Spectacular scenery and ‘deer dawgs’: Nine highlights of Anchorage, Alaska
The cycling trail
The Tony Knowles Cycling Trail is regarded as one of the country’s most scenic routes. On paper and blitzing it on two wheels, it’s easy to see why: there’s one remarkable sight after another along the Cook Inlet, just moments from Downtown Anchorage. The 17-kilometre trail hugs the coastline, passing snow-capped mountains and North America’s tallest peak, Denali, on the horizon.
A scenic cycle … The Tony Knowles Cycling Trail.
Although relatively flat, the trail winds through the site of a devastating 1964 tremor, with evidence of the Earth’s shocking dance visible at Earthquake Park. It then tracks around the city’s airport runway, cycling under the shadows of low-flying metal birds, before ending at Kincaid Park. Look for wildlife, including moose lurking in nearby forests, but keep your distance. An e-bike might help a swift retreat if necessary. See pablobikerentals.com
The flight
Elevate your Anchorage experience with a glacier and wildlife scenic 1.5-hour flight.
It’s one thing to see the Chugach Mountains from afar and another thing to soar over the ranges. Elevate your Anchorage experience and hop onboard a glacier and wildlife scenic 1.5-hour flight for an exciting overview of The Last Frontier’s dramatic scenery. Fly over spruce forests and play a round of Alaskan wildlife bingo, attempting to spot moose, bears, and elk in their element. Observe the different yet striking blue hues of two adjacent mountain lakes. Become engrossed with wrinkled mountains under your toes en route to Knik Glacier. A relic of the last Ice Age, the curvy icefield reveals glimpses of aqua-blue frost through hair-stroke-like crevices – now that’s peak viewing. See flyrusts.com
The climb
Test your mindset and muscles by conquering mountains in Chugach State Park. Join a small group tour or go on a bespoke tour to see what Anchorage’s closest outdoor playground has to offer. There are many trails throughout the park suited to beginners and avid hikers. Exert yourself climbing atop ridge lines and being afforded 360-degree views, or take it easy with a trek along the valley floor, spotting wildlife, waterfalls and wildflowers. See gohikealaska.com
The brew
Go where the cool kids hang out at Forty Ninth State Brewing. This institution sprawls across three floors in Downtown Anchorage and offers craft beers, meals, and settings to suit all moods. Need decent pub grub? Regain those lost hiking kilojoules by ordering a gluttonous king crabby grilled cheese, aka Alaska’s most indulgent toastie.
Forty Ninth State Brewery.
If searching for a vibe rather than a food coma, head to level three to take in the scenery – mountains, snaking trains and sea – and its lively bar scene. In summer, the rooftop is pumping: its U-shaped bar is a magnet for those wanting to make the most of DJ spins and oh-so-long summer nights. Simply epic. See 49statebrewing.com
The one brunch
It’s common to see a queue out the door, particularly on weekends, at Snow City Cafe. Much loved by locals, the trendy Downtown cafe’s brunch menu is the definition of hearty with big and flavourful dishes. Go for something with an Alaskan twist, such as its “Ship Creek” poached eggs with house-made local salmon cakes, English muffins and hollandaise sauce. Yum. See snowcitycafe.com
The social gathering
Work the room (or rooms) at the vertical laneway, Williwaw Social. The three-storey venue welcomes all kinds of social gatherings. From the ground up, you’ll find one of the city’s premier live entertainment spaces, selling novelty jelly shots. Floor two offers a yin-yang vibe: a classic arcade area and The Speakeasy for those thirsty for innovative cocktails. Worth the stair climb is the rooftop bar, which offers a laidback atmosphere that pulls a young crowd. See williwawsocial.com
The bus ride
Anchorage Trolley Tours.
Not all tourist bus journeys are made equal. This entertaining one-hour hosted trolley tour makes its way through town, even passing a home built underground (yep, it’s a thing), the world’s largest seaplane airport and other delights. If you are a person who prefers to get their bearings on day one, this trolley is worth the ride. See anchoragetrolley.com
The sausage
Reindeer sausages are an Alaskan street food.
There’s an appetite for turning mascots into meats. While Australia has “kanga bangas”, Alaska has “deer dawgs”. Yes, even the red-nosed Christmas icon, Rudolph, isn’t exempt from a sausage casing. Reindeer sausages are an Alaskan street food specialty, with a few hotdog vendors bringing the sizzle Downtown. See ihohak.com
The hotel
Want a room with a view? Check into the Hilton Anchorage. The Downtown hotel skyscraper is within an easy stroll to restaurants, cafes and shopping outlets. Besides its convenient location, its views are another reason to call it a night here. Book a room with a balcony to wake up to the Chugach Mountains and witness a post-midnight sunset over the Cook Inlet. Just wow. See hilton.com
One more thing …
Alaska Railroad … it only takes three minutes for this four-hour journey to become spectacular.
No trip to Alaska is complete without taking an old-fashioned train journey. Considered the backbone of Alaska, the Alaska Railroad has been tooting its horn through the state for over 120 years. Grab a ticket, take a seat, and enjoy the scenic ride from Anchorage, making stops along the way to the coastal village Seward, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. If the budget allows it, upgrade to Gold Star service. Admire Alaska’s countryside from all angles with its glass dome roof, outdoor upper-level viewing platforms and inclusive dining with two complimentary beverages. That’s one way to journey through the last frontier. See alaskarailroad.com
The writer was a guest of Visit Anchorage and Explore Fairbanks.
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