Holidays in Anchorage

Of all the great American cities to visit, none are quite like Anchorage. Covering nearly 2,000 square miles and home to 300,000 residents, Alaska's biggest city is where nature and city life blend together to create a unique destination. Located at the base of the Chugach Mountains, visitors share their holiday with some of America's most elusive wildlife; grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves and countless others are common in Anchorage, and eagle eye tourists will be able to see beluga whales (and eagles, for that matter) on Cook Inlet. But it isn't all about nature - with a thriving downtown area full of shops and locally owned restaurants, Anchorage holidays have something for everyone.

Planning Anchorage holidays

When to visit Anchorage depends on the traveller. Summer is the busiest time of year, with tourists drawn to the balmy temperatures, plentiful activities, lively nightlife and long days (up to 18 hours of sunlight a day!), making it the perfect destination for an exciting and adventurous summer holiday. Winters in Anchorage are snowy and much colder, with daytime temperatures seldom above freezing. However, visitors with warm clothes will find comparative solitude, and may be handsomely rewarded with a sight of the Northern Lights, which are most likely to be seen between October and April. The city can be reached via the Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport, located four miles from downtown Anchorage. The city is on Alaska Standard Time (GMT -9).

What to do in Anchorage

Whether you're weaving in and out of glaciers in a kayak on the Prince William Sound, enjoying the views after hiking the Chugach Mountains, or wildlife spotting in one of the area's many forests, the endless options for outdoor recreation ensure every visitor enjoys an authentic Alaskan experience on Anchorage holidays. Visitors in March should check out the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the annual long-distance dog sled race which has its opening ceremony in Anchorage.