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Planning a winter trip to Anchorage? You’re in for something special!
Alaska’s largest city turns into a winter wonderland when the snow starts to fall. Yes, it’s cold, but that’s part of the magic! This is the perfect season for glacier treks and dogsled rides, and you can still explore the hiking trails using snowshoes or fat bikes, which look truly incredible all blanketed in white. You can even spot moose wandering through quiet neighborhoods and see the northern lights dancing in the night sky.
So get ready to explore Anchorage in all its frosty glory because we’ve rounded up the very best winter activities here to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s dive into it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this wildlife and glacier tour! We spotted wildlife in their natural environment, stopped by a conservation center, and saw stunning glaciers along the way. All made possible by our local guide!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska
- 1. See the northern lights
- 2. Spot wildlife, glaciers, and Alaska’s wilderness
- 3. Discover hidden gems and the local side of Anchorage with a guide
- 4. Hike on Matanuska Glacier
- 5. Get incredible views from a helicopter flight with landings
- 6. Go dog sledding
- 7. Walk like a local with a pair of snowshoes
- 8. Hit the trails on a fat tire bike
- 9. Taste locally crafted beer
- 10. Chase frozen waterfalls
- Where to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska
1. See the northern lights
- Duration: 6-9 hours
- Time: 8 pm
- Highlights: Chase the Northern Lights around Anchorage, learn how to capture them on camera, and enjoy warm drinks and snacks under Alaska’s winter sky
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional aurora guide, comfortable round-trip transport, snacks and hot drinks, aurora forecasting, and souvenir photos
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this tour is the perfect way to make it happen! It’s one of the most magical experiences you can have in Alaska, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.
You’ll head out from Anchorage in a comfortable, heated vehicle with an expert aurora guide who knows exactly where to go for the clearest skies. Along the way, you’ll learn about the science and stories behind the aurora borealis while sipping on hot drinks and snacking in a cozy portable winter shelter while you wait for the lights to appear. It has a heater, chairs, and everything you need to stay warm. Trust me, you don’t want to be wandering out in the open by yourself looking for the lights!
On nights when conditions are good enough to operate, the success rate for seeing the aurora is over 90%, which is excellent and better than you’ll find pretty much anywhere else in the world! When they do appear, your guide will help you capture amazing photos with hands-on photography tips and take amazing photos of you under the glowing sky.
This tour gives you the best possible chance of seeing the aurora, and it takes the guesswork out of it! But don’t just take our word for it because it has over 100 glowing reviews – you can read them right here!
Book your bucket list Aurora experience here with free cancellation!
2. Spot wildlife, glaciers, and Alaska’s wilderness
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm
- Highlights: Scenic drive along the stunning Turnagain Arm, breathtaking views at Beluga Point, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see moose, bears, and other native animals up close
- Inclusions: Round-trip transport from Anchorage, professional local guide, admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This small group wildlife and Turnagain Arm tour is a must-do when visiting Anchorage! It’s the perfect way to experience Alaska’s wild beauty without venturing too far from the city.
You’ll travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm, one of the most stunning coastal drives in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep perched on rocky cliffs, beluga whales swimming in the inlet, and bald eagles soaring above. Your expert local guide will share fascinating insights about the region’s diverse ecosystem and help you spot wildlife that most visitors miss.
Next, you’ll stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is home to bears, moose, bison, musk ox, lynx, and more. Not bad, huh? Here, you can observe Alaska’s most iconic animals up close in a safe and natural setting while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
The adventure then continues along Portage Glacier Road, where you’ll pass multiple glaciers and even get the chance to stroll through a peaceful rainforest trail. It’s an incredibly scenic drive, and there are tons of beautiful photo stops along the way.
We also like the fact that this is a small group tour that moves at a pretty relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photo stops. It’s a stress-free way to soak up Alaska’s raw wilderness and wildlife in just half a day.
Read 700+ glowing reviews and book your adventure here!
3. Discover hidden gems and the local side of Anchorage with a guide
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 8 am, 10 am, and 3 pm
- Highlights: Anchorage walking and driving tour, stop at attractions like Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Alaska Wild Berry Products, see the city skyline and Mt. Denali at Point Woronzof
- Inclusions: Local guide, insider commentary on must-see spots, pick up at the Anchorage Downtown Visitors Center
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Walking around Anchorage on your own is doable, but without context, it’s easy to miss what makes each stop truly special. We didn’t fully get that until we joined this small-group walking and driving tour and started seeing the city through a local’s eyes.
