It’s possible to drive to Anchorage, Alaska, from the Contiguous United States and Canada. For this journey, you’ll need a passport, an intrepid nature, and a vehicle able to withstand the rigors of traveling along the Alaskan Highway. It’s a wonderful road trip with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
The best way to get to the south-central part of Alaska, where Anchorage is located, is via the Alaskan Highway. This mammoth road begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and stretches 1387 miles to Delta Junction in Alaska. Several highways lead to Anchorage from Delta Junction, including the Parks Highway, which links Fairbanks and Anchorage, and the Glen Highway, which enters Anchorage from the northeast. Whichever route you take, it will be an incredibly memorable trip.
Anchorage is located in south-central Alaska, near the Cook Inlet. It is situated at the base of the Chugach Mountains and is bordered by the Knik Arm to the north and the Turnagain Arm to the south. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with a population of 288,000, and serves as the state’s transportation hub. It has several highways and rail lines, which connect it to other major cities and regions in the state.
It’s often underestimated how far away Alaska is from the Lower 48. Any journey from the Contiguous U.S. to Anchorage involves a drive of at least 2,000 miles and often considerably more. The journey should only be undertaken with appropriate planning and time. The table below illustrates the gargantuan distances between Anchorage and other major U.S. cities.
Starting Point | Destination | Driving Distance | Driving Time |
Seattle | Anchorage | 2260 miles | 43 hours |
San Francisco | Anchorage | 3067 miles | 55 hours |
Los Angeles | Anchorage | 3396 miles | 60 hours |
Chicago | Anchorage | 3575 miles | 61 hours |
New York | Anchorage | 4367 miles | 72 hours |
The only major road into and out of Alaska is the Alaskan Highway. It begins in Dawson’s Creek in Canada and ends at Delta Junction in Alaska. It’s the road that almost all traffic from Canada and the Contiguous United States has to take at some point. However, once you’ve arrived in Alaska from Canada, there are a couple of different routes you can take to Anchorage:
The Richardson Highway Route: This route continues to the end of the Alaska Highway at Delta Junction. From there, you can take the Richardson Highway south to Glennallen before following the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. This route takes you through stunning mountain scenery and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing along the way.
The Glenn Highway Route: This route sees you exit the Alaska Highway at Tok and travel the 328 miles along the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. You’ll pass through Glennallen, where the Richardson Highway intersects the Glenn Highway. On the way, expect to see towering mountains, glaciers, and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. This route is known for its scenic vistas and hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Parks Highway Route: The Parks Highway is a popular route from Fairbanks to Anchorage. If traveling along the Alaska Highway, you must continue 95 miles past the end at Delta Junction to reach Fairbanks. From here, you can join the Parks Highway, which heads due south with stops at Denali National Park and Preserve and other attractions. This route takes you through scenic valleys and towering mountains, with numerous opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
While Anchorage is located by the coast, it does not have a seaport serviced by any of the Alaskan ferry lines. However, the nearby cities of Homer, Seward, and Whittier are all serviced by the Alaska Marine Highway System. These cities are easily reached within a few hours’ drive of Anchorage and are reachable by car and bus.
Anchorage is well served by Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which is located approximately 5 miles southwest of downtown Anchorage. The airport is the busiest in Alaska and is a major hub for domestic and international flights. The airport offers direct flights to many cities in the United States, Canada, and Asia. The most frequently flown destinations in the U.S. include Seattle, Honolulu, and Los Angeles. Multiple airlines operate from the airport, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Anchorage, Alaska, offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Anchorage:
Alaska Native Heritage Centre: The center is great for learning about Alaska’s indigenous communities’ rich culture and traditions. Visitors can see traditional dance performances, hear stories from Native elders, and participate in hands-on activities.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This 11-mile trail offers stunning views of the coastline and mountains. It’s perfect for biking, walking, or jogging.
Anchorage Museum: The Anchorage Museum offers an extensive collection of art, history, and science exhibits. Visitors can learn about Alaska’s history, wildlife, and culture.
Chugach State Park: This park offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. It’s also home to several glaciers, including the famous Portage Glacier.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre: The center is a great place to see Alaska’s wildlife up close, including bears, moose, elk, and caribou.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: Anchorage is the starting point for the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Visitors can watch the race’s ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage or take a sled dog tour.
Flattop Mountain: Hiking to the top offers stunning panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding mountains.
Alaska Botanical Garden: The garden features over 1,100 species of plants, including Alaska’s native flora. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the garden on their own.
These are just some of the things you can see and do in Anchorage, Alaska. The city offers many opportunities to explore the great outdoors, learn about Alaska’s history and culture, and enjoy world-class museums and attractions.
The best time to visit Anchorage, Alaska, largely depends on what you want to do and see during your trip. Here are some of the biggest factors that will influence your decision on when to visit:
Weather: Anchorage experiences long, cold winters with heavy snowfall and short, mild summers. The peak tourist season is during the summer months from mid-June to mid-August when the days are longest and the temperatures are milder.
Outdoor activities: If you plan to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or wildlife viewing, the best time to visit is during the summer when the trails are open and the wildlife is active. However, if you are interested in winter sports such as skiing or snowmobiling, then the best time to visit would be during the winter months from November to March.
Northern Lights: If viewing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, the best time to visit Anchorage is during the winter when the skies are dark enough to see the lights.
Crowds and prices: Remember that the summer months are the busiest and most expensive time to visit Anchorage. If you prefer to avoid crowds and save money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May and September. While the weather is cooler, it’s still manageable for most visitors.
Therefore, the best time to visit Anchorage is typically during the winter or the summer. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll be surprised by the vibrancy and volume of sights in Anchorage.
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