Wildlife in Alaska
Many visitors are surprised by how close nature is when they stay in Anchorage. The city sits between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, making it a great place for all kinds of wildlife. You don’t need a bush plane to see Alaska’s animals—sometimes you might even spot a moose on your way to breakfast. Anchorage makes it easy to get from the woods or the coast back to a cozy room at night. Whether you join a guided tour or explore on your own, Anchorage has plenty of surprises for anyone who loves nature.
Top Wildlife You Can See in Anchorage
Moose are probably the most well-known animals in Anchorage. You can often see them walking through neighborhoods or relaxing in the tall grass at city parks. Kincaid Park is one of the best places to watch them, especially early or late in the day when they’re most active. Even though they look calm while eating, moose are strong animals, so it’s important to keep a safe distance.
You’ll often spot bald eagles near the shore, easy to recognize by their white heads and large nests high in the trees. If you walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, be sure to keep an eye to the sky and on the treetops to spot these stunning birds of prey. Bears also live in the hills around Anchorage. Black bears usually stay in the lower forests, while brown bears are more likely to be near mountain streams. At the Eagle River Nature Center, you can safely watch bears from raised wooden boardwalks.
You might see Beluga whales in the waters of Turnagain Arm. These small, white whales come close to shore, especially in late summer as they follow fish. Not far away, Dall sheep climb the steep cliffs above the highway. You can spot their white coats against the dark rocks at Beluga Point. In summer, salmon fill the local creeks. At Ship Creek, right in downtown Anchorage, you can watch them jump and swim upstream from the bridge.
Best Wildlife Viewing Spots in Anchorage
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an eleven-mile paved path that starts downtown and runs along the shoreline. It’s a great place to look for moose in the brush or eagles flying above. At the end of the trail, you’ll find Kincaid Park, a large area of woods and hills where moose and sometimes bears can be seen.
If you love birds, visit the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, which has a long boardwalk over the wetlands. You can see swans, arctic terns, and many other birds here. The Eagle River Nature Center is a short drive away in a beautiful glacial valley, with hiking trails where you might spot salmon. If you want to stay close to downtown, Ship Creek is near the train station and is a good place to watch salmon. For a scenic drive, head along Turnagain Arm to see mountains, ocean, whales, and sheep on the cliffs.
Best Time to See Wildlife in Anchorage
The best time to see wildlife depends on the season. In spring, you’ll see new life, like moose calves in May and birds coming back to the marshes. Summer has almost 20 hours of daylight, so animals stay active all day as they look for food in the parks.
July through September is the best time to see salmon runs, which also bring bears and eagles looking for food. In winter, Anchorage becomes a snowy wonderland. Moose often come into the city to use the plowed roads and paths.
Wildlife Viewing Tips for Visitors
For the best experience, bring binoculars to see sheep on the ridges and a camera with a zoom lens to take photos from far away. Never get close to wild animals—moose can move quickly, and bears need plenty of space. Stay at least 25 yards from moose and 100 yards from bears.
Animals are most active early in the morning and late in the evening when it’s cooler. If you go hiking, let someone know your plans and think about carrying bear spray for safety. Always stick to marked trails to protect the habitat and avoid walking into thick brush where animals might be resting.
Stay at The Historic Anchorage Hotel
Anchorage is the perfect place to experience Alaska’s nature up close. The Historic Anchorage Hotel puts you right in the middle of it all, just minutes from the city’s top trails and parks. Our staff can share tips on where to see wildlife and help you plan a great day outdoors.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Photo Credit - Roy Neese