Our guide, Donna, was incredible! Her deep knowledge of Anchorage’s history, culture, and even quirky local legends added so much to every stop. From the dramatic ground shifts at Earthquake Park to the floatplanes gliding across Lake Hood, she brought the stories behind the scenery to life.
We stopped at Ship Creek to watch salmon battling their way upstream like tiny warriors, popped into the ULU Factory to see traditional knives being crafted with serious precision, and happily taste-tested our way through smoked salmon and reindeer sausage at Alaska Sausage and Seafood.
We also paused at Beluga Point on the Seward Highway, where the wide-open views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding peaks were absolutely stunning. Then, stopping at Point Woronzof was even more impressive in the winter! We could see snow-dusted mountains, low golden light, and if you’re lucky, get clear views of Denali! It’s also common to spot moose during the winter, as they move closer to the city for food this time of year.
But the real showstopper was the 20-foot (6-meter) chocolate waterfall at Alaska Wild Berry Products. Watching chocolate cascade down the wall like liquid art was wildly satisfying—and yes, we sampled a little of everything!
Not only did we leave with chocolate, reindeer sausage, and maybe a new ULU knife for the kitchen, but we also left with a better understanding of Anchorage’s history, culture, and local life. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Reserve this Anchorage city tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
4. Hike on Matanuska Glacier
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Explore the wilderness outside Anchorage with a local guide, visit Glacier Valley and hike on Matanuska Glacier, enter the Chugach National Forest to search for moose, bear, and other native wildlife
- Inclusions: Local guide, bottled Alaska Pure Glacier water, snacks, free photography lessons, small-group tour, proper spiked footwear, helmet, safety orientation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Want to get out into the real Alaskan wild but have no idea where to start or how to avoid getting lost? That was us, too. So we joined this small group wilderness and glacier hike and let someone who actually knows the backroads (and the ice!) do the navigating. Walking on blue glacier ice was one of the coolest things we’ve ever done—literally and figuratively.
Our guide, Patrick, was super knowledgeable and chill and clearly knew this part of Alaska like the back of his hand. He brought us deep into the Matanuska Valley, where we explored glacier-carved terrain, hidden viewpoints, and wildlife-rich areas where we spotted moose and other animals.
During the winter, this truly becomes an ice kingdom with brilliant blue walls, frozen caves, and intricate ice formations that aren’t visible in summer when meltwater covers parts of the surface.
The real highlight was getting up close to the incredible “hanging” glaciers and glacial lakes. With the blue ice shimmering in the sunlight and a bottle of pure glacier water in hand, it felt like stepping into another world.
Patrick even gave us quick photography lessons on the fly, which actually improved our shots. Some of our favorite photos from the whole trip came from this tour!
We were fully outfitted with spiked footwear, helmets, and safety gear, which made walking on the glacier feel exciting but totally doable, even for first-timers like us. We left with tired legs, full camera rolls, and a whole new appreciation for the raw, wild beauty just outside Anchorage!
Reserve this glacier trek now and pay later when you book in advance here!
5. Get incredible views from a helicopter flight with landings
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8 am to 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Small-group helicopter tour over the glaciers surrounding Anchorage, hike on Knik Glacier, see mountain goats, Dall sheep, and moose
- Inclusions: Guided glacier hike, helicopter flight, all taxes, fees, and handling charges, three landings (one alpine, one on an ice wall, and on/next to Knik Glacier)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Dreaming of walking on a glacier but don’t have the gear, stamina, or extra day to make it happen on foot? Then give this small-group helicopter tour a try! It ended up being one of the most surreal, pinch-me experiences of our time in Alaska.
We lifted off from the Knik River Valley and flew straight into a landscape that felt like a sci-fi movie with jagged ice walls, glittering alpine peaks, and valleys carved out by time.
And instead of just flying over it all, we actually landed three separate times—on a snowy alpine ridge, beside a frozen ice wall, and smack in the middle of the Knik Glacier. Stepping out onto the ice with nothing but silence and shimmering blue all around was an instant goosebump moment. It felt like we were part of some secret Arctic expedition!
Partway through, our guide (shoutout to Michael!) explained the geology of the glacier in a way that somehow made ice cracks sound thrilling. He answered all our odd questions and gave us plenty of time to explore, snap photos, and really soak up the moment.
No crampons, hiking boots, or superhuman endurance required—just pure, unforgettable glacier time. And don’t worry if you’re traveling in winter, while snow cover may prevent a landing right on top of the glacier, you’ll still touch down next to massive ice formations that are just as jaw-dropping up close!
