Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. Located between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, this sprawling town is only home to 300,000 people and definitely worth spending some time getting to know as the city is surrounded by wilderness and the area is loaded with wildlife including more than 1,500 resident moose and a few hundred bears, all within the city limits.

Anchorage was made popular after the gold rush of 1898. The variety of restaurants, theatres, and breweries will keep you entertained. Visit nearby national parks and glaciers during your Anchorage travel experience and leave time to absorb the culture in surrounding museums.

Wildlife and Trails

You can view Anchorage from a number of mountain ranges, but Flattop Mountain remains most popular with climbers. And you must visit Chugach State Park for a glimpse of Portage Glacier. Spot moose, bears and eagles following the popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and look out from the coast to catch a glimpse of beluga whales and varieties of salmon. But if you don't make it to the forest then a variety of animals can also be found in Alaska Zoo or Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre.

Museums

The Anchorage Museum brings the best of Alaska to the world through a look at a combination of art, history and science. Head to Anchorage Native Heritage Centre to learn about local heritage and traditions and to enjoy performances reenacting tribal dances.

Iditarod

Don't miss the Iditarod for a Last Frontier experience. The popular dogsledding race from Anchorage to Nome became a tradition to remember the way dogsledding was used to deliver medication to diphtheria sufferers in the epidemic of 1925. Lodges en route make a nice retreat to soak up the atmosphere and on non-race days you try out dogsledding for yourself.

Kodiak Island

Fly from Anchorage to Kodiak Island for its popular bear watching, diving and outdoors activities. As it used to be the capital of Russian Alaska, its museums are steeped with history awaiting your arrival.