As travel plans are temporarily paused, we’re going to share virtual escapes to some far-away places we wish we could visit in real life. Today, let’s go on a virtual visit to Anchorage, Alaska.
Did you know that in Anchorage can you meet a moose, walk on a glacier and explore a vast, natural park all in a single day? Between mountains and an inlet, surrounded by national parks and filled with Alaska wildlife, Anchorage combines the best of Alaska in a city that has the comforts of home and the hospitality of the Last Frontier.
Here are some surprising facts about Alaska’s largest city.
- The city’s 300,000 human residents share their space with an estimated 1,500 moose, not to mention bald eagles, bears, beavers, Dall sheep, and the occasional lynx.
- King and silver salmon fill Ship Creek all summer long, drawing anglers to one of the world’s only urban salmon fisheries.
- Many sightseeing tours by plane or helicopter take off from the city. There are around 600 takeoffs and landings on busy days
Virtual Sightseeing
Anchorage really is a place like no other. Their way of life, climate and wildlife are likely very different to what your family is used to. So here’s a great opportunity to take a virtual look at some of the local attractions and get a feel for what it’s like in Alaska.
Ship Creek
Ship Creek is Anchorage’s favorite urban fishing site. In the summer, anglers pull in massive king salmon just steps from downtown. In the winter, viewers can watch sheets of Cook Inlet ice crack and break along the creek bed.
The Alaska Zoo: The Alaska Zoo’s polar bear webcam offers a live look at one of its most beloved residents — even when the zoo itself is closed to the public. Watch Cranberry frolic with ravens, stroll her enclosure, nap, and play.
Anchorage Museum: Elements of the Anchorage Museum are viewable online. Start here, with these collections from “ILATKA: The Inuit Word For My Relatives.”
Lake Hood: The busiest seaplane base in the country, Lake Hood is home to hundreds of aircraft and — when the weather is right — picture-perfect views of the Alaska Range and other surrounding mountains. Tune it to watch for planes, mountains, and the occasional northern lights or moose spotting.
Alaska Aviation Museum: Alaska has more planes and pilots per capita than anywhere else in the country, and the state’s rich history of aviation is on full display at the Alaska Aviation Museum on the shores of Lake Hood. Virtual visitors can explore dozens of exhibit aircraft online.
Kids books about Alaska
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. Here are a few titles of the USA’s northernmost state that the kids might enjoy.
“My Coyote Nose and Ptarmigan Toes” / Erin McKittrick
A kid takes the form of a bear, coyote, snail, moose, mountain goat, and other wild creatures on his family’s epic trek across Alaska. The landscapes and animals come to life with cut-paper artwork illustrations by Valisa Higman.
“Arrow to Alaska” / Hannah Viano
Seaplanes, floating houses, and thoughts of a life at sea fill a young boy’s first adventure north from Seattle to visit his grandfather.
“My Alaskan Adventure” / Claudia McGehee
Artist Rockwell Kent and his 9-year-old son Rocky lived on Fox Island during the winter of 1918-19. This story shares the experience from the boy’s point of view as he roves the island, combs the shore, and watches the ever-changing waters of Resurrection Bay.
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Janeece Keller is the founder and editor of Family Travel. She mostly travels with her husband and two young kids. She has a large blended family that lives in Australia and Europe. She has visited 52 countries and lived on 3 continents. From camping to luxury resorts Janeece tries to make sure her family has diverse holiday experiences each year. She is an avid hiker and ocean swimmer who loves good food, margaritas and heading off the beaten path.