Book this tour here to access flexible payment and cancellation options!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Go dog sledding
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, or 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Meet a team of friendly Alaskan huskies, learn how mushers train and care for their dogs, and enjoy an exhilarating ride through snowy forest trails surrounded by mountain views
- Inclusions: Guided dog-sled ride, instruction from professional mushers, time to meet and interact with the sled dogs, and all necessary equipment
- Rating: 5.0 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re dreaming of an authentic Alaskan adventure, this dog sledding adventure is a must! It starts in Willow, which is around a 90-minute drive from downtown, so you’ll need your own transport to get there, but it’s definitely worth it for the fun sled ride and the stunning scenery.
This is actually the most popular dog sledding experience near Anchorage. It offers a real taste of life on the trail without the long hours of mushing, and it’s run by a family-owned kennel that treats the dogs really well. You can tell from just how happy and playful these pups are, and they love to be petted and cuddled. You’ll also get to say hey to some retired huskies who now just enjoy their golden years on the estate.
After meeting the dogs, you’ll help harness the team, hop into the sled, and then let an experienced musher guide your pack along private trails. It’s an exhilarating experience, and as you glide through the snowy landscape, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Denali, one of the most iconic peaks in the state!
What makes this tour so special is its private, small-group format. With a maximum of four travelers, you get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of time to interact with the dogs. And we’re not the only ones who love it – read hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book this uniquely Alaskan adventure here before it sells out!
7. Walk like a local with a pair of snowshoes
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Explore Anchorage’s winter landscapes on snowshoes, enjoy peaceful trails through the Alaskan wilderness, and learn snowshoeing techniques from an experienced guide
- Inclusions: Snowshoe equipment, professional guide, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever wanted to try snowshoeing, Anchorage is the perfect place to start, and this winter snowshoeing adventure makes it both easy and fun! And since it lasts just 1.5 hours, it’s easy to fit it into any itinerary.
The meeting point for the tour is right in town which is convenient, and transportation from there to the trailhead is included. All you have to do is show up ready to explore!
Once you get to the trailhead, you’ll get a quick introduction to snowshoeing and practice balancing and walking in your shoes. Then it’s off on a roughly two-mile circuit, where you’ll float above the snow while learning about the local ecosystem! Keep your eyes peeled because you might spot birds, small mammals, or even a moose along the way.
Snowshoeing is so much fun, and lots of Alaskan locals use snowshoes as part of their day-to-day life in the winter. If you’ve never tried it before then I highly recommend it!
The scenery is just breathtaking, too, so don’t miss the chance to hit the trails and see it for yourself. This tour also provides all of the equipment for you and you’ll be with a local guide who knows the area well, which is a lot safer (and easier) than heading out by yourself, especially if you’ve never snowshoed before.
Book your winter snowshoeing adventure today and get ready to enjoy Alaska’s most beautiful views!
8. Hit the trails on a fat tire bike
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Ride fat-tire bikes through Anchorage’s snowy trails, enjoy scenic winter landscapes, and experience the thrill of biking in Alaska’s snow-covered outdoors
- Inclusions: Fat-tire bike rental, helmet, guided tour with an experienced instructor, and all necessary biking gear
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Alaska in winter, this fat biking tour should be at the top of your list. Fat bikes give you a lot more traction which makes them perfect for riding around in the snow and ice, and the whole experience is just so much fun!
This tour is suitable for beginners, too, so no previous fat-biking experience is needed. It takes you through Anchorage’s 150-mile network of forested multi-use trails, where you’ll weave through the snow-covered trees and hopefully spot some wildlife along the way. It’s quite an exhilarating way to take in Alaska’s beautiful snowy landscapes.
What makes this tour even more special is its small-group format, as it’s limited to just six travelers. You’ll get personalized guidance from your expert instructor and even some handwarmers to keep your mitts nice and toasty! We also really appreciate the fact that you can take the ride at your own pace, whether you want to zoom along the trails or enjoy a gentler ride.
Entry times are limited to keep the experience intimate, so it’s a smart idea to book this tour in advance rather than risk missing out. Trust me, you just can’t pass up the chance to see Anchorage in a whole new way on a fat bike!
Book this exciting fat bike tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
9. Taste locally crafted beer
- Still running, can be a fun activity to stay warm inside during the cold winter months
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Explore downtown Anchorage on foot, savor delicious craft beer from three top breweries, learn the history of the local brewery culture from your guide, and enjoy appetizers with your drinks at one stop
- Inclusions: Driver/guide, three brewery visits, minimum of 14 beer samples, light appetizers, live commentary on board, small-group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Craving a taste of Alaska beyond smoked salmon and reindeer sausage? We were, too, which is exactly why we booked this small group brewery tour around Anchorage. It was part beer tasting, part history lesson, and 100% fun from the first pour to the last sip. This was also a fantastic indoor activity to escape a cold winter day!
