11 best day trips from Anchorage, Alaska

From kayaking alongside colossal glaciers to a bizarre Cold War-era town, these are the best day trips from Anchorage

The word ‘epic’ does not do Alaska justice. The state is home to North America’s largest mammals, national parks the size of countries and glaciers bigger than some US states. It is the least densely populated state in the US and is home to 17 of North America’s highest mountains, 100 volcanoes, 3,000 rivers and over three million lakes.

I visited Anchorage on either side of my recent climb of Denali and while you don’t go to Alaska for Anchorage, the state’s largest, best-connected city makes a prime base from which to explore the surrounding cinematic scenery.

Best day trips from Anchorage, Alaska

From kayaking alongside colossal glaciers to a bizarre Cold War-era town, these are the best day trips from Anchorage.

1. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Distance from Anchorage: 80km/50mi
Tour duration: 4-6 hours
Price: $110 (by guided tour)
Book the tour: viator.com

If you take only one day trip from Anchorage, make it to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Located in Portage Valley and surrounded by the spectacular Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet, the non-profit sanctuary is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and animal care.

The sanctuary takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides a home for them across more than 200 acres of various habitats. Visitors can expect to see brown bears, moose, bison, muskox, wolves and porcupines along the self-guided scenic 2.5km (1.5m) loop, accessible by foot, bike or car while learning about the residents via interpretive signs at each habitat. If visiting independently, entry is $25 per person.

2. Turnagain Arm

Distance from Anchorage: 22km/14mi
Tour duration: 5 hours
Price: $159
Book the tour: viator.com

Just to the south of the city is the Turnagain Arm waterway, probably the easiest day trip from Anchorage and a spectacular setting for wildlife watching, nature photography and hiking. The waterway can be accessed via the Seward Highway – arguably an attraction in its own right as a designated USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, an Alaska Scenic Byway and an All-American Road.

The viewpoints at Beluga…