No escaped wildness down– Even in the largest city in the state, you may encounter moose or Discover the Northern Lights Dancing overhead.
But these typical Alaska experiences become even more obvious when you leave the city and venture into the best small towns in the state.
Of course, this sometimes means giving up some urban facilities. But it’s worth it for the huge landscape and close view of wildlife, and where nature and town become so intertwined.
The following destinations are perfectly balanced, placing you on the edge of a lot of wilderness in all directions while having enough bio comfort to make your access easy and fun.
Talkina
Famous quirky, wonderful art and deliciousness: This almost covers a small town of 1,000 people Talkinait still has an old-fashioned street full of gift shops and restaurants that are of much higher quality than their weight level. The historic comprehensive store (pictured above) is home to this resistance Honorary mayor of the town– A cat (tell you that this place is weird).
Talkeetna is the launching point for flights to 20,310 feet tall Denali (also known as McKinley Hill)with small planes taking longing climbers to and from North America’s highest mountain ranges or driving tourists to nearby glaciers. Just on the edge of the town, swim up the Xiaosu River.
To make a truly unusual trip in the wilderness around Talkeetna, enjoy the historic Hurricane to flag train. You can also use the Alaska Rail Denali Star Train From anchorage, Dinari or Fairbanks, or jump on a locally owned shuttle Denali Overland Transportation. The simple route from Anchorage takes about two and a half hours.
Seward
Many tourists in Alaska end up entering Seward Due to a cruise ship, either start or end their trip in a port city of about 2,700 people. But there are also many independent tourists, and most of the activities in the town revolve around the beautiful wildlife-rich waters Resurrection Bay (pictured above), you can see packing on a stone breakwater near downtown Seward.
Go fishing, day trips to see whales, and hike to coastal areas That little bit of Townsor, if you have used the tide regularly and arranged a water taxi for a return trip, go all the way Caines Head State Recreation Areathe ruins of the fortress of World War II.
Back in town, Seward has a wealth of restaurants, creative gift shops, friendly locals and through Seward Expressway From the anchorage. Locally owned Red Eye Riding Space shuttle services are provided and transferred to Anchorage Airport.
On cruise day only, you can use Alaska cruise transfer. Seward’s most beautiful transit option is the Alaska Rail Coastal Classic Train Run north to the anchorage.
Sitka
The annual population exceeds 8,000. Sitka It is the largest community on this list and the easiest to access, with multiple Alaska Airlines flights per day Alaska Seaplanea bustling summer cruise ship, occasionally from Alaska Ocean Highway Ferry (About 9 hours from Juno).
What’s worth visiting in Sitka is because of its fusion of history and culture, its scenic island setting and despite all the cruise traffic, it manages to maintain its friendly charm. Among the countless local attractions Bear Rescue Center,,,,, Raptor Rehabilitation and Research Centerand Sitka National Historical Park (pictured above), you can visit the local cultural center of Alaska and embellish the relaxed trails with professionally carved totem poles.
The center of the town is easy to walk. Also, a limited bus service or taxi will take you wherever you go.
Whittier
Most – though not all – Whittier270 residents live in a high-rise apartment building, standing on a hill overlooking the vast wilderness. This is not the only unique thing about the town either. To a certain extent, a series of compromised travel volumes have emerged to cater to the two cruise terminals in Whittier. Can you still visit the glaciers on a motorboat?
Apart from cruising, it takes some work. The only land access is 2.5 miles through a single lane Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (as shown above), accommodates vehicles and railway traffic at set intervals. If you don’t arrive by car, you can take the Alaska Rail Glacier discovery train. besides Whitir shuttle Alternatively, only during the cruise period, you can book a shuttle with Anchorage Alaska cruise transfer.
Petersburg
Founded by Norwegian fishermen, they realize the nearby iceberg Leconte Glacier Perfect for saving the harvest of a day, Petersburg Continue to maintain cultural ties with Norway. You’ll see the heritage displayed everywhere on the Viking ship’s replicas Son in the Norwegian Hall (pictured above), painted on the building on the decorative roses on the sidewalk.
Enter some great gift shops, book a whale watch trip, and try the plain restaurants that exude ridiculous seafood. Make sure to be in Inga’s Kitchen (especially the Nordic drive 104). You won’t regret it.
It is impossible to drive to Petersburg, there is no road. Instead, by daily flights of Alaska Airlines or by Alaska Ocean Highway ferry.
Cordoba
Much like Petersburg, Cordoba (pictured above) is a real fishing town, which is Moonlight as a tourist destination. This is not a movie, and you are stepping into the movie after you take a 14-hour one-way trip from Debark on the plane (Alaska Airlines offers daily jet flights) or from Valdez. This is the true state of a town when residents make a living from the sea.
In addition to its fishing culture, Córdoba also has a deep Alaskan native history Ilanka Cultural Center. The town is also a paradise for watching seabirds, with a popular birdwatching festival held every May. 50 miles Tonghe Expressway (currently only 36 miles) abound, wildlife viewing opportunities, scenic scenery and hiking trails such as 1.5 miles (one-way) hiking to Sheridan Glacier.
McCarthy
McCarthy is as out of reach as most Alaska visitors. The town has dozens of residents and is located within 13.2 million acres. wrangell-st. Erias National Park (As shown above), the largest national park in the United States
Although McCarthy is closed almost in winter, summer visitors flock here to revel in the magnificent scenery, explore historical mining buildings, and participate in nearby guided tours Root Glacierand then hike to the old one Monopoly Mine. Back in the early 1900s, the richest copper strike in world history took place, launching McCarthy’s Boomtown era.
There are only a few ways to get to McCarthy: either fly with local operators Copper Valley Air Services or Wrangell Mountain Airor drive rough, unpaved access routes built on old railway beds, while notoriously adjusted for the rail spikes that shortened tires to today.
Not surprisingly, most car rental companies would rather you only drive to communities like Glennallen and Chitina and jump on Kennicot shuttle and let others drive on that dangerous highway (although the scenery is beautiful).
Valdez
The 3,800-person city is located at the literal end of the road, about 6 hours from Anchorage or 7 hours from Fairbanks. But this is a remote location where wildlife is rich Prince William’s Voice This makes Valdez So special.
Like most of the towns listed here, Valdez is friendly to pedestrians and it has some interesting little museums. But you need a rental car (you can drive to Valdez or bring Whittier from the Alaska Ocean Highway ferry to see some of the top natural attractions.
These include solid hiking trails; Keystone Canyona rough 3-mile highway with several spectacular waterfalls; Lake ValdezWhere Part of Valdez glacier peeks around the corner; and Solomon Bay Fish Hatcherymore than 15 million salmon return to lay eggs every year. Not only does this create a real wonder, but the salmon also attracts hungry sea lions, bears and other creatures that you can see stand out from the bounty of fish.
One-day tour to fast moving Colombia Glacierit is almost certain that you can count on when there calves enter the ocean. The pristine waters of Prince William’s voice are perfect for fishing and sea kayaking (pictured above). Back in town, Valdez’s restaurant makes the most of fresh seafood into the dock almost every day.