You don't have to go looking for breathtaking scenery in Anchorage; it is everywhere, and will surprise you at every turn. The horizon is glorious, and the mountains and ocean create magnificent backdrops.

While Anchorage may be rather built up, and sections of it are somewhat commercial, you do not have to go far to find yourself deep in the Alaskan wilderness. In fact, a tour on a floatplane will take you into regions that are remarkably remote, where the only life you will see is a bear hunting the Alaskan waters for a fresh salmon dinner.

• 1778 English explorer Captain James Cook is credited with first exploring and describing the Anchorage area during his third voyage of discovery.
• 1784 Russian explorers had established themselves in southern Alaska
• 1867 Problems at home forced the sale of Russian America to the United States for $7,200,000.
• 1915 President Woodrow Wilson authorized the construction of the Alaska Railroad. Ship Creek Landing in Anchorage was selected as the headquarters of this effort. Soon a 'Tent City' sprang up at the mouth of Ship Creek and the population increased to more than 2,000. Entrepreneurs flocked to this bustling frontier town, and brought with them everything necessary to build a city. Although the area had been known by various names, the U.S. Post Office Department formalized the use of the name 'Anchorage,' and despite some protests the name stuck.
• 1920 Anchorage is incorporated as a city
• 1964 A natural disaster of incredible proportions strikes Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska: the Good Friday earthquake strikes Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska. Measuring 9.2 on the Richter Scale, it is the largest earthquake ever recorded in North America and, because Anchorage lay only 80 miles from the epicenter, damages ran to the hundreds of millions of dollars.
• 1984 Hilltop Ski Area is established, which along with the Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood and Alpenglow Ski Area gave residents three fully operational skiing areas.

• For a great introduction to native Alaskan culture, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Opened in 1999, this wonderful, state-of-the-art center features theaters, exhibitions, artists and artisans, a smokehouse, a carving center, and traditional village structures.
• Head to Resolution Park for a breathtaking view of the Talkeetnas and the snow-covered Alaska Range.
• Learn about the Northern Lights, oil exploration, bears, and other local features at the Imaginarium. This award-winning, hands-on science center is great for kids and adults alike.

• Glacier Cruise: Take the Blackstone Glacier Adventure Cruise through Prince William Sound up to the face of two active tidewater glaciers. View spectacular alpine glaciers and waterfalls while trying to glimpse grazing black bears along the beaches or napping harbor seals on floating icebergs.
• Knik Glacier Flightseeing: Board a seaplane for a flightseeing adventure to the areas beyond Anchorage. Your flight will take you over the Knik and Colony glaciers, which are noted for their striking features. Search for moose, bear, and eagles. You may even see some Beluga whales.
• Redoubt Bay Bear Viewing Tour: Fly in a floatplane 70 miles southwest of Anchorage to the entrance of Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve, home of the Redoubt Bay Lodge and incredible bear viewing opportunities. An experienced natural history guide will take you by boat through bear country looking for bears as they fish for salmon.

What is Anchorage best known for?

Anchorage is known for its combination of urban attractions and easy access to Alaska's wilderness. Visitors come for scenic mountain views, Alaska Native culture, wildlife, and outdoor adventures.

Is Anchorage a good stop on an Alaska cruise?

Yes. Anchorage is one of the most popular Alaska cruise destinations because it offers a mix of cultural attractions, scenic viewpoints, and access to excursions like glacier cruises and flightseeing tours.

What are the top things to do in Anchorage?

Top things to do in Anchorage include:

• Visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Taking in views at Resolution Park
• Exploring the Imaginarium Discovery Center
• Booking a glacier or wildlife excursion

These activities highlight both the cultural and natural sides of Alaska.

• Anchorage Downtown Partnership
• Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Anchorage Daily News
• Anchorage Press
• Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
• Anchorage Museum of History & Art
• Anchorage Trails
• Alaska Native Heritage Center

In the summer of 1899, railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman organized a two-month expedition along the Alaskan coast.

• Funded as both a scientific mission and personal retreat following medical advice to reduce stress
• Initially planned as a family vacation, but expanded into a major expedition
• Brought together a group of scientists, naturalists, writers, and artists
• Combined scientific discovery with leisure travel

The Harriman Expedition was responsible for naming College Fjord and its surrounding glaciers.

• Glaciers were named after the Ivy League schools attended by expedition members
• Northwest side features glaciers named after women?s colleges:
  • Smith
  • Bryn Mawr
  • Vassar
  • Wellesley
  • Barnard
  • Holyoke
• Southeast side features glaciers named after men?s colleges:
  • Harvard
  • Yale
  • Amherst
  • Dartmouth
• While some glaciers have retreated over time, Harvard Glacier remains a dominant and active presence.
  • Approximately 1.5 miles wide
  • Around 225 feet high at its face
  • Extends 120 feet below the waterline
  • Reaches nearly 24 miles back to the Chugach Icefield
  • Continues to advance and actively calve ice into the fjord
• College Fjord offers one of the most concentrated displays of tidal glaciers in the world.
  • Glaciers descend steeply from surrounding mountains
  • Some drop as much as 3,700 feet per mile
  • Few places match this density of glacier formations
• Wildlife sightings are common throughout the fjord, especially near Harvard Glacier.
  • Harbor seals frequently rest on floating ice
  • Sea otters gather in groups, grooming and feeding
  • Otters can often be seen floating with their pups while observing passing boats

Things to Do in College Fjord

College Fjord is one of the most scenic glacier destinations in Alaska. Located in Prince William Sound, it is a cruise-by destination, not a port stop. The experience is centered around viewing glaciers and wildlife directly from your ship.

View Massive Glaciers

The main highlight of College Fjord is its glacier concentration.

• Home to multiple tidewater and valley glaciers
• Many glaciers are named after Ivy League schools, including:
  • Harvard Glacier
  • Yale Glacier
  • Princeton Glacier
• Harvard Glacier is the most notable:
  • Largest glacier in the fjord
  • Highly active
  • Frequently calves large chunks of ice into the water

Watch for Wildlife

Wildlife sightings are common while cruising through the fjord.

You may see:

• Sea otters floating in the water
• Harbor seals resting on ice
• Seabirds flying overhead
• Whales in Prince William Sound (occasionally)

Take Photos of the Landscape

College Fjord offers some of the best photography opportunities in Alaska.

Expect:

• Snow-covered mountains
• Towering glaciers
• Deep blue water reflections

Many cruise lines provide:

• Onboard narration
• Educational commentary on geology and history

Tips for the Best Experience

To make the most of your time in College Fjord:

• Go to outer decks or viewing lounges early
• Wear warm layers
• Bring binoculars for closer views
• Have your camera ready for glacier calving and wildlife

College Fjord FAQs

What is College Fjord in Alaska?

College Fjord is a scenic glacier-filled fjord located in Prince William Sound, Alaska. It is known for its high concentration of tidewater glaciers and is typically experienced as a cruise-by destination rather than a port stop.

Why is it called College Fjord?

College Fjord was named during the 1899 Harriman Expedition. The glaciers were named after Ivy League and women?s colleges attended by members of the expedition, including Harvard, Yale, Vassar, and Smith.

What is the most famous glacier in College Fjord?

Harvard Glacier is the most famous and largest glacier in College Fjord. It is over a mile wide, highly active, and regularly calves large chunks of ice into the water.