it well, by short-listing your preferred choice of hotels (based on price & amenities).
Alaska has tons of options for you – hostels, AirBnB, eco-friendly lodges, and forest resorts. Ultimately, finalizing the right hotel depending on the above itinerary will come down to price. Thus, to make your work simpler – below are some of the suggested Alaskan hotels drilled down by categories.
These categories will help you make the correct choice, in selecting & booking a preferred hotel for your 7 days in Alaska.
Budget Hotels in Alaska – The state of Alaska is home to amazing rental home options, B&B, and hostels. Find out more about these categories in detail and filter out your preference based on style.
Mid-range Hotels in Alaska – If you are good at spending a few extra bucks for your Alaska trip, then these mid-range hotel options will help.
Luxury Hotels in Alaska – Luxury hotels are in abundance in Alaska – featuring excellent amenities & gorgeous room views. With the help of these eco-friendly lodges & cabins, you’ll surely find a perfect luxurious stay in Alaska.
Read: Our most popular road trip guide – 10 Day Alaska Itinerary: Kenai & Denali Road Trip.
What to Pack For Your 7 Day Alaska Itinerary
Alaska is a cold state, with temperatures dropping frequently during the peak season period. It’s best advised to travel with proper equipment & clothing accessories, to sustain freezing weather.
Here’s a checklist of all the things you need to carry when planning a trip to Alaska –
Essential Items –
T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Fleece top/sweater
Outlet adapter
First-aid kit (bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, and Aspirin)
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Essential Items (cold weather) –
Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Warm jackets/ lightweight down jacket
Rain Trench
Double Layer Jacket
Hiking shoes/sturdy boots
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