Explore the wild beauty and secrets of Alaska through some of its most renowned documentaries. From Inside the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to Denali’s melting glaciers, these films will give you an intimate insight into this unique land – from its history and culture to its natural wonders. Discover what makes Alaska so special with these captivating documentaries!
The Alaskan Frontier (2011)
Experience the untamed wonder of America’s last frontier – Alaska! Embark on an adventure like no other as you discover the rugged beauty of this vast state. From towering glaciers to breathtaking wildlife, prepare to be enchanted by the untouched splendor that awaits you.
Alaska: The Inside Passage (2005)
From the tranquil waters of Puget Sound to the rugged coastlines of southeast Alaska, lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the Blue Highway. This 1,000-mile sea route is not just any ordinary waterway, but a captivating journey through history, culture and nature.
State to State: Alaskan Adventure (2014)
Did you know that there is a state in America that has a lower population density than almost anywhere else in the world? This state also boasts the highest mountain in America, as well as the fourth highest household income.
Wild North (2014)
Discover the untamed beauty of “Wild North” as it takes you on a journey through three distinct biotopes. From sprawling forests and rugged coastlines to the dramatic highlands sculpted by ancient ice ages, each landscape holds a special place in the Scandinavian psyche.
Alone Across Alaska: 1,000 Miles of Wilderness (2013)
Explore the wild and rugged landscapes of Alaska through the lens of a fearless adventurer. With stunning camerawork and captivating storytelling, experience the thrill of encountering majestic wildlife such as wolves, Dall sheep, musk oxen, and caribou in their natural habitat. Each moment is captured with precision and emotion, making this documentary a true masterpiece.
Living Alaska (2014)
Nestled between the snow-capped mountains and endless stretches of untouched wilderness, Alaska beckons to those in search of a new home. With its rugged beauty and unique lifestyle, the Last Frontier has intrigued adventurers for centuries.
The Best Free Documentaries About Alaska
1. The Great Alaska Earthquake
In 1964, Alaska experienced one of the most catastrophic earthquakes in its history. This powerful 9.2 magnitude megathrust earthquake lasted for four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, releasing 500 years of built up stress along 600 miles of fault lines. The destruction caused by soil liquefaction, fissures, landslides and other ground failures was immense – 139 people lost their lives and a huge amount of property was damaged across south-central Alaska. In this documentary we explore the Great Alaskan Earthquake to gain insight into how it changed the landscape forever.
2. The Salmon Forest
Experience the power of Alaskan nature with ‘The Salmon Forest’ – a 30-minute documentary film that follows wild salmon on their incredible life cycle. From the streams of Tongass National Forest to the ocean, discover how these fish impact lives along their journey and explore breathtaking landscapes. With an insight into cultural significance and a chance to catch huge catches with commercial fishermen, you won’t want to miss this!
3. The Last True Eskimos in Alaskan Northwest
Discover the fascinating stories of the last true Eskimos living in Alaska’s Northwest Territories. In this documentary, we explore their culture and history, meet these people, and learn about their unique way of life. From traditional fishing to hunting techniques – come along for an unforgettable journey to one of America’s most remote regions!
4. 8000 Miles to Alaska: A Journey Along the Longest Border in the World
Are you ready to take a journey along the longest border in the world? Join Klaus Scherer as he travels 8000 miles from Maine to Alaska. This breathtaking documentary offers unique visuals of landscapes, nature and people. Follow our host as he visits Monehegan Island, Niagara Falls and more! Learn about wolf and bear monitors in Idaho, explore ice fishing at the Arctic Circle – all while gaining insight into America through its people. Don’t miss this incredible adventure!
5. Surviving Alone in Alaska
Say goodbye to civilization and hello to Alaska’s vast and pristine wilderness! Heimo Korth is the last man standing in this remote area, where his neighbors are polar bears, caribous, moose and wolves. Join us on an adventure into America’s Last Frontier as we explore how Heimo survives alone in the arctic circle. From hunting for food to braving the elements – get ready for a wild ride!
6. Amazing Wildlife in Alaska
Alaska is an amazing place for wildlife enthusiasts. From majestic grizzly bears to soaring eagles, you can see a variety of animals in their natural environment. This video gives viewers the chance to learn about these creatures and explore the history behind them. You’ll also get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, like moose, caribou, and more! So don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to discover all that Alaska has to offer!
7. Last Frontier
Welcome to Alaska’s Last Frontier! In this stunning documentary, we explore the remote and unpopulated area of southern Alaska. Here you’ll find fjords so large and deep they might as well be in another hemisphere. Along the long and narrow coastline, you can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, hiking or wildlife watching! So come join us on a journey to one of the most mysterious places on Earth- Alaska’s Last Frontier!
8. The Battle Over Pebble Mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay Region
In the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska, an epic battle is being fought between two seemingly opposing forces. On one hand, this area holds some of the most valuable deposits of copper, gold and molybdenum in the world. On the other hand, it also contains one of the largest sockeye salmon fisheries in existence. This video explores how a group of Alaskan Native tribes and commercial fishermen petitioned to protect their livelihoods from Pebble mine’s development plans while also discussing why environmentalists believe this could be “the biggest environmental fight” for Alaska this century. Watch as former state senator Rick Halford explains his stance on this controversial matter as well as learn more about what happened when FRONTLINE delved into the complexities surrounding “Pebble Mine.”
9. From east to west along the northern American border
Are you curious about what America is like? From east to west, this video takes a journey along the northern border of the United States and explores the unique characteristics of each region. Witness breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, meet people from all walks of life, and get an inside look into their lives. Join us as we travel through Maine’s remote outer islands, arctic Deadhorse near the Great Lakes, Blackfoot reservation in the Rocky Mountains, and more! See how different daily lives can be depending on where one lives – from dwarf school students to ice fishers at the Arctic Circle. Experience extreme winter cold that hampers both travel and work for our team firsthand!
10. Glacier Bay National Park – Pristine Beauty in Alaska’s South
Explore the untouched beauty of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska! From snow-capped mountains and fjords to forests, beaches, bays and glaciers, this pristine paradise is a true work of art. Biologist Chris Gabriel has been documenting the migration of humpback whales for more than 30 years while park ranger Tania Lewis monitors bear populations. Photographer Kim Heacox captures incredible images that will make you want to visit this nature reserve. Join us as we explore one of the last wild and unspoiled paradises on earth – Glacier Bay!
11. National Geographic’s Extraordinary Journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage
Take a journey with us through the wild of Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard the Sea Lion! We’ll be capturing all the incredible sights and sounds on camera, from massive glaciers to bears feasting on salmon. You won’t want to miss out on this epic adventure, as we soar above glaciers in a tiny plane and get up close and personal with humpback whales bubble netting! Plus, you can experience nature’s beauty firsthand as we travel from Sitka to Ketchikan heading through Misty Fjords and Tracy Arm. Get ready for an extraordinary journey full of wildlife encounters and stunning views that will make your jaw drop!
12. The Meaning of Wild – Tongass National Forest Alaska
Take a journey to one of the most wild and untouched places in America, Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. Follow wildlife cameraman Ben Hamilton as he captures stunning High Definition footage of grizzly bears, calving glaciers, ancient forests and harsh seas. Along the way meet characters who bring insight into his mission – celebrating 50 years since the Wilderness Act was passed and inspiring future generations of wilderness advocates. Discover why these national treasures are so important to us all with The Meaning of Wild documentary film!
