Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Ketchikan

About

FAIRBANKS, ANCHORAGE, & KETCHIKAN

Fairbanks, located in the heart of Alaska, is a city that thrives amidst the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier. It’s 2021 population was 32,702. Known for its extreme winter cold, it’s a place where the Northern Lights paint the night sky with their mesmerizing dance. In Fairbanks, you’ll find a community shaped by both its rich Native American heritage and the spirit of exploration. The city offers unique experiences like dog sledding, ice sculpting, and soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by snow. It’s a place where the wilderness is just a stone’s throw away, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and a gateway to the untamed wonders of Alaska’s interior.

Anchorage is a bustling urban center in the Last Frontier. It’s a city that harmoniously blends wilderness with modernity, where moose casually wander through neighborhoods and bald eagles soar overhead. Anchorage is a place for adventure, offering a gateway to Alaska’s natural wonders, including the nearby Denali National Park. It’s also a cultural hub, with museums, galleries, and a diverse culinary scene that celebrates fresh Alaskan seafood. Anchorage embraces its unique identity, where the call of the wild is never far from the comforts of city life. Anchorage had a 2021 population of 288,121.

Ketchikan is a picturesque town in southeastern Alaska. With a population of only 8,037 (2021), nestled among lush rainforests and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its abundant rainfall, it’s a place where vibrant green landscapes meet the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore its historic Creek Street, perched above Ketchikan Creek, and learn about the town’s rich Native American heritage at the Totem Heritage Center. With salmon-rich streams, misty fjords, and a vibrant arts scene, Ketchikan offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural charm for those who venture into this Alaskan gem.

Fairbanks, Anchorage, Ketchikan Sample Itinerary

Time of Year: Beginning to mid April Day one: Fly into Fairbanks, sleep, explore. Stay at Arctic Salmon B&B – highly recommend! We ended up going to the Co-op Store for a few groceries and having lunch at DW Grill. The owner at DW recommended we go to the Antler Arch and Cultural Museum...

Anchorage

Anchorage, among the three Alaskan cities we explored, fell to the bottom of my favorites list. However, this is primarily because I’m not particularly fond of larger cities, and Anchorage, with its population of around 290,000 in 2021, was significantly bigger than the charming towns of Fairbanks...

Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs is a worthwhile day trip from Fairbanks. We were packing it all in, so we went snowshoeing before heading out to Chena, but if you have the whole day, do it. At 60 miles away over snow-covered roads and remote terrain, it’s not a short drive (1.5-2hrs), and it’s also not a...

Fairbanks

I have to say, I absolutely adore Fairbanks! It strikes the perfect balance between offering plenty to do without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of a big city, which suits me just fine. Our three days in Fairbanks and its surroundings were an absolute delight, despite the bone-chilling cold –...

Matanuska Glacier

The coolest thing I did in Anchorage was a Matanuska Glacier hike. Why? Because ice is cool. I mean really cool. Alaska, the Last Frontier, has some of the most breathtaking wonders in the world, and Matanuska Glacier is no exception. Nestled in the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, this...

Ketchikan

Our final stop on our Alaskan adventure was Ketchikan, where my friend, Krystal, was currently on assignment as a travel nurse. Ketchikan, Alaska, is a coastal town located in the southeastern part of the state. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and often referred to as the “First City,”...