With wildlife that’s incomparable to other parts of the U.S. – salmon, moose, bears, whales to bison – and scenery unlike anything you have seen before – glaciers, mountains, lakes, and fjords – one day, let alone one week, is not enough. But it’s a start.
With a Best Western to call home base, here are several must-sees in Alaska to add to your itinerary:
Anchorage is a perfect example of where urban life meets the wild, nestled between Chugach State Park and the Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm. There is no short answer when describing the number of things to do in or around Anchorage, and it’s guaranteed that no two days will ever be the same. Head out into the wild to witness wildlife – from eagles, bears to moose – or hike one of the dozens of trails and peaks located in Chugach State Park. And if you wish to stay in the city, visit one of the many museums that boast the rich and fascinating past of Russian, Native, gold rush, and pioneer history. And, of course, head into one of the dozens of restaurants that serve fresh, delicious, and mouth-watering seafood dishes.
Located on Kodiak Island – the most significant island within Alaska and the second largest in the U.S. – it is home to local fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its bear watching, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge takes up two-thirds of the island and homes a diverse habitat from mountains to meadows to grassland. But anywhere on the island is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, from fish along the rivers and lakes and whales along the island coast. And for history on Kodiak’s 7500-heritage of its ingenious Alutiiq people, visit Alutiiq Museum & Archeological Repository.
Glacier viewing and hiking are just a short drive (or plane ride) away. However, the city itself has plenty of great things to experience that are just a walk away. Take a historical walking tour of the town to learn more about its past and current staples, experience gourmet coffee and local craft brews, or leisurely explore the downtown area on your own.
The size of New Hampshire, the Chugach National Park has three unique and distinct landscapes among its territories; the Copper River Delta – the largest contiguous wetlands complex on North America’s Pacific coast, the Eastern Kenai Peninsula – is 21% of the forest, and the Prince William Sound – has 3500 miles of shoreline.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Established in the early 1900s to protect and preserve the living laboratory of its cataclysmic 1912 volcanic eruption, the park protects 9,000 years of human history and essential habitat, including the brown bear. The park has several elevated bear viewing platforms, so you can take in the view of these majestic creatures without getting too close.
Want to visit Santa Claus’ house? Just visit the North Pole…in Alaska! A year-round favorite for visitors of all ages, the house is decorated for Christmas 365 days. It welcomes guests to experience the holiday festivities even in the middle of the summer.
The aurora borealis – also known as the northern lights – are colorful bands of light that dance across the night sky during key seasons across the world. And Alaska is one of the best places on earth to see them. One of the best places to witness this seasonal experience in Alaska is Fairbanks. Spend a night watching these magical lights – which range from yellow-green, blue, purple, and red – and experience this brilliant experience.
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