From the youngest explorers to the most seasoned travelers, Alaska offers a dynamic blend of activities for everyone. Whether you crave kayaking through iceberg-dotted fjords, bushwhacking through the lush temperate rainforest to create your trail, or simply relaxing on deck while watching the Northern Lights dance overhead, the range of opportunities for exploration in the Last Frontier makes it the ultimate intergenerational adventure that promises to inspire travelers of all ages.
- Diverse Hikes on the Spongy Forest Floor
Many might not know this, but Southeast Alaska is home to the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. Hidden within this canopy of dense groves of Sitka spruce and Western Hemlock lies a seemingly endless system of trails that provides access to a surreal world of mosses, lichens, mushrooms, and wildflowers. What’s more, there is a wide diversity of trail options and locations, meaning that these hiking experiences can be tailored to every age and fitness level making it an ideal destination for intergenerational groups. For families with young children or older adults, gentle trails wind through lush rainforests, providing easy walks with breathtaking views of meadows and ideal for spotting wildlife like brown bears, river otters, and moose. For those seeking more of a challenge, moderate hikes lead to stunning vantage points over calving glaciers, where the more adventurous can summit ridges to take in sweeping panoramas or even bushwhack through untrailed terrain to create your unique expedition. With the flexibility to customize your routes and pace, each step on an Alaskan trail becomes an opportunity for every family member to connect with the land and each other in their own way.
- Exploring the Water by Kayak, Paddleboard, or Zodiac
Kayaking and Zodiac excursions in Alaska provide an incredible blend of excitement and tranquility for travelers of all ages, making them a highlight of any expedition yacht adventure. Younger adventurers can paddle with family members in double kayaks through calm, glacier-fed waters, navigating around icebergs and marveling at harbor seals and sea otters playing nearby. Older guests might prefer the stability of a Zodiac, effortlessly gliding past towering cliffs and hidden coves. Both experiences offer an intimate connection to the environment – the thrill of kayaking closer to a tidewater glacier than you ever thought possible, or the delight of a Zodiac cruise, where everyone can scan the shoreline for bears, killer whales, and puffins. With the freedom to choose your adventure level, each member of your group can experience Alaska’s stunning seascapes up close, at their own pace.
- Photo Ppportunities for All Levels
Alaska is a photographer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for travelers of all ages and skill levels to capture the raw beauty of the wild. For young photographers just learning to frame a shot, the dramatic landscapes provide a stunning backdrop, from the misty mountain ranges and serene fjords to the ever-changing light that dances off the icebergs. Meanwhile, seasoned photographers can hone their craft by capturing the elusive wildlife, like the fleeting breach of a humpback whale, a bald eagle soaring overhead, or the rare sight of a wolf padding through the wilderness. Guided photography excursions cater to all levels, offering expert tips and insights to help every traveler – from the youngest snap-happy enthusiasts to experienced pros – preserve their Alaskan memories through the lens.
