Rob Taylor, MyAlaskaTrip creator

Taylor Family at Wildbirch Hotel downtown Anchorage Alaska 2

Anchorage’s Wildbirch Hotel: the Cool Joi de Viv Stay in Downtown

There are lots of places to stay in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, but the Wildbirch Hotel is definitely the coolest. With its trendy Alaska decor, big rooms with thoughtful amenities and several dining options on property, this is a great place to stay. And I didn't even mention the ideal location...

Exterior of Historic Anchorage Hotel Anchorage Alaska 3

Anchorage Area Lodging

Staying at the Historic Anchorage Hotel in the Downtown Mushing District

An unlikely stay in downtown Anchorage, the Historic Anchorage Hotel is a vintage gem in the heart of the Mushing District. Walking distance to the Anchorage Museum, convention center and lots of great restaurants, see what you'll find here at this historic gem of Alaska travel.

Room key at Captain Cook Hotel Downtown Anchorage Alaska 1

Anchorage Area Lodging

Captain Cook Hotel: Staying at an Anchorage Icon in Downtown

The Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage has long be a staple for visiting the city or stopping over on a cruise tour. See what it's actually like staying at the Captain Cook, what the best hotel amenities are and also our dining recommendations (we have some good places to eat nearby).

Moose in front of Mountains view from Cabin at Peak Lodging Hatcher Pass Palmer Alaska 1

Lodging MatSu Valley

Hatcher Pass Cabins at Peak Lodging – Cozy, Modern and a Mountain View

We had a wonderful stay at the Peak Lodging cabins near Hatcher Pass in Palmer. Finding a great Alaskan cabin with a beautiful mountain view, modern amenities and comfortable space can be tricky, but not here. See why this small cabin community is a great choice for either a summer or winter getaway near Anchorage, Alaska.

Winter sauna on Knik River with Adventures by True North AK Palmer Alaska 3

Activities MatSu Valley Tours

Alaskan Sauna and Cold Plunge Experience on the Knik River in Palmer

Doing an Alaskan sauna and cold plunge in the winter is such a unique and special experience. It may sound crazy to jump in the Knik River when it's 0 degrees outside, but the whole experience is fun, unusual and comes with some great health benefits too. See what our experience was like doing the sauna and cold plunge in Palmer, AK in the winter.

Taylor Family Winter Kayak Tour with Adventures by True North AK Palmer Alaska 16

Activities MatSu Valley Tours

Winter Kayaking on the Beautiful Knik River: Yes! You Can Kayak a Winter Wonderland!

Cold weather winter kayaking near Anchorage is definitely something you need to plan for when you visit Alaska in the off season. It's a beautiful experience unlike anything you might expect you can do during the limited daylight and extreme cold temperatures. See what to expect and if this kayaking tour is a good option for your Alaska trip.

Off Road driving to Knik Glacier at Alaska Backcountry Adventures UTV Winter Tour Palmer Alaska 4cover

MatSu Valley Tours

Winter UTV Tour with Alaska Backcountry Adventures in Palmer

If you want to explore the backcountry in winter, a heated UTV tour is THE way to do it. Alaska Backcountry Adventures in Palmer takes visitors through the frozen Knik River Valley to the face of the Knik Glacier, looking for wildlife the whole way: moose, eagles, Dall sheep and more away this unforgettable day in the snowy wilderness.

Helicopter Shadow on Chugach Mountains from Helicopter with Outbound Heli Adventures Palmer Alaska 1

MatSu Valley Tours

Unforgettable Exploring with Outbound Heli Adventures Helicopter Tours

Outbound Heli Adventures in Palmer is an unforgettable trip for helicopter flightseeing near Anchorage. From the beautiful Knik Glacier to the blue rivers and lakes, mountain top landings and more, see what makes a day exploring with Outbound Heli Adventures such a great experience.

Taylor Family on chair lift at Skeetawk Ski Resort at Hatcher Pass Palmer Alaska 1

Activities MatSu Valley

Skiing at Skeetawk Resort, the Small Non-Profit Ski Area in Palmer

The Skeetawk Ski Area in Hatcher Pass is a great addition to visiting Anchorage or Palmer in the winter. Being a non-profit skiing destination for Alaska locals and visitors, this affordable ski day is easy and fun, with onsite rentals and a chill atmosphere.

Taylor Family Cross Country Skiing at Basecamp Adventures Borealis Basecamp Fairbanks Alaska 4

Activities Travel Planning

12 Awesome Things to do in Alaska in the Winter – for visitors

Winter in Alaska means tons of fun things to do that you can't really do any other time of year. We've picked our favorite Alaskan activities for the winter months and ordered them by budget. Take our recommendations to plan your own visit to AK during the most beautiful (and cold) time of year!