No matter what time of year you visit Alaska, it never disappoints when it comes to outdoor adventures.
However, if your goal is to witness the sheer abundance of wildlife that call The Last Frontier home, then there are some prime times in particular during which your chances increase.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the best periods for seeing Alaska’s plethora of furry friends – including where and when to go for optimum animal sightings.
Whether you find yourself rooted in Anchorage or discovering more remote regions near Denali National Park and Preserve – get ready for a wild adventure as exciting and unpredictable as nature itself.
The best time to visit Alaska for wildlife:
The best time to visit Alaska for wildlife viewing is typically during the late spring and summer months.
During these months, animals are more active due to their mating cycles and the available food sources.
From May through August, many species of wildlife can be observed in their natural habitats. For example, caribou herds are often seen migrating through the tundra, while bears may be spotted fishing along streams or rivers.
Birdwatchers will have plenty of opportunities to view migratory species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, northern goshawks and a variety of waterfowl.
Orcas can often be seen in coastal waters when humpback whales are returning from their wintering grounds off Hawaii and Mexico.
Moreover, visitors may also have a chance to see moose grazing in meadows or mountain goats perched on rocky cliffs.
With the right timing and patience, it’s possible to observe some truly spectacular wildlife encounters in Alaska.
Best places to see wildlife in Alaska:
From majestic moose and caribou to majestic bald eagles, Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to observe these animals in their native habitats. Read on for more!
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is located in south-central Alaska and has been open since 1917. It is home to a large number of species, including grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx, red foxes, coyotes, beavers, caribou and moose. Visitors can go on driving tours or take guided hikes through the park’s vast expanses. This is one of the best places in Alaska to see wildlife up close.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside Seward and is known for its spectacular scenery. While you’re there don’t forget to look up – bald eagles are often seen soaring above the fjords! There are also plenty of seals and sea lions that can be seen from shore or from a boat tour. You might even catch sight of a whale if you’re lucky.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Kodiak Island is home to the world’s largest population of brown bears (also known as Kodiak bears). The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 specifically for the protection of these magnificent creatures. The refuge offers excellent viewing opportunities for both bears and other wildlife such as sea otters and bald eagles. In addition to being able to view them from afar with binoculars or spotting scopes, you may even have the opportunity to come across one while hiking or kayaking around the island.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, visiting Alaska is an amazing experience most travelers yearn to have.
In terms of wildlife you can’t go wrong timing your visit to be around summer months. There are plenty of opportunities for whale watching and spotting other Alaskan animals like bears, caribou and moose.
If you plan on fishing for Salmon, the best time would be during the late Spring season. Additionally, if you are looking for activities more centered around viewing scenery, the flexibility of choosing one season over another increases.
Regardless of when your adventure to Alaska is scheduled, you will surely not regret this remarkable journey that awaits.
FAQs
What month is best to see bears in Alaska?
The best months to see bears in Alaska are May and June because they come out of their dens after long winter hibernation. The salmon runs also start in the early summer which brings more wildlife activity to the area.
When is whale watching season in Alaska?
Whale watching season typically starts in late March or early April and runs through the summer months. The peak season for whale watching in Alaska is from mid-May to mid-August. During this time, humpback whales, beluga whales, orcas, porpoises, and sea lions are all commonly seen around the coast.
What part of Alaska has the most wildlife?
Alaska has many different types of wildlife and the best places to see them depend on what type of animal you are looking for. For example, Denali National Park is a great place to view grizzly bears and caribou, while Kodiak Island is home to the world’s largest population of brown bears. Other popular spots are Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park, where visitors can observe whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and more.