Alaska, the largest state in the U.S., is renowned for its picturesque snowy vistas and rare wildlife. A notable fact about Alaska is that it has more than 100,000 awe-inspiring glaciers, representing the highest concentration in North America. The state is also famous for its 12,000-plus rivers and over 3000 lakes.
Each of the cities in Alaska is captivating, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and diverse cultural practices. All these destinations offer something new to tantalise the senses— majestic rivers, fat tyre biking trails, lip-smacking Atlantic seafood, 24-hour sunlight cycles, and the historical architecture from the gold rush era.
This blog has some of the most prominent features of these unique places.
List of cities in Alaska for travellers
Here are some highlights of Alaska's cities:
Anchorage is the largest Alaskan city and home to a highly diverse culture. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, the serene city is a gateway to the state's forests and offers several opportunities for outdoor activities.
Anchorage has the advantage of fishing delicious salmon from the Cook Inlet, which is fed by three rivers from the Gulf of Alaska.
Located in central Alaska, Fairbanks is also called the 'Golden Heart City' due to its historical role in the gold rush.
This city is famous for its stunning Northern Lights and experiences the "midnight sun," i.e., no sunset between April and August. Fairbanks has a wide range of restaurants, art galleries, and community events at parks and plazas, representing its interesting history and diversity.
Juneau, Alaska's capital, is nestled among the magnificent glaciers and winding fjords. The city played a pivotal role in the 19th-century search for gold mines and is home to diverse wildlife, including 280 bird species, brown and black bears, five different species of salmon, and humpback and orca whales.
Juneau is accessible via boat and air. Don't miss the Juneau Ice Field, the Tracy Arm Fjord, and other natural wonders here as you go whale-watching and sailing.
On Baranof Island, Sitka is among the cities in Alaska worth visiting for its curious mix of Tlingit, Russian, and modern American cultures. In 1867, the U.S. bought Alaska from the erstwhile Russian empire after the Crimean War. At the time, Sitka served as its first capital and was the busiest port on North America's northwestern coast.
Sitka is home to rare wildlife, including a variety of whales. For those who love the outdoors, Sitka offers scenic coastal views and adventure in the form of hiking, fishing, and kayaking. For a quieter experience, a trip to the popular Old Harbor Book store is recommended.
As per popular culture, Ketchikan is the 'Salmon Capital of the World'. The region is famous for its healthy wild salmon runs and passionate fishing community. It is home to three native populations— Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, which is reflected in the city's artistic totem poles.
Located along the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is the first Alaskan city you reach from the northern states of the U.S. or West Canada. Various cruise ships also dock at the enormous harbours of Ketchikan.
Kodiak city lies on the Kodiak Island Archipelago, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The region is home to brown bears and sea otters, which were highly sought after for trade in the 18th century.
Kodiak has survived tsunamis, volcano eruptions, and earthquakes over the years. As a major fishing port, the city has relied on fishing for centuries, and its significance grew after a Naval base was established during World War II. There are various wildlife sanctuaries and museums to explore in Kodiak.
Interesting facts about the top cities in Alaska
Here are some surprising facts about Alaska and its cities:
- Juneau is the only capital city in the U.S. which can't be accessed by road.
- Fairbanks is located under the Auroral Oval, which means the Northern Lights (or aurora borealis) are visible from here for around 200 nights every year, especially in winter.
- Located in the absolute north of Alaska, Utqiagvik (former name: Barrow) is where one catches glimpses of polar bears.
- The city of Wasilla hosts the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
- Homer is also called the 'Halibut Fishing Capital of the World' owing to its legacy of sport fishing.
- When the U.S. purchased Alaska, the Secretary of State William H. Seward played a crucial role in negotiations. The city of Seward is named after him.
Conclusion
Cities in Alaska amaze visitors with their stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures and unforgettable adventures. The best time to visit Alaska cities is either summer or winter, and it's best to avoid it during spring and autumn because of the glacial activity in the region.
Don't forget this one important step before you catch your flight—getting yourself comprehensive travel insurance. A good policy will provide financial coverage in case of medical emergencies and other unexpected inconveniences such as baggage loss or flight delays.
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