This is as close to a "big city" as it gets in Alaska. Home to half the population of the state, Anchorage's high-rises pale in comparison to nature's towering peaks in the surrounding countryside. Shopping, performing arts, museums and the Alaska Native Heritage Center all make Anchorage a must on any visit to the 49th state.

About one million travelers visit Alaska each summer, and over 80,000 arrive via the Anchorage Airport, which explains my emphasis on places to see in and around Anchorage. Also, I've lived in Alaska since 1968, most of that time in Anchorage. When entertaining folks from "Outside" (a local term for any state other than Alaska), we use Anchorage as a base and usually drive to points not too far away.

Other Fun Things to Do

For a great introduction to native Alaskan culture, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Opened in 1999, this wonderful, state-of-the-art center features theaters, exhibitions, artists and artisans, a smokehouse, a carving center, and traditional village structures. Head to Resolution Park for a breathtaking view of the Talkeetnas and the snow-covered Alaska Range. Learn about the Northern Lights, oil exploration, bears, and other local features at the Imaginarium. This award-winning, hands-on science center is great for kids and adults alike.

Anchorage Weather

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND - 26 GLACIER CRUISE Tour 16
This full day adventure begins with a transfer to Whittier from downtown Anchorage (or in Girdwood) via coach or rail. On arrival in Whittier board a high-speed catamaran for your cruise through Prince William Sound. Watch for sea otters, whales and birds as you travel through glacier-filled College and Harrimann Fjords. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness glacier calving. Enjoy a hot lunch on board. Duration is approximately 4.5 hours. Operates May 13 to September 17, 2006.

• Cruise with round trip transfers from Anchorage via bus:
  $184 adult   $109 child 

• Cruise with round trip transfers from Anchorage via train:  
  $207 adult   $123 child 

• Cruise only (from Whittier):  $139 adult   $89 child 

KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK CRUISE Tour 15
Departs early morning from Anchorage by rail (6:45am) to Seward.  At 11:30 am, depart on a 6-hour wildlife and glacier cruise into the Kenai Fjords National Park. This area is famous for its rich marine wildlife, beautiful fjords, stunning coastal landscapes and numerous glaciers. Keep watch for Stellar sea lions, puffins, harbor seals, sea otters and birds; you may even see a whale or bald eagle! Stop at either Aialik or Holgate glacier for a chance to witness glacier calving. Return to Anchorage by train (arrive10:15pm). Includes deli-style lunch. Operates May 13 to September 17, 2006.

• Cruise with round trip transfers from Anchorage via train:   
  $233 adult   $119 child under 12

• Cruise only (from Seward):  
  $130 adult   $67 child under 12 (including tax and port fee)

HIKING AND CLIMBING TOURS

South of Anchorage, in the town of Girdwood, the Chugach Mountain range provides an excellent backdrop for hiking, rock climbing and ice wall climbing. Click here for more information on tours offered.

REDOUBT BAY BEAR VIEWING Tour 106
$489 per person
Your adventure begins from Lake Hood seaplane base with a scenic flight across Cook Inlet to the foothills of the Aleutian Mountains. The plane will land on the lake near the rustic, wooden Redoubt Bay Lodge, where your guide will greet your for your tour. You will travel by boat to the best locations for spotting bears. From the safety of the boat, you will be able to get close to the bears for viewing and photography. Various Alaska bird species such as the Tulc goose and Trumpeter swans are also found along this coastal area. Enjoy your tour as your guide discusses life on the last frontier, where wild animals still roam freely, sometimes just yards from the front door. Lunch is included. Duration is approximately 6 hours. Operates June 15 to September 10, 2006.

KATMAI NATIONAL PARK / BROOKS FALLS BEAR VIEWING Tour 107
$549 per person
The world's most famous bear viewing site! Watch as brown bears catch salmon on Brooks Falls. Depart Anchorage at approximately 7:30 am aboard a wheeled plane flight to King Salmon or Kulik. On arrival in King Salmon or Kulik, a local representative will transfer you directly to a seaplane for an approximately 20 minute flight to Brooks Camp. After a short safety briefing on bears by a park ranger, you are free to enjoy the nature preserve. Viewing platforms are connected by walking trails and are strategically placed for commanding views of brown bear activity. Rangers are based at platforms and on trails to provide information, safety and to rotate viewing groups during busy periods. Depart for Anchorage in the early evening; arrive in Anchorage at approximately 9:00 pm. Operates June 10 to September 17, 2006.

BEAR VIEWING FLIGHT SAFARI Tour 115
$659 per person
Depart from the Lake Hood seaplane base and fly over glaciers, volcanoes and the vast coastal region where the giant bears roam. With several hours of flight time allocated to the safari, you will be inspired by Alaska's vast and rugged wilderness. Flying over lower Cook Inlet, the tour route will take you along the shores of Katmai National Park & Preserve to Brooks Falls. This bear watching flight safari offers a great adventure for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. Picnic style lunch and park fee included. Durations is approximately 8 - 10 hours. Recommended time is June - July and late August.      

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND Tour 11
$249 per person
Prince William Sound is a magnificent region with over fifteen thousand square miles of fjords and inlets, dozens of tidewater glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. 2.5-hour flight seeing by seaplane. Operates year round.

MT. McKINLEY FLIGHT SEEING Tour 12
$289 per person
This 3 hour flight takes you within six miles of McKinley's 20,320 ft. summit. Fly over the foothills of Denali to view the entire length of the Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge and the massive south face of McKinley, where you may spot climbers headed to the summit. Operates year round.

FLY-OUT GUIDED FISHING Tour 14
$399 per person; Fly Fishing $489 per person
Some of the world's best fishing is minutes from Anchorage by seaplane.  From trophy-size king and silver salmon to feisty trout and grayling, you will experience some of Alaska's finest rivers.  Includes guide, gear, license, lunch, and local transfers.

PILOT FOR A DAY PRIVATE CHARTER Tour 116 
$955 per person (2 person minimum)
Pilot for a day tours require a two person minimum to operate. Actual flight routes are chosen by the pilot with consideration to passenger interests, weather and local conditions. Typically the total flight time is 5hrs plus ground time. This is the perfect tour when you are traveling with friends or in a small group. Operates year round.

ARCTIC EXCURSIONS - BARROW Tour 208
$635 per person
Fly 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle to Barrow, the northernmost point on the continent and Alaska's largest Eskimo village. This excursion provides insight into the ancient Inupiat Eskimo culture and subsistence lifestyle of the Arctic.  Whaling, sealing, and other traditions are introduced.  Overnight option also available ($685 per person) and includes one night accommodation at the Top of the World Hotel, located within easy walking distance of the Arctic Ocean!