As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is a beautiful destination that has something for everyone. Home to approximately 40% of the state’s population, the city sits on a triangular peninsula bordered by the Chugach Mountains. Millions of years ago, the region around Anchorage was a massive glacier that carved out kettle ponds and moraines in its wake. The Dena’ina Athabascan people inhabited the region whose continued presence in the city significantly influences modern Anchorage. Today, Anchorage is home to a diverse population with more than 100 languages in its precinct. Film directors and producers have used Anchorage as a setting for movies like Into the Wild. Keep your eye out (and stay away from) resident moose that inhabit Anchorage. About 1,500 of these majestic animals roam through urban areas and neighborhoods. For an experience that will introduce you to all the unique wonders of Anchorage, book travel with Gray Line today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Anchorage
Kincaid Park covers an area of 1,517 acres and is situated on the southwest tip of the Anchorage Bowl. Created in 1978 on a former Nike missile base, the park is characterized by rolling hills, a forest landscape, and ancient moraine formations. Kincaid Park is the home of diverse wildlife species, including moose, black bears, and bald eagles. About 37 miles of interwoven trails allow visitors to bike, hike, and ski throughout the park. In regards to the latter, Kincaid Park is also renowned for its Olympic-level cross-country ski trails, which host competitive events like the U.S. National Championships every year. For guests wanting to try something a little different, the park also features an 18-hole disc golf course recognized as one of the best in Alaska.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located about 50 miles south of Anchorage at the end of the Turnagain Arm. The center encompasses over 200 acres of natural habitat tailored to the needs of a variety of endemic species. The AWCC’s mission is to preserve Alaskan wildlife through conservation, education, and quality animal care. The center provides a sanctuary and place to heal for injured and orphaned animals, which can include black and brown bears, moose, bison, elk, musk oxen, lynx, and native birds. Guests can participate in a special “Bear Encounter” tour and learn more about the AWCC’s work on reintroducing wood bison back into the wild.
Officially opening in 1968, the Anchorage Museum is a 170,000-foot space that makes it the largest museum in Alaska. It houses over 25,000 objects and 500,000 historic photographs in its collections geared towards Alaska’s history, art, and disparate cultures. The museum is also home to the Alaska office of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Arctic Studies Center. One of the institution’s flagship exhibits is called “Living Our Cultures, Sharing Our Heritage” and features over 600 Smithsonian artifacts related to Alaska Native cultures. The museum provides extensive educational programming and has 60,000 people participate in its events annually.
Located along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail between Westchester Lagoon and Point Woronzof, Earthquake Park spans about 134 acres of wooded land. Commemorating the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964, the park is a monument to the most powerful tremors ever recorded in North America with a magnitude of 9.2. The quake was so strong that it caused the Turnagain Heights neighborhood to literally slide into Knik Arm, which significantly changed the landscape. Today, the serene area belies the geographical violence that rocked it decades ago, and visitors can explore a variety of trails and lookout points in the park.
Stretching 11 miles from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a paved, multi-use pathway that accommodates bikers, walkers, runners, and cross-country skiers. The trail hugs the city’s coastline and offers scenic views of Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. There are also plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities as moose, bald eagles, foxes, and even beluga whales make regular appearances. Numerous rest areas dot the path, and visitors can take incredible photos of Mount Susitna, Denali, and the Chugach Mountains. The trail itself passes through areas that experienced significant damage during the 1964 earthquake.
As the largest open-air market in Alaska, the Anchorage Market and Festival has been active in the city since 1992. Located directly across from the Hilton Hotel in downtown, more than 250 vendors participate and showcase handmade crafts and local food options. Artists and farmers are also frequent participants, and visitors can purchase everything from fresh produce to reindeer sausage. The Market is a family-friendly event with live performances by local musicians. If you plan to attend, get there early — the event attracts significant crowds of residents and tourists alike. Don’t leave until you try the salmon quesadillas and roasted corn!
Located on a 26-acre wooded site just 10 minutes from downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) opened its doors to the public in 1999, a move that marked over two decades of the celebration for and education about Alaska Native cultures. Representing the 11 major Alaska Native groups, the museum features a “Gathering Place” that allows visitors to watch live performances of traditional dancing, storytelling, and games. The Hall of Cultures showcases rotating exhibits of artwork and local crafts while six authentic life-sized traditional dwellings depict daily life of groups who lived around Lake Tiulana.
Situated in the Chugach National Forest about 50 miles south of Anchorage, Portage Glacier is a must-do experience for anybody wanting to see Alaska’s natural wonders. The glacier’s name originated from the nearby Portage Pass, a historic route used by Native Alaskans and Russian fur traders for transporting canoes between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm. Most travelers access the glacier via Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Road. An array of activities — including boat tours past icebergs and hiking on Byron Glacier Trail — is available for a myriad of interests. The best time of the year to visit weather-wise spans roughly from late May to early September.
With year-round operations, the Alaska Railroad provides passenger transportation across Southcentral and interior Alaska. The railroad stretches across almost 500 miles, which makes it one of the best ways to experience Alaska. Visitors can travel from Anchorage to cities like Seward, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks while enjoying either Adventure Class or GoldStar Dome service. Either ticket choice provides spacious cars with large windows great for sightseeing. Passengers who upgrade to the GoldStar Dome get access to reserved spots under a glass dome roof, gourmet meals, and onboard hosts. Keep an eye peeled for beluga whales and Dali sheep as you travel across the Alaskan landscape.
For a treat as sweet as it is memorable, order a scoop (or two) of ice cream from Wild Scoops! Wild Scoops was founded by Elissa Brown and Chris Pike, who wanted to provide a unique artisanal ice cream option in Anchorage. Fast forward and their establishment is now a highly popular spot to taste test some new flavors. Wild Scoops prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients by collaborating with local farmers and vendors on flavor curation. Notable favorites include the “Sitka Swirl,” “Potato Chip Toffee,” and “Yukon Gold.” For visitors feeling a little ambitious, ask for a Baked Alaska Cone, a creation covered with toasted marshmallow fluff.
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Very nice tour. Friendly staff and comfortable ship.
The process of making reservations was so easy I kept looking for what I missed, which was nothing. This will be my 4th Portage cruise, and I'm eager all over again!