One of the best parts of visiting a new destination is discovering all the weird and wonderful things that make it unique. And here in Anchorage, where the call of the wild meets modern living, we have our fair share! In fact, guests on our guided Anchorage tours love hearing local tales and insights from our storytelling guides.
Anchorage is a place full of quirky facts, surprising details, and a charm you’ll feel the moment you arrive. But before you set foot in our city, let us share some of our favorite little-known facts about Anchorage, Alaska.
Scroll down to get started! And if you have any questions for the Alaskan Sights & Bites team in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Anchorage Makes Up Around 40% of Alaska’s Population!
That’s right! Though Alaska is famous for its vast wilderness and sparse population, Anchorage is the exception to the rule. Around 40% of the entire state’s population lives right here in our city. With approximately 300,000 residents, Anchorage is by far the largest city in Alaska. The state’s next biggest town? Fairbanks, with only about 32,000 people.
Interestingly, neither Anchorage nor Fairbanks is the state capital. That title belongs to Juneau, which you can only reach by boat or plane! If Juneau is also on your travel radar, be sure to check out our blog Which is a Better Place for Vacation, Juneau or Anchorage? when you have finished here.
Despite its size, Anchorage doesn’t feel crowded or overwhelming. The city’s layout is wide open, with plenty of green spaces, parks, and trails. Plus, the mix of urban life and access to the great outdoors makes Anchorage feel like a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience.
Anchorage, Alaska: The Northernmost City in the US with a Population Over 100,000
Anchorage might not sit at the very top of the globe, but it’s still the northernmost city in the United States with more than 100,000 residents. This gives Anchorage a special kind of magic when it comes to geography. While some may picture it as a frozen tundra (don’t worry, we’ll clear that up below!), being so far north means you’re closer to experiencing magical phenomena like the Northern Lights and the midnight sun.
Do you want to learn more about the Northern Lights and midnight sun in Anchorage? We cover both in more detail in our blog What is the Best Season to Visit Alaska?
Anchorage Can Receive 22 Hours of Sunlight!
As touched on above, Anchorage transforms into a land of the midnight sun in the summer. From late May to early August, the city enjoys up to 22 hours of daylight. It’s not uncommon for locals to take advantage of the long hours by going for late-night hikes, having bonfires, or even playing a round of midnight golf!
You’ll notice Anchorage operates on what we like to call “sun time” in the summer. Shops and restaurants may stay open late to accommodate everyone out enjoying the extra hours of light. So, don’t be surprised if you’re grabbing dinner at 10 pm and the sun is still shining in the sky.
To make the most of these extra daylight hours, you’ll need to know how to get around. If you don’t have any plans to rent your own vehicle, read our blog How to Tour Alaska Without a Car for some valuable local insights.
You Can See Six Different Mountain Ranges from Anchorage (On a Clear Day!)
One of the first things people notice when they arrive in Anchorage is the stunning mountain backdrop that surrounds the city. What you may not know is that on a clear day, you can actually see six different mountain ranges from Anchorage! This panorama of peaks includes the:
- Chugach Mountains
- Talkeetna Mountains
- Kenai Mountains
- Tordrillo Mountains
- Alaska Range
- Aleutian Range
Anchorage’s proximity to so many mountain ranges means endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you want to hike the trails, go skiing, or simply enjoy the view from the city, there’s something for everyone who loves the great outdoors. On especially clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Denali, the tallest peak in North America, from downtown Anchorage.
In our blog Alaska: An Undiscovered Vacation Destination for Tourists, we look at our city’s and state’s stunning scenery — and plenty more! — in greater detail. It’s another must-read resource if you’re planning a trip to Alaska!
There are 60 Glaciers Within 50 Miles of Anchorage
Glaciers aren’t just something you see in remote parts of Alaska – they’re practically on Anchorage’s doorstep! 60 glaciers are located within 50 miles of the city, making it one of the most accessible places to witness these stunning natural formations.
One of the most popular nearby glaciers is Portage Glacier, around one hour and twenty minutes away by car. And best of all, most of the drive is on the picturesque, iconic Seward Highway! If you’re visiting in summer, you can take a boat tour across Portage Lake and get an up-close view of the ice as it calves off the glacier into the water. In winter, the entire area transforms into a snow-covered wonderland.
Want to experience more glaciers? Try heading out to the Matanuska Glacier! Just be sure to bring your camera – the photo ops are endless! Stay tuned for our own Matanuska Tour: Full-Day Guided Van Adventure, an unforgettable glacier experience the Alaskan Sights & Bites way!
Locals Can Blame Being Late for Work on a Moose
In most cities, traffic jams are caused by too many cars or maybe a fender bender, but in Anchorage, it’s not uncommon for traffic to slow to a halt because of a moose wandering across the road. Or you may not even be able to get out of your driveway in the morning because a moose decided it was the perfect spot for a rest. And, believe it or not, this happens often enough that “a moose delayed me” is a totally valid excuse for being late to work!
Anchorage is home to around 1,500 moose, and they can be seen throughout the year, roaming through neighborhoods, parks, and sometimes even downtown. While they might seem docile, moose are wild animals, so locals always give them plenty of space when they decide to cross the street. Moose encounters are just part of daily life here, but for visitors, it’s an exciting and memorable wildlife sighting.
Are wildlife encounters on your Alaska wishlist? We think you’ll love our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch!
People Race Outhouses Along Anchorage’s Main Street
Here’s a fact that’s guaranteed to raise some eyebrows: Anchorage hosts an outhouse race! Every February during the Fur Rendezvous (aka “Fur Rondy”), the city’s biggest winter festival, locals and visitors alike gather to watch and participate in the Outhouse Races.
Teams construct and decorate outhouses on skis and race them down Anchorage’s main street. Yes, you read that right. The event is fun, quirky, flush with toilet humor, and one of the many ways Anchorage embraces its playful side during the long winter months.
The Outhouse Races are just one of the many events during Fur Rondy, a celebration of Anchorage’s history and culture. Other highlights include a carnival, snowshoe softball, and even a Running of the Reindeer. We love Fur Rondy so much that we included it in our picks for the best attractions to see and visit in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Upper Cook Inlet has Among the World’s Highest Tidal Ranges
The Cook Inlet is an extremely dynamic estuarine system that is dominated by a remarkable tidal cycle. In fact, it has some of the world’s largest tidal ranges! Normal tide heights can vary between 18 ft. (5.5 m) at Kachemak Bay to 29 ft. (8.8 m) at Anchorage. However, extreme tides can pass the 36ft mark!
During low tide, the water retreats, exposing Cook Inlet’s vast mudflats. Then, at high tide, the water comes rushing back in again with significant force. This natural phenomenon plays a vital role in supporting local bird species and marine life.
Keep Exploring with Our Guided Anchorage Tours
Now you know some little-known facts about Anchorage, AK, why not find out even more about our city? Friendly, storytelling guides lead our Anchorage tours, so you’re sure of a fun and fascinating experience. Browse our full range to find the perfect fit for your needs. And if you have any questions for us before booking, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
