Anchorage - is located at the base of the Chugach Mountains along the coast of the Cook Inlet in South-central Alaska, Anchorage is as far north as Finland. Most of Alaska is surrounded by water. To the north is the Arctic Ocean, (the Beaufort Sea and the Chukchi Sea). To the south is the Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Ocean. To the west is the Bering Sea. Alaska's land borders Canada to the east and south.
Anchorage also is the largest city in Alaska with a population over 300,000 people. Major ways of transportation into the real Alaska can be obtaind by bus tour, railroad (to Mt. Denali), automobile (check road conditions for storms), and bush plane - Anchorage has international airport with major tourist, passenger and freight operations. Anchorage is a very poor maritime port facility. Many maritime visitors travel by cruise ship to Seward, Alaska and then take either bus or train to Anchorage over Moose Pass.
Major (world class) skiing is readily available at Moose Pass in the Kenai Penninsula and at the Alyaska ski resort near Portage Bay - located halfway between Seward and Anchorage. Skiing tour busses are the best way to visit the ski resorts.
What are the natural hazards of Anchorage? - Ice storms, blizzards, earthquakes, forest fires, tsunami or svetch, and occasional extreme cold temperatures during the winter causing difficulties for starting automobiles. Also mention that summer has almost 24 hours continuous light and winter is mostly dark.
Anchorage occasionally has unwelcome bears or moose that come into town. Both can be very dangerous to tourists or unwary visitors.
Nightlife - Visitors will find the best loved nightlife act in town at Mr. Whitekeys' Fly by Night Club. It is owned and operated by the piano-playing Mr. Whitekeys, a contributor to the Alaska Almanac and the author of Mr. Whitekeys' Alaska Bizarre. He produces and performs in a series of seasonal shows, beginning each March with Springtime in Spenard and continuing with new acts in the form of summer's Whale-Fat Follies and winter's Christmas in Spenard. Offering crude and hilarious depictions of Alaska, the shows comprise a wild mix of satire, music, and creative interpretations of politicians and current events, both local and national. These shows are much loved by locals and visitors, so try to arrange reservations in advance.
Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or cultural events, the selection to choose from is remarkable for a city of Anchorage's size. Attend the many festivals and revel in the diversity found within the local population, or spend time exploring the outdoors, which are different from those of any other city. Whatever your interests are, you will find plenty to entertain yourself during your stay.