We visited three top-notch breweries, each with its own personality, and sampled a wide range of local styles—at least 14 different beers in total! From crisp lagers to hazy IPAs and rich stouts, there wasn’t a single bad sip.
One of our stops included Anchorage’s oldest brewery, where we tasted a world medal-winning brew and paired it with light appetizers that hit the spot between tastings.
Our guide, Bryan, was laid-back, super knowledgeable, and full of tips on what to try based on our tastes. Whether you’re into bold hops or easy drinkers, he had a recommendation that hit the mark. He also filled us in on the history of Alaska’s beer culture. Learning how these breweries carved out their niche in the Last Frontier was so cool!
Each stop gave us a deeper feel for the local beer scene and the people behind it. This was honestly one of the best brewery tours we’ve ever done. Check out the glowing 5-star reviews here and see why this tour keeps beer lovers coming back for more!
Book this popular craft beer tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
10. Chase frozen waterfalls
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 11 am
- Highlights: Guided winter hike to stunning frozen waterfalls, explore snow-covered forest trails, enjoy panoramic views of the Anchorage Bowl, spot local wildlife along the way
- Inclusions: Professional guide, day packs, trekking poles, microspikes, snow gaiters (upon request), hot drinks and snacks, round-trip transportation from meeting point
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to experience one of Anchorage’s most magical winter landscapes, then we highly recommend this icy walk to Barbara Falls! It takes you into Chugach State Park, where the South Fork Eagle River transforms into a living ice sculpture with frozen dams and intricate ice formations. It’s basically real-life Narnia!
The tour starts with a scenic drive from the downtown meeting point to the park, so you can sit back and enjoy the snowy views before stepping into the wilderness. Once you arrive, you’ll head along the South Fork Eagle River with your guide before arriving at the frozen Barbara Falls. You can literally see where the water froze mid-cascade!
After photographing the falls, you’ll follow a short nature walk through the boreal forest. This basically feels like stepping into a Christmas card! You’ll probably spot wildlife along the way, too. This might be hares, birds, and small rodents, but if you’re lucky, you might even get a moose sighting.
This tour is a fun and safe way to go hiking! You can’t beat the convenience of having all of your hiking gear and snacks provided for you, not to mention a guide who can help you navigate the icy landscape. No wonder it has such great reviews – read them here!
Book this hike here and see Anchorage’s most beautiful frozen falls!
Where to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is a vibrant city with plenty of great places to stay, whether you’re after comfort, convenience, or something easy on the wallet. From spacious suites with room to spread out to cozy spots that cover all the basics, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
To make planning easier, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay in Anchorage. If these hotels are still available, they will be your best bet!
Staybridge Suites Anchorage – $$$
Staybridge Suites Anchorage by IHG is one of the top places to stay in Anchorage, offering spacious suites with full kitchens, cozy living areas, and modern amenities. Just minutes from downtown and the airport, it’s ideal for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and great service. Guests love the indoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, social evenings, and the friendly, accommodating staff. Whether you’re in town for business or exploring Alaska’s wild beauty, this hotel feels like a home base.
Rates typically start around $300–$750 USD per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport – $$
Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport is a convenient and comfortable choice just moments from the terminal. Ideal for layovers or early flights, it offers spacious suites with microwaves and fridges, plus a free 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests appreciate the hot breakfast spread, friendly staff, and indoor heated pool. With quiet rooms, clean facilities, and a reliable shuttle, it’s a stress-free spot to unwind before or after a flight.
Nightly rates typically range from $170 to $400, depending on room type and season. Book your stay on Booking.com.
Aptel Studio Hotel – $
For a budget-friendly stay in Anchorage, Aptel Studio Hotel is a solid choice! Located just a short drive from downtown, this no-frills hotel offers clean, modern studio rooms complete with kitchenettes—ideal for longer stays or travelers who like the option to cook. Each unit includes a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, ample parking, and quiet, safe surroundings.
Rooms start at around $93 USD per night. Head over to Booking.com to lock in your stay!
For more options, see all of Anchorage’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for a totally unique winter escape, you’ll love Anchorage! We had so much fun exploring the city and taking day trips to enjoy the scenery. Follow this list and I know you’ll love it as much as we did!
Before you go, check out our other USA blogs or our Canada blogs! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related reads to help you plan your next great adventure – cheers!
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