USA · City Guide
Anchorage
Anchorage is the gateway to Alaska, one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers, combining a welcoming city of excellent restaurants, outstanding museums and a dramatic mountain backdrop with unparalleled access to the extraordinary landscapes of Denali, Kenai Fjords and the Chugach State Park. From bear watching and whale watching to Northern Lights viewing and glacier hiking, Anchorage provides the perfect base for experiencing America's most dramatic natural environment.
Elect's take
"Anchorage is a destination I recommend to anyone seeking genuine wilderness without sacrificing comfort. The city itself is better than most visitors expect, and the access to Alaska's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife is simply unmatched anywhere in the United States."
Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak at 6190 metres, is approximately five hours north of Anchorage by road and provides extraordinary mountain scenery and outstanding wildlife viewing including bears, moose, wolves and caribou. Kenai Fjords National Park, approximately two hours south, provides spectacular coastal scenery of glaciers calving into the sea, sea otters, orcas and abundant seabirds on boat excursions. The Northern Lights are visible from Anchorage from September through March when clear skies allow. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage provides an excellent introduction to the indigenous cultures of the state. The Anchorage Museum is outstanding.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Denali
North America's highest peak and one of the world's most spectacular mountain environments.
Bear Watching
Outstanding brown bear encounters at Katmai and other accessible Alaskan locations.
Kenai Fjords
Spectacular coastal scenery of glaciers, seals, orcas and abundant marine wildlife.
Northern Lights
Outstanding Aurora Borealis viewing from September through March in clear conditions.
Glacier Trekking
Guided glacier walking experiences on the Matanuska and other accessible Alaska glaciers.
Alaska Native Heritage
An outstanding introduction to the indigenous cultures of Alaska at the Heritage Center.
