Alaska Railroad
#12 in Best Things To Do in Anchorage
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In a city that was born from the need for transportation, it should come as no surprise that Anchorage's train depot marks the gateway to the Last Frontier. And when it comes time to get out of town, the Alaska Railroad has just the ticket. While you pass mountains, the sea, forests and glaciers, the Alaska Railroad provides a guided tour to quench your interests. The most popular tours cover major landmarks like the Prince William Sound, the Arctic tundra and the Denali and Spencer glaciers.
Recent visitors agreed that the ride was the best part of their trip. According to several passengers, the train slows when passing certain vistas, allowing riders to snap memorable photos of glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife.
The Alaska Railroad offers trips throughout the year, starting at the Alaska train depot in downtown Anchorage. Most train tour packages require at least five days, and hotels are included in the price (however, you're on your own in terms of food, unless you opt for the GoldStar service). Rates vary depending on the type and length of the tour. For more information, check out the railroad website.
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2 of 12#1 Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
For a family-friendly outdoor excursion, grab your camera and hit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, named for the for former Alaska governor Tony Knowles. Winding its way from the downtown area past the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum to Kincaid Park, this 11-mile paved path is perfect for biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing and strolling. If you're visiting during the summer, keep your eyes peeled over Cook Inlet for beluga whales, while winter trailblazers should look out for moose in Kincaid Park.
Many recent visitors hail this trail as the best site in Anchorage, but they also offer a few words of advice, saying you should take your time while exploring the park, as there will be a lot you'll want to stop and see. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is free and open to the public throughout the year. You can access the trail at the northeast end of West 2nd Avenue near the railroad depot and at the southwest end at Kincaid chalet, as well as several points in between. For more information, check out the trail's website.